All 100 percent of New Jersey’s peach crop is sold to the fresh market via supermarkets, farm markets, specialty produce stores, U-pick operations and community farmers markets, with Jersey peaches shipped all over the eastern U.S. and eastern Canada.“In our current times of buying local and caring about the carbon footprint, New Jersey enjoys the ability to arrive at destinations from Eastern Canada to Florida, and as far west as the Mississippi river within 2 days,” Lundblad said. “This allows the state’s growers to pick the fruit a little riper for an excellent eating experience.”
Projections for the 2024 season are very similar to last year — a full crop with plenty of fresh, juicy peaches available. That can be attributed to cooperative weather this winter, with no adverse events to prevent a successful harvest this summer.
The biggest challenges facing New Jersey peach growers are the increased costs on everything related to growing and packing peaches.
One of the ways the Peach Promotion Council is helping in 2024 is by expanding its social media outreach and digital advertising, as well as increasing in-person contacts at events.
“By promoting the benefits of local Jersey Fresh peaches, we have natural advantages because we are growing peaches and marketing them in the densely populated state of New Jersey and very close to large consuming markets in Philadelphia and New York City,” Frecon said. “There is lots of competition for shelf space in retail stores from other peach producing areas, but we have advantages because we are so close to markets.”
Retailers can do their part to help promote peaches, Lundblad said, by driving the success through ads and placement of large displays in stores.
“Our best opportunities are increasing partnerships with retailer and consumers through in-store promotions, advertising, social media campaigns and in-person farm experiences,” Lundblad said.
