Peach growing ain't what it used to be
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Del Monte collapse leaves California peach growers stranded. ‘No place else to go’
The changing peach industry
Growers have been through this before.
Bankruptcies claimed processors in the past, including Tri-Valley Growers more than two decades ago. But past bankruptcies and consolidations left multiple processors in the marketplace. Without Del Monte, the only meaningful buyer of cling peaches in mass is Pacific Coast Producers.
For perspective, California had 11 processors in 1980, according to the canning association. Only one remains.
From the Sacramento Bee:
I guess canned fruits just aren't as popular as they used to be. We have a lot more options, like more access to fresh fruit from all over the world. Thinking things like sweet cherries from Peru in the dead of winter. Or frozen fresh fruit.
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Del Monte collapse leaves California peach growers stranded. ‘No place else to go’
The changing peach industry
Growers have been through this before.
Bankruptcies claimed processors in the past, including Tri-Valley Growers more than two decades ago. But past bankruptcies and consolidations left multiple processors in the marketplace. Without Del Monte, the only meaningful buyer of cling peaches in mass is Pacific Coast Producers.
For perspective, California had 11 processors in 1980, according to the canning association. Only one remains.
From the Sacramento Bee:
I guess canned fruits just aren't as popular as they used to be. We have a lot more options, like more access to fresh fruit from all over the world. Thinking things like sweet cherries from Peru in the dead of winter. Or frozen fresh fruit.
@wtg said in Peach growing ain't what it used to be:
I guess canned fruits just aren't as popular as they used to be
Besides all the other options, I wonder if canned fruit has a bad rep for having too much added sugar. There are options without, but it's often hard to find. And I dislike immensely trying to find something without added sugar, only to find that everything has some added chemical sweetner.
Are peaches available frozen?
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@wtg said in Peach growing ain't what it used to be:
I guess canned fruits just aren't as popular as they used to be
Besides all the other options, I wonder if canned fruit has a bad rep for having too much added sugar. There are options without, but it's often hard to find. And I dislike immensely trying to find something without added sugar, only to find that everything has some added chemical sweetner.
Are peaches available frozen?
@ShiroKuro Yes they are, as are many other fruits and berries. A lot of people do smoothies and frozen fruits are an essential ingredient. And as you note, they don't have added sugar.
And I'm with you on the non-sugar sweeteners, whether they be chemical or a natural alternative like stevia, which I dislike.
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I like canned peaches.
People keep telling me fresh peaches are better but canned peaches are so much more convenient!
And yes, when I am not buying grocery stores' store brands, I usually buy Del Monte.
As for the "added sugar," it's not really a problem.
For canned fruits, I often see different versions for the same fruit or fruit mix: in heavy syrup, in syrup, in natural fruit juice only, "light" or reduced sugar, etc. Just pick whatever works for you. -
I like canned peaches.
People keep telling me fresh peaches are better but canned peaches are so much more convenient!
And yes, when I am not buying grocery stores' store brands, I usually buy Del Monte.
As for the "added sugar," it's not really a problem.
For canned fruits, I often see different versions for the same fruit or fruit mix: in heavy syrup, in syrup, in natural fruit juice only, "light" or reduced sugar, etc. Just pick whatever works for you.@Axtremus said in Peach growing ain't what it used to be:
it's not really a problem.
Well, it's not a problem if the store carries the one I want. I often find that the true "no sugar added/no sweetener added" options are sold out, or the store doesn't carry them.
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I noticed Del Monte products in the grocery store today.
Has someone else bought up the name?
