CALIFORNIA - It’s time to put those promotional plans into full swing, as a retail treasure is hitting store shelves in the form of fresh, California-grown strawberries. As Bobalu reported, the state hit a volume record for the week ending April 27, shipping more than 9.8 million trays. This means abundant retail opportunities are in store.

“The last time California hit even close to that number was back in 2018 at 9.7 million trays in late May,” explained ​​Cindy Jewell, Vice President of Marketing for Bobalu. “Last week, we were still over 9.3 million despite a little rain hitting northern districts. We expect to see peak numbers for the next several weeks as the northern districts increase their weekly volume. This is all good news for you providing a great opportunity for promotions nationwide as Strawberry Month reigns during the month of May.”

The opportunities extend past National Strawberry Month, as the June volume will be similar. Bobalu may even see another peak in California strawberries during the month.

“Oxnard continues to see optimum weather, keeping our fruit size and volume steady,” Cindy added. “We also benefit from our on-site processing facility keeping our fields clean and diverting lesser quality fruit to the freezer when needed. We will continue to ship from Oxnard during the month of May and focus on highest quality and maintain our three-day harvest rotation. The fields still look great, the plants are very healthy, and the fruit has excellent flavor with these mild daytime and nighttime temperatures.”

The grower’s Oxnard acreage will allow the company to maintain its volume levels as its Santa Maria fields prepare to transition into peak by early to mid-June. As the supplier notes, its plants in Santa Maria are setting up to provide some excellent fruit, which will carry the brand well into the fall before its fall crop kicks in.

Stay up to date on the latest opportunities in the strawberry space with updates from ANUK!