Following the California kiwi season finishing up last month, shipments are underway of the fruit from Chile. "We finished up our California supply in mid-August and then on to Chilean kiwi," says Al Bates, president of Sun Pacific Shippers. "There seems to be a shortage on the import side of the business and demand exceeds supply."
The transition to Chilean kiwis happened slightly later this year following a larger crop from California. Historically, the company has transitioned to imports anywhere from July 1st onwards, though in some instances, such as in 2022, there was no gap between California seasons.
Following Chilean kiwis, the next season of Hayward kiwis in California is expected to begin harvesting in the first part of October. "The crop is estimated to be down 15 percent with larger sizing," says Bates.
© Sun Pacific
California harvest ahead
He adds that ahead of the Haywards, it will begin picking California red kiwis in about two to three weeks. "Overall we're anticipating a lighter crop for the upcoming year on reds with slightly smaller sizing," says Bates, noting that this summer has seen good growing conditions that have been fairly mild with only a few high heat days.
As for demand on import kiwis it has been strong and pricing has much improved compared to this time last year. "California kiwis are pretty consistent price-wise. It's pretty stable," Bates says, adding that with that lighter crop, growers are hoping for stronger pricing.
For more information:
Al Bates
Sun Pacific Shippers
Tel: +1 (213) 612-9957
https://sunpacific.com/
