Though U.S. consumers won't be able to get their hands on Peruvian Wonderful pomegranates until later this year, shipments from Peru began to go out this week. Added acreage is maturing well, so growers and shippers are hoping to manage additional production with a measured distribution approach.
“We're very pleased with the movement of Wonderful shipments to Europe, Canada and Asia,” said David Anthony of Ruby Fresh. “It's still early in the season, so prices are pretty good. We are taking a measured approach so as to not saturate any markets with product.” Ruby Fresh has over 1,200 acres of pomegranates planted in Peru, and Anthony explained that many of the trees are reaching their third or even fourth leaf. That means more trees are reaching or nearing optimal production.
“The advantage with Peru is that the climate is stable,” he noted. “In California, you're rushing to get the fruit harvested in five or six weeks before the rains come in November. But you can take your time in Peru because you're not in that kind of hurry. So you can do a progressive and selective harvest that can last into June or July.”
That stretched-out season is good news for American consumers who want to get their hands on Peruvian fruit this season. Pomegranate shipments from Peru were recently given the green light for shipment to the U.S., and imported fruit is expected to arrive toward the end of the season.
“We'll bring in a few containers this season as a trial,” said Anthony. “But we plan to bring a more significant part of the Peru crop into the U.S. in 2017.”
