Harvesting of navel oranges began this month in California, and like in previous years, the season got off to an early start. As not all growers are yet picking, supplies are light, but current prices will come down as volumes increase.
“We started picking navels at the start of the month, which is early, because the picking usually starts the second or third week of October,” said Mike Roberts of Suntreat. “The reason we started picking early was because the brix levels were testing high. Normally, we have to wait longer to get the necessary sugar, so I think the fruit is going to eat really well.” Growers throughout the state will begin picking this month and the next, and volumes will increase every week until then.
“For us, we're not picking everything we can pack right now because we don't want to go crazy with it,” said Roberts. “Not everyone is in yet, so prices are pretty good.” Sizing will also be a factor in pricing this season.
“Prices for all sizes will come down as more fruit is available,” said Roberts, “but prices for larger fruit will come down a little faster than they have the last couple of years.”
