California Giant Berry Farms is expecting big volumes of a full berry patch led by the vigorous Florida and Southern California strawberry shipments.
“Florida strawberries are currently hitting their peak. We’re seeing a week-over-week increase in top quality fruit, and we’re expecting solid volumes out of Florida through late March,” said J.T. Tipton district manager at California Giant Berry Farms.
“Simultaneously, mild winter weather conditions, coupled with healthy plants have pushed our Southern California strawberry supply about 15% ahead of where it was last year at the same time.”
However, Tipton echoes industry-wide challenges that have plagued produce since the start of the pandemic. Inflation, labor issues and logistics are still problematic, despite Florida peaking and Southern California’s peak volumes being on the horizon.
“We’re anticipating peak volumes out of Oxnard to start in late March and throughout April. Santa Maria is not far behind with their peaks anticipated in April throughout May,” he said.
Watsonville and Salinas started harvesting in early March and is expected to hit its peak in June. Overall, very strong volume in is expected in May.
For California Giant Berry Farms’ director of bushberry supply, Markus Duran, the optimistic outlook is shared.
The Florida blueberry season is just getting underway a potential loss of 10-15% looming. However, the company still expects a strong domestic blueberry season.
Additionally, California Giant Berry Farm’s Oxnard organics program has increased production every week since the beginning of December, with its peak strategically planned earlier than ever, perfect for meeting ever-growing consumer demand for stateside blueberries. Peak volumes out of Oxnard will occur from mid-March through May.
For the remaining berry patch — raspberries and blackberries — positivity is shared. California Giant’s acreage of bush berries has increased across the board, making a consistent supply of exceptional fruit available year-round.