Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers will see another early start of its stonefruit season, which much like 2015’s will kick off with tree-ripened apricots from Gilbert Orchards on June 1. The apricots will go through early August, according to Scott Marboe, director of marketing at Wenatchee, WA-based OSRG.
''The new apricot crop looks to be close to last year’s statewide,” Marboe said in mid-May. “Here at Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers we are expecting a 15 percent increase in our crop due to new production, and we’re looking ahead to the peak windows to set up promotions as volumes ramp up.”
Marboe said the apricots have a smaller profile this season, and he noted, “That provides good opportunities on the 12/1# pouch. We’ll start with the Robada, which is a high-color apricot, and follow with the later Gourmet variety, also a great high-color piece of fruit.”
Starr Ranch Organics 1lb Pouch Bag and Organic Stone Fruit carton. Photo courtesy of Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
Demand is anticipated to be good following California’s crop, which was down by 25 percent. The California season is wrapping up a week earlier than normal, and Marboe said, “We’re expecting a small gap between the end of their apricots and the first shipments of our crop – an indication the Washington market should be strong through the first two weeks until the pipeline is full,” he said.
Starr Ranch Growers Stone Fruit carton for peaches, nectarines, apricots and prunes. Photo courtesy of Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
“Our organic apricot season will start around June 5, and we should have good volume until the June 20,” Marboe said, adding that organic apricots will be available through July 1.
“Washington’s organic market will also be strong as California will be finished, and there should be a five-to-seven-day gap before Washington starts production,” he said.
For more information:
Scott Marboe, Director of Marketing
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers
Tel: 509-888-5120