Promotable Blueberry Volumes Anticipated From California Giant Berry Farms
WATSONVILLE, CA - California Giant Berry Farms has oodles of news to share with the industry, including new grower partnerships, expanded organic acreage, and new varieties. All of this has added up to peak volumes of promotable organic and conventional blueberry supplies for the beginning of 2021.
“What’s even more exciting is the growth of supply that will be reflected in future seasons,” commented Nader Musleh, Director of International Business Development. “Given the times we face, California Giant grower-partners are committed more than ever to our high standards of quality, delivery of a consistent supply, and strict food safety practices. Our growers have recently invested in state-of-the-art inspection equipment that eliminates defects and classifies only the best quality. They also continue to explore the latest varieties available in order to deliver on the best possible flavor.”
New varieties out of Chile, Peru, and Argentina and the grower partners in those South American countries allow California Giant to offer a consistent supply to customers from October through March.
Exceptionally favorable weather conditions around California Giant’s Chilean growing regions have set the stage for a significant supply into the U.S. market this winter, a press release explained, with high quality blueberries.
“With nutrition and New Year’s resolutions top of mind for shoppers this time of year, blueberries are an ideal item to promote through digital and social media channels,” said Kyla Oberman, Director of Marketing. “Screen time traditionally increases during the winter, so through promotions like our Home for the Holidays sweepstakes and digital recipe book filled with berry-forward recipes, we hope to inspire shoppers to include fresh berries on their grocery list and get creative in the kitchen.”
Additional promotion planning is in the works for California Giant’s organic blueberry harvest out of Oxnard, California. The crop was reset at the end of November due to an unusual freeze event and growers anticipate the first pick will be the first week of January.
“The 2021 California coastal organic blueberry program is forecasted to be our best year yet in terms of higher yields, maturity of the plants, varietal offerings and Bee Better Certification,” shared Markus Duran, North American Blueberry Operations Manager. “While the area did experience a push back for their start date of about a month due to the freeze, the crop has reset it’s growing phase and will produce yields as originally forecasted. We expect the crop to rebound nicely, and the plants currently look healthy and happy,” added Duran.
With a reported 1500 percent increase of organic blueberry production and total global blueberry production increase of 300 percent over the past five years, California Giant continues to deliver on its mission to provide an all-season supply of sustainably grown fresh berries.
Blueberries are a must for the holiday season—buyers, it's time to stock up.
