Domex Superfresh Growers of Yakima, Wash., says it is looking forward to a “sweet” Washington State apricot crop this season. The industry is estimating approximately 5,200 tons, which is about a 9 percent increase over what was shipped last season. Weather this growing season for apricots has been excellent and will provide above-average sizing and flavor, the company says.
“Domex will begin shipping by the third week of June through the end of July,” says Howard Nager, VP of marketing for Domex Superfresh Growers. “Volume for the season could be approximately 15 percent of the industry’s estimated 700,000 boxes. Perfections, Rivals and Robada will account for the majority of the varieties shipped and will also include a smaller organic program with a limited shipping window the end of June into the first two weeks of July.”
The majority of the fruit will be shipped to accounts in the U.S. while exports are directed primarily to Canada as well as Mexico. Domex will ship a variety of sizes in a 15-lb. panta pack, 24-lb. volume filled cases and 1.6-lb. Ziploc poly bags.
Domex Superfresh Growers reveals its top five reasons to merchandise apricots:
• Remain competitive—competitors are promoting;
• Market basket profitability—basket dollars increased 23 percent when purchasing stone fruit;
• Display size and product location—increased displays impacts volume and dollar sales;
• Consumption trend—apricot-per-capita consumption continues to grow; and
• Featured ad growth—13 percent increase in apricot ads during 2013 season over prior year.
“Apricots bring the taste of summer to consumers with their vibrant color and tangy-sweet taste,” says Nager. “We see a large percentage of retailers across both the U.S. and Canada featuring Apricots in ads and promotions. They are ideal for baking, making preserves or eaten as a delicious, nutritious snack. They are fat free, sodium free and are high in Vitamin A and C and as well as being a good source of potassium. We are looking forward to sharing the great taste of Washington apricots this season.”
