August was harvest month for California prunes and this article looks back on the season. It was a challenging one. “Significant precipitation and wind events in March interrupted the pollination of the bloom and impacted development of young fruit in orchards,” says Donn Zea with the California Dried Plum Board. In the southern region, including Fresno, Madera, and Tulare counties, growers experienced better than expected yields, but overall production is estimated to be 45,000 tons short (41,000 tonnes), a 58 percent reduction from last year. According to the USDA, this would be the smallest crop since official estimates began in 1920.
Industry relies on exports
US prune production is concentrated in California’s Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. Together, these areas grow 45,000 acres of prunes and produce 99 percent of US supply and 40 percent of world supply. Because of California’s significant position in global prune production, exports are an important part of total shipments. Outside the US, key markets for California prunes include Japan, the European Union, Canada, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. “Export markets have been at the forefront of developing specialty products with prunes including bakery items, yogurts, confection, and collaborations with other foods including pizza,” shared Zea.
Not just for snacking
California’s prune industry is making significant investments in product development as well as consumer education. “Today, prunes are not just for snacking anymore,” said Zea. “Retailers, food manufacturers, and chefs are discovering the advantages of using California prune-derived products in their recipes and processes – chopped, diced, pureed and even powdered, prune products can be used to enhance the flavor and texture of products ranging from cakes and breads to meat dishes. Nutrition discoveries show a positive correlation between prune consumption and both bone and digestive health, fueling enthusiasm in the category.”
About the Board
The California Dried Plum Board is an instrument of the Department of Food & Agriculture, State of California, which represents all growers and packers of prunes in California. Its mission is to unite growers and handlers in supporting the vitality of the California prune industry. The California Dried Plum Board supports the trade and increased consumption of prunes by improving awareness through research, marketing and promotion.
For more information:
Debbie Mitchell
Director of Global Communications & Marketing
California Dried Plum Board
Tel: 916-565-6232