Few will forget the nearly unrelenting past winter that delivered storm after storm across the Northeast.

For some, however, those frigid temperatures were a blessing, notably the New Jersey peach crop.

Pegi Adam, director of communications for the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, told The Produce News that the cold put the trees into a sound dormant stage, and when the weather turned warm they burst into a great bloom.Peach blooms

“Growers are reporting they have great quality and volumes of peaches this year,” said Adam in mid-June. “They anticipate a normal season start at approximately the end of June. No pest issues were reported, also due to the cold winter.”

Under Adam’s guide the council takes to task the promotion of New Jersey’s peach crop. This year, as always, it is ramping up numerous exciting programs.

“We are doing our usual New Jersey peach events,” she said. “Increasingly more stores, farm markets and foodservice operators are jumping on board each year to participate in this promotional endeavor.”

The initiative began about five years ago. Each participant organizes its event to best suit its specific culture, and each is offered point of sale materials and banners provided by the council.

Farm markets, for example, dedicate a set period of time to engage in the peach campaign. Some hold contests or participate in those organized by the council, and have stands set up to offer New Jersey peaches and products made with the fruit. Some restaurants organize a menu for a set time frame where every course includes peaches.

“The first year we had 18 participants,” said Adam. In 2013 we had 35. Last year slacked off just a little, but this year I have a lot of new people coming on board to hold events, and I’m sure our numbers will be even higher. People are still booking, so we won’t know until the end of the season how many are participating.”

The council is once again holding its Perfect Peach Pie competition this season. This initiative started with six markets in 2013. Last year 18 markets participated, and Adam feels sure the number will increase even more this year because word of mouth has spread across the state.

“Participating markets pick their own judges, which are chefs, food writers and others deemed appropriate,” explained Adam. “The winner of each market is automatically entered into a final contest. Because of the size and configuration of New Jersey, we try to include an equal number from North and South Jersey. Last year’s contest was judged by chefs and people from the ‘Good Day Philadelphia’ morning show on Fox 29.”

Two grand prize winners receive a $300 prize. Information, including entry forms and rules are available from the council at www.jerseypeaches.com, and on facebook.com/newjerseypeaches. The winning recipes are posted on its website.

Adam is also focusing on supermarkets this year.

“Many people buy their Jersey peaches at supermarkets as opposed to farm markets,” she pointed out. “I’m doing some outreach, especially to staff nutritionists, this year to determine the potential. Store demos are a wonderful way to engage consumers.”

She also noted that some supermarkets like the option of selling peaches in clamshells, and that major packinghouses and distributors offer them in numerous sizes. Costco currently offers its Jersey peaches in clamshells.

“School lunch providers are now offering peaches,” said Adam. “Kids love peaches. And it would be wonderful for retailers to offer single peach clamshells that parents can simply pop into a lunch pail.”

The council continues its late season peach campaign. It’s long been a mindset that consumers switch to apples when school starts, but late season peaches are outstanding quality and they should be enjoyed as long as possible.

A new and major initiative for the council is its new video which is geared to produce directors, managers and produce staff.

“It demonstrates handling and displaying tips and advice,” said Adam. “We also now have a video for kids. They are available for viewing on our website.”