Oneonta expands stone fruit program with increased organic volume
Oneonta expands stone fruit program with increased organic volume
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers’ stone fruit program has grown during the past year and now includes both conventional and organic apricots, peaches, nectarines and three varieties of organic pluots.
“Nearly 30 percent of our stone fruit program is organic,” said Marketing Representative Bruce Turner.
“For the past several seasons, we have been working to increase our organic volume in all categories,” he continued. “Consumer demand in organic and natural continues to grow strongly. So our customers demand it. We plan to continue adding more organics to our manifest every year.”
Demand has been unprecedented, in many cases outpacing available supplies. “Consumers are very savvy, and the trend to more mainstream consumers adding more organic produce to their diets will continue,” Turner commented. “Retailers see this and are putting pressure on the markets for more supply of organics. The most progressive natural retailers have been ahead of this curve, but nearly every major U.S. retailer now has significant organic displays and sales. It’s been exciting to be a part of this.”
Attention to detail allows Oneonta to distinguish itself. “All stone fruit packed in the ‘Starr Ranch Organics’ label is truly tree-ripened,” Turner stated.
“We let it hang a little longer and pack it all by hand,” he continued. “The PLU stickers are placed carefully by hand to avoid bruising. It worked so well last season that we will market all the apricots, peaches and nectarines as ‘Handpacked & Treeripe’ this season.”
Scott Kehl, a long-time organic grower, has increased Oneonta’s organic apricot volume this season with new Robada acreage coming into production.
“This variety has size and color, and it just melts in your mouth,” said Kehl, who is also an organic pluot grower for Oneonta.
The three-week organic pluot season starts around Aug. 25 with “Flavor Heart” and then finishes with “Flavor Grenade” and “Flavor Jewel.”
“Most of these are presold before harvest,” Turner said. “So call your salesman early to get in on this short deal.”
