GEM-Pack's Michelle Deleissegues Talks Raspberry Pricing, Demand, and More
IRVINE, CA - Berries, berries, and more berries. If your shoppers are anything like me, that is what their summer grocery list is looking like. Raspberries are often my first stop in the produce department, where I expect to see bountiful displays of GEM-Pack’s berries as the grower ships in full swing out of Baja California and Central Mexico. Riding the momentum of a strategic merger with Well-Pict, the raspberry maven has positive news for its retail partners.
“GEM-Pack is committed to a top-notch raspberry program and has invested considerably in our proprietary varieties growing in Baja California, Mexico,” shares Michelle Deleissegues, Vice President of Marketing. “With the inclusion of Well-Pict’s varieties and volume, we are especially excited about an even stronger quality raspberry program in our immediate future.”
As GEM-Pack reports, raspberry production has been strong, matched by strong market pricing.
“Pricing and demand have been a little higher than normal for early summer,” Michelle explains. “With production at a steady clip, we’re optimistic about a strong season.”
And with a strong season comes lucrative merchandising opportunities. One of the ways GEM-Pack advises retailers to boost the raspberry category is through promotions that highlight their desirable health benefits.
“Raspberries deserve more attention—front and center in the berry patch. They are not as well touted as strawberries and blueberries for their health benefits, but every bit as much a superfood as the other berries. Consumers like to be informed and have information readily available when making choices,” Michelle notes. “Raspberries are rich in vitamin C and polyphenols. They provide potassium and omega-3 fatty acids, which improve heart health and can lower blood pressure, and they contain the mineral manganese, which reduces blood sugar and is necessary for bone and skin health.”
With consumers always on the lookout for fruits packed with both flavor and health benefits, the raspberry category is sure to see growth this summer.
Keep reading ANUK for more category deep dives and industry updates.
