West and Northwest Update...

July 7, 2010     CALIFORNIA

STONE FRUIT:
Sales are off from this time last year and growers are very concerned. The overall peach crop is huge, but there just isn't enough ads to help move this years crop. The sheds are full and new varieties are ready to harvest. Shippers are willing to take almost any offer for volume.
Nectarines are in the same boat as peaches, great taste, great sizing and color. They just need to move more volume. Both red and black plums markets are steady and sizing falls in the 30 to 40 sz range.

PEARS:
California will start packing the Star Crimson around July 11th with Bartlett's to start the following week. Bosc and Golden Bosc will begin the first week of August and all varietals such as Comice, French Butter and Seckel will be available by mid August. Over-all the pears look great due to a wet spring and cool evenings.

GRAPES:
Mexico is expected to finish up in the next 10 days. Coachella Valley is packing good looking fruit at much higher pricing levels. Central Valley should be in full production between July 12 and 19th. The Perlettet's and Sugarones will be getting started as well as other varieties get going. We anticipate another outstanding season. We also expect a good start with Flames this year with production a little on the slow side. But with warmer weather, sugar levels should be higher and production will increase.

July 7, 2010   WASHINGTON

CHERRIES:
Cherry Season has had one of the more difficult starts in recent years. The weather forecast looks good for the next few weeks as we move into mid and later districts where wind and rain damage is less prevalent. In prior weeks there were many issues with trucks and picking delays. The crop has good volume and will need retail ad support to maximize on this years crop.

APPLES:
June shipments have been right on projection. Expect good supplies of Fuji, Red and Granny Smiths, Gold Delicious are winding down.

PEARS:
Finishing up! It's been a great season. We still have D'Anjou but supplies are winding down quickly.