Plums + Prunes

Golden State Crops Show Promise

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:57:32 GMT

Summer’s just around the corner. That means consumers soon will be treating themselves to mouthwatering summer fruits like strawberries, grapes and a full lineup of stone fruit from California.

Early Start for Strawberries

Actually, strawberry season is already underway, says Chris Christian, vice president of market insights for the Watsonville-based California Strawberry Commission.

“There has been an early start to the season this year, driven by warm and dry winter weather,” she says.

April through September is peak season for California strawberries with ample supplies to support promotions, she adds.

The commission projects weekly volume to be 7 million to 8 million trays through August.

“Retailers can maintain sales velocity best by promoting or offering price reductions for multiple consecutive weeks around spring and summer holidays,” Christian says.

Though warm, dry weather is conducive to pest pressure, farmers have been managing any issues and continue to harvest top-quality fruit, she says.

“We project an increase in overall fresh production compared to 2025, based on a slight increase in acreage and the new varieties now in production,” Christian says.

Fresh production was more than 236 million trays in 2025, which was 4.4% higher than the five-year average. California produces about 90% of U.S.-grown strawberries.

To celebrate the International Year of Women in Farming, California Strawberries is spotlighting women shaping the future of the industry, Christian says.

“This year we are focused on elevating these voices and stories, highlighting the vital role women play in producing one of the most vibrant, nutritious fruits enjoyed around the world,” she says.

Nearly all of the U.S. commercially grown table grapes come from California, says Ian LeMay, president of the Fresno-based California Table Grape Commission. In 2025, California shipped approximately 92.5 million 19-pound boxes of table grapes.

(Photo courtesy of California Table Grape Commission)

Table Grape Expectations

California’s table grape season should kick off in May in the Coachella Valley, says Ian LeMay, president of the Fresno-based California Table Grape Commission.

By the end of July, the harvest moves north to the San Joaquin Valley, where California grapes can be harvested into December with promotable volume available through January.

Any time is a good time for retailers to promote California grapes, LeMay says.

“In the early part of the season, it is important for retailers to stock and promote California grapes to let their shoppers know that California grapes are available,” he says. “Through the summer and fall, California grapes fit into any promotion, whether it’s summer celebrations, back-to-school grocery shopping or festive fall gatherings.”

LeMay says 99% of the U.S. commercially grown table grapes come from the Golden State.

In 2025, California shipped approximately 92.5 million 19-pound boxes of table grapes, which is above the five-year average, LeMay says.

The commission plans to launch an extensive global marketing plan for 2026 that will target the U.S. and 23 export markets around the world, LeMay says.

“The campaign motivates the trade — including retailers, wholesalers and importers — to stock and promote California grapes with a variety of incentives such as contests, digital promotions, merchandising, point-of-purchase materials, sampling and a retail registered dietitian program to motivate the sale of California grapes,” he says.

Up to 85% of U.S.-grown stone fruit comes from California, says Courtney Razor, director of member services and communications for the Fresno-based California Fresh Fruit Association. California apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums are available from mid-April to November.

(Photo courtesy of California Fresh Fruit Association)

The State of Stone Fruit

California stone fruit — including apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums — is available from mid-April to November, says Courtney Razor, director of member services and communications for the Fresno-based California Fresh Fruit Association.

Up to 85% of U.S.-grown stone fruit comes from California, she says.

“California’s combination of climate patterns, fertile soils, water supply and availability and unique growing regions creates ideal conditions for producing high-quality stone fruit over an extended season,” she says. “Each season, consumers have come to expect California-grown stone fruit to deliver exceptional quality, consistently offering outstanding flavor, vibrant color and peak freshness.”

This year should be no exception.

Though there’s a lighter snowpack in the mountains, most growing regions received adequate rainfall and chill hours through the winter, Razor says.

“Our growers will continue to play an important role in helping Americans reach their necessary vitamin, mineral and fiber intakes, especially as new federal dietary guidelines encourage us all to consume more fresh produce,” she says.

In addition to supplying their U.S. customers, CFFA growers use USDA market development grants to promote stone fruit exports to Japan, Mexico and Vietnam, Razor adds.

South Africa Stone Fruit Industry Launches Consumer Promotion

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:11:16 GMT

Hortgro, an organization that supports and represents the deciduous fruit producers of South Africa, announces its third annual Endless Plum Possibilities consumer-facing sweepstakes to shoppers in the U.S.

Now through April 30, participants are encouraged via email and social media platforms to enter the promotion for a chance to win a $500 gift card.

New this year, Hortgro plans to elevate its promotional design with South African culture and pride, featuring the country’s flag and unique growing characteristics.

“We’re excited to share a bit more of the South African culture as well as the uniqueness of our growing region with this year’s promotion,” says Wilechia van der Westhuizen, trade development manager for Hortgro. “Having the opportunity to continue educating U.S. consumers about what makes South African plums special is key to furthering our presence on grocery store shelves.”

Hortgro says the South African stone fruit industry has achieved greater product consistency by focusing on new cultivars and taste credentials driven by Mediterranean growing conditions.

“We look forward to engaging with consumers during this third promotion period and encouraging them to enjoy South African plums during peak seasonality,” van der Westhuizen says. “We’ve introduced a few new recipes this year to showcase all the delicious ways plums can feature in every meal.”

South African plums can be found at Costco, Sam’s Club and Wegmans with high saturation in the Northeast region.

California Prune Industry Honors Women Leading the Charge in 2026

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:31:54 GMT

As the world marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, the California Prune Board is shining a spotlight on female leaders who are indispensable to the state’s agricultural success.

California currently produces virtually all of the prunes grown in the U.S. This global dominance is fueled by 45,244 women producers who manage 11.5 million acres and contribute $22.2 billion in agricultural sales.

“Women are deeply involved at every level — from orchard management and research to marketing and global trade. Their leadership helps ensure the long-term success of our industry,” says Kiaran Locy, director of brand and industry communications for the California Prune Board.

Stewards of the Land

For many, this work is a calling. Sandra “Sandie” Mitchell, a grower in Yuba City, manages a multigenerational operation. Her daily life involves the grueling, year-round stewardship of irrigation, soil care and harvest.

Mitchell says this labor is rooted in a fundamental desire to provide for others.

“Women are very quality-oriented. When it comes to our families, we want the best,” Mitchell says. ”And as California prune growers, we’ve dedicated our farming operation to producing a premium product for consumers.”

Sandra “Sandie” Mitchell, a grower in Yuba City, manages a multigeneration operation. Pictured is the Mitchell family: Neil, Sandy and son, Joe.

(Photo courtesy of California Prune Board)

Innovation Beyond the Orchard

The industry’s evolution is also being driven by women who see potential far beyond the food aisle. The Taylor sisters — Allison, Jacqueline and Elaine — leveraged their family’s fourth-generation farm to launch Le Prunier, a skincare brand that repurposes plum seeds.

“The California Prune Board’s primary focus is helping growers produce a consistent, high-quality crop that delivers strong returns in the marketplace,” Locy says. “At the same time, the entrepreneurial work of the Taylor sisters at Le Prunier shows the creativity that can emerge from farming families when they look at new ways to use every part of the crop. It’s a great example of how innovation and storytelling can elevate the value of agriculture beyond the orchard.”

This spirit of advancement extends into the lab as well.

“Across the prune industry, we’re seeing women shaping innovation from research labs to orchard management,” Locy says. “Researchers like Sarah Castro at the University of California, Davis, are helping advance new prune varieties designed to improve efficiency and reduce production costs, while growers and farm managers are increasingly focused on how those innovations translate into better labor management and long-term sustainability. That collaboration between research and on-farm decision-making is critical to keeping the California prune industry competitive.”

Similarly, in California’s Central Valley, sisters Hilary Porter, CEO of Erick Nielsen Enterprises, and Heather Nielsen Reed, hospitality and social media manager, are among the many women helping lead and evolve the prune industry. Through their operational leadership, the sisters oversee custom orchard services across the state, including mechanical pruning, harvesting, brush shredding and orchard floor preparation — providing growers with specialized equipment and expertise that help orchards operate efficiently and remain competitive.

By serving both their own acreage and farms throughout the Central Valley, Porter and Reed maintain a close connection to the evolving needs of California growers. Their team has played a role in advancing harvest techniques and improving processes that support the delivery of premium California prunes to processors and markets worldwide.

California currently produces virtually all of the prunes grown in the U.S.

(Photo courtesy of Alycia Moreno for the California Prune Board)

A Resilient Future

The role of women in California prunes’ agricultural history and future is vital, and supporting women in agriculture will remain key to maintaining strong farming communities and a resilient food system.

That’s why the California Prune Board says it is committed to sharing the stories of these inspirational women in agriculture and inspiring the next generation of women to lead the industry into the future. Through features on CaliforniaPrunes.org and other digital channels, the board will continue to spotlight women growers and industry leaders and the impact they have across the California prune sector.

“The prune industry reflects the broader evolution happening across agriculture, where women are increasingly visible as leaders in orchards, research, marketing and governance,” Locy says. “Programs like the California Agricultural Leadership Program help cultivate the next generation of industry leaders, and the California Prune Board has been very supportive of that work. In my role as chair of CA Grown, I also see how important it is to elevate the people behind our food system. As we recognize the International Year of the Woman Farmer, it’s really about acknowledging the leadership women are already bringing to every part of the agricultural value chain.”

Federal Funding Backs Prune Studies Into Bone Health

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:12:54 GMT

The California Prune Board (CPB) says two major research projects focused on women’s bone health have been awarded federal co-funding from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Through this partnership, CPB says it is helping advance university-led studies on prune consumption and bone health. These projects, at Penn State University and San Diego State University, will examine whether eating prunes daily can slow or prevent the steep bone loss women experience during the transition to menopause.

“This milestone underscores the value of our industry’s sustained investment in credible science,” says Donn Zea, executive director of CPB.

“By leveraging federal co-funding, we’re amplifying grower dollars, supporting America First agriculture, and strengthening the evidence for prunes as a powerful tool in preventive health,” Zea continues. “That not only validates the work we’ve done but also expands opportunities to engage policymakers, health professionals, and consumers here in the United States and throughout the world that increasingly demand delicious and nutritious solutions backed by science.”

Critical Window for Women’s Bone Health

The new studies will focus on the transmenopause stage — a three-year window when women transition from late perimenopause to early postmenopause and experience the steepest bone loss of their lives. This life stage, often overlooked in clinical nutrition research, is critical for prevention strategies, according to the group.

CPB says previous clinical trials demonstrated that prunes may help mitigate bone loss in postmenopausal women. These new studies expand previous trials, testing whether daily prune consumption can help prevent bone loss before damage becomes irreversible. The studies are:

Penn State University — “Prevention Strategy for the Indication of Prune Consumption in Perimenopausal Women: Can Prunes Attenuate Bone Loss?” Study led by Mary Jane De Souza. This 18-month trial will evaluate prune consumption during transmenopause and its effects on bone health.
San Diego State University — “Optimizing Prune Consumption for Late Peri-Menopausal Health: A Two-Year Intervention.” Study led by Shirin Hooshmand. This 24-month trial will examine prune intake and its impact on bone density and broader health outcomes.

Both studies will also measure inflammation and gut microbiome health to provide a more holistic picture of prunes’ role in women’s health.

Potential Public Health Impact

Osteoporosis affects over 10 million Americans, contributing to more than 2 million fractures annually and over $50 billion in related health care costs. Even modest reductions in fracture risk could save billions, according to the group.

“For women seeking non-medication prevention strategies, these studies could be game changers,” Zea says. “Prunes are a nutrient-rich, shelf-stable and simple whole food. If these trials confirm their role in preventing bone loss during this critical life stage, the public health and economic impact could be enormous.”

Of the more than $10 million in funding NIFA awarded across 23 projects, over $2 million was directed to California prune research. The NIFA co-funding builds on CPB’s decades-long track record of funding rigorous, peer-reviewed research establishing prunes as a powerful ally in bone health and healthy aging.

Among its most notable contributions is “The Prune Study,” the largest clinical trial to date on prunes and bone health. Conducted with 235 women, it was the first to show that daily prune consumption protected bone mineral density and reduced fracture risk at the hip — a common and debilitating fracture site in aging populations.

The first paper from “The Prune Study,” published in the “ American Journal of Clinical Nutrition ” in 2022, showed that eating just five to six prunes a day preserved bone mineral density indicating a reduced fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Additional peer-reviewed publications from the study have since reinforced prunes as a unique, nutrition-based approach to bone health.

Picking Plums Comes Down to Rightness Rather than Ripeness

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 16:41:51 GMT

How do you like your plums? Firm or soft? And which are ripe?

Not many consumers actually know how to spot a ripe plum, but because plums are ripe before going out at the grocery store, it comes down to what’s right according to the consumer.

Every year, The Packer conducts its Fresh Trends survey of American consumers on their fresh produce purchase behavior. The Fresh Trends 2025 Report asked consumers two questions about picking ripe fruit:

Do you feel comfortable selecting a ripe [fruit] for immediate consumption?
Do you know how to ripen [fruit] once you get them home?

For plums, just under a quarter (24%) of respondents reported feeling comfortable picking a ripe, ready-to-eat plum. There were some key differences across respondent age groups, however.

Respondents under the age of 50 years had relatively low rates of reporting comfort with plum ripeness at 12% of respondents 18 to 29 years old, 17% 30 to 39 years old and 19% of 40 to 49 years old. For the two oldest age groups of 50 to 59 years and 60 years and older, the response rates were considerably higher at 34% and 36% respectively.

Functionally all of the domestic production of plums happens in California. For Courtney Razor, director of member services and communications for the California Fresh Fruit Association, the age differences in respondents’ reported ripeness comfort were not surprising.

“Customers who buy fresh stone fruit regularly when it is in season have the experience of assessing what their preferences are versus customers who maybe only buy a plum once a season.”

She additionally encouraged consumers to purchase stone fruit such as plums and nectarines throughout the April through October season to build up their experience with what each of the different varieties offer.

Rightness versus ripeness

Consumer experience is key when it comes to picking stone fruit like plums because stone fruit available at a grocery store is technically ripe.

Like nectarines, some plum varieties are harvested when they are “firm ripe,” while others are harvested once they start softening, according to the University of California’s Agriculture and Natural Resources system .

“When buying fresh plums at the store, consumers should have the confidence they are purchasing a ripe, ready-to-eat piece of fruit,” Razor said.

With plums being ripe by the time they reach the consumer, it leaves the decision on rightness — rather than ripeness — up to consumer preference.

“For example, I enjoy my plums a bit more tart and hard whereas someone else may enjoy them soft and juicy,” Razor explained. “Plums are unique because there are several varieties as well as hybrids, such as the pluot (a cross between a plum and an apricot).”

When asked if they knew how to ripen a plum at home, only 16% of Fresh Trends 2025 respondents said yes. Respondents could be forgiven for not knowing because the fruit they get at the store is technically ripe.

If a consumer selects a plum that is firmer than they prefer, it can continue to be ripened on the counter at room temperature or in a brown paper bag. Once it has reached the desired softness, plums can be stored in the refrigerator.

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Pacific Trellis Fruit touts premium stone fruit category at AWG Showcase

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:17:53 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Specialty stone fruit offerings were a focus of attention for Pacific Trellis Fruit executives at the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Imported premium stone fruit, such as Watermelon Plums from South Africa, Lemon Plums from Chile and Extra Sweet Plums from New Zealand are finding strong demand this year, said Howard Nager, director of marketing and business development for Pacific Trellis. The premium varieties are packed in 2-pound clamshells to protect the fruit and to ensure the proper price at checkout. Imported donut peaches and sugar plums also are popular premium options, he said.

The import season for specialty tree fruit typically starts in January and continues through April.

“The specialty [stone fruit category] has really created a little shot of adrenaline for imported stone fruit sales,” Nager said, noting that some retailers have cut space or eliminated standard imported peaches or nectarines.

“This is all added dollars and incremental dollars to the category, so it has really worked out,” he said. “They have really been in a demand exceeds supply situation.”

Oppy expands South African plum portfolio in second season

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 17:24:37 GMT

The Oppenheimer Group plans to continue building the plum category with its second season of South African plums this year.

The opportunity for South African plums in the U.S. market emerged when U.S. authorities tightened 2021 Chilean plum import regulations following pest detection, according to a news release. Oppy advised its retail partners to substitute with fruit from South Africa where it had recently enlisted Sila Louw to manage its operations, the release said.

“Now in its second season, Oppy is more than doubling its volume,” Louw said in the release. “We’re also really thrilled to hold a 25% to 30% share of what’s coming into the North American market.”

Plums first arrived at the end of January and will continue to load through the first week of May, which will bring prominent varieties like ruby sun, black pearl, African delight and angeleno, and then introduce volumes of newcomers midnight gold, red phoenix, honey punch, flavor fall, fall fiesta and September yummy.

Louw said in the release that Oppy builds programs around particular varieties that can withstand the cold treatment protocol required by the USDA.

“There is much more to explore and develop in South Africa,” James Milne, senior vice president of categories and marketing, said in the release. “As consumers continue to demand global options and retailers look to new countries for alternatives and fresh items, Oppy will be there with exciting and contemporary offerings.”

Over time, the Oppy team looks toward expanding its portfolio and building upon nectarine trials from this season, the release said.

Chilean stone fruit committee forecasts a 15% increase in volume

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:57:50 GMT

Chilean stone fruit growers and exporters believe that total overall exports will reach 35.3 million boxes in 2023-24, an increase of 15% over last season.

The Frutas de Chile Stone Fruit Committee has released a new estimate (including nectarines, Japanese plums, European plums and peaches), compiled with input from 44 companies, representing 84% of Chile’s global stone fruit exports last season, according to a news release.

The committee just launched a retail-focused marketing campaign in the U.S., working with retailers nationwide to drive sales of nectarines and plums, according to the release.

“There are significant opportunities for retailers to build winter stone fruit sales,” Karen Brux, North America managing director of Frutas de Chile, said in the release. “We’re developing in-store radio ads, demo programs, digital coupons, online videos, and other tactics to showcase nectarines and plums’ great flavor and nutrition.”

Promotions are ongoing and will continue into April, the release said.

Estimates for specific categories are as follows, according to the release:

Nectarines — 11.5 million 8-kilogram boxes; 13% growth from last season. The committee noted strong growth in white-flesh nectarines; projected increase of 26%, representing 60% of total nectarine volume.
Yellow-flesh nectarine volume is expected to decline by 2%, and now accounts for 40% of total nectarine volume, the committee said.
Japanese Plums: 13 million 7-kilogram equivalent boxes; 16% growth from last season.
Red plums are expected to grow by 7% and black plums by 15%, according to the committee.
European Plums/Sugar Plums/D’Agen (exported primarily to Asia) — 8 million 9-kilogram boxes; 23% growth from last season.
Peaches — 2.8 million 8-kilogram boxes, a decrease of 1% compared to last season.

USDA plans to purchase fresh peaches, nectarines and plums

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:18:51 GMT

The USDA plans to purchase fresh peaches, nectarines and plums for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs.

Solicitations will be issued in the near future and will be available electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management system, according to a news release. A hard copy of the solicitation will not be available.

Purchases will be made under the authority of Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the release said.

The contract type is anticipated to be firm-fixed-price. Deliveries are expected to be to various locations in the U.S. on a fob destination basis.

Pursuant to Agricultural Acquisition Regulation 470.103(b), commodities and the products of agricultural commodities acquired under this contract must be a product of the U.S. and shall be considered such a product if it is grown, processed and otherwise prepared for sale or distribution exclusively in the U.S., the USDA said.

Inquiries may be directed to contract specialist Nick Wiber at Nick.Wiber@usda.gov.

Related link: View the USDA’s pre-solicitation announcement

California Prune Board forecasts 68K-ton crop

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:39:23 GMT

The California Prune Board , Roseville, reports the industry is projecting this year’s crop will be no larger than 68,000 metric tons.

Harvest begins around the end of the summer, according to a news release. Fruit is developing for an “exceptional quality” harvest, according to the release. The harvest typically begins in in August and ends in mid-September.

California provides about 40% of the world’s supply, and more than 90% of the U.S. supply, according to the release.

There are more than 40,000 prune-bearing acres in California, concentrated in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, according to the prune board.

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PureFresh Sales uses Hazel Tech on fruit for freshness

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:39:32 GMT

PureFresh Sales , Selma, Calif., will be using shelf life extending products from Hazel Technologies , Chicago, to keep its fruit fresher.

Since PureFresh started using Hazel Tech products with some its fruit shipments, the company has reported increased sales and a drop in lower-quality claims, according to a news release.

“Since implementing Hazel Tech in our programs, we have seen a 55% reduction in quality claims,” Bill Purewall, president of PureFresh Sales, said in the release. “This savings not only creates value for our business, but also creates value for the environment, reducing food waste and ultimately making our supply chain more sustainable long-term.”

More than 150 growers, packer and retailers use Hazel Tech products on fresh produce to maintain freshness and reduce food waste, according to the release.

PureFresh ships cherries , kiwifruit , nectarines , peaches , plums , apricots and other fruit.

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Blue Goose plum season starts for Oppy

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:32 GMT

The season for The Oppenheimer Group’s Blue Goose plum brand has started.

The Blue Goose brand, which is actually four sub-varieties, starts with an early Italian prune plum that Oppy began packing in early August. That’s followed by late Italian prune plums in mid-August, and Empress and President varieties that ship late August to mid-September, according to Oppy.

The plums are sweet with tangy undertones and have dense flesh and a pit that is easy to remove, according to a news release. They are ideal for snacking, baking and preserving.

“The health benefits of the micro-nutrient rich prune plums, combined with their deliciously sweet flavor, means they have an enthusiastic following every summer and give retailers a welcome color break from the usual products on display,” Jon Bailey, sales manager, said in the release.

The plums are available in high-graphic pouch bags, and bulk volume-fill boxes of varying weights, including 30 pounds for early and late Italian varieties, and 28 pounds for Empress and President varieties.

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USDA declares U.S. free of plum pox virus

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:17:25 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared the U.S. is free of the plum pox virus, which harms stone fruit trees like peaches , and almonds.

In an Oct. 17 ceremony in Washington, D.C., Greg Ibach, USDA under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, signed a proclamation on the fight against the virus.

“Today, our 20-year fight against plum pox disease is officially over,” Ibach said at the ceremony, according to a news release. “Working with our partners, we’ve eliminated this disease and protected the United States’ $6.3 billion stone fruit industry.”

The U.S. is the only country with the disease that has successfully eradicated it, according to the release. Plum pox causes yield losses and reduces the marketability of stone fruit. It’s spread by aphids over short distances and by infected nursery stock over long distances, or by grafting infected buds onto healthy trees, according to the release.

First detected in Pennsylvania in 1999, plum pox was detected in Michigan and New York in 2006.

The USDA, growers, departments of agriculture in affected states and others helped to fight the disease by removing affected trees, planting plum pox virus-tolerant plants and “temporarily banning the planting of susceptible stone fruit varieties, according to the release.

Eastern New York, the last area with plum pox, completed its third year free of the virus in 2018.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service continues to monitor for the disease in stone-fruit producing states, and has import regulations to ensure nursery stock with plum pox doesn’t enter the U.S.

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of May 4

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

Apples

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2019 CROP — Shipments (1,053-1,133-1,147, Includes exports 265-256-279) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Gala active, others moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy Carton tray pack Red Delicious 72-88s mostly 14.00-16.00, 100-113s mostly 13.00-15.00; Golden Delicious fine appearance 72s mostly 25.00- 28.00, 80s mostly 24.00-26.00, 88s mostly 22.00-26.00, 100s mostly 18.00-22.00; Fuji 64-88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00- 18.00, 113s mostly 14.00-17.00; Granny Smith 64s mostly 18.00-20.00, 72-80s mostly 18.00-22.00, 88s 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 17.00- 19.00, 113-125s mostly 16.00-18.00; Gala 64-72s mostly 22.00-24.00, 80s 20.00-24.00, 88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 15.00-17.00, 113s 13.00-16.00, 125s mostly 13.00-15.00; Honeycrisp 56s mostly 28.00-34.90, 64s mostly 32.00-38.90, 72-80s 34.00-40.90, 88s mostly 32.00-38.90, 100s mostly 30.00-36.90. Cartons 12 3-pound film bags Red Delicious Washington Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum mostly 15.95-17.95; Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-18.95; Granny Smith 1/2" minimum mostly 18.95-20.95; Honeycrisp 2 1/2" minimum mostly 30.95-34.95. ORGANIC cartons tray pack Gala Washington Extra Fancy 64s mostly 22.00-26.00, 72- 80s mostly 20.00-26.00, 88s mostly 18.00-24.00, 100s mostly 18.00-20.00; cartons 12 3 pound film bags Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-20.95.

NEW YORK 2019 CROP — Shipments (68-72-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Fuji Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-27.00; Gala Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-30.00; McIntosh Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 27.00-28.00; Empire Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 23.50-26.00; Cortland Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 24.00-28.00. Cartons 12 3-pound Film Bags Red Delicious U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 16.00-19.00; Fuji U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 20.00-22.00; Gala U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 20.00-23.00; McIntosh U.S. Extra Fancy 2 ½ inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00; Empire U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (61-68-51) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. cartons 12 3- pound film bags U.S. Extra Fancy Gala and McIntosh mostly 18.00-20.00, Red Delicious mostly 17.00-19.00, Jonagold mostly 17.00- 18.00, Fuji and Golden Delicious mostly 19.00-21.00, Tray pack 88s Gala and Fuji 24.00-28.00, Red Delicious mostly 20.00-22.00, Golden Delicious 21.00-24.00. Supplies of Golden Delicious and McIntoshlight and in few hands, Fuji fairly light.

APPALACHIAN DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (22-19-20) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Unchanged. Cartons traypack U.S. Extra Fancy Red Delicious 72s-88s $20.00-21.00, 100s $19.00-20.00; Golden Delicious 72s-88s $25.00-26.00; Fuji 80s-88s $27.00-28.00; Gala 80s-88s $27.00-30.00; and McIntosh 80s-88s $26.00-28.00 cartons 12-3 pound filmbags U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum Red Delicious mostly $18.00-19.00, Golden Delicious $20.00-22.00, Fuji $21.00-23.00, Gala $22.00-24.00 and McIntosh $19.00-21.00.

NEW ENGLAND 2019 CROP — Shipments (2-2-3) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Apricots

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Light and sporadic has harvesting has begun. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. First F.O.B. expected week of May 10, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Avocados

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS 2019 CROP — Crossings (353-543-437) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 38.25-40.25, 40-48s mostly 38.25-40.25, 60s mostly 36.25-38.25, 70s mostly 27.25-29.25, 84s mostly 21.25-22.25. Extra services included.

SOUTH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (112-140-U) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices 60-84s lower, others generally unchanged. Carton 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 44.25-46.25, 40-48s mostly 42.25-44.25, 60s mostly 39.25-41.25, 70s mostly 29.25-30.25, 84s mostly 22.25-23.25. Carton 2 layer Hass ORGANIC 48s mostly 58.25-60.25, 60s mostly 56.25-58.25, 70s mostly 42.25-45.25. Extra services included. (U = unavailable)

Blueberries

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (17-38-52) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 20.00-22.00, ORGANIC 12 1-pint cups with lids medium large 25.00-28.00, 6 ounce cups with lids medium-large 14.00-18.50. Quality variable.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS — Crossings (56-53*-48) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading early moderate, late slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-oz cups with lids mostly 10.00. Quality and condition variable. (* revised)

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (12-18-27) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Slow. Flats 12 1- pint cups with lids 18.00-28.00 mostly 22.00-24.00 occasional higher flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 10.00-16.00 mostly 12.00-14.00 occasional higher. ORGANIC flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 12.00-16.00 mostly 14.00-16.00 few 10.00 occasional higher.

CENTRAL AND NORTH FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (33-18-14) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as nearly all growers have finished for the season. Expect very light — Shipments for 1-2 more weeks. LAST REPORT

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light harvest expected during the current trade week (May 03-09, 2020). Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Cherries

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-47) — Movement expected to increase. Harvesting has begun in the Southern portion of the district. First F.o.b expected to begin on or around May 7th.

Grapes

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (44-205-38) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading White Seedless Type Moderate, others Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge 16.00-18.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med 12.00-14.00 Black Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00-16.00, med-lge mostly 12.00-14.00 Red Globe jbo mostly 16.00, exlge 14.00-16.00, lge 12.00-14.00 SPECIAL STORAGE White Seedless Type exlge 34.00-36.00, lge mostly 32.00-34.00, med-lge mostly 28.00-30.00.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (6-13-31) — Movement from Jalisco expected to increase slightly. Harvest in Hermosillo is expected to begin the week of May 2. The Hermosillo Grape Growers Association estimates the 2020 crop at 19.7 million 18 -pound cartons, down 20 percent from 23.6 million in 2019. Harvest of White, Red and Black varieties expected to begin the week May 3 from Sonora, Mexico. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issued the week of May 10, when most shippers expect to be fully underway.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY LOS ANGELES AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (13-29-23) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading White Seedless Type Moderate, others Slow. Prices Red Seedless Slightly Lower, others Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med-lge 12.00-14.00 Black Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med-lge mostly 12.00-14.00 Red Globe jbo mostly 16.00, exlge 14.00-16.00, lge 12.00-14.00 SPECIAL STORAGE White Seedless Type exlge mostly 34.00-36.00, lge mostly 32.00-34.00, med-lge mostly 30.00-32.00.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Light harvesting is expected to get underway the week of May 11th. F.O.B. expected to begin on or around May 18th. FIRST REPORT

Lemons

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Shippers First Grade 75-115s and 165s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 24.18-26.20, 95-115s mostly 25.18-28.20, 140s mostly 24.18-27.20, 165s mostly 24.18-26.20, 200s mostly 23.18-26.20, 235s mostly 19.18-22.20; Shippers Choice 75s mostly 16.18-19.20, 95s mostly 17.10-20.20, 115s mostly 18.18-20.20, 140s mostly 19.18-23.20, 165s mostly 21.18-24.20, 200s mostly 20.10-24.20, 235s mostly 18.18-21.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 28.18- 32.20, 95-115s mostly 37.18-42.20, 140s mostly 37.18-41.20; Shippers Choice 95-115s mostly 22.18-26.20, 140s mostly 24.18-30.20.

Oranges

FLORIDA — Shipments (85-96-84, Includes exports 2-3-2) — Prices not reported. — Shipments are for weeks ending April 4, April 11 and April 18 in that order.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (12-15-17) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Valencia No Grade Marks 72-88s mostly 13.95-15.95, 113s 13.95-15.95, 138s 13.95-14.95. Quality variable.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments 113-138s Fairly Light, others Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices First Grade 40s and 113s generally unchanged, others slightly higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 40s mostly 17.18-19.20, 48-56s mostly 19.18-20.20, 72s mostly 17.18-20.20, 88-138s mostly 17.18-19.20; Shippers Choice 40s mostly 13.20-14.20, 48-72s mostly 14.18-15.20, 88s 14.18-16.50, 113s mostly 15.18-16.20, 138s mostly 14.18-16.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 48-72s mostly 26.18-32.20, 88s 24.18-28.20, 113s mostly 24.18-28.20; Shippers Choice 56s mostly 18.18-22.20, 72-88s mostly 16.18-22.20.

Peaches

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Light and sporadic has harvesting has begun. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. First F.O.B. expected week of May 10, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Strawberries

SANTA MARIA DISTRICT — Shipments (218-286-352) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Conventional active, Organic moderate. Prices Higher. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 8.00-10.00. ORGANIC Flats 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 10.00-12.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments.

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (224-240-198) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids small-medium mostly 8.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. Some berries being diverted to to freezer and/or processor.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (37-82-168) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Conventional active, Organic moderate. Prices Higher. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids large-extra large mostly 9.00-10.00. Quality variable. ORGANIC flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large-extra large mostly 10.00-12.00.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA CALIFORNIA — Crossings (43-33-22) — Movement expected to decrease sharply. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality and condition variable. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor. Light and sporadic — Crossings expected to continue through May 9. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (5-6-6) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large 12.00-14.50. Includes palletizing and cooling.

Watermelons

FLORIDA SOUTH DISTRICT — Shipments (381-537-733, Seeded 46-54-56; Seedless 335-483-677) —Movement expected to increase. Trading Red Flesh Seedless 60s Very Active, Others Active. Prices Red Flesh Seedless 36s and 45s Slightly Lower, Others Generally Unchanged. 24 inch bins. Red Flesh Seeded type 35s mostly 105.00; Seedless type 36s 126.00-133.00, 45s mostly 147.00, 60s mostly 147.00. Quality generally good.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (318-408*-558) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Miniature 6s and 11s generally unchanged, others slightly higher. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins approximately 35-45 counts mostly 140.00-147.00, approximately 60 count mostly 133.00; Miniature (supplies light) cartons 6s 10.95-12.95, 8s mostly 13.95, 9s mostly 12.95-13.95, 11s 8.95-9.95. Quality variable. (* revised)

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (111-100-43) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly .17-.18. Quality variable.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (5*-13-8) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 10. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Harvest expected to begin in Western Arizona the week of May 10, followed by Central Arizona the week of May 17. Quality expected to be generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 3. Quality expected to be generally good.

USDA plans to buy $105 million in surplus produce

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:09:32 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is planning on buying $470 million in surplus food, including $105 million worth of produce, as growers cope with disrupted supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A USDA news release doesn’t specify if the purchases, “determined by industry experts, market analysis and food bank needs,” will be fresh. The purchases, which will happen July-September, include:

Asparagus: $5 million;
Pears: $5 million;
Potatoes: $50 million
Strawberries: $35 million; and
Sweet potatoes: $10 million.

The purchases are through Section 32 funds, raised through customs receipts on imported products, and designed to help growers and ranchers sell excess food.

“President Trump has authorized USDA to support our farmers affected by this national emergency and this action to purchase food and deliver to those in need further demonstrates his unwavering support for the American people during these unprecedented times,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said in the release. “America’s farmers and ranchers have experienced a dislocated supply chain caused by the coronavirus.”

The planned purchases also include other fruit products that are more shelf-stable than fresh:

Orange juice: $25 million;
Tart cherries: $20 million;
Prunes: $5 million; and
Raisins: $15 million.
The remainder of the purchases are for dairy, fish and meat products.

The USDA will ask for bids in June and begin deliveries in July.

The USDA said Section 32 purchases will be provided to USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service nutrition assistance programs, including food banks that operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The purchases are in addition to the $300 million a month — including $100 million per month for fresh produce — allocated for the six-month Farmers to Families Produce Box program,

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of July 6

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:18 GMT

What the numbers mean

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = June 20; 2nd no. = June 27; 3rd no. = July 4. Expected movement is for July 5-18. F.o.b. prices are as of July 6.

Apples

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2019 CROP — Shipments (1,034-953-935, Includes exports 265-248-233) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy Carton tray pack Red Delicious 72-88s mostly 14.00-16.00, 100-113s mostly 13.00-15.00; Golden Delicious fine appearance 72s mostly 25.00-28.00, 80s mostly 24.00-26.00, 88s mostly 22.00-26.00, 100s mostly 18.00-22.00; Fuji 64-88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00-18.00, 113s mostly 14.00-17.00; Granny Smith 64s mostly 18.00-20.00, 72-80s mostly 18.00-22.00, 88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 17.00-19.00, 113-125s mostly 16.00-18.00; Gala 64-72s mostly 21.00-24.00, 80s 22.00-24.00, 88s mostly 19.00-20.00, 100s mostly 15.00-17.00, 113s mostly 14.00-16.00, 125s mostly 14.00-15.00; Honeycrisp 56s mostly 30.00-36.90, 64s mostly 34.00-40.90, 72-80s 36.00-42.90, 88s mostly 34.00-40.90, 100s mostly 32.00-38.90. Cartons 12 3-pound film bags Red Delicious Washington Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum mostly 15.95-17.95; Golden Delicious 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-18.95; Fuji 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-19.95; Granny Smith 1/2" minimum mostly 18.95-20.95; Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 17.95-19.95; Honeycrisp 2 1/2" minimum mostly 30.95-34.95. ORGANIC cartons tray pack Gala Washington Extra Fancy 64s mostly 22.00-26.00, 72s mostly 20.00-26.00, 80s mostly 22.00-26.00, 88s mostly 20.00-24.00, 100s mostly 20.00-22.00; cartons 12 3-pound film bags Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 20.95-24.95.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP — Imports via Boat (104-32*-62) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 18 kg cartons tray pack Gala Marked Extra Fancy 70s 26.00-28.00, 80s mostly 26.00, 90s mostly 24.00, 100s 20,00-22.00. (*revised)

NEW YORK 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-23-20) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Apricots

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON — Shipments (1-3-9) — Movement expected about the same. Supplies light. Trading Fairly Active. Prices cartons 2 layer tray pack 60-64s mostly 32.95-34.95, 70-72s mostly 30.95-32.95, 80-84s mostly 28.95-30.95. 24 lb cartons loose 1 7/8" min 28.95-30.95. Varieties include Rival, Robada, Perfection, Tomcot, Goldbar, Goldstrike, Patterson, and Riland. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (5-4*-#) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Carton 2 layer Various Varieties 64s mostly 20.95-22.95, 72s mostly 18.95-20.95, 84s mostly 16.95-18.95 Carton 3 layer 162s mostly 16.95-18.95. Primary variety Kylese. Extra services included. (* revised, # less than 50,000 lbs)

Avocados

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS 2019 CROP — Crossings (413-365-273) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices 32-48s lower, others generally unchanged. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 28.25-30.25, 40-48s mostly 28.25-30.25, 60s mostly 26.25-28.25, 70s mostly 24.25-25.25, 84s mostly 20.25-21.25. Extra services included.

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA AND NEW YORK CITY AREA 2020 CROP — Imports via Boat (24*-82*-38) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32s-36s mostly 22.00-24.00, 40s 25.00-26.00, 48s mostly 26.00. (* revised)

FLORIDA SOUTH DISTRICT — Shipments (7*-12*-14) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Active. Prices Lower. Various Green Skin Varieties, mainly Donnie and Simmonds; few Arue; Cartons one layer 9-12s 10.00-11.00; Cartons two layers 18-24s- 18.00-20.00. (*revised)

SOUTH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (143-153-U) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Conventional 32-40s and 84s lower, others generally unchanged. Carton 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 38.25-40.25, 40s mostly 38.25-40.25, 48s mostly 38.25-40.25, 60s mostly 34.25-36.25, 70s mostly 26.25-28.25, 84s mostly 20.25-21.25. Carton 2 layer Hass ORGANIC 40s mostly 53.25-56.25, 48s mostly 58.25-60.25, 60s mostly 52.25-54.24, 70s mostly 40.25-42.25. Extra services included. (U =unavailable)

Blueberries

SOUTH NEW JERSEY 2020 CROP — Shipments (26-96*-91) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Very Active. Prices Slightly Lower. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large mostly 21.00-22.00, ORGANIC flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 18.00-20.50. Quality good. (*revised)

OREGON AND WASHINGTON — Shipments (7-39-66) — Movement expected about the same. Trading active at lower prices. Prices Lower. Wide range in prices. Includes palletizing and cooling. Some present Shipments represent previous commitments and/or prior bookings. Mostly Duke variety. Prices flats 12 1-pints cups with lids medium-large mostly 20.00-22.00. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids medium-large 12.00-14.00. ORGANIC flats 12 1-pints cups with lids medium-large mostly 26.00-30.00. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids medium-large 17.50-20.50. Quality good.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (28-6-6) — Movement expected to decrease sharply. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality and condition variable. Light and sporadic Shipments expected to continue through July 10. LAST REPORT.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-0-1) — Movement expected to increase. Expect first FOB Shipping Point prices within the period.

BRITISH COLUMBIA CANADA CROSSINGS THROUGH NORTHWEST WASHINGTON — Harvest expected to begin the week of July 5. Movement expected to increase the week of July 12 as additional growers begin. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by July 15. Quality and condition expected to be generally good. FIRST REPORT.

Cantaloupes

GEORGIA — Shipments (101-99-89) — Movement expected to decrease as some shippers finish the season. Supply light. Too few new sales to establish a market.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (0-13-85) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices ½ cartons 9s mostly 12.95, 12s mostly 12.95-13.95; ORGANIC 9-12s mostly 16.95. Oversized 1/2 cartons 9s (6 size) mostly 12.95. Quality generally good. FIRST REPORT.

NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTH CAROLINA — Shipments (1-11-20) — Very light shipments have begun. Expect sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report within 7-10 days.

SOUTHWEST INDIANA AND SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS — Shipments (0-0-5) — Light Shipments have begun. Expect sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report within 7-10 days.

IMPERIAL AND PALO VERDE VALLEYS CALIFORNIA AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments (AZ 189-142-93, CA 68-76-74) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 1/2 cartons 6-9s mostly 12.95. Oversized 1/2 cartons 6s (5 size) mostly 11.95-12.95, 9s (6 size) mostly 12.95. Quality generally good.

Cherries

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON — Shipments (418-745-454) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Very Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Most present — Shipments from previous commitments and/or prior bookings. 15 pound cartons bagged Rainier Washington One 9 1/2 row size mostly 70.95-75.95, 10 row size mostly 65.95-70.95, 10 1/2 row size mostly 55.95-60.95. 18 pound cartons bagged and cartons 8 2.25-pound film bags Various Red Sweet Varieties Washington One 9 1/2 row size mostly 60.95-70.95, 10 row size mostly 55.95-60.95, 10 1/2 row size 45.95-55.95, 11 row size mostly 35.95-45.95, 11 1/2 row size mostly 35.95-40.95, 12 row sz 30.95-35.95.

Grapes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (647*-490*-182) — Movement expected to decrease sharply. Trading Flame and Red Globe fairly slow, others moderate. Prices Red Globe lower, others slightly lower. 18 pound containers bagged U.S. One Sugraone large mostly 12.95-14.95, Flame large mostly 10.95-12.95, Red Seedless and Sweet Celebration large mostly 16.95. 18 pound containers bagged Red Globe large mostly 14.95, medium-large mostly 12.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (84-69-69) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Active at lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. 18 pound containers bagged U.S.One White Seedless large mostly 20.95-22.95; Flame Seedless large 18.95-20.95. Extra services included. Most shipments being booked at previously committed prices. Very few spot market sales.

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Very light harvesting has begun in the district. F.O.B. expected to begin on or around July 20th. FIRST REPORT.

Lemons

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Supplies Fancy fairly light. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 31.18-34.20, 95s mostly 36.18-39.20, 115s mostly 35.18-39.20, 140s mostly 34.18-38.20, 165s mostly 30.18-32.20, 200s mostly 29.18-32.20, 235s mostly 26.18-28.20; Shippers Choice 75s mostly 18.18-22.20, 95-115s 23.18-25.20, 140s mostly 25.18-26.20, 165s mostly 25.18-27.20, 200s mostly 24.18-26.20, 235s mostly 22.18-24.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 42.18-45.20, 95-115s mostly 52.18-56.20, 140s mostly 51.18-56.20; Shippers Choice 95-115s mostly 28.18-35.20, 140s 25.18-35.20.

Limes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (277-239*-262) — Movement expected to increase slightly. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices 110-150s slightly lower, others generally unchanged. 40 pound cartons Seedless type 110-150s mostly 10.00-11.00, 175s mostly 9.00-10.00, 200s mostly 8.00-9.00, 230s mostly 7.00-8.00, 250s mostly 6.50-7.50. Quality variable. (* revised)

Mangoes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (238-208*-231) — Movement expected about the same. Crossings include light supplies of Hadens. Trading Moderate. Prices Ataulfo 12-14s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. Cartons 1 layer Tommy Atkins 6s 3.75-4.25, 7s 4.00-4.25, 8s mostly 3.75-4.00, 9s mostly 3.00-3.50, 10s mostly 2.75-3.00, 12s mostly 2.50-2.75; Kent 6s 3.75-4.25, 7-8s 3.75 4.00, Ataulfo 12s mostly 8.00-8.50, 14s mostly 7.50-8.00, 16s mostly 5.50-6.50, 18s 4.00-5.00, 20s 3.50-4.50, 22s 3.50-4.00. Quality variable. (*revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (98-92*-99) — Movement expected about the same. Volume includes light crossings of Keitt variety. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices Kent, Tommy Atkins 10-12s and Ataulfo 14s slightly higher, Ataulfo 16s generally unchanged, others lower. Cartons 1 layer Kent 6-8s mostly 4.25, 9s mostly 3.75, 10s mostly 3.25-3.50, 12s 3.25; Tommy Atkins 6-7s mostly 4.00, 8s mostly 3.75-4.00, 9s mostly 3.50-3.75, 10s mostly 3.25-3.50, 12s mostly 3.25; Ataulfo 14s mostly 6.50-7.00, 16s mostly 6.00, 18s mostly 4.00-4.25, 20-22s mostly 3.50 4.00. Quality Variable. (* revised)

CARIBBEAN IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA Imports via Boat (16-24*-24) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. From Haiti. Flats 1 layer Francis (Francine) 8-11s mostly 8.00-9.00;12s mostly 8.00. (* revised)

Nectarines

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (71-90*-84) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Various Yellow Varieties carton 2 layer 54-56s mostly 16.95-18.95, 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size mostly 12.95-14.95, 70-72 size mostly 11.95-13.95. Various White Varieties carton 2 layer 48-50s mostly 18.95-
20.95, 54-56s mostly 16.95-18.95, 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size 15.95-16.95, 70-72 size mostly 13.95-14.95. Primary Varieties See fire, Red Ryan and Polar Light. Extra services included. (* revised)

Oranges

FLORIDA — Shipments (36-34-29, Includes exports 1-0-0) — Prices not reported. — Shipments are for weeks ending June 6, June 13 and June 20 in that order.

SOUTH AFRICA IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP — Imports via Boat (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Unchanged. 15 kg cartons Navel 40s-56s 24.00-26.00, 64s mostly 24.00, 72s-88s mostly 22.00.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement of Valencia expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Valencia Shippers First Grade 48-56s mostly 19.18-22.20, 72s mostly 21.18-25.20, 88s mostly 22.18-26.20, 113-138s mostly 21.18-24.20; Shippers Choice 48-56s mostly 16.18-18.20, 72s mostly 17.18-19.20, 88s mostly 18.18-19.20, 113-138s 18.18-20.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel cartons Valencia Shippers First Grade 56-88s mostly 24.18-28.20, 113s mostly 22.18-26.20. Navel supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market.

Peaches

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (90-111*-105) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Various Yellow Flesh 25 lb carton loose higher, others generally unchanged. Various Yellow Varieties Cartons 2 layer tray pack 48-50s mostly 18.95-20.95, 54-56s mostly 15.95-16.95, 25 lb carton loose 60-64 size mostly 13.95-15.95. Various White Flesh Varieties 25 lb carton loose 54-56 size mostly 14.95-16.95, 60-64 size 13.95-15.95, 70-72 size 9.95-11.96. Extra services included. Primary yellow flesh varieties Mat Princess and Krista. (*revised)

SOUTH CAROLINA 2020 CROP — Shipments (74-89-90) — Movement expected to remain about the same Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 1/2 bushel cartons Various Yellow Flesh varieties 2 3/4 inch minimum mostly 18.85, 2 1/2 inch min mostly 15.85 (some shipped with price to be determined later) and 2 1/4 inch min mostly 10.85. Varieties include July Prince, Scarlet Prince, Red Top. Quality generally good.

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-1) — Movement expected to increase. Trading fairly active for light supplies. Various Yellow Flesh Varieties mostly Sentry and Glenglo 1/2 bushel cartons 2 3/4 inch and up $20.85-22.85.

Plums

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (30-43-51) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Black Splendor 28 lb carton loose 30-35 size mostly 30.95-32.95, 40-45 size mostly 30.95, 50-55 size mostly 22.95-24.95, 60-65 size mostly 22.95. Extra services included.

Raspberries

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (42-33-29) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 12.00-14.00. Quality generally good.

Strawberries

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (390-334-322) — Movement about the same. Trading early very active, late active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids medium mostly 12.00-14.00. Quality variable. ORGANIC flats 8 1-pound containers with lids medium mostly 14.00. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments.
SANTA MARIA DISTRICT — Shipments (163-144-134) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading early very active, late active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids small-medium mostly 12.00-14.00. ORGANIC Flats 1-pound containers with lids small-medium mostly 14.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor.

Watermelons

GEORGIA — Shipments (1,005-1,713-1,820) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Red Flesh Seeded (46-102-90; Red Flesh Seedless 959-1611-1730) Trading Very Active. Prices Higher. Red Flesh Seeded 35s 105.00; Red Flesh Seedless 36s 161.00-168.00, 45s 161.00-168.00, 60s 161.00-168.00. Quality generally good.

SOUTH CAROLINA — Shipments (57-154-207 Seeded -4-11-10; Seedless 53-143-197) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Exceeds Supply. Prices 60s About Steady, Others Slightly Higher. Red Flesh Seedless 36s mostly 161.00, 45s mostly 161.00-168.00, 60s 154.00-161.00. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (100-164-205) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Seedless 35-60 counts active at slightly lower prices, others active. Prices Seedless 35-60 counts slightly lower, others generally unchanged. 24 inch bins Red Flesh Seedless type approximately 35 count mostly 168.00, approximately 45-60 counts mostly 168.00-175.00; ORGANIC approximately 35-60 counts mostly 245.00; Red Flesh Seeded type approximately 35-45 counts mostly 126.00-140.00; ORGANIC approximately 35-45 counts mostly 200.00. ORGANIC cartons Red Seedless type Miniature 6 9s mostly 17.95-18.95. Quality generally good.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (288-270-175) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Active. Prices 60 count generally unchanged, others slightly higher. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly .25-.26, approximately 60 count mostly .21-.22. Quality generally good.

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI — Shipments (0-0-28, Seeded 0-0-0; Seedless 0-0-28) — Light harvest has begun. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 10 day.

SOUTHWEST INDIANA AND SOUTHEAST ILLINOIS — Shipments (0-0-15, Seeded 0-0-7; Seedless 0-0-8) Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 14 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 21 days.

DELAWARE, MARYLAND AND EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA Light — Shipments are expected to begin by week of July 12 with sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report by week of July 19.

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments (AZ 230-239-136, CA 19-42-43) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. 24 inch bins Red Flesh Seedless type approximately 35 count mostly 168.00, approximately 45-60 counts mostly 168.00-175.00. Quality generally good.

NORTH CAROLINA — Light shipments are expected to begin by week of June 28 with sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report within 7-10 days.

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of July 6

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:14 GMT

What the numbers mean

Apples

Apricots

Avocados

Blueberries

Cantaloupes

Cherries

Grapes

Lemons

Limes

Mangoes

Nectarines

Oranges

Peaches

Plums

Raspberries

Strawberries

Watermelons

California Prune Board announces officers, board members

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:48:37 GMT

The Roseville, Calif.-based California Prune Board has elected George Sousa Jr. of Mariana Packing Co. as its chairman for the 2020-22 term.

“My family has been in the California prune business since 1906 when the Silicon Valley was covered in prune orchards,” Sousa, president of Vacaville, Calif.-based Mariani Packing, said in a news release. “The leadership of the California Prune Board has never been more strategic and focused as it is today, and I’m looking forward to stepping into this role.”

Sousa said California prune growers and processors have experienced a lot of transition over the past few years.

“My fellow officers and board members are committed to working together to sustain the future of our industry,” he said in the release

Other California Prune Board officers are:

Vice chairman: John Taylor, vice president of Taylor Bros. Farms, Yuba City, Calif.:
Secretary: Dan Bozzo of Triple B Ranch, Gridley, Calif.; and
Treasurer: Rajeev Davit of Davit Ranches, Yuba City, Calif.

The board will serve through May 2022, according to the release,

“The California Prune industry — like the premium fruit we produce — has shown a lot of resiliency,” Donn Zea, executive director of the California Prune Board, said in the release. “We have very dedicated leadership and we’re grateful to welcome new talents and perspectives as we continue our work in leading the world in premium prune production.”

The board’s priorities include:

Nutrition research;
Trade policy and market support;
Industry unification;
Production research; and
Global visibility expansion for California Prunes.

“Our priorities are clear, and our new board is at-the-ready to unite growers and processors to drive research and promotions that support the California prune industry,” Zea said in the release. “As we look ahead and stay agile in a changing environment, we are optimistic about creating a world that is enthusiastic about California prunes.”

With more than 40,000 bearing acres in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys, California provides 40% of the world’s prune supply and more than 90% of the U.S. supply, according to the release.

The Packer’s People Coverage

The Packer’s Plum and Prunes Coverage

California prune growers see ‘excellent opportunities’

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:16:22 GMT

The California prune harvest has wrapped up, with early forecasts of a short crop at 45,000 metric tons, a 37% drop from the previous season.

Combined with “carry-in” from last season however handlers should have sufficient supplies for the season, according to the California Prune Board , Roseville, Calif.

Growers worked through COVID-19 disruptions and wildfires during harvest, but the “optimum range of sizes” sets up excellent opportunities to market the crop this season, according to a news release from the board.

“While the pandemic has fueled consumers’ focus on healthy foods, the California prune industry regularly promotes the nutritional profile and invests in nutrition research that elevates the health benefits of prunes,” Donn Zea, executive director of the board, said in the release. “We are grateful that so many consumers have chosen California prunes during this time. We plan on doing everything we can to earn and keep their trust.”

The industry is focused on maintaining a balance of supply and demand through the season, according to the release.

During the 2019 season, which ended July 31, California prune exports rose 17%, and domestic shipments were 12% higher than the previous season, according to the board.

The California Prune Board represents about 800 growers, who produce about 40% of the world’s supply on 40,000 acres, according to the release.

Related articles:

California Prune Board forecasts 68K-ton crop

California Prune Board OK’d for 5 years, sets priorities

California prune crop in full bloom

Homegrown Organic obtains EFI certification for stone fruit

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:35:28 GMT

Homegrown Organic Farms , Porterville, Calif., has received Equitable Food Initiative certification for organic stone fruit grown in California.

The EFI-certified fruit will be shipping to Costco Wholesale and Whole Foods Markets on June 1, according to a news release.

“Homegrown Organic Farms operates on a set of principles shared among its growers that greatly align with the social responsibility principles of EFI,” Kevin Boyle, director of new product and business development for EFI, said in the release. “Given that, it is not surprising that it became the fastest operation to achieve certification after training.”

The company completed the certification process as the pandemic began in the U.S.

“We deployed an innovative approach using technology and targeted on-site audit functions to meet the three organization’s safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring compliance with EFI’s 335 standards,” Bonnie Holman, director of sustainability certifications for SCS Global Services, said in the release. “We were also able to confirm that the EFI Leadership Team was demonstrating value for the operation in the midst of the pandemic by supporting key communications and best practices surrounding the health and safety of workers.”

Homegrown Organic CEO Scott Mabs said EFI helps cross-department collaboration and personal development.

“It is quite a unique program that is on the forefront of systems improvement for the farm supply chain,” Mabs said in the release. “Homegrown has always been about the development and value of our team members and EFI is a wonderful support to that mission.”

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Misionero’s processing facility receives EFI certification

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Equitable Food Initiative champions Farmworker Awareness Week

California Prune Board OK’d for 5 years, sets priorities

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:38:25 GMT

California prune growers recently voiced unanimous support for the California Prune Board at a public hearing.

With the support, the California Prune Board is approved for another five years, through July 2025, without the need for a grower referendum.

“The board’s work is vitally important to the success of the prune industry,” Joe Turkovich, grower and chairman of the board, said in a news release. “It has carefully considered strategic priorities that will continue building industry momentum for the next five years and beyond.”

According to the release, the board has helped the industry:

Secure more than $50 million in sales to the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2017-19;
Fund more than $1.25 million over the past three years in nutrition research;
Invest more than $1.3 million over the past three years to crop production research;
Secure $11.4 million in federal grants for export programs and developing international markets; and
Develop a new California Prunes brand.

The California Prune Board’s priorities include nutrition research, trade policy and market support, industry unification and production research.

“We have listened intently to California prune growers and handlers to identify these priority areas that will inform our focus, guide our decisions, and ultimately, make a positive and sustained difference for the global California prune industry,” Donn Zea, executive director of the board, said in the release.

Related stories:

California prune crop in full bloom

Virus delays California Prune Board trip to China

Prune growers see returns drop, despite industry positives

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:16:32 GMT

California Prune growers are facing a 28% drop in prices and a 23% cut in crop deliveries.

The price and production drops come despite a number of positive items for the industry, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture buying millions of dollars of their product, positive trade mitigation offsets and promotion efforts in Japan and elsewhere.

A number of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, contributed to the double hit, according to a news release from the Prune Bargaining Association, which recently had its annual membership meeting by video conference.

Average grower returns in some cases will drop by more than $500 per ton from the previous year, according to the association.

“Growers are to be commended for the tremendous efforts they have made to match production with demand,” Greg Thompson, the association’s general manager, said in the release. “Growers were told they would be paid little or nothing for smaller prunes, so they increased their efforts to prune, thin, and then screen out fruit at harvest, bringing the crop down from an estimated 110,000 tons to 85,000 tons.”

The losses offset a number of positives in the industry, including:

Imports of prunes are down 76% for the first five months of the year;

Domestic shipments are up 13%;
USDA programs were designed to offset retaliatory tariffs;
Shipments to Japan are up 14% from last year;
The USDA has purchased nearly $50 million in prunes over the past three years; and
Nutrition research supports prune consumption.

“Everbody wants to make a health claim these days,” Ranvir Singh, Prune Bargaining Association president, said in the release. “But prunes are the tried and true healthy and completely natural food. There is so much more to the health benefits of eating prunes than anyone first imagined.”

Related story:

Prune Bargaining Association holds the line on prices

California Prune Board forecasts 68K-ton crop

Mary’s Blog: The New Ones™ To Love!

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:45:04 GMT

Don’t you wish you could put everything you need in a snack – convenience, flavor, and health – into one easy package? Well, now you don’t have to thanks to my friends at Sunsweet®. They’ve packed a delectable, zero fat, 100 calorie, high fiber, low sugar, on-the-go snack into bite-size pieces of nourishment – introducing you to Ones Amaz!n™ Prunes.

Nuts, dates, dried fruit on a roll

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:44 GMT

California nut, date and dried fruit crops all look healthy this year, with many categories experiencing sales boosts as a result of COVID-19 demand.

Dates

Coachella, Calif.-based Sun Date began its organic and conventional medjool date harvest the week of Sept. 7, said DJ Ryan, sales and operations manager.

Steady picking will continue for five or six weeks, then volume will be reduced for the final two or three weeks of the harvest.

The desert had hot, dry weather this summer, “which is what we want,” he said.

Volume may be up over last year because of younger date gardens coming into production.

The deglet noor variety will begin harvesting around the middle of October and will continue through December.

Nearly all of the medjool dates go to the consumer market or to repackers, while about half of the deglet noors are destined for industrial use — such as baking or energy bars, he said.

About 75% of the company’s medjool dates are organically grown, while up to 65% of the deglet noors are organic.

The company is complying with COVID-19 protocols, like following social distancing guidelines and checking temperatures as employees report to work.

“We don’t want to put our employees in jeopardy,” Ryan said.

Coachella-based Woodspur Farms LLC started its full medjool date harvest Sept. 8, said Tony Somohano, director of wholesale sales.

“It looks like we’re going to have a better-than-average quality year and a better-than-average sales year,” he said.

Prunes

The harvest season for prunes finished in early September, but dried plums are enjoyed year-round, said Donn Zea, executive director of the Roseville-based California Prune Board .

Zea described this year’s prune harvest as “a high-quality crop” with “great sugar levels.”

This is the second short crop in a row — 50,000 short tons, down from last year’s 85,000 short tons — but that’s not a bad marketing scenario.

“We feel we are headed in the right direction in terms of having the right size of an inventory for the amount of demand,” Zea said.

Up to 90% of prunes are sold as a snack item with the remainder used for things like puree, paste, extract or powder.

California produces 99% of U.S.-grown prunes, Zea said.

Figs

Bakersfield, Calif.-based Atlas Produce and Distribution Inc . started harvesting figs toward the end of August, said salesman Luke Fountain.

Figs naturally fall off the tree, and they’re swept to the middle of the row, where they’re allowed to sit and sweeten for a couple of weeks before they’re picked up by an almond harvester. Then they’re sun dried and allowed to sweeten some more before being cleaned, sorted and packed, he said.

The harvest continues into October; the dried fruit usually is sold starting about January.

Volume should be similar to last year, and size and quality look good, Fountain said.

Atlas offers black mission and golden California fig varieties.

Almonds

Sales of California almonds have risen significantly since COVID-19 hit, said Richard Waycott, CEO of the Modesto-based Almond Board of California .

The industry saw a 30% increase in shipments in March compared to the prior year and a 15% boost in April, as consumers sought foods seen as nutritious and shelf stable. Domestic and international sales have continued above 2019’s, he said.

The almond harvest started about Aug. 1 and will continue until mid-October. About 70% of California’s almonds are exported to places like India, China/Hong Kong, Germany and Spain, from where they’re processed and distributed across Europe and North Africa.

August was a record-breaking month for California almonds, with global shipments up 31% over 2019, “which is almost unheard of,” Waycott said.

Almond production for 2019-20 was a record 2.55 billion pounds, breaking the previous record of 2.27 billion pounds in 2018-19, according to the almond board.

Walnuts

On the walnut scene, the U.S. Department of Agriculture in late August reported the 2020 crop at 780,000 short tons, an increase of 19% over the prior year.

“The industry has been expecting increases given continued growth in new acreage, more densely planted orchards and heavier-yielding varieties and has planned accordingly,” grower Robert Driver, chairman of Folsom-based California Walnut Commission, said in a news release.

Related Content:

California prune growers see ‘excellent opportunities’

Industry remembers DatePac co-founder Steve Shadle

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Sun World appoints Andrea Pavesi to new Brazilian office

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:32:36 GMT

Sun World International LLC , a developer of grape and stone fruit varieties, has opened a Brazilian office, appointing Andrea Pavesi the licensing manager for the country.

Pavesi has worked with Sun World for 12 years, and has grown mangoes, grapes and other crops in Petrolina, Brazil, according to a news release from Sun World.

The company opened a Peruvian office earlier this year, appointing Pablo Ramirez licensing manager for Peru; Daniel Desmartis was named licensing manager of Chile.

“We are looking to further strengthen our business in South America, and we are pleased to appoint Andrea to further corroborate and strengthen relationships with our Brazilian licensees,” Garth Swinburn, vice president of licensing, said in the release. “We care about the success of our licensees, and therefore we are also dedicated to bolstering our technical support in the region.”

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Jac. Vandenberg recalls peaches, nectarines, plums

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:20 GMT

Jac. Vandenberg Inc., Yonkers, N.Y., is recalling cartons of Chilean peaches, nectarines and plums shipped to retailers in 18 states for Listeria monocytogenes concerns.

The company announced the recall in a Jan. 24 notice on the Food and Drug Administration’s website. There have been no illnesses reported in connection with the recall.

Listeria was detected on packed fruit during a routine sampling program in a packinghouse, according to the notice. Jac. Vandenberg is working with the FDA on the investigation into the source of the listeria, and has stopped distributing the stone fruit, according to the recall notice.

The recall involves 1,727 cartons of peaches, 1,207 cartons of nectarines and 365 cartons of plums.

The fruit was shipped to Alabama, California, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.

The fruit was sent to small retail establishments and these larger stores:

Aldi — Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia (nectarines, peaches and plums);
Costco — California (nectarines);
Fairway Market — New York (nectarines and peaches);
Hannaford — Maine (peaches);
Market Basket — Massachusetts (nectarines and peaches); and
WalMart — Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia (nectarines); and Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia (peaches).

California stone fruit companies Gerawan, Wawona merge

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:14:45 GMT

California stone fruit companies Gerawan Farming Inc. , Fresno, and Wawona Packing Co. LLC , Cutler, have merged.

Dan Gerawan, the largest individual shareholder in the merged company, is the CEO. Brent Smittcamp, executive chairman of Wawona, will remain a “significant shareholder and continue to be highly involved with the combined company,” according to a news release. Leaders from both companies will be involved in management of the merged entity.

In the near term, the companies will retain their names.

“Over the last several years, we have focused on accelerating Wawona’s growth by building on the inherent strengths of our business and management team,” Smittcamp said in the release. “Our acquisition last year of Burchell Nursery Inc. was one example, and now this historic merger with Gerawan takes it to yet another level.”

Gerawan, a grower-shipper, markets fruit, including proprietary varieties, under the Prima brand. Stone fruit supplier Wawona has a focus on organic fruit. Both are third-generation family businesses, according to the release.

The merger builds on the legacies of the two companies, according to the release, creating an enhanced platform for growth and innovation.

Dan Gerawan said innovation has been a key to the company’s success, with an emphasis on investing in employees.

“These same values underpin Wawona’s success,” Gerawan said in the release. “This merger is an exciting next step to unlock the full potential of both companies.”

Wawona investor Paine Schwartz is partnering with the companies to “facilitate the transaction,” according to the release. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Paine Schwartz invests in “sustainable food chains,” and the merger represents a milestone that can be achieved by leveraging the company’s agribusiness expertise, according to the release.

“We look forward to this new chapter for two companies that have been incredibly successful on their own, and we believe they can achieve even greater success through this merger,” Kevin Schwartz, CEO of Paine Schwartz, said in the release.