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.
The Washington-based tree fruit grower is building a new facility to support new pear varieties and growth.
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 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.
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 Pear Bureau Northwest, Milwaukie, Ore., has promoted Neil Ferguson to creative marketing manager.
The Yakima, Wash.-based Northwest Horticultural Council has hired Riley Bushue as its new director of government relations and export programs, said Mark Powers, president.
Northwest Cherry Growers, Yakima, Wash., estimates production for this season will be 20.5 million 15-pounds boxes.
The 2020-21 fresh pear crop in Washington and Oregon is projected at 16.6 million 44-pound box equivalents, according the Pear Bureau Northwest’s first official estimate of the season.
CMI Orchards, Wenatchee, Wash., has boosted its marketing capacity in recent years, adding more than four million boxes of fruit.
The Northwest pear industry is adjusting to the coronavirus, said Kevin Moffitt, president and CEO of Milwaukie, Ore.-based Pear Bureau Northwest
Washington Fruit & Produce Co. and Yakima Fresh have merged to sell apples, cherries and pears.
Stemilt Growers, Wenatchee, Wash., is using Apeel Science’s shelf-life extension technology on Artisan Organics-branded apples this season.
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.
Domex Superfresh Growers, Yakima, Wash., is reporting good movement with the Northwest pear crop, with ample supplies to ship well into summer.
Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Northwest cherry growers are optimistic about export opportunities this season.
Northwest pear growers estimate they’ll produce 18.9 million standard box equivalents, which at 415,000 tons for the fresh market is an 18% increase from the small 2017 harvest, but equal to the five-year average.
Lyndonville, N.Y.-based United Apples Sales opened a West Coast division based in Yakima, Wash., and hired Frank Davis as vice president of national business development.
Berry People, Hollister, Calif., is moving harvest to the Pacific Northwest as production in Mexico and California winds down for the season.
The Pear Bureau Northwest recently appointed new officers on its board of directors.
One of Pear Bureau Northwest’s newest initiatives as it ramps up outreach for the pear season is a series of tutorial videos providing pear ripening, serving and nutritional tips to professionals in schools.
Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash., will be marketing and selling Stadelman Fruit’s produce.
Organically Grown Co., Portland, Ore., has promoted Mike Boyle to vice president of sales and sourcing and brought on Bryce White as vice president of business operations.
Starr Ranch Growers, Wenatchee, Wash., has added three people to its sales and marketing staff.
Recipes on Pear Bureau Northwest’s website are now shoppable for consumers, one of several tactics to kick off the season in September.
Pear volumes out of the Pacific Northwest in 2019 will be down, and the crop will late, but growers, shippers and marketers are upbeat about the upcoming season.