WATSONVILLE, CA - With strong volumes of organic and conventionally grown strawberries lined up for Valentine’s Day promotions this month, California Giant Berry Farms is helping both retailers and foodservice distributors tap into a wealth of opportunities. To learn more, I recently tapped the expertise of Kyla Oberman, Director of Marketing.

“Valentine's Day marks the unofficial start of the California strawberry season for growers. From this point forward, production steadily increases, culminating in bountiful spring and summer harvests,” shared Kyla. “While strawberries are enjoyed year-round, this holiday serves as a powerful launching point for increased consumption.”

As Kyla goes on to tell me, the longer days and warmer temperatures bring a renewed enthusiasm for fresh berries as eating habits begin to change. Retailers can capitalize on this eagerness by creating vibrant and eye-catching displays featuring the season's first peak of large, juicy strawberries.

To sustain this momentum throughout the spring, these displays should extend beyond Valentine's Day.

“Retailers can create visually appealing displays to showcase the freshness and quality of strawberries,” Kyla explains. “Vibrant colors, eye-catching signage, and themed decorations can enhance the presentation. Cross-merchandising is key to maximizing sales. Pair strawberries with complementary items like chocolate, whipped cream, pastries, and ice cream for sweet treats. For savory options, consider pairing them with balsamic vinegar, cheeses, and leafy greens for salads. Beverages like sparkling water, juices, and wine also make excellent companions. Finally, provide customers with easy-to-follow recipes and serving suggestions featuring strawberries to inspire their culinary creativity.”

The correlation between Valentine’s Day and strawberries also presents opportunities for foodservice distributors, as they can increase spring strawberry volume by sharing recipe inspiration and offering promotional opportunities to their customers.

As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, many other exciting category opportunities await us on the horizon.

“Spring presents exciting opportunities for the berry category, with several holidays and events, such as Mother's Day and Memorial Day, which provide natural occasions for increased fruit consumption,” Kyla notes. “As people spend more time outdoors, strawberries become a popular choice for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings. By capitalizing on these seasonal factors, retailers and foodservice distributors can effectively promote strawberry sales and drive category growth throughout the spring.”

Keep following along with ANUK as we continue to reveal how to make the most of the spring season!