“The weather has been ideal in the state and we are up in supply from last year,” says Brenda Briggs of the Gardners, Pa.-based Rice Fruit Co. “Last year we had a significant hail storm in June that affected peaches and apples dramatically. This year the stone fruit was spared any adverse weather conditions.”
While the season is running early—about seven to ten days early on yellow peaches and three days early on nectarines—Briggs expects to ship through Labor Day. “Fruit quality, color and sizing have been very nice this season. Most importantly, the eating quality has been nothing short of exceptional,” she says.
Lighter competition
Competing against its short season is product from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic—New Jersey but also Maryland, Virginia, New England and California. “Usually we would also have peaches from the Southeast in the market as well but their presence is light due to the freeze that wiped out most of the crop,” says Briggs.
Altogether that’s making for some competitive pricing. “It’s a bit lower than a few weeks ago, but still several dollars stronger per carton than a “more normal” year,” she says.
For more information:
Brenda Briggs
Rice Fruit Co.
Tel: +1-800-627-3359
[email protected]
www.ricefruit.com
While the season is running early—about seven to ten days early on yellow peaches and three days early on nectarines—Briggs expects to ship through Labor Day. “Fruit quality, color and sizing have been very nice this season. Most importantly, the eating quality has been nothing short of exceptional,” she says.
Lighter competition
Competing against its short season is product from the Northeast and mid-Atlantic—New Jersey but also Maryland, Virginia, New England and California. “Usually we would also have peaches from the Southeast in the market as well but their presence is light due to the freeze that wiped out most of the crop,” says Briggs.
Altogether that’s making for some competitive pricing. “It’s a bit lower than a few weeks ago, but still several dollars stronger per carton than a “more normal” year,” she says.
For more information:
Brenda Briggs
Rice Fruit Co.
Tel: +1-800-627-3359
[email protected]
www.ricefruit.com
