The exceptional spring and consistent summer experienced in Washington has created a crop of tremendous stone fruit across the board. Not only do Washington trees receive about an extra hour more of sunlight each day than some southern-growing regions, but this year's consistent weather during the growing season has created minimal stress on the trees themselves leading to maximum fruit development. Translated into real world terms, that means when consumers take home Washington fruit from your shelf, they will certainly be able to "taste the difference." And in a world of repeat sales, that is the difference.
Harvest of all Washington stone fruits continues to run in the range of 7 to 10 days ahead of last year. The consensus of growers and packers remains that the State's soft fruit crop overall is expected to produce average volumes. Split between peaches and nectarines, that will produce 2.5 to 3 million boxes of fruit. Growers expect our peak window (NOW through mid-September) to remain the same, though more volume will be available in the preceding weeks due to growing conditions.
Apricot Update: The Washington apricot growers are nearing the end of their season, with a crop of great quality in the books. The last of the Perfections are entering the market, and the late season growers are well under way with their late-ripening varieties such as Southern Cross and Nova. The last of these later Washington apricots are expected to wrap up by the end of August.
Peach Variety Update: Current varieties in harvest are primarily Sweet Dreams and several of the "Lady series," notably Zee Lady and Elegant Lady peaches. We will have promotable volume on peaches through the end of September.
Nectarine Variety Update: Honey Havens are wrapping up, and Honey Royales are well underway along with Summer Flares. Over the coming week we will see Bright Sweets and Royal Brights start picking up, along with Grand Candy. We will have volume on nectarines through the end of September.
Prune/Plum Variety Update: Harvest on early Italian prunes is under way and we expect to have Prunes into September. This classic fruit has seen a surge of consumer popularity over the past 3 years, so if you'd like to offer your customers a high-quality option, don't delay in contacting your Washington shippers!
In double-blind taste tests, consumers preferred the taste of Washington's peaches 4 to 1 over the competition. People come back for flavor, as retailers across the U.S. have been experiencing with the Northwest cherry crop. Washington State Fruit Commission promotions are available to help boost the visibility of our fan-earning fruit, along with a variety of POS materials. Contact your WSFC representative to find out more.
Source: Washington State Fruit Commission
