California pomegranates for the most part apparently dodged the bullet when Hurricane Hilary hit the West Coast several weeks ago.
Trinity Fruit of Fresno, CA reports this season’s fruit quality looks better than in previous years, with a little better size and yields.
The San Joaquin Valley experienced heavy rain and wind in August. Fortunately, Hilary was downgraded to a tropical storm before arriving in the central valley. Thus, the effects to the 2023 pomegranate crop appear to be minimal.
Trinity Fruit Co. of Fresno, CA began shipping in its proprietary Sweetheart varieties in early September, with Wonderful to follow in October and November.
Pom Wonderful of Los Angeles points out Hilary’s effects have been negligible thus far for the Wonderful variety. The grower, shipper will begin harvesting in early to mid-October. At John Vena Inc. in Philadelphia, the wholesale distributor will carry Wonderful pomegranates when peak season begins in October or early November.
Once the California pomegranate season finishes in December, the company will transition to counter-season fruit from Israel. In March, when the Israeli season typically ends, Vena will offer Wonderful pomegranates from Peru, where the season runs into June.
Vena notes the year-round availability of pomegranate is fueled by arils, as well as the country’s changing demographics.
Over 50% of the population has never had a pomegranate, so the growth potential is there, the company believes.
According to Circana Integrated Fresh multi-outlet data for the 52 weeks ending July 2, 2023, dollar sales for fresh pomegranates reached more than $160 million — a 16% increase over the previous year and 27.5% higher than two years prior. Unit sales grew more than 11%, and by volume increased more than 13% over the previous year.