Cherry & picota Summary / Forecast for 2003 summer season

California and Spain: Both growing areas have run substantially late this year, hence the late start. Spain has lost approximately 40% of it's crop this year due to rain during blossom time. The Caspe, Fraga and Tarragona areas were further affected with rain in mid May during the harvest.

The Valle del Jerte area has not been affected by rain and has so far had a good season of stalked fruit.

the Picota Crop is also down in terms of volume by an estimated 20 to 30%, picking started week commencing 30th June.

Italy:
The Puglia region will play a relatively small role in the overall plan. The Ferrovia has a decent fruit set but has been  affected by subsequent massive temperated variations resulting in large percentage of fruit falling off the trees in early May. The verona area has had some good Mora variety this year.

Turkey:
Turkey has had a normal / large crop this year despite it's slightly late start. After a short crop last season, this year looks like being a more normal season with competitive prices This has been the key area of supply for july. We estimate Turkey continuing this season to the 2nd August in good volumes. Fruit sizing is generally medium to small 60% 24+ and 40% 22+.

USA:
The situation in Washington is good. they started harvesting in the last week June/first July and continue through to the second week of August in the late areas. Generally the crop is looking good and no adverse resports have been heard.

Canada:
Picking will start in latge July and continue through until the first week of September assuming a normal season.

Summer 2003