Summer organic fruits are coming on in California. "The timing is mostly on track," says Brenda Haught, co-CEO of Creekside Organics. "There is some slight variability depending on weather—especially for stone fruit and melons. We need some heat to size and ripen up the fruit."
Cherries: The crop is lighter than average this season. "We had a small rain event after the first harvest of the season, but it's looking like it didn't have much of an impact," says Creekside's co-CEO, Bianca Kaprielian. It's expected that in the next one to two weeks, California organic cherry season will hit its stride. "It's a very short window in California—just six to eight weeks. Fruit firmness and flavor are great so far this year. Pre-orders will be critical, given how tight the market is," says Kaprielian.
© Creekside Organics/Fruit World
Apricots: "We're seeing a stronger set than average—it's looking like a great crop," says Kaprielian, adding that Creekside Organics, recently certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), expects to start harvesting next week, weather permitting. Harvest will run into early July. "Blenheims from Capay Organic, a high-flavor variety, will finish out the season," adds Kaprielian, noting that the apricots will be sold in a variety of pack styles, including cardboard punnets and open pint "ReadyCycle" packs.
© Creekside Organics/Fruit World
Melons: Meanwhile on melons, the Mexican mini-watermelon season is winding down after a tight winter. U.S. production kicks off the third week of May, beginning in Brawley, California, then moving to Bakersfield and then Mendota. Creekside Organics is growing cantaloupes, honeydews, and mini-seedless, full-size seedless, and seeded watermelons under its Capay Organic and Creekside labels. "Fruit is sizing up nicely—timing remains weather-dependent," says Ashley Berlinger, business development & sales.
© Creekside Organics/Fruit World
As for demand, it's strong for cherries. "Consumers are excited to shift from citrus into stone fruit," says Kaprielian, adding that melons are also seeing growing interest as shoppers start planning for summer gatherings.
This leaves cherry and apricot pricing slightly stronger than last year and opportunities for promotions are expected during peak apricot season.
Meanwhile, melon pricing remains favorable, with opportunities for promotions mid-season.
Looking ahead, warm weather temperatures are expected to accelerate ripening.
This summer season is the first as a newly merged company–in January, Fruit World and Creekside Organics announced a 50-50 merger. "It's strengthened our grower base, expanded product lines, and improved our ability to serve retail partners with consistent, high-quality organic produce," says Haught, adding that cherries and apricots will be under the new Fruit World branding. "The organic market continues pushing for higher quality standards, sustainable packaging, and year-round availability—all of which require careful planning, innovation, and investment."
For more information:
Creekside Organics
Tel.: +1 (661) 859-0346
[email protected]
https://www.creeksideorganics.net/
https://www.fruitworldco.com/
