The California nectarine season is stabilizing into a solid season now, a month after its commencement. The effects of the February frost, which badly affected some of the early stone fruit in California, are having a lingering effect on nectarines. This resulted in a late start, as well as a drop in volume for the early season varieties.
"We began our nectarine season on May 19," said Jeff Simonian of Simonian Fruit Company. "We were a little behind at first in terms of volume as well as being generally a week later than usual. The frost in February hit the early varieties, with some of them being down close to 50 percent, while others were less impacted."
This is however, turning around now as the mid season varieties are getting a start. "We are seeing more normal volumes as we start on the mid season varieties," Simonian observed. "The varieties we are packing now include the Spring Bright, Grand Bright, and Ruby Diamond. Some varieties are cling stone and some are free, however this is becoming less of a factor when it comes to packing."
Market steady
With supplies stabilizing and demand steady, prices are satisfactory for growers. The market overall remains in line with expectations. "We are seeing larger sized fruit in the mid $20s, while smaller sized fruit are priced in the teens," Simonian said. "Overall, the market is pretty good and pricing has met expectations."
Although stone fruit is synonymous with summer, Simonian noted that strong pulls are not common during Holiday time such as July 4. "Demand is holding as expected. July 4 is not a big Holiday for stone fruit and promotions tend to focus on other commodities like corn."
Numerous packaging options
There are a few new things happening at Simonian Fruit Company this year when it comes to nectarines. The company is expecting an increase in volume on some newer varieties. "We are moving into some different varieties this season," Simonian shared. "We have been in the process of redeveloping our orchards and that fruit is coming online now."
He also noted that there are now plenty of packaging options for receivers, with companies ensuring they have various types of packaging on hand in order to be ready for any customer request. "There are so many different options for packaging now and sometimes our pack-house feels like a warehouse of cardboard," he said. "But we have them in order for us to be able to offer various packs according to customers' requests. Some also change their preferences halfway through the season so we have to be ready for that. Overall, the packaging types that are being requested have remained fairly steady."
For more information:
Jeff Simonian
Simonian Fruit Company
Tel: +1 (559) 834-5307