Higher than average winter temperatures limited the number of chill hours for this year's South Carolina peach crop. That changed the timing of this year's harvest and may affect volumes of later varieties.Because chill hours were limited by warm weather, some peaches came in earlier than normal, said Lynne Chappell, owner of Chappell Farms and president of the South Carolina Peach Council.
“Our first two varieties came in at the same time,” she said, “and the second variety normally follows the first after 10 days.” Because fruit supplies weren't staggered as normal, Chappell says they've experienced a lag in production.
“Quantity has been limited by the mild winter weather,” she said, “especially later varieties that need more chill hours.” But the limited production has also resulted in higher prices.
“Every year is different,” said Chappell, “we had an overabundance of fruit two years ago, last year we had a good balance between supply and demand, and this year prices are strong.”