California peaches continue to see steady supplies and that should continue until mid-October. Other stone fruit commodities for Prima Wawona have finished up, about 10 days ahead of last year, creating lighter inventories for this time of year.
The season also started 10 days earlier than average on most varieties. “There were different weather patterns and chill hours impacted timing with no clear answer on why. It has been an unusual year,” says Mauricio Jimenez-Castro, director of sales for Prima Wawona. More recently in weather, Jimenez-Castro says that the light showers in the valley brought some concerns. “However impact has been minimal and our agriculture and packing operations have taken all the necessary precautions to maintain the level of quality that we are known for,” he says.
Prima Wawona is in the heart of harvest for its Prima Gattie® peaches.
Now, Prima Wawona is in the heart of harvest for its Prima Gattie peach. “This is our last variety of the season and one of our best eating peaches,” says Jimenez-Castro, who notes that the east (Reedley Sanger area) and west (Kerman, Raisin City area) ranches supply the majority of the company's late peach programs. At the same time, the Pacific Northwest also still has some limited production.
Late-season demand
Demand is strong on yellow peaches. “The nice eating quality of our fruit keeps consumption engaged. We expect our customers to continue to be engaged with the late peach program and take advantage of this opportunity to finish strong,” he says, also noting that the fall colors of the Prima Gattie peach blend well with fall retail displays. To help move fruit, Prima Wawona is also expanding opportunities with 2.5 lb. consumer boxes in addition to its bulk and tray options.
The east (Reedley Sanger area) and west (Kerman, Raisin City area) ranches supply the majority of Prima Wawona's late peach programs.
Prices are staying stronger than last year at this time. “They are on the rise as availability gets tighter,” says Jimenez-Castro. “There are only a few growers participating in the late peach programs creating an opportunity for higher prices.”
For more information:
Mauricio Jimenez-Castro
Prima Wawona
Tel: +1 (559) 246-7756
[email protected]
https://Prima.com/