Kurt Cappelluti, sales manager at Stellar Distributing Inc. in Madera, CA, is concerned that kiwifruit imported from Chile and Italy may affect pricing for domestically produced fruit. Stellar is a year-round marketer of kiwifruit, and its California season runs from October through April 1.

“We have a large oversupply in North America,” he stated.According to the California Kiwifruit Commission, kiwifruit production is a small agricultural enterprise in the Golden State made up of less than 300 growers who farm approximately 13 acres each. (Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

According to Cappelluti, Chilean growers are moving a crop that is three times larger than typical volume, and Italy is expected to produce a record-setting crop this season.

Looking at California production, Cappelluti said, “We will see some smaller sizes due to water [shortages].” Record high temperatures were reported in California, and Cappelluti added, “Even New York broke a heat record [on Sept. 8].”

Chris Kragie, vice president of Western Fresh Marketing Services Inc. in Madera, spoke with The Produce News about the California kiwifruit crop it will be marketing.

“Western Fresh has two growers in the Gridley area that were hit with hail, and there will be a slight decrease in these growers' production,” he said. “We are starting earlier due to the lack of water, and with the lack water we will be watching the fruit very closely throughout the season to ensure quality stays good.”

Western Fresh works with a grower network positioned from Gridley in the north to Bakersfield in the south.

“Western Fresh will be up 10-15 percent from last year due to two new growers that have allowed us to market their fruit this year,” he said, adding that harvest began the week of Sept. 28.

“Western Fresh only markets the Hayward variety for California crop, but we will handle a few containers of Gold kiwi from Italy starting in late December,” he said. “Prices are down due to the amount of Chilean kiwi currently in the market. But I am optimistic the market will start to work its way back up before we start the California crop.”

According to the California Kiwifruit Commission website, “California produces around 98 percent of the kiwifruit grown in the United States. Kiwifruit has remained a relatively small agricultural industry in California made up of less than 300 growers who farm around 13 acres each.

Due to California kiwifruit's fall harvest, fresh kiwifruit is available during the winter months, an uncommon time for the 'homegrown' California fresh fruits.”

Although more than 40 known kiwifruit varieties are produced around the globe, the commission said California specializes in the Hayward variety, known for its larger size and high sugar content. The fruit is available during the winter and spring months.

In addition to domestic distribution, California exports kiwifruit to Mexico, Canada and Asia.