Vanguard International says it is expecting a strong 2019 season for apricots, peaches, nectarines, and cherries this year.

“We are expecting a beautiful crop of peaches and nectarines for the 2019 growing season," says Brett Calhoun, general manager of Vanguard Pride - the company created after Vanguard International acquired Pride Packing in 2017.

"We are excited to provide our customers with the best quality and eating experience with our tree ripened program. New varieties include Rich Pride peach, which is a yellow flesh that is rounder in shape and provides great taste.”

Another important aspect of the Vanguard Pride season will be focused around its robust cherry operation, with harvest expected mid-June.

“We always look forward to cherry season and are thrilled at the forecast for this year’s harvest at Vanguard Pride,” says Craig Stauffer, CEO of Vanguard International

“The perishability of cherries drives the need to be extra careful during farming, harvesting, packing, cooling, and shipping and Vanguard Pride is well-equipped with best in class logistics and operations to meet retailer and customer’s needs and requirements.”

The marketing, sales and distribution of Vanguard Pride’s fruit are handled by Sage Fruit Company.

The focus of Sage Fruit is on marketing and promoting Vanguard Pride’s Washington State apples, pears, cherries, apricots, peaches, and nectarines.