Commission emphasizes exceptional quality for coming stone fruit crop
Commission emphasizes exceptional quality for coming stone fruit crop
Growers in the Pacific Northwest are moving into the 2013 stone fruit season on solid ground. “We’re a little later producer for stone fruit,” said James Michael, promotions director for the Washington State Fruit Commission. The region boasts longer growing hours, which in turn, creates stone fruit of exceptional quality.
Michael said conditions have been optimal, with little or no interference from Mother Nature. “This has been one of the warmest springs on record,” he told The Produce News. “The weather has cooled off a little so timing will be normal.” 
James MichaelStone fruit production in Washington’s Yakima Valley is tracking along typical timetables with the Tri-Cities area. In general, the number of stone fruit blossoms is smaller than it was in 2012, and Michael said tree vigor will translate to quality product.
Apricot production will begin toward the end of June and run through July. “Apricots will be up 5 percent this year,” Michael stated. “Quality is looking good.”
Production of peaches, nectarines, prunes and plums ramps up in mid- to late July depending upon the fruit variety. Peak volume hits the marketplace the second half of August moving into the beginning of September. “These orchards are grown right along cherry orchards,” Michael commented. “Cool nights keep the fruit juicy.”
Following conversations with growers, Michael expects the 2013 peach and nectarine harvests to be on par with 2012 volume.
With a later production timetable, Michael said the quality for stone fruit gives retailers an opportunity to capture additional rings at the register. “Consumers have a good impression about our quality stone fruit due to the lateness of the season,” he said. “There’s really an opportunity to eke out more [retail] sales in September.”
Stone fruit from the Pacific Northwest is primarily sold to the domestic marketplace. On the export side, product is moved to Canada and Mexico with limited quantities going to Singapore and Taiwan.
