Carmel stonefruit

The Israeli stonefruit harvest has started with first arrivals of early, white-flesh nectarines due around 12 May.

Leading exporter Agrexco has confirmed it has dispatched its first shipment of new-season peaches and nectarines.

This year, Carmel-branded peaches and nectarines will also carry another quality trademark, Ben-Dor, which is the name of an Israeli stonefruit grower renowned for the 'outstanding' quality of new varieties it develops.

According to Agrexco product manager Davidi Hayman, this year's stonefruit harvest is looking good, with excellent quality and high sugar levels anticipated.

Hayman also welcomed the close collaboration between Agrexco and Ben-Dor: 'Ccooperation between Carmel and Ben-Dor promises the customer premium stonefruit while Agrexco's meticulous shipment procedures safeguard their quality.'

The group's UK sales manager Steve Hopkins told Fresh Produce Journal there had been no adverse weather conditions in Israel.

'So the quality of stonefruit is looking good,' he said. 'Harvesting of white-flesh nectarine variety Galilee is now taking place and volumes are up on last year.'

Hopkins added that picking of apricots will start around 15 May followed by Aromacot.

Plums start their season towards the end of May with premium deep red flesh varieties Vania and Mark kicking the season off.

TheIsraeli stonefruit season runs until October and production is spread from Ashkelon in the south moving northwards as the season progresses toMetula.

Initial shipments are from the Lachish area in the south of the country and will be followed later by peaches and nectarines from the north.

Agrexco plans to offer a broad range of varieties including Pita nectarines as well as Revital and Dolce nectarines.

According to Hayman, Carmel-branded stonefruits are 'sweet and juicy with a firm, fleshy substance' when ripe and will be sold as premium lines via European retail chains.