Early signs are pointing to an excellent Northwest blueberry crop now that the season has been underway for close to two weeks. Ideal spring growing conditions is fueling very good yields, with growers predicting an increase in volume compared with last year's poor yields.
"Our season in Oregon and Eastern Washington began on June 15," said Ben Escoe of Twin River Produce. "Last year we had a late start but this year the timing was close to the normal long term average start. We have experienced ideal growing temperatures and overall good conditions, leading to an expectation of a bumper crop."
The season though, is likely to finish early this year, due to later season varieties coming on earlier than usual. "The pollination of all varieties occurred very close together this year," Escoe explained. "Therefore, the bud set was also close, resulting in the fruit coming on closer together. For example, normally we would not be harvesting Drapers - which are a later season variety - until early July, but we are already picking them now."
Market down now but July 4 pull will create a lift
Not only is the Pacific Northwest seeing excellent production, but with other regions still active, supplies are strong. This is leading to a weaker market at the moment, particularly on organic berries. As Escoe observed, "With the abundant supply, market conditions for organic are worse for the grower right now, leading to poor per pound returns."
Demand is on the rise though and July 4 sales are already having an impact. Escoe said the Holiday pull also comes at a time when fruit will be peaking. Additionally, the freezer market will be hungry for fruit after the poor yields of last year. "Blueberry consumption is on the rise," he said. "Demand is very good in the lead up to the Independence Day Holiday. It comes just in time as the fruit is entering its peak over the next three weeks. The freezer was cleaned out pretty well during the 2017 season due to the short crop, and therefore we think that will have a positive effect on pricing for the season overall as fruit gets diverted into the freezer market. Especially with the increased supply in the early season."
"Furthermore, the tight bud set and early harvest on primary July varieties should will provide additional upward pressure on pricing," he added. "Through the July 4th period, Twin River will be doing 6oz, as well as the pint. We will then switch over to primarily 18oz during our heavier period as we look to move additional fruit. It will also be the first year we will be doing the low profile Euro clamshells."
18x18oz organic blueberries
New varieties will help push into later window
Twin River Produce and its partner growers are looking to have more fruit available later in the season. Therefore, a few years ago they began planting new varieties which are intended to help increase later season volumes. The first fruit from these plantings are coming online this year.
"We will be harvesting some of our new later varieties for the first time this year, including Titans and Last Call," Escoe shared. "They've been in the ground for three years now and this year will see their first commercial harvest. We are trying to push into a later window in order to give our smaller growers better returns. Some of these growers have as little as two to five acres and therefore these adjustments can make a big difference for them."
"We are very positive for this season," he continued. "Last year was a down year so it's nice to have a very good crop, with great quality, sizing and firmness in the fruit. We expect it will be a bountiful year."
For more information:
Ben Escoe
Twin River Produce
Tel: +1 (541) 716-5638