Grower Direct's Matt Nowak Talks Upcoming Cherry Season in California
STOCKTON, CA – As consumers and retailers alike gear up for spring and early summer holidays ripe with flavor-filled cherries, Grower Direct Marketing is prepping for another successful year of highly demanded treefruit.
Domestic and Export Account Manager Matt Nowak recently told me, the company will be starting its California cherry harvest around April 24 with its Brooks variety, and anticipates wrapping up the season around mid-June.
“We will have a slightly later start this year than what we’ve seen the past couple of seasons as growers had a limited window to apply rest breaking agents,” Matt tells me. “But we’re expecting an excellent crop to supply our customers with.”
After kicking things off with Brooks, Grower Direct will follow with Corals and Tulares from its southern districts of Bakersfield, Arvin, and Fresno, before continuing northward to Lodi, Linden, and Stockton with its Bing variety to finish out its California offerings.
“As far as we can tell right now, we expect April volumes will be slightly limited in the market, with peak volumes coming in early May and lasting through Memorial Day,” Matt continues. “Volumes will tighten up in June as the California season winds down.”
Though Grower Direct expects the market to start off high as usual this season, and adjusting downward as peak volumes approach, the company expects promotable volumes in time for retailers to push Mother’s Day and Memorial Day promotions.
“Ample amounts of rain and dormancy this winter are making for a great crop, so hopefully Mother Nature continues to cooperate,” Matt finishes.
As California cherry season winds up, AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all the latest.
