Posts Tagged “Florida strawberry shipments”
Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIES: 1-800-404-5863.
Strawberry shipments from the Sunshine state have seasonally started and good quality fruit is being reported by The Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Plant City, FL.
Wish Farms, Plant City, FL started its season in late November and typically ships strawberries until April.
The company is growing four varieties, Brilliance, Medallion, Ember and Encore. The Ember and Encore are contributing to higher yields and productivity.
Wish Farms focuses on the eastern United States, although it ships all over the U.S. and Canada. However, its Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time.
“We ship all over the U.S. and Canada, but Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time,
Naturipe Farms, Salinas, CA, sees good prospects for its central Florida strawberry operations, which started harvesting in November.
Its peak supplies will occur in early 2026. Compared to last year, Naturipe did not have any major weather challenges and expects to have a great season. Naturipe Farms distributes its Florida strawberries primarily on the East Coast.
Grimes Produce Co., Plant City, FL, says Florida strawberries are in demand and Grimes does significant business within the state, but its strawberries find their fruit is shipped across the United States and Canada. A good portion of its product goes to Canada.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee, FL, reports Florida has over 15,000 acres of fresh strawberries in production, an increase of about 2,000 acres compared to last year.
Astin Strawberry Exchange has a new 100,000-square-foot facility and farms about 800 acres. This is the third cooler, which can hold 150,000 flats.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-6853.
Harvesting was been canceled for Friday, December 26 due to persistent rain in California’s Santa Maria and Oxnard growing regions. Expect tight supplies and strong markets through the week of January 5-9, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
Santa Maria/ Oxnard
- These regions received over 2.5 inches of rain in 48 hours; most growers cancelled harvests for at least two days
- During this period, packer label will be substituted as needed
- Expect a demand-exceeds-supply market for the next week
- Quality is average; early signs of decay and bruising have been reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect strong demand and elevated markets through next week
Mexico/South Texas
- Volume will increase through December and reach its peak in mid-January
- Quality concerns include over-ripening and light bruising
- Size is small-medium (19 to 25 berries per one-pound clamshell)
- Expect elevated pricing and tight stocks as Mexico helps fill orders from California
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Volume is rising
- Quality is improving; concerns include white shoulders and green tips
- Size is small-medium (17 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to inch up as Florida supplements California shortages
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
California strawberry supplies remain extremely limited due to the rains and lower temperatures of the past two weeks. Mexican berries (into South Texas) and Florida-grown supplies are increasing; quality is improving. Expect prices to decline slowly over the next 10 days, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria and Oxnard, California
- Harvesting has been minimal this week as growers are allowing fruit to mature
- Winter production is expected to begin by late December
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Supplies are increasing
- Quality problems include white shoulders, skin bruising, and green tips
- This market is active
Florida
- Cooler weather has slowed growth, but supplies are slowly increasing
- Defects include white shoulders and green tips
- Size ranges from 17 to 22 berries per 8/1-pound clamshells
Baja, Mexico (into California)
- Shipments are beginning to cross after last week’s border blockades ended
- Rainy weather slowed production
- Quality ranges from fair to good
- Size ranges from 19-24 per 8/1-pound clamshells
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Sun Belle of Schiller Park, IL is proud to announce the expansion of its strawberry program through new grower partnerships in Central Florida.
This strategic addition will round out Sun Belle’s robust year-round supply of fresh berries.
Central Florida is renowned for its thriving winter strawberry crop, producing fruit with exceptional flavor from late November to early April. In partnership with veteran Plant City, Florida growers, Sun Belle will offer top-performing Florida strawberry varieties, including the Florida Brilliance, Florida Ember, Florida Encore and Sweet Sensation, throughout the upcoming winter season.
This Florida crop will complement Sun Belle’s existing production in Baja California and Central Mexico, creating a seamless supply calendar for retail partners.
“This expansion truly aligns with where Sun Belle is as a whole – we are growing rapidly and making strategic, forward-thinking moves that strengthen our supply chain and ensure our retail partners can meet their consumer demand every week of the year,” said JC Clinard, CEO of Frutura’s Berry Division. “It also hits close to home for me. With Plant City being my home base, I’ve come to personally know and trust this passionate community of growers.”
Taylor Hazelwood, Vice President of Sales at Sun Belle, added, “Our experienced team has built a truly notable berry program over the years. The addition of Florida’s winter crop allows us to continue to provide our retail customers with berries that meet our high-quality standards and satisfy the continued consumer demand for flavorful strawberries every month of the year. It’s an exciting growth opportunity for our retail relationships and for our brand.”
Sun Belle’s Director of Marketing, Hailey Clark, emphasized the program’s alignment with the company’s brand promise and shares that the excitement doesn’t stop here.
“This Florida program is one of many steps Sun Belle is taking to deliver on our brand promise of quality, reliability, and innovation. Our team has been strategically developing new offerings like unique on-the-go blueberry packaging and premium berry programs – initiatives designed to excite loyal berry consumers while also attracting new ones. We’re eager to share these innovations with our family of retail partners.”
About Sun Belle
Founded in 1986 and a member of the Frutura company, Sun Belle LLC. markets and distributes the finest berries, including blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and golden berries. Known for exceptional quality, innovative programs, and dependable supply, Sun Belle serves leading retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice providers year-round.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Strawberry prices are starting to ease due to increased availability. Quality has improved in all regions, according to a news release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria, CA
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is downtrending
- Size currently ranges from 12 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; color is improving daily
- White shoulders have been reported
Oxnard, CA
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The season is at its peak and will end in mid-April
- Volume is steady
- Size currently ranges from 10 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; color is deep red color and flavor is sweet
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Peak season has passed
- Size currently ranges from 16 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; uneven ripening and light bruising have been reported
- Harvesting will run through mid-March
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The season will run through mid-March due to the late start and cooler weather
- Volume has increased
- Size currently ranges from 12-16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; some misshaped berries have been reported due to January’s cold snap
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA is reporting good volumes and shipments of fresh strawberries leading up to Valentine’s Day, both on the West Coast and from Florida.
The grower/shipper’s latest forecast shows strong volumes of organic and conventionally grown strawberries in the next few weeks, which includes volumes from its Fresh From Florida-labeled product.
California Giant reports its Florida growers will have peak volumes from mid-February to mid-March. This is the second year featuring its Fresh From Florida label — an addition to the classic California Giant insignia which promotes Florida agricultural products through consumer marketing campaigns, partnerships with domestic and international retailers.
The company praised Florida growers for overcoming significant setbacks caused by Hurricane Milton, which delayed the start of the season.
California Giant expects its conventional and organic crop from Santa Maria, CA to increase week over week, barring any major weather events. California Giant reports Mexican strawberries are in peak production and will span the month of February into March. Combined, the Florida, California and Mexican production is set to provide ample volume for Valentine’s Day.
Florida’s strawberry strawberry shipments are gradually ramp up and should hit peak volume in time to make deliveries for Valentine’s Day, February 14.
The Sunshine State strawberry season got underway in early to mid-November, and supplies slowly increased throughout December.
Gem-Pack Berries LLC of Irvine, CA is partnering with Parkesdale Farms of Plant City, FL. The companies expect to have peak volume the week of Valentine’s Day.
On a note of caution, the company is monitoring for Botrytis and Chile thrips. Botrytis is a fungus causing a gray mold and appears as white specks or brown spots on the pedals which spread to the flower. Chile thrips are microscopic pests that damage the strawberry leaves and fruit itself.
Parkesdale Farms expects similar volume to a year ago with ample supplies throughout the season.
Gem-Pack also will offer Well-Pict-brand proprietary strawberry varieties grown in Florida.
Wish Farms of Plant City began picking Florida strawberries the first week of November, which is about a week earlier than usual with average berry size and above average quality.
Peak season for Wish Farms is expected to be mid-February to early March, with volume similar to other seasons.
California Gian Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA started harvesting Florida strawberries the second week of November, but cooler than normal weather had kept its volume below normal.
But volume had not reached normal numbers as of mid-December because of unusually cool weather. Still the company expects total volume to be similar to last season, shipments extending through March and into early April.
Astin Strawberry Exchange LLC has 2,000 acres of strawberries this year, with decent volume expected by January 20, with peak season likely coming after Valentine’s Day, but earlier if weather is warm in January.
The company notes an early Easter of March 31 will be good for Florida strawberry shipments with peak volume occurring from mid-February to mid-March.
Florida strawberry shipments are expected to be greater than a year ago as increased acreage now is approaching 12,000 acres. Loadings are increasing with the biggest months for shipments coming with the New Year.
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Plant City, FL reports in the calendar year 2021, Florida shipped 17% of its annual volume in December, 13% in January, 35% in February, 32% in March and 2% in April.
Florida’s strawberry production in 2022-23 has increased to close to 12,000 acres. In 2021, Florida’s office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated harvested acres at 10,400, with a reported crop value of nearly $400 million.
Wish Farms of Plant City, FL last season had around 2,100 acres of red strawberries, both conventional and organic, as well as Pink-A-Boo Pineberries. The company sees a 10% increase, with that number going to around 2,300 acres.
Wish Farms report a good, consistent crop with shipments ramping up in January through February and into March.
While Florida strawberries are very popular within the state, distribution also is heavy throughout the U.S. southeast. The grower/shipper also ships significant volume to the mid-Atlantic, Midwest and as far north as Ontario, Canada.
GEM-Pack reports its has doubled its production of pineberries for the new season. The company started shipping in December and continues until April.
Pineberries are a hybrid cross and are smaller than a common strawberry, measuring between 15 to 23 mm (0.6 to 0.9 in). When ripe, it is almost completely white, but with red seeds.
The company’s berry loadings will be heaviest from now until Valentine’s Day.
Strawberry shipments from Florida are looking good for the next two months, despite recent cold snap which did not do any long-lasting harm to the strawberry plants.
Well-Pick of Watsonville, CA also has operations in the Sunshine state and notes the peak shipping season is just beginning and will continue into April. The grower/shipper expects its volume to be as good if not a little better than a year.
A main concern at this point in the season every year is if the weather becomes too warm. This can shorten the season and the distance the berries can be hauled in good condition.
Plant City area strawberries – grossing about $2800 to Chicago; $3800 to New York City.