FLORIDA & MEXICO - While the category thrives year-round, February holds a special place in all of our hearts for berries—especially strawberries. Call it a love for Valentine’s Day or a desire to eat healthier and more delicious foods as the new year takes hold. Whatever the motivation and desire, strawberries remain one of the most traffic-enticing destinations in fresh produce.

“Now is a great time for retailers to promote strawberries, whether by building big displays at the entry to the produce department or by highlighting cross-product promotions and merchandising,” Aaron Hunter, Strawberry Category Manager, North Bay Produce, shares. “The opportunities to showcase the vibrant category during these cool Northern hemisphere months are endless."

Currently, North Bay is shipping from its Michoacan, Mexico, and Mount Dora, Florida, growing regions with distribution points in McAllen, Texas; Mascoutah, Illinois; and Mount Dora, Florida.

“We take great pride in our strawberries, cultivated in carefully selected regions based on location and elevation,” Aaron states. “Our growing regions are paired with varieties recognized for their exceptional taste and ability to withstand the stress of the North American supply chain. As a result, North Bay’s grower owners are ideally positioned to deliver outstanding flavor and support growth for its customers within the category.”

North Bay offers a range of pack sizes from 8 x 1 lb conventional strawberries to 4 x 2 lb conventional and 8 x 1 lb organic product.

All hail the strawberry and a vibrant and sweet February as well.