Posts Tagged “California berry shipments”
As the summer berry season hits its stride, California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA is preparing for its annual transition to the Pacific Northwest (PNW) blueberry growing region. Harvesting in the PNW was right on track kicking off around mid-to-late June, paving the way for strong, promotable volumes spanning the month of July.
Meanwhile, the company is gearing up for the start of its blackberry and raspberry season from Watsonville, CA.
The upcoming Pacific Northwest harvest arrives at a time of peak consumer demand for fresh berries. The peak volumes align with July demand.
“Our Pacific Northwest growing regions are shaping up beautifully, and we anticipate an outstanding crop just in time for the heart of summer,” said Tom Smith, vice president of sales and marketing at California Giant Berry Farms.”
Alongside the conventional and organic blueberry volume, the GIANT™ jumbo blueberry program—featuring 20mm+ berries—continues to deliver strong retail performance, supporting premium price points and high-impact displays. With jumbo blueberries showing over 60 percent year-over-year growth (NIQ), the program offers retailers an opportunity to drive incremental sales and differentiate in a competitive category.
Watsonville Berries
Blackberry volumes are steadily ramping up towards a late-July peak while raspberry production is in its peak. “Our Watsonville blackberry and raspberry season is starting earlier than usual this year,” says Smith, adding that peak volume of raspberries is expected to continue through the next few months. “A warm winter and spring advanced plant development. We expect the season to run through November and then transition back to Mexico supply.”
While both berries are coming from Watsonville, along with Mexico, in early-August, San Diego, CA will also be providing a strong supply of organic blackberries.