Press Releases
Current Demand Adequate to Move 2004 Tree Fruit Crop
4/29/2004
Established demand in both export and domestic markets should easily meet or exceed this year's supply of California peaches, plums and nectarines. Grower committees of the California Tree Fruit Agreement met yesterday in Visalia setting the official pre-season crop estimate at 57.3 million packages for the three fruits. This figure is down from last year's 59-million package crop, but is right in line with the five-year average production for California tree fruit.
"This year we are expecting both excellent quality and ample volume to meet the increasing demand for our fruits," stated California Tree Fruit Agreement President Blair Richardson, noting that U.S. per capita consumption for California-grown peaches, plums and nectarines is at record levels and export shipments continue to realize phenomenal growth. "The industry has been successful in expanding demand for our fruit through effective marketing programs, education and improved handling practices. We are now capable of moving even larger crops than the one anticipated for the coming season. We expect 2004 to be an excellent season for everyone involved in our business."
Prime growing conditions for tree fruits in recent months has resulted in a full crop of peaches and nectarines for 2004 with excellent quality expected. Specifically, the industry is calling for 22,601,000 25-pound packages of fresh peaches to be produced in 2004. This is slightly higher than the record crop of 22,534,000 packages produced last season.
For nectarines, the 2004 pre-season estimate has been set at 22,245,000 25-pound packages, compared to 21,614,000 packages produced in 2003.
As for plums, the crop is expected to be down from last year's 14.9 million-package crop with the estimate set at just 12,442,000 28-pound packages. A crop of this size would be the shortest produced since 1995 when a severe hail storm damaged a significant portion of California's plum crop. This year, excessive heat during bloom and a resulting lack of pollination has affected the crop set for plums. Also factoring into the short plum crop is the steady replacement of traditional plum varieties with Pluots®. However, the Pluot crop is also expected to be shorter this season than last. Although, there is no official industry estimate for Pluots, word is the crop may be down from 5 million boxes produced last year to 4 million in 2004.
"Although CTFA does not officially represent Pluot varieties, these fruits would certainly be included in the "plum" category at retail" stated Richardson. "Therefore, if the anticipated Pluot volume is factored in, the expected volume for the overall "plum" category is about 16.5 million packages. While down from last year, this is still sufficient volume for strong retail promotions."
As for crop timing, the season is running ahead of last year by an average of 5 or 6 days. However, because harvest last year was considered to be late, 2004 is expected to be "normal" with respect to timing.
"We are looking forward to a good year for fresh California peaches, plums and nectarines," concluded Richardson. "Market conditions are ideal for growers and retailers to have a profitable season. The international climate appears to be much more favorable and consumers should enjoy plenty of excellent quality peaches, plums and nectarines this summer."