California’s Wonderful pomegranate harvest is already underway, with fruit expected to be available until the end of January.
“Despite the four-year drought in California, pomegranates were better positioned than most other crops, as they were not big water users,” Tom Tjerandsen, manager of the California-based Pomegranate Council said.
The drought has impacted sizing somewhat, with fruit size peaking at 24 count (114mm), one size down on last season, which is also the result of new pomegranate plantings coming into production.
Australia has stepped up as the fourth largest export market for California pomegranates, with sea freighted product already arriving, with volume expected to increase mid-November.
Shipments to Australia grew 31 per cent to 200,000 11.4kg-cartons in 2014 compared to the previous season, according to Tjerandson, with shipments expected to increase again this season.
The Pomegranate Council will build on its previous promotions in Australia, which include an educational campaign for consumers and retailers on the easiest way to open pomegranates, with QR codes linking consumers to videos.
The Australian marketing programme will also feature recipes for pomegranates n summer salads and seafood dishes and well as desserts and breakfast meals.
