Mast: 'We’re optimistic there’s a nice crop out there to work with'
Mast: 'We’re optimistic there’s a nice crop out there to work with'
The apple harvest is underway at Columbia Marketing International, located in Wenatchee, WA. “We’re packing our first Galas today,” Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast told The Produce News on Aug. 21.
As is true for other Washington apple producers, CMI has only begun the process of assessing actual damage to its 2012-2013 crop following the July 20 hailstorm. “We had a good-sized crop,” he commented. “We’re looking to get a good read on what can make it into the box. We’re optimistic there’s a nice crop out there to work with.”
A host of weather-related issues plagued America’s apple production regions this year. “It’s been a trying season,” Mr. Mast stated. “The Northwest has a fair crop. It will be a stronger market given the national problems.”
The company markets a full manifest of conventional and organic apples. CMI expects it will pack some damaged apples as a hail-grade value bag for retailers because the national pipeline is expected to be in short supply. He said it will be hard for producers to quantify volume for export until they get a handle on supplies. “There’s definitely going to be more demand in the domestic market,” he noted.
And he expects price volatility will be another consideration. “You want apples in consumers’ carts,” he stated.
Retailers will be able to take advantage of several new promotion programs this season. Special promotions are being planned for the company’s Ambrosia and Kiku varieties, both of which have received a good reception at retail. These promotions will be launched at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in October.
In addition to its conventional product, CMI markets conventional apples under the “Daisy Girl” label. “We’re 15 percent of the Northwest,” Mr. Mast said of the organic sector. This season, CMI will offer organic apples in a traditional two-pound poly bag as well as a newly designed two-pound pouch-style bag, which stands up.
