Outlook for NW Pear Loadings; California Shipping Update

Outlook for NW Pear Loadings; California Shipping Update

Pacific Northwest Produce Shipments

DSCN6057Here’s an outlook for the new crop of pear shipments gearing up in a few weeks from the Pacific Northwest, plus an update on what’s happening in California.

The fourth largest volume of pear shipments out of the Pacific Northwest is seen for the 2015-16 season, with an estimated 20 million-plus boxes.  While this is 2 percent below last year, it is 2 percent above a five-year average.   Pear shipments last season was the second highest on record.  The total Northwest summer-fall pear volume is anticipated to be approximately 4.8 million boxes, down 6 percent from 2014.  The total Northwest winter pear volume is expected to be about 15.6 million boxes, unchanged from 2014.

Meanwhile, the old apple and pear crop continues to be shipped, while cherry loadings are virtually finished.  Still, 2000 truck load equivalents of apples continue to be loaded weekly.

Yakima and Wenatchee Valley apple and pear shipments – grossing about $4400 to Chicago.

California Produce Shipments

San Joaquin Valley table grapes continue to be shipped in steady volume, averaging nearly 1500 truck loads per week….Northern California and the San Joaquin Valley may have modest pear shipments to the Northwest, the new crop is averaging around 175 truck loads per week…..The San Joaquin Valley continues to ship a wide variety of product ranging from cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons from the Westside district, plus the valley has a host of vegetables and tomatoes being loaded.  Still, mostly adequate truck supplies are being reported to handle the demand.

San Joaquin Valley produce – grossing about $7100 to New York City.