Here’s a triple threat for hauling opportunities out of the Western U.S. July means shipments of Montana cherries and San Joaquin Valley grapes, while Washington cherries are rapidly building in volume.
Although Central San Joaquin Valley grape shipments, similar to other California crops, will be a little later starting this season than last, grape haulers probably won’t notice the difference.
California grape shipments are initially estimated to total 112.1 million, 19-pound box equivalents. Last year’s volume was 109 million boxes. An official estimate is due in late July.
Many shippers will get underway with light volume loadings the first week of July in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Meanwhile, some Coachella Valley shippers will still will be shipping fruit into July, while others have finished the season during the last half of June.
Additionally, Mexican spring grape shipments are just wrapping up.
Montana Cherry Shipments
Glacier Fresh, cherry grower in the Flathead Lake region of western Montana was founded in 2001 and has traditionally grown high-quality fruit for the export market. However, this season it will also be providing fruit for markets in the U.S. by working with Giumarra Cos, based in Los Angeles.
Glacier Fresh cherry shipments will get underway in late July with Rainiers and dark red varieties. The Montana fruit operation works with Montana growers to pack and ship more than 1 million pounds of fruit, accounting for over 25 percent of the state’s annual cherry shipments.
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by FirstFruits Marketing of Washington
YAKIMA, Wash. – FirstFruits Marketing of Yakima, WA announces that the 2017 Washington cherry shipments are well under way with exceptional quality and great color available now.
FirstFruits is currently shipping dark sweet cherries and Rainier cherries were in limited quantities starting June 16, with full volume by June 22. Both dark sweet and Rainier cherries are available in conventional and organic varieties.
“The cherry crop looks excellent this season in terms of quality,” said Chuck Zeutenhorst, general manager of FirstFruits. “The color is just outstanding and we’re looking forward to working with our retail partners to present their customers with a great cherry program this season.”