Plums + Prunes
California’s produce industry is anticipating a robust 2026 season with increased strawberry yields, steady table grape volumes and high-quality stone fruit, all supported by early harvests and aggressive global marketing campaigns.
This year’s promotional design will feature the South African flag and the unique growing characteristics of the country.
According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 45,244 women producers operate across the state, managing 11.5 million acres of farms and ranches that contribute $22.2 billion in agricultural sales.
The studies look at the impact of prune consumption on bone health in women between late perimenopause and early post-menopause.
Fresh Trends 2025 data shows that only one in four consumers knows how to spot a ripe plum, but it actually just comes down to taste.
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.
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.
Chilean stone fruit growers and exporters believe that exports will reach 35.3 million boxes in 2023-24, an increase of 15% over last season.
The USDA plans to buy the fruit for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs.
The California Prune Board, Roseville, reports the industry is projecting this year’s crop will be no larger than 68,000 metric tons.
PureFresh Sales, Selma, Calif., will be using shelf life extending products from Hazel Technologies, Chicago, to keep its fruit fresher.
The season for The Oppenheimer Group’s Blue Goose plum brand has started.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Roseville, Calif.-based California Prune Board has elected George Sousa Jr. of Mariana Packing Co. as its chairman for the 2020-22 term.
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.
Homegrown Organic Farms, Porterville, Calif., has received Equitable Food Initiative certification for organic stone fruit grown in California.
California prune growers recently voiced unanimous support for the California Prune Board at a public hearing.
California Prune growers are facing a 28% drop in prices and a 23% cut in crop deliveries.
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®.
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.
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.
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.
California stone fruit companies Gerawan Farming Inc., Fresno, and Wawona Packing Co. LLC, Cutler, have merged.