California stone fruit growers are ready for the start of the season which is only a few weeks away. The season will begin with cherries, followed shortly after by nectarines, peaches and then desert region grapes later in the month. Stone fruit volume is expected to be lower than last year, due to a lighter set affecting the early season fruit, but then transitioning to higher volumes as the season progresses.
"The 2018 season will start with California cherries by the first week of May," said Bill Purewal of PureFresh Sales. "Followed by nectarines and yellow peaches in the second week of May, then grapes from the Coachella Valley are expected to make their debut in the last week of May."
"The rain, cold and sporadic weather has caused some delays," he added. "It has mainly hurt the early fruit varieties, affecting the amount of fruit set on trees. Once we come into June, we should start seeing a normal set on most stone fruit, although some varieties, such as plums, will continue to experience fluctuating supply. Predictions for the 2018 California cherry crop have estimates at 50 percent lighter than last year. Due to less chill hours over the winter, Coachella Valley grapes could see lighter crops for the season."
Higher BRIX sought on new varieties
As each season commences, the Purewal Family said they look to plant high BRIX levels varieties of stone fruit. Purewal noted that several of the new varieties planted are anticipated to achieve this. He also shared that they will be introducing some new apricot varieties to the market this season.
"Each year, we try to expand and offer new varieties with high BRIX," he said. "This season we have 2 new black plums that should be at a BRIX level of 18 to 20, by the time it comes to pack. We also are very excited to share some new apricot varieties, including ones that are colored cots, such as the red cots. These colored cots are expected to be available in June."
Jaiden Cots
Canadian distribution a factor at CPMA
PureFresh Sales will be exhibiting at CPMA in Vancouver. The company sees the show as an opportunity to expand on their Canadian distribution. According to Purewal, CPMA is an ideal size for presenting their products. They will be displaying a number of their fresh products that are currently available.
"We like CPMA as we are trying to get more distribution into Canada, in retail and wholesale," Purewal shared. "The show is not too large, and we are looking forward to discuss our upcoming season with the attendees. The team will be on hand to discuss our entire seasonal program, from the start of the season to the end. At the booth we will have our pomegranate arils and Chilean pomegranates, persimmons and kiwifruit, as well as Mexican figs."
PureFresh Sales will be at Booth # 1427.
For more information:
Bill Purewal
PureFresh Sales
Tel: +1 (559) 896-2500