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| PMA BULLETIN 2/2007 | 1 May 2007 |
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Board members of the California Cherry Advisory Board (CCAB) met earlier this week, with expectations of a good cherry crop this year.
Significant volumes of Bing cherries are expected in Australia from the week commencing 21 May and continuing through to mid to late June.
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Seasonal conditions to date have been excellent for optimal quality and size, according to CCAB. Some rain has affected early season varieties, which have just commenced harvest, but fruit from these areas is not shipped to Australia.
The accompanying image shows this year's California Cherry poster design. In the next newsletter we will provide more information about this season's promotions.
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Northwest cherries are set to rebound this year, after a disappointing season in 2006, when rain and a subsequent heat wave impacted on fruit quality.
Cherries are expected to be in the market from late June to mid/late August.
Northwest Cherry Growers' Director of International Marketing, Keith Hu, says preliminary crop forecasts suggest a crop of around 27 million (5kg) cartons, similar to last year and with quality matching the excellent 2005 season.
During a visit last week to Australia and New Zealand, he said growers had worked hard on pruning, thinning and orchard management to maximize fruit size and quality.
The industry is projecting a peak to occur around June 26th. However, as occurred last year, production from later varieties will increase, making the shape of the season flatter than previous years, resulting in a more drawn out "peak season". This is good news for the trade, retailers and consumers in Australia and New Zealand.
Increased production continues to come on stream from later varieties, such as Sweetheart and Skeena, in later growing regions of Washington State. As a result, good supplies will be available well into August.
Keith Hu is shown with Melbourne retailer Tony Mecca and recently retired wholesaler John Barker in Melbourne Markets.
Click image to enlarge
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"Save the Date"
Sydney, Friday 3 August
(With welcoming Reception Thursday evening 2nd August)
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