Striving not to gap in availability to the consumer, Chelan, Wash.-based Chelan Fresh continues expanding the length of season on multiple organic tree fruit varieties, says Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager.
“The quality continues to be excellent, supply continues to grow and availability throughout the year continues to lengthen,” Stennes said.
Chelan Fresh offers organic apples and pears, he said.
“We will also be adding organic Asian pears into our program for the 2024 season,” Stennes said. “We are proud to offer organic SugarBee and organic Rockit apples.”
The company expects 30% growth in organic apples but a 40% reduction in organic pear volume in 2024.
High input prices for growers and grocery inflation for consumers represent challenges to organic marketers.
“I believe price inflation across sectors is inhibiting new consumers from buying organic produce,” Stennes said. “Most categories of consumer goods are very expensive, forcing the consumer to make choices.”
Still, there are many reasons to be optimistic about organic produce.
“There is continued passion within the organic produce industry to grow, pack and ship high quality, healthy and pleasing products to consumers domestically and abroad,” he said.
