“We are heading into the 4th week of Chilean kiwifruit,” says Chris Kragie with Western Fresh Marketing. California’s kiwifruit season is finishing up and the start of the Chilean season is going good. Chile’s kiwifruit season runs from late March all the way through October. “Rumor has it that Chile’s production levels are 15 percent down due to smaller sizing, caused by warmer weather and a lack of chill hours. With smaller sized fruit, more pieces will fit in a box, but there will be fewer boxes shipped altogether,” Kragie added.
Program business buys at set price
Regardless of Western Fresh’ widespread customer base, it will be challenging to meet customer demand for 20 series. The program business, which includes Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart buys at a set price and club stores tend to prefer large fruit. “They will get covered first and the domestic market will receive medium to smaller size fruit,” mentioned Kragie. “Hopefully, the shortage of large-size fruit will help the pricing. The top-end will stay stronger, but it will also help the smaller sizes hold up better.”
Demand peaks around May 1st
Demand for kiwifruit will peak in two weeks and continue through mid-June. After that, 25-30 percent of the business is gone because of the school summer breaks. “Kiwifruit is an important part of school lunch programs and we miss that outlet during summer,” shared Kragie.
For more information:
Chris Kragie
Western Fresh Marketing
Tel: 559-662-0301