Imports of California peaches, plums and nectarines are in full swing for the second half of their shoulder in the UK, to bridge the gap between the tail-end of European fruit and the start of southern-hemisphere supplies.
A spokesman from the California Tree Fruit Agreement (CTFA) told freshinfo: “Although California peaches, plums and nectarines have been on shelves all summer, it is this next six- to eight-week period where our stonefruit can make a difference to retailers’ premium lines.”
With new white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed varieties of peaches and nectarines being received extremely well, and with plums consistently sweet, juicy and of a good size, it is set to be a good year for California in the UK, according to the CTFA. “Packout figures are up on this time last year and importers have been happy with the consistent quality the fruits have provided throughout the season,” added the spokesman.
California peach varieties are harvesting well, with blush ranges from 70 to 90 per cent and peaking at sizes 42 and 48. Plums are of a more normal size than in previous years, while nectarines are achieving a 12-14 per cent brix level, and are well coloured and eating well.
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