“This year’s pomegranate production is expected to be ten to twenty percent lower than last year,” says Brian Haley with SunnyGem. “From conversations with different farmers, I heard some were forced to cut back on water or culled out acreage and fallowed their land.” The Westside of the Central Valley is an ideal growing area for pomegranates, but the region doesn’t receive any water allocation from the water districts this year. It solely depends on pumping from wells. In addition to lower production, the industry is expected to peak one size smaller this season as rationing water results in smaller size fruit.
Potential impact of El Nino during harvest
The crop could be reduced further if it rains during harvest. While the state desperately needs rain, it creates cracking in the pomegranate crop. In addition, it tends to discolor the appearance of the fruit. “We obviously want the rain like all farmers do, we just hope it happens after November 10th. If it rains over half an inch and gets sunny the next day, it basically wipes out our XFancy grade,” said Haley. “We will be forced to pack into Fancy or Utility grade.”
Maturing trees increase SunnyGem’s production
SunnyGem anticipates the start of Wonderful pomegranate harvest on October 1st. It’s about ten days earlier than normal,” said Haley. Fresh pomegranates are harvested until November 10 and after that, the focus will be on picking fruit for juicing. The company’s crop estimate is 500,000 equivalent cases, up 35 percent over last year. Production is up due to aggressive fall pruning, consistent water and the trees gaining another year of age and becoming more productive. “It looks like we are up one size and anticipate peaking on 22s,” Haley mentioned. “The quality on the trees looks outstanding. At this point, it’s about 50 percent color outside and 30 percent color inside.”
Launch of juice product and retail bin
SunnyGem offers whole pomegranates, juice and arils. All products are distributed across North America. Whole pomegranates and juice concentrate are also important export products, in particular to Asia. SunnyGem just launched a new juice product as well as a pop-up display for its whole pomegranates. The display is narrower in width, which leaves more room to walk the isles in the grocery store. “This bin will work well in smaller stores or stores with limited space,” finished Haley.
