Demand is often good for figs at the start of the season in California, and this year has been no different. Challenging weather has held back production, and lower volumes have contributed to strong pricing.“It's been cold and rainy, so production has been very spotty,” said Susan Kragie of Western Fresh Marketing. “Once you get going, you get going, but we've only been picking every other day.” That slow start has made for low volumes of fruit, and, coupled with strong demand, the market has been strong.
“Demand is always wonderful at the beginning of the season, especially on the East Coast,” said Kragie. “Californians are spoiled because they see figs more often, so they will wait for the price to be right. But East Coast demand has been very good.” Harvesting of Brown Turkey figs began about two weeks ago in the Coachella Valley, and production will move north as the season progresses.
“Picking of Black Mission figs and organic Black Mission figs will start in the Central Valley at the end of the week or the beginning of next week,” said Kragie. “We thought we'd start those early, but with cooler weather, we'll probably start those at a normal time.”
For more information:
Susan Kragie
Western Fresh Marketing
+1 559 662 0301
Come and visit us at booth #1555 at United Fresh in Chicago!