California's stone fruit crop continues to track ahead of normal for this time of year. "There is a normal amount of fruit for this time of the season, but we're still seven to 14 days, depending on the variety, ahead of a normal year," says Jon McClarty of HMC Farms.
© HMC Farms
This follows an early start to the season after fewer than usual chill hours caused the trees to "wake up" early this year. "We also haven't had a lot of high heat days of over 103°F, which often slows things down. We started early, and usually we regress towards normal timing as the season goes along, but that has not happened," says McClarty, adding that the yields have also been somewhat disappointing this season.
Early end to season?
If things continue on like this, an early end to the season is estimated for nectarines, while plums will continue into the fall as normal. How long the peaches ship will be dictated by late rains. Right now, peaches are estimated to continue being picked until October. "It will just depend on the weather and how long we can maintain the right quality we want," McClarty says.
© HMC Farms
As for demand, it's good with peaches seeing the strongest movement out of all the stone fruit items. Demand for all stone fruit items will hopefully strengthen, as the substitution pressure from the extraordinary Northwest cherry crop finally wanes. However, shopping habits may shift soon too, given apple season, but any negative pressure this exerts on California peach demand in particular may be counterbalanced by the fact that the Southeastern peach season is wrapping up.
Overall pricing is similar to last year at this time.
For more information:
Jon McClarty
HMC Farms
Tel: +1 (559) 897-1025
www.hmcfarms.com
