Sourcing from Australia, New Zealand, and Chile
Winter import cherry program continues expanding
While cherries have generally been thought of as a summer fruit, United Apple’s import program is making new crop cherries available this month.
“We have offered a Chilean cherry program for the past 13 years and demand from retailers keeps growing every season. This year we have broadened the supply base to keep pace with requests from our retailers, who look forward to offering the consumer favorite cherries to build traffic in the produce aisle and respond to increased activity with online shopping programs,” says Brett Baker, United Apple partner and executive vice-president.
“The initial challenge was to secure volume for our program that is competing in the global market where the vast majority of cherries are exported to Asia and the Middle East. Our approach has been to reach out to the strongest growers in Australia, Chile and New Zealand and let them know that we have relationships with leading retailers, who are interested in building sustainable, multi-year programs,” said Brett Baker.
Short-season program
The program has product landing on both coasts. With the import cherry season being relatively short, product needs to be packed and shipped quickly. Both air and ocean freight are being used to start the program promptly, and to maintain an ongoing fresh supply for coming months.
Brett Baker, United Apple partner and executive vice-president, says United Apple has broadened its supply base for import cherries.
United is partnering with one of Tasmania’s largest growers–Reid Fruits–to bring in Lapin, Simone, Sweetheart, Sylvia, Regina and Kordia varieties. Chilean partner David Del Curto has been working with United on import apples and pears and has expanded the relationship to include cherries for the program. This includes the Santina, Stella, Lapin and Bing varieties.
Chilean and Tasmanian growers have indicated that weather conditions have been nearly ideal this season, which has created great eating quality and a 10 percent increase in volume over last year.
Quick turnaround
United Apple’s facility in Lyndonville, NY has been receiving Chilean product via air shipments and shipping to select retail partners since December 1. For west coast customers, United is partnering with northern California’s Delta Packing that will start seeing New Zealand and Tasmanian product by December 28. All product will have a comprehensive quality control check and then be scheduled for repack and shipping to retailers within 48 hours of landing at the respective facilities.
“We know that when cherries are in season with the domestic crop, they are a priority and drive consumers to the produce department. Retailers are always looking to increase produce sales after the holidays, when there is a general slowdown in purchases,” says Baker. “With our fresh-packed, import cherry program consumers will be pleasantly surprised to see a seasonal treat that is usually only available in the summer months. This will offer an option for the holidays and give consumers a start on healthy eating in the New Year.”
Baker says that based on supplies and program sales, United’s import cherries are targeted to be available until late January/early February.
For more information:
Bob Solberg
United Apple
Tel: +1 612-916-0187
bsolberg@comcast.net
www.unitedapplesales.com
Original link: https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9278927/winter-import-cherry-program-continues-expanding/?edition=1