Figs in California are in peak supply right now and will be for the rest of the month. "We have all of our varieties of figs going, which would be Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Tiger, and Sierra," says Erik Herman of The Specialty Crop Co.
The crop this season looks similar to the 2023 crop of figs. "At the end of July and into early August, we had a lot of heat and it put stress on some older trees especially. However we've been doing a lot of planting and redevelopment on figs so there are a lot of younger fig trees on the ground that are more vigorous and they're starting to produce later as well," says Herman. That means The Specialty Crop Co. could stretch its fig supply, particularly with the Black Mission and Brown Turkey varieties, into November.
More historical start time
While some growers feel the harvest on this second of two fig crops that California produces started on the later side this year, Herman feels it was more of a normal start. Especially given that figs, like many commodities last year, saw a later start.
As for demand for figs, it has been steady with good retail promotional support. "Into the fall, every year is different with demand. Some retailers really like to have figs. Some feel figs are more of a summer fruit and want to transition to fall fruits such as persimmons and pomegranates. However you should be able to find supply in the stores into October," he says.
All of this is leaving pricing similar to last year at this time. "Though with the heat that we've had, there may be some trees that may start to slow down in production so prices could pick up," says Herman.
For more information:
Erik Herman
The Specialty Crop Co.
Tel: +1 (559) 661-8253
[email protected]
https://www.speccrop.com