SALINAS, CA - Hundreds of acres of strawberry fields in Central Florida will soon be bringing delicious, juicy strawberries to store shelves under the Naturipe Farms label. The berry producer recently expanded its strawberry growing operations in Florida, securing benefits for retailers and consumers alike.

“We are thrilled to offer our retailers more local options for stocking sweet, succulent strawberries,” says Jim Roberts, President of Sales. “Our experience growing strawberries, along with blueberries and other produce in Florida, directly benefits both the retailer and the customer. We’re looking forward to growing our operations in Florida even further as we move forward.”

In addition to increased strawberry availability for retailers in the region, Naturipe’s Central Florida-grown berries will have a decreased transit distance and longer growing seasons. They will be on the shelves closer to their harvest, resulting in optimal freshness.

At the heart of this exciting expansion is Duette, Florida-based Berry Red Farms, operated by the Chavez family. As a press release explained, since 2004, Merced and Dee Chavez have transformed their initial six leased acres into a flourishing 200-acre strawberry operation; their dedication and resilience reflect core values, including strong ties to the land and a commitment to high-quality, fresh produce.

Naturipe’s network is composed of dedicated growers who share a deep connection to the land and a passion for producing high-quality berries. By integrating the local knowledge and commitment of Florida's farming community, Naturipe continues to enhance its reputation for delivering top-notch produce while fostering strong agricultural practices, the release added.

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