Unlike Michigan the weather in Turkey has been cool and great for growing apricots. The crop is later than normal, but as a result there was very little or no frost damage and we are expecting a good crop. We think prices will slowly trend down until new crop arrives in mid/late August.
USA Dried Cherries
Per my comments above, there appears to be about 85-95% damage to the tart cherry crop in Michigan, and since we produce about 70% of all tart cherries, it is having a huge impact on dried cherry market. Most processors are withdrawn and prices seem to go up every day. Some are trying to promote dried sweet cherries, but these have a very different flavor profile and are not at all as popular as the tart cherries. It is going to be a crazy 14 months.
Pinenut Kernels
Prices seem to be very steady for the past several weeks for Chinese pinenuts and demand has tapered off slightly. We expect demand to pick back up shortly because salad season is here, and fresh basil will start arriving for pesto. Turkish pinenuts are VERY expensive. The new crop from Turkey is due in during the summer months, but reports are that the crop is fairly small and prices will remain firm.
Turkish Roasted/Salted Pistachios
Our pistachio sales have been brisk. Once again, the weather in Turkey has been good and we expect the price to continue to come off as we get closer to new crop. The only caveat being that there is not a lot of inventory in the USA and everyone will want to be out of stock before new crop arrives. There could be shortages very late in the season.
Chinese Peeled Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
Pepitas have been also selling very well. Prices are steady and attractive. We are now selling only sterilized (H20) seeds which is a little more expensive, but we feel is the right thing to do.
