WATSONVILLE, CA - It’s the exciting time of year when travelers making their way along the Northern California coast can catch a glimpse of gleaming red strawberries awaiting harvest in the fields. To get more details about the California strawberry season, Tom Smith, Director of Sales at California Giant Berry Farms, shared a snapshot of what’s to come.

“At the moment, we are at the start of the promotional period for California!” Tom enthusiastically explains. “Mid-May through June will be the peak of production in Salinas, Watsonville, and Santa Maria, California, regions and we are ahead of timing from last year with strong volumes expected in the coming months.”

Right now, California Giant is experiencing excellent quality, great sizing, and full-color ripe berries. As Tom tells me, the strawberry plants have started strong this season due to optimal growing conditions. The forecast is calling for a warm up along the coast this weekend which will bring a surplus of red, ripe fruit that will boost production into high gear these next few weeks.

California Giant is seeing good demand and foresees strong promotional availability of high-quality fruit throughout May and June, with a slight decrease in July and August. Tom recommends getting strawberries front-and-center in the produce aisle to take advantage of current demand and supply.

“Large packs, digital ads, and big displays are key to increasing sales,” he says. “Retailers can also display strawberries alongside other berries and complimentary items to encourage impulse buys. Buyers need to be sure to promote strawberries during every holiday this season, as supplies and quality are the best they will be all year.”

Take Tom’s tips to heart and get strawberries on display just in time for the prime spring holidays right around the corner!

California Giant Berry Farms