The Pennsylvania peach season is currently just over half way through, with several more weeks of harvest remaining. Volume is steady, however growers have remarked that rain has hampered the season this year. Not only has it affected fruit quality, but the excessive rain has made it difficult for workers to get out in the fields."It has been very wet this season and this has caused a few problems for the peaches," said Mark Bream of Bream Orchards. "Fruit has been swelling and ripening quickly due to all the moisture, meaning that some of the fruit is not as sweet as it can be. Over the past three weeks, we have had over 12 inches of rain, with more forecast. The rain has also affected labor because it has made it difficult to get out into the fields. We are, however, still staying ahead in terms of volume."
Market and demand steady
Although it has been difficult to pick the fruit and quality has been affected, the market remains good, with prices holding steady and demand strong. The summer season demand has helped growers in the Northeast, as well as the troubles facing the California crop.
"The market has been pretty good," Bream noted. "Demand is strong and prices are holding firm. California has been having some troubles of their own with drought conditions over there reducing yields. Additionally, because of the extended lack of rain in California, some growers there have been pulling out peach trees."
Shipping and packaging options working well
For Bream Orchards, there is a still a few weeks to go before the peach season concludes again for another year. Aside from the rain, things are positive overall, with their packaging and distribution serving them well.
"Currently we are picking Bounty, with Coral Star, PF17s and PF23s also in line for the remainder of our season which is due to finish on September 1," Bream shared. "We use a 25lb volume filled box as well a crates and these options are working well for us. We distribute to a variety of stores, mostly small ones, across the Northeast."
For more information:
Mark Bream
Bream Orchards
Tel: +1 (717) 334-4591