HMC Farms' Chelsea Ketelsen Talks Stonefruit Season and Plumsicle™ Variety
KINGSBURG, CA - Stonefruit is perhaps my favorite thing to snack on during the summer and many shoppers feel the same. The variety of flavors and the limited window for domestic supply make this category an all-star. With HMC Farms’ stonefruit season right around the corner, I connected with Chelsea Ketelsen, Director of Marketing, to learn more about the provider’s programs.
“While stonefruit is available during the winter, it is truly at its best in the summer, making it a seasonal category people can look forward to. When you walk into the produce department and smell the large display of peaches before you even see them, you know you’re in for a real treat,” Chelsea said. “The versatility of stonefruit is exciting as well. Here at HMC Farms we grow peaches, nectarines, white peaches, white nectarines, plums, and pluots. While there are similarities, we feel that the varying flavors across the category from commodity to commodity gives the consumer an opportunity to find a favorite stonefruit among the display.”
HMC Farms’ stonefruit program lasts from late May to October and the grower wastes no expertise in making sure it brings the finest fruit to market.
“Our proprietary Plumsicle™ is our pride and joy,” Chelsea added. “It is incredibly sweet, but also very flavorful, making it a piece of fruit people can look forward to year after year. The speckled exterior and juicy red center are the perfect package for this fun and delicious fruit that is only available from HMC Farms late June–July.”
As Chelsea outlined HMC Farms’ program, she told me a few ins and outs of the category and what quality retailers can expect.
“Peak season on peaches and nectarines will start the first week of June and will last through the summer. Plums will peak in volume in mid-June and will be available in promotable volume through September. This is true for conventional and organic fruit,” she noted. “The trees had optimal weather this winter. Lots of rain and plenty of chill hours are shaping up for a nice crop. The front end is a little light due to a freeze during bloom time, but outside of that it should be a great summer for stonefruit.”
A great summer indeed! Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow for the latest in summertime program planning.
