Though not as prolific suppliers as their West Coast counterparts in California, Washington's peach growers are enjoying steady returns for their fruit this summer. The season got off to an early start in June, and, thanks to good growing conditions, fruit quality has been steady throughout the season.
“The start to the season was similar to last year in that it was earlier than normal,” said Sean Gilbert, a grower at Gilbert Orchards, which markets and sells its fruit through Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers. “Though I don't know if there even is a normal, since every season is different.”
Warm days and moderate night temperatures created what Gilbert termed a goldilocks situation, which has greatly helped with fruit quality. That's made for relatively smooth sailing this season, and the prices growers are seeing for their peaches reflect that.
On August 2, prices for a two-layer carton of size 30 yellow peaches from Yakima and Wenatchee were between $18.00 and $20.90, and prices for a carton of 48s were between $16.00 and $18.90.
“There's solid demand that's in balance with our production, so I feel pretty good about where we are now,” said Gilbert. “For the future, we're always looking for newer genetics, like Sierra Rich and Rich Lady, because the orchards with new varieties are doing better than the orchards with older varieties.”
For more information:
Sean Gilbert
Gilbert Orchards
+1 509 966 2600