The pluot season in California is now well underway and growers are reporting a good crop overall, despite weather challenges earlier in the year. While frost and heavy rain has had an impact on the state's cherry production, subsequent stone fruit varieties are experiencing fewer problems.
"The pluot season began about two weeks ago," said Chad Allred of Kingsburg Orchards. "Originally we had some concerns because of the freeze back in late February. It happened during the bloom period and questions were raised regarding potential yield and sizing issues. Apart from a slightly delayed start, those concerns have not eventuated with pluots and the outlook for the season is very favorable."
Instead, Allred noted that supply will be sufficient enough not to cause gaps, and that retailers can expect good promotable volumes. "Though there is a likelihood of a moderately reduced yield, overall supplies are set to be strong enough and we will not have any gaps during the season," he said. "The best promotable volumes will occur from about the second week of July until the end of August, which represents the peak of our season. There will be the opportunity for plenty of pluot promotions throughout the season."
"Red Phoenix" pluot
The early varieties are already being packed, with others to gradually follow throughout the season. "The first of our main varieties is the Honey Red Dino, which is one of the pluots that highlight our Dinosaur brand," Allred shared. "Right now we are getting into the Silver Phoenix and will shortly transition to the Dapple Dino. Those three are the first of our main varieties. Volume will be good throughout the summer and into October, with the heaviest months being July and August."
A fruit with multiple faces
The pluot is a cross between a plum and apricot, which leaves a lot of room for character in the fruit. Growers are pleased to point out the different characteristics that you can find with pluots, including different colors and flavor tones. They are also said to be considerably sweeter than some other stone fruit varieties.
"Pluots are 75 percent plum and 25 percent apricot and it contains characteristics from both of the parent fruits," Allred explained. "There are also four primary colors, including a mottled or speckled skin, which forms about half of our entire pluot production. Additionally, you can find pluots with a red, black or green/yellow exterior, although we grow the latter in much smaller numbers. There are also an array of interior colors, including an amber gold, light red or pinkish, as well as a deep mahogany toned red."
"Pluots are much sweeter than plums," he continued. "Whereas plums tend to have a BRIX level of between 10 and 14, pluots start at 16 and can go as high as 25. They can also vary in terms of their flavor tones, resulting in a lot of unique combinations."
Keeping an eye on export environment
Kingsburg Orchards export a significant amount of their fruit. Export markets in general are performing well, although China's current import environment will keep exporters busier this season. Allred said they will be monitoring the situation regarding tariffs, but of more concern to them is the intensified inspection regime.
"We will be monitoring the tariff situation throughout the season, but we are confident there is a market and exports to China will not be hampered by that in general," he said. "What is more concerning for us is the inspection process which sees fruit being detained upon arrival for a lengthier period. It's not so much the inspections themselves as the conditions they keep the fruit in. We are not in control of this process and we are concerned whether the cold chain is broken and the fruit is left for an excessive amount of time. Stone fruit is more delicate and has a reduced shelf life compared with other products. The last thing we want is for degraded fruit to be hitting our customer's shelves as a result of these lengthy inspections."
Packaging expansion and new variety to solidify market
For a fresher look, Kingsburg Orchards have decided to expand on two pieces of packaging, a pouch bag and a Euro footprint box (both pictured above), both of which were introduced last year. According to the company, the packs are designed to fit into their existing brand and were successful in their first season.
"One thing we're working on is expanding on our Dinosaur brand pouch bag," Allred announced. "It is a 2lb, high graphic pouch bag and this will be our focus for this year. We will also be growing on the success of our Euro footprint box, which is a single layer tray built to avoid fruit damaging each other. It also features the Dinosaur brand graphics."
Allred also shared that Kingsburg Orchards are continuing to increase the volume of a newer pluot variety that was launched in recent years, but with small quantities. "The Red Phoenix is a very special variety that will be appearing from the second week of July," he said. "It has a red speckled skin with a red mahogany colored flesh. BRIX levels are not less than 20 so it's a very sweet pluot, but the great thing about it is that it also has a bit of acidity, just enough to balance out the sweetness. For the past two seasons, we have only had limited volumes, but this year we are able to offer it in promotable volumes."
For more information:
Chad Allred
Vice President of Sales of Marketing
Kingsburg Orchards
Tel: +1 (559) 897-2986