Navel production is up and running in California. “We had our first Navel run last week week and the fruit had great color and gassed out better than expected,” says Chris Diaz of Fillmore-Piru Citrus (FPCA).
The company began its season two weeks earlier than last year after it picked up acreage on an earlier variety. Harvesting is coming from Kern County and Tulare County. “The early acreage we added is from Tulare County but we will be harvesting in Kern County this week and growing conditions are better than expected,” Diaz says. “Yes, there is thrip in both counties but for our acreage, it is not as severe as I had read from other suppliers.”
In the meantime, all eyes are on the weather. “It’s the biggest unknown. There are potential storms coming this week and it will be interesting to see if they really develop,” says Diaz. “It is critical we have oranges moving forward to help sell our desert lemons. Labor is available, freight is reasonably priced--we just need to get after the fruit.”
Strong demand
As for demand meeting this new crop, it’s very good and many customers are looking for larger size fancy fruit. However, FPCA is getting requests for load volume all the way down to size 138 choice, a trend it doesn’t see changing in the next couple of weeks.
In turn, pricing is elevated over last season. “The import season ended a few weeks ago and there were very few suppliers with Valencias till the end of October,” says Diaz. “Pricing is up 15-20 percent over last season with even more of a difference on fancy due to the lack of it. Our expectations are for pricing to remain level over the next couple of weeks but it will end up dropping after Thanksgiving due to more suppliers being in the market.”
Meanwhile at FPCA, its Board of Directors has named Diaz as the company’s president and general manager, a position that took effect on November 1. Diaz has been serving as the director of sales/business development and as the Board notes, has more than 16 years of experience in domestic sales, export sales, marketing, operations, packaging, shipping, and quality assurance to the role. “We are confident that under Chris’s direction, we will continue to build strong relationships with our customers, pack and sell efficiently for our growers, and continue to grow and prosper for our employees into the future,” said Matthew W. Freeman, chairman of the Board.
For more information:
Chris Diaz
Fillmore-Piru Citrus
Tel: +1 (805) 521-1781
[email protected]
https://fillmorepirucitrus.com/