An early start to the kiwifruit season in California put domestic production in competition with imports sooner in the year. With fruit from Chile, Italy and New Zealand still available, prices have been down from last season.
“Volumes, overall, are similar to those from last season,” said David Silva of Dayka Hackett in Reedley, California. “Sizing in the southern and central part of the valley is similar if not slightly larger than sizing from last year, and sizing in the northern part of the valley is a bit smaller.” He cited the weather, which kicked off the season two weeks ahead of schedule, and a lack of water as possible factors in sizing.
“Prices are less than what they were last year, but it's still a good market,” said Silva. “There's fruit coming from four major regions, so that's applying downward pressure on the market.” On November 3, prices for a 20-pound carton of loose size 30 Haywards from California were between $16.50 and $17.50.
“As imported fruit clears the market, prices will strengthen,” said Silva. “That will probably happen sometime around January.”
