The supply is strong on California peaches, plums, and nectarines. “They are showing good color, flavor, and overall quality,” said Miguel Beltran, Sales Manager, California Stonefruit & Exotics for Giumarra Reedley, adding that its fruit is coming from California’s San Joaquin Valley and is packed in the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Reedley, California. “Growing conditions have been favorable, contributing to the earlier start and strong quality.”

© The Giumarra Companies
A closer look at DulceVida yellow nectarines.

In all, the company currently has California peaches, plums, nectarines, premium white and yellow peaches and nectarines along with black and red plums in production. “For our proprietary DulceVida® program, we began shipping white flesh varieties – branded Twilight Edition™ – at the end of May and will continue to ship through July,” said Gary Caloroso, Regional Business Development Director for The Giumarra Companies. “Harvest is underway for our DulceVida yellow flesh program, branded Midnight Edition™ and Sunrise Edition™, with several varieties shipping now. As with our other stone fruit, this is a couple weeks earlier than our usual timeframe and we encourage retailers to promote accordingly.”

Indeed, like many commodities coming from California this season, harvest began approximately two weeks earlier than last year. “This is due to weather and favorable growing conditions, so promotable supply is available earlier in the season compared to last year,” said Beltran.

© The Giumarra Companies
L-R: Miguel Beltran, Gary Caloroso

Timing and demand for stone fruit this season

That early start is also expected to be followed by a slightly earlier end to the season. “We encourage our retailers to make the most of the timeframe and actively promote California stone fruit. Demand is expected to remain strong throughout the summer season,” said Caloroso.

As he notes, peaches and nectarines lead the stone fruit category. “Data demonstrates California stone fruit is increasing in both volume and dollar sales, making it a key summer driver for retailers. Fruit with superb eating quality and visual appearance keeps consumers coming back,” said Caloroso. “Retailers might consider expanding assortment, leaning into premium varieties (such as DulceVida), and partnering with suppliers to launch in-store and/or online marketing promotions to continue driving consumption. Our team is ready to support retailers in their marketing efforts to connect consumers with the excellent, limited time eating experience that is California stone fruit.” Those marketing efforts include expanded DulceVida recipe assets for this season, which highlight the versatility and flavor of these varieties.

© The Giumarra Companies
An assortment of California stone fruit.

Looking ahead, continued strong supply and quality is expected on California stone fruit with the company’s DulceVida program ramping up on shipments of both white and yellow flesh varieties.

For more information:
Megan Gorgisheli
The Giumarra Companies
Tel: +1 (213) 627-2900
[email protected]
www.giumarra.com