Prune Crop Update
The official California Prune Crop estimate published last June estimated a crop approaching 105,000 short tons which would have been a 24% reduction in inventory versus last year. As the crop has now been harvested, the grading and sorting process (sizing and discovering the quality of the fruit) began in early September. Most CA processors are now reporting that the crop will be anywhere from 40-60% of last year’s crop. Many processors feel that the crop may only approach 70-80,000 tons.
Sizes are trending towards large sizes and there is virtually no small fruit within this crop. Processors are paying premium prices to the growers and competition for inventory is intense.
Prices are firming for all sizes and prunes smaller than 70 count will be scarce.
We are taking steps to assure that our customers receive their normal inventory levels throughout this crop season but it will be a challenge and we will have substitute sizes and varieties.
Raisin Crop Update
We are expecting an average to above average crop of both Natural Seedless Select and Golden raisins this year. We are also expecting an average size Currant crop. Currant supplies are expected to return to normal.
Harvest began in earnest the last week of August. Quality seems to be average.
Field prices have not been set but we have announced decreases in Natural Seedless Select, Goldens and Currants effective in October.
