As shippers in California send out their last supplies of figs, prices have seen a welcome rebound. Despite issues with access to water, volumes have been consistently up this year, though total fruit harvested could still be similar to that harvested last year.“It's been a hectic year,” said George Kragie of Western Fresh Marketing. “Fruit was bunched up because we started early and it looks like we'll end early. Volume came on fast and prices were good.” With lots of volume in a compressed time period, there were some dips in the market, but Kragie noted that prices have started to climb back up.
“The market is coming back from some lows,” said Kragie. “It's a little early for a price rebound, so we're excited about it.” Prices were as low as $17.00 per flat, but they've rebounded to about $30.00 per flat. Volume picked so far is about 25 percent more than what was picked at this time last year, but with a shortened season, this year's total volume could be similar to volume from the previous season.
“The market is flush with figs because the fruit ripened more quickly,” said Kragie. “We don't know if that will be reflected in more fruit this year as an industry because the fruit has just come on earlier. We've shipped more fruit to date so far, but if you look at the entire season, we won't have more fruit than last year.”
For more information:
George Kragie
Western Fresh Marketing
+1 559 662 0301