The volume of stone fruit from California is higher this year and the season is expected to run significantly longer compared to last year. "This year, volume has been good as it is closer to average and better than the past three years," says Bo Brett with Mountain View Fruit Sales (MVFS). Extra acreage was acquired during the offseason, which added to MVFS' early season supply and California wasn't affected by a freeze that cut volume out of the early season the past two years. In addition, the company is anticipating a much larger late season program this year. "The late season fruit should take us through September or early October, weather bearing. This is quite the opposite from last year when our late program was essentially wiped out by Hurricane Hilary. We will have good supply of yellow peach and nectarine as well as red and black plums to finish off the season," Brett shared.
As a result of more favorable conditions, many varieties performed much better this season. "August has already been much better and if we don't get any rainfall like we did in the past two years, September will also be much better." Harvest of the yellow nectarine varieties will continue for another two weeks, and yellow peaches will wrap up at the beginning of October. "For us, white peaches and nectarines will be done very soon, but red and black plums will be available through mid-October."
Late season program
For its late season program, MVFS has launched a new yellow peach and nectarine brand, called Autumnripe. The fruit from this program has been nurtured on the tree throughout the entire season, allowing it to develop a unique sweetness and juiciness. Autumripe peaches and nectarines will be available in September and early October.
Overall, it has been a good stone fruit season. "Although we had some blocks that were hit with hail and the July heatwave also affected some packouts, we have packed a lot of fruit. The fruit eats very well with good sugar levels, which has resulted in good demand," Brett commented. "We should continue to have great eating fruit for the remainder of the season and when the dust settles, I think it will end up being a decent season."
Table grape estimate slightly reduced
While stone fruit is in the final part of the season, table grapes haven't reached their midway point of the season quite yet. The forecast for this season's California table grape volume has been reduced from its initial estimate due to excessive heat the state experienced in July. "While rainfall levels during the winter and spring months were average, it was the warmest July on record in the San Joaquin Valley," George Matoian said. The initial estimate was for the state to pack 94.5 million boxes this season, but this number has been reduced to 92 million boxes. "The packouts of some of the earlier varieties have been impacted by heat damage. I think this trend will continue with the balance of the varieties, but we are very encouraged by the final quality that makes it in the box."
California green grapes. Right: George Matoian.
Demand from domestic market and overseas
On a positive note, demand has been steady on all fronts and the Mountain View Fruit Sales team hopes it will continue into the fall months. The state's key months are coming up as 60 to 65 percent of the California grapes are picked, packed, and shipped after September 1.
"We are currently harvesting our favorite green grape variety of the year, which is Sweet Globe™." Red grapes that are being picked now are Allison™, Timco™, and Scarlet Royal and a new black seedless grape variety from the USDA, Solbrio, is also harvested this time of year. MVFS' grapes are distributed to chain stores and wholesalers throughout the United States. In addition, the company is currently exporting to Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, and all of Canada.
For more information:
Krista Beckstead
Mountain View Fruit Sales
Tel: (+1) 206-612-9247
[email protected]
www.mvfruit.com