SALINAS, CA - With strong double-digit growth in organic strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, Naturipe Farms is harnessing the power of the berry category with a dedicated focus on strategic differentiation, delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of its retail partners. With the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) quickly approaching on July 9 in Monterey, California, the company’s Director of Business Development, Brian Vertrees, joins me to discuss Naturipe’s organic platform and its vision for success.

“At Naturipe, we see the future of organic berries as consistent, collaborative, and closely connected to what today’s shoppers really want. Our goal is simple: make organic berries a reliable, year-round staple—not just a seasonal or specialty item,” Brian shares with me. “To achieve this, we’ve built a strong, diverse network of growing regions that enables us to keep organic fruit on shelves week after week. That kind of consistency gives our retail partners the confidence to plan promotions, stock up, and deliver great-tasting fruit to customers all year long."

With one finger on the pulse of its customers' needs and the other on the pulse of the consumer, Naturipe has a deep understanding of what is developing in the marketplace.

“We’re paying close attention to who’s buying. Younger shoppers are increasingly opting for organics, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. That’s why we believe it’s more important than ever for buyers and suppliers to stay aligned—to make sure organic berries are available, affordable, and easy to find,” Brian details. “Organic shelf space is growing, and berries are leading the charge. They’re already one of the top drivers in the produce department, and we’re here to keep that momentum going—with smart planning, creative promotions, and a focus on flavor that brings shoppers back for more.”

A huge part of Naturipe’s success is its brand story, one rooted in legacy, innovation, and scale.

“This story is what makes us different. We’re a grower-owned company with over 100 years of experience, yet we continue to make strides in proprietary breeding, diversified growing regions, and long-term investment in organics,” Brian explains. “For our customers, that means more than just premium fruit—it means a reliable partner with the expertise and infrastructure to support promotions, adapt to demand, and consistently deliver on quality. We’re also one of the few companies breeding berries in the U.S., which gives us a unique edge: we can develop and grow varieties that not only taste better but are bred for better shelf-life, sustainability, and organic performance.”

If you can believe it, this is just a snapshot of the Naturipe Farms story. Learn more by visiting booth #305 at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit. See you all soon!