Latest News From Blackberries

The Food and Drug Administration has reported three more cases of hepatitis A “potentially linked” to fresh blackberries from Fresh Thyme Farmers Market stores.

(UPDATED Nov. 21) Federal agencies are investigating Hepatitis A cases in three states that are “potentially linked” to fresh blackberries bought at Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets stores in three states in September.

Produce Lovers, a vertically-integrated grower that ships blueberries from the Mexican state of Jalisco, is shipping conventional and organic berries through mid-June.

Mastronardi Produce, Kingsville, Ontario, was recognized as having the Best Overall Product Promo at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit for Wow berries.

Wish Farms, Plant City, Fla., has a smartphone app that brings new labels on its berry packs to life with augmented reality.

Mexican fruit and vegetable grower Agrizar is growing berries exclusively for Mastronardi BerryWord America.

Berry People, Hollister, Calif., has a new source of Mexican berries to fill gaps in the fall and winter.

Sun Belle Inc., Shiller Park, Ill., is expanding relationships with growers following a decision by the Giddings Group, which supplies berries from Mexico and Chile, to market its own berries.

California strawberry production is down a bit from last year, blueberries should be plentiful and raspberry and blackberry supplies are on track, grower-shippers say.

The timing couldn’t be better for Estero, Fla.-based Naturipe Farms LLC to step up its emphasis on foodservice.

Chef Travis Peters, co-owner of The Parish Gastropub, Tucson, Ariz., won the second-annual California Giant Berry Farms Chef Invitational.

Consumers looking for berries to enhance their picnics or barbecues this summer won’t be disappointed.

Driscoll’s 3D Berry Picnic Mobile started its summer campaign June 18 — International Picnic Day — in the Twin Cities, beginning the next phase of the brand’s #BerryTogether campaign.

Mastronardi Produce, Kingsville, Ontario, has appointed Andrew Maiman as president of Berry World America, the joint venture between Mastronardi and the United Kingdom’s Berry World.

Berry grower Wish Farms, Plant City, Fla., sees a lively season for southeast blackberries.

These fruits and veggies fit right in with “clean eating” movement

Blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry and strawberry purchases from across the nation.

Berry lovers that are loyal to California Giant Berry Farms can now easily find what retailers in their area carry the brand.

Catch up on late season developments with a bunch of berry companies from around North America.

Not long ago, strawberries were considered the mainstay of the berry category, and bush berries were something consumers might pick up for an occasional treat.

Watsonville, Calif.-based Driscoll’s miniseries “Pursuit of Flavor,” which the company launched in April, has already gained more than 1.5 million views.

Cool weather in growing areas across the U.S. could delay the launch of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries a bit this season, but growers say promotable volume should be available.

Berries have become a foodservice favorite as their availability grows and chefs discover new uses for the tasty fruit, grower-shippers say.

Driscoll’s has introduced a six-part “miniseries,” called “Pursuit of Flavor” that highlights four berry varieties, the company’s family heritage, and the work behind developing proprietary varieties.

Watsonville-based California Giant Berry Farms and Envy apples are pairing up this year to promote their products through photos, videos and recipes on the company’s digital platforms.

Brooks, Ore.-based shipper Curry & Co. plans to expand its blueberry offerings through a new partnership with Norris Family Farms.

Frieda’s Inc. has a new stand-up display for its shelf-stable, ready-to eat crepes.

Berry People, a new organic berry distributor in Hollister, Calif., made its first shipments earlier this month.

More blackberries and raspberries will be available from Driscoll’s for the holiday season this year.

Members of the Ontario Berry Growers Association are the newest users of Croptracker, a traceability software for the agricultural industry.

Most containers of Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc. berries will be sporting a new look by the time the annual Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit rolls around in October.