| CALIFORNIA-based Lone Tree hopes to include
Japan in its Asian export profile this season. In previous seasons, the
stonefruit grower-packer-shipper has exported apricots and pluots (a cross
between plums and apricots) to Hong Kong retailers and Taiwan. Despite renewed
economic volatility in Japan, the company believes that there is still an
opportunity to market product in this country.
The El Nino weather pattern impacted on harvesting this season,
causing delays in both apricot and pluot harvesting. Apricot harvesting
began two weeks later than initially anticipated in mid-May.
Lone Tree produces a number of apricot sizes, ranging from counts 28 to
40. Asia generally takes larger-sized product, counts 32 and 36. Pluot sizes
run from counts 30 through to 48.
Harvesting pluots can be a difficult task. "Some product is difficult
to crop, which affects production levels," Lone Tree owner Steven
Brenkwitz explained.
"Maturity is difficult to determine, so optimum sugar levels
are difficult to predict. Here at Lone Tree, optimum packable maturity
is key."
Because of the delayed harvest, Lone Tree began its pluot
season in mid-June, starting with its Flavour Supreme variety. The season
will run through to October. The company additionally exports other varieties
including Flavour King and Queen.
"We do plan to send all 20 varieties to Asia this year,"
Mr Brenkwitz said. "We expect demand to be high." However, Mr
Brenkwitz believes that some of Asia's sluggish economies will inevitably
hinder shipments, though response to apricots was largelyfavourable in early
June. "We anticipate lower numbers of exports due to the sagging economy,
but we are still optimistic."
Mr Brenkwitz believes that an improvement in distribution and
channelling product will aid marketers in the export deal. "At present,
the grower has a difficult task overcoming many obstacles, to bring a difficult
product to bear, pack and ship," he explained.
"By the time product has reached the market, fruit has
to undergo cold storage conditions and transportation difficulties. The
result is a poor arrival and the person who spent the most, worked the hardest,
and took on the most tasks, takes the biggest risk." |