The fruit is picked and packed by hand, and will reach more markets this year as the vines come into full production.
and in Chile, and says it plans to triple its production by 2025. Known for its Cuties mandarins, Sun Pacific markets kiwifruit under the brand Mighties, which the company launched in 2014. The grower-shipper-packer made its first investment in kiwifruit farms in 1997 and says it now grows 50% of the North American supply. At Phillips Farms, which operates a packing facility in Visalia, most of the kiwifruit crop is harvested in October and early November, though red and gold varieties begin in mid- and late September. Green-f leshed California kiwifruit can remain in supply as late as June or July. Phillips noted the red fruit doesn’t store as well as the greens, but he said he’s learning better methods and thinks he can extend their availability into January or later. In addition to kiwifruit, the farm also grows a variety of traditional citrus and stone fruits, though Phillips said he chooses to take “a harder path to try to figure out how to grow some of these new, exciting things” such as pluots, cherry plums, peacotums, finger limes and Buddha’s hand. “That’s been my history of farming: I’ve always tried different stuff,” he said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s fun.”
Ching Lee clee@californiabountiful.com
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