When working in the food and beverage industry, sourcing high-quality ingredients at the right time is essential. Northwest Naturals (NWN) is a trusted supplier specializing in fruit juice concentrates, purees, essences, and custom ingredient solutions for various industries, including beverage, dairy, and confectionery. Their expertise in fruit processing ensures that brands receive the best flavors while maintaining the integrity of natural ingredients.
To streamline sourcing and production planning, NWN provides a detailed Harvest Chart—a vital tool that helps businesses understand fruit availability, contracting timelines, and optimal times to reach out for new projects. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Deciphering the Harvest Chart
A harvest chart visually outlines the timeline of different fruit crops, detailing when contracts are established, when processing begins, and when harvesting occurs. NWN’s Fruit Harvest Chart uses distinct symbols and colors to represent these key stages:
(Yellow Bar) – Indicates the optimal timeframe for establishing contracts. This is when businesses should reach out to NWN to secure ingredients for upcoming production needs.
(Red bar) – Marks the beginning of fruit processing. This is when raw fruit starts to be converted into juice concentrates, purees, and other ingredient formats.
(Red Hand Icon) – Represents the active harvest period when the fruit is being collected at peak ripeness.
By understanding these markers, businesses can plan ahead to secure the freshest, highest-quality ingredients while aligning with their production cycles.
When to Reach Out for New Projects
Timing is everything when sourcing natural ingredients. To ensure availability and the best product, it’s crucial to engage with NWN during the contracting period (yellow bar). This is when NWN finalizes sourcing commitments and can accommodate custom ingredient needs.
If you’re considering a new product launch or reformulating an existing one, reaching out early in the contracting phase ensures:
- Access to a broader range of fruit options
- Customization opportunities for unique flavor profiles
- More strategic cost planning before harvest prices fluctuate in the situation of a short crop, ensuring you get access to the fruit as soon as possible
Understanding Contracting and Harvesting
Contracting refers to the agreement made between suppliers like NWN and their customers to secure a specific quantity of fruit before harvest. This guarantees availability and price stability, protecting businesses from market fluctuations.
Harvesting is the collection of ripe fruit from orchards or farms. The harvest period (marked with the red hand icon) is when fruits reach peak maturity and are ready for processing. Properly timed harvesting ensures the best flavor and nutritional value in the final product.
Making the Most of NWN’s Harvest Chart
Using NWN’s harvest chart as part of your procurement and R&D strategy helps your team stay ahead in sourcing high-quality fruit ingredients. Whether you’re planning a new seasonal beverage, launching a fruit-based snack, or developing a dairy product, understanding the harvest cycle ensures you align with nature’s timing for the best results.
For personalized assistance in planning your fruit ingredient needs, reach out to NWN’s team before or during the contracting phase to discuss your project and secure the best options available.
Explore NWN’s full range of fruit ingredients and harvest insights to elevate your product development. For personalized assistance in planning your fruit ingredient needs, reach out to NWN’s team during the contracting phase to discuss your project and secure the best options available.