Cherry supplies in Washington were moderately affected last week as light rain disrupted harvest. The good news is that crop quality has reportedly not been affected. Suppliers say demand has been very strong for cherries in the lead up to July 4 so shippers have been busy building up supplies.
“Last week, demand for Northwestern cherries was extremely strong with heavy pre 4th of July loading,” noted Ira Greenstein of Direct Source Marketing. “A light rain in Washington prevented some growers from packing for a day and left overall supplies limited through the weekend. The crop doesn’t seem to have been affected and quality and condition remains very good.”
He added that overall availability for larger sized fruit is set to improve in the short term, followed by smaller fruit in a few weeks’ time. “Steady volumes of 10 ½ and larger will start the week. Smaller fruit has been challenged with only limited volumes of 11 row, as this year’s Bing cropped has sized up well. After Bings, many growers will transition to Skeena’s, and smaller fruit should be more readily available over the next few weeks. Pricing currently ranges from $22.90-$24.90 on 11 row, $28.90-$30.90 on 10 ½ row, $30.90-$32.90 on 10 row and $34.90-$38.90 on 9 ½ row and larger. Look for pricing to remain at these levels through the balance of the week as retailers continue to promote and push Northwest cherries.”
Demand for California stone fruit remains soft
In contrast, the market for California stone fruit has been soft as consumers turn their attention to other summer fruits like cherries, strawberries and watermelons. Retail prices have been high, but volumes have been good for peaches, nectarines and apricots. Greenstein said that red and black plum supplies continue to be challenged though, with high FOB pricing and only fair availability.
“California stone fruit continues to be overshadowed by other commodities like cherries, strawberries and watermelons,” he explained. “Overall movement has been mediocre at best with high retail pricing ranging from $1.49-$2.49 per pound. Pricing on premium sized 2-layer yellow peaches and nectarines currently ranges from $14.95-$16.95 with the mostly market at $16.95. Good volumes of white flesh varieties are also available and fetching $1-$2 higher. Supplies of good quality apricots are readily available with pricing ranging from $18.95-$20.95 for 50 and 60 series 2-layer trays.”
For more information:
Ira Greenstein
Direct Source Marketing
Ph: +1 (914) 241-4434
ira@directsourcemktg.com
www.directsourcemktg.com