When it comes to conventional stone fruit for 2024, California is seeing a larger crop this year compared to 2023. "There were some bad weather conditions that hit last year but this year, that aspect of the crop's growing conditions hasn't been a concern. Due to good temperatures and no severe weather, we have a larger crop," says Kira Navison of Scattaglia Growers & Shippers (SGS).
In regards to organics, the industry's overall 2024 organic stone fruit crop is lighter so SGS is optimistic about introducing its new organic stone fruit program this season. The program includes peaches, plums, and nectarines and now that the company has finished packing Black Splendor plums, it will begin with Ebony Rose. Sierra Rich yellow peaches are currently being packed with Zee Lady following right after. SGS is currently packing Spring Bright yellow nectarines and it will move into Honeylicious soon.
The industry's overall 2024 organic stone fruit crop is lighter so SGS is optimistic about introducing its new organic stone fruit program this season.
"One of our growers, Kliewer Farms, transitioned all of their conventional fruit to organics," says Navison of the new program, adding that this year's production began earlier compared to last year. "We are selective with the growers we work with as we look for growers that share our values and can grow with us. The organics program was fitting for our desire for continued sustainable growth and that aligned well with the Kliewer's goals for the future."
SGS anticipates having organic stone fruit supply from the Central Valley into September.
Tech support
To support the organics program, the company has also partnered with Clean Works–a waterless technology that sanitizes fruit and protects against pathogens such as listeria, salmonella, e coli, etc., as well as helps extend the fruit's shelf life. "We wanted to do something nobody else has done in the organic stone fruit industry before," says Navison, adding that it is the only company in the U.S. that utilizes Clean Works technology for organic stone fruit and it's part of its overall plan to prioritize food safety. It has also installed an Aweta sizer that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make sure the fruit is the right size and has the necessary color and flavor to maintain consistent product within this new organic stone fruit program.
As for the demand for organic stone fruit, the company is optimistic. "With the 4th of July approaching, demand is high as families are looking to fill their table up with healthy, fresh, and flavorful fruit for the holiday," says Navison. With that, pricing on organic stone fruit is good. "We will see a slight adjustment heading into July but the market will remain strong. We expect the market to stay healthy and for strong steady movement to remain."
Whether it's talking about their new organic program, using AI in packing and sorting produce, or using Clean Works for food safety, all of these topics and more will be top of mind for SGS at this year's Organic Produce Summit July 10-11 in Monterey, California. At its booth, #403, SGS invites the show's attendees to meet the grower, enter a fun giveaway, and sample its fruit.
For more information:
Kira Navison
Scattaglia Growers & Shippers
[email protected]
https://sgs.us.com/