The much-anticipated stone fruit season has arrived, and Montague Farms, the stone fruit category leader, trusted supplier to major grocery chains, independent greengrocers, markets, and food service providers, is gearing up for what promises to be a “record-breaking” year.
With an expected increase in production compared to last year, Montague Farms is set to grow and pack over seven million kilograms of premium stone fruit this season.
In season 2024-25, Montague Farms will launch a number of advancements to its supply chain which will enhance the quality and efficiency of their operations. At the Croc Sands facility in Katunga, Victoria, a new cold storage facility which allows fruit to be quickly cooled post-harvest, ensures optimal freshness will be in operation for the first time. This facility will significantly reduce the time between harvest and packing for fruit harvested, ensuring that the fruit arrives in peak condition to consumers nationwide, according to Montague Farms.
In addition to the Coolroom development, at its packing facility at Narre Warren North, Montague farms will commission a new production line which will double its packing capacity. This new production line will feature new sorting technology provided by Unitech in Italy. This technology will add a new dimension to grading accuracy of fruit. Finally, Montague Farms will introduce new AI grading technology as part of its partnership with Tomra Foods for the first time in 2024.
Head of Strategy & Innovation Rowan Little says: “We’re incredibly excited about the 2024 stone fruit season. Not only are we expecting an increase in production as a result of the maturation of our plantings, but the quality of the fruit is truly exceptional this year. Our team has worked hard over the winter months to deliver improvements to our cooling and packing facilities, we’re ready to deliver some of the best fruit we’ve ever grown.”
One of the standout products of the season is Nectara™, a premium nectarine that’s changing the way consumers experience nectarines. With a unique colour-coding system highlighting three different colours and descriptions; the three Nectara™ subcategories that sit under the brand are: white nectarines – ‘Sweet Silk’, yellow nectarines – ‘Tangy Punch’, and yellow nectarines – ‘Smooth Honey’.
The colour coding system for Nectara™ nectarines makes it easier for consumers to identify which flavours they prefer. These nectarines are exclusively grown and packed by Montague Farms at Narre Warren North, where size, colour, and high brix (sugar) levels are carefully managed to deliver the best piece of fruit nature has to offer.
Montague Farms is also thrilled to introduce the Color-Cot™, an exciting new hybrid of a plum and an apricot. This sweet and delicious fruit will be available in limited quantities starting in the second week of December, offering a fresh new flavour to the stone fruit market.
With stone fruits quickly becoming a favourite addition to BBQs, salads, and grilled dishes, consumers are discovering the versatility of these antioxidant-rich fruits. Whether added to salads for a healthy boost or paired with grilled proteins for a sweet contrast, Montague Farms’ stone fruits are a perfect seasonal companion.
The stone fruit season will run from November to April, featuring Montague Farms’ signature varieties:
- the Montague™ Tree collection – Premium Stonefruit
- Nectara™nectarines
- CROC EGGS™plums – only at Woolworths
- Color-Cot™ –new hybrid Plum/Apricot available in limited supply.
As snacking continues to rise in popularity, the demand for convenient, healthy, and tasty options has grown, positioning Montague Farms’ stone fruits as an ideal snack for those seeking both flavour and nutritional benefits.
