Northwest (U.S.)
Good growing conditions this spring have set up an almost perfect cherry crop in the Pacific Northwest, marketers say.
ENSO-neutral means conditions could be close to average, but Eric Snodgrass, Nutrien’s principal atmospheric scientist, says that doesn’t mean the weather will be normal this spring and summer with growing concerns about drought.
Pear Bureau Northwest is taking National Pear Month global.
The American Heart Association’s Heart-Check can now be used on all 10 varieties of Northwest pears with the USA Pears brand.
With California cherry growers dealing with damage from rains, Northwest shippers are preparing for a favorable start to the season in mid-June.
Vancouver, British Columbia-based The Oppenheimer Group in 2019 is marking 10 years of marketing cherries from The Dalles, Ore.-based Orchard View Inc., said David Nelley, category vice president at Oppy.
Organic cherries probably lag a bit behind apples and pears in the Pacific Northwest, but cherries are making some gains, suppliers say.
Northwest fruit marketers will give retailers plenty of promotion opportunities from mid-June to mid-August.
The availability of livestock workers was ranked as more limited than crop workers and finding long-term help seen as more difficult than temporary help due to the seasonal nature of the ag industry.
Superfresh Growers, Yakima, Wash., is marketing blueberries with an exclusive supply agreement with Norris Farms, Roseburg, Ore.
Unrelenting trade friction with China will likely cost U.S. fruit growers export sales again in 2019.
CMI Orchards, Wenatchee, Wash., is extending the American Dream retail program from apples to cherries.
Northwest pear growers are estimating the 2019-20 fresh market crop will be 17.3 million 44-pound box equivalents, a drop of 9% from the previous harvest, and 6% the industry’s five-year average.
The Pear Bureau Northwest recently appointed new officers on its board of directors.
The early signs point to a healthy crop of cherries in the Northwest, says Tim Kovis, director of communications and events for the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Yakima, Wash.
California Giant Berry Farms is anticipating promotable yields of blueberries out of Oregon, British Columbia and Washington state in July and August.
The Washington-based tree fruit grower is building a new facility to support new pear varieties and growth.
Orchard View says its 100th season is shaping up to be large in volume and excellent in quality, even if it’s set to begin as much as two weeks later than usual due to chilly early spring weather.
Conner O’Malley will take the reins from Tim Lane, who plans to retire later this year after leading the Yakima, Wash.-based company for 25 years.
The two Wenatchee, Wash.-based fruit companies are partnering to expand the combined apple, pear and cherry offerings.
A new “restaurant-style” potato is being launched this fall by RPE’s Farmer’s Promise brand, with the new crop anticipated Oct. 1.
The Inland Northwest-based fresh fruit and vegetable distributor and its parent company, URM Stores Inc., have appointed the produce veteran as president.
Two Pacific Northwest fruit purveyors have joined forces to grow and expand market reach in apples, pears and cherries.
The experienced attorney has joined the northwest fruit grower-shipper in a newly created role.
Washington-based Superfresh Growers has reported a strong second season for the up-and-coming apple variety, bred from Honeycrisp and Fiji for its sweetness and ability to hold freshness.
The medium-sized winter pear variety launches its first season in February and likely selling into April 2023.
Multiple growing regions in North America have strengthened the availability of the crunchy, flavorful apple variety this winter, despite crop shortages in Washington.