The California Prune Board’s executive committee is estimating 75,000 short tons (68,000 MT) in volume for the 2022 prune crop year.
While it is still early, this estimation tracks with the average high-quality crop California is known for. The premium quality and range of optimum sizes of California prunes will have significant demand as global inventory remains constrained, adding upward pressure on the value of the fruit.
“The oversupply from just a few years ago has morphed into a very tight market due to erratic global supply and weather-related challenges over the past couple of years,” says Donn Zea, executive director for the California Prune Board. “Medium-to-large prunes will be the primary domain of California this year.”
As consumption of healthy, shelf-stable foods continues gaining traction, demand for California prunes in markets around the world remains strong. California prune growers and processors consistently produce premium fruit with a focus on sizing and flavor, delivering to 60 countries each year.
