Stellar Distributing, a subsidiary of Catania Worldwide, has expanded its fig acreage by an additional 600 acres. Already a significant supplier of figs, the additional acreage will enable Stellar to have a longer California season and be able to offer more promotable volumes, particularly in the Fall.
"We can now offer California-grown figs from July all the way through November," said Kurt Cappelutti of Stellar Distributing. "By increasing our fig acreage, we are able to diversify our crop and increase our options. Younger trees come off later in the season which gives us a broader production window. This also enables us to supply more fruit, especially in that crucial September, October, November period when California fig supplies are more limited."
Stellar Distributing said it now has a more robust year-round fig program. "In addition to our existing year-round programs, which include avocados, limes and other products, we now have year-round fig availability, with Mexico production providing supplies during the winter months," Cappelutti shared.
Main crop began this week
While the California season has been going for a couple of months now, early season varieties are lighter in volume. This week marked the start of the main harvest, which is a little later this year. Still, good conditions are giving growers reason for a positive outlook.
"We are now getting into our main crop this week of Black Mission and Brown Turkey figs," Cappelutti noted. "This is followed next week by Sierra and then Tiger figs from July 30. It has been a mild summer up to this point, but this week we have seen much higher temperatures, with highs of close to 110 degrees, which is quite hot for this area. It's a later season than it has been in the past five years, but from my observation closer to the traditional average. Most produce items in California are late this year."
Cappelutti added that August looks to have plenty of volume from many regions, but that September will be a strong month. "August can sometimes be over-flooded with volume, but we still expect it to be very promotable," he said. "September is looking strong this year."
Strong push on organics
One of the notable aspects of the fig deal that growers are seeing is the momentum that organic figs are finding. An increase in demand is fueling an increase in organic production and greater availability. "There has been a strong push on organic figs," Cappelutti observed. "We are seeing an increase on all varieties including Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Tiger and Sierra. We have been growing organic figs for 15 years on our Maple Leaf ranch, which has availability deep into the season."
He also noted the lengthy season for the distinctive Tiger Figs. "Tiger Figs have a unique flavor profile, with bright skin and dark red flesh. Stellar Distributing works with 95 percent of the entire California production and we can offer Tiger figs from the beginning of August well into November."
For more information:
Kurt Cappelutti
Stellar Distributing
Tel: +1 (559) 664-8400