Latest News From Florida Strawberries

Putting Florida strawberries on display
Putting Florida strawberries on display

Florida strawberries are profitable and popular in the market because they give retailers the ability to sell and promote a continuous fresh berry program to consumers all year long.

Automation, new varieties provide growth path for Florida strawberry industry
Automation, new varieties provide growth path for Florida strawberry industry

While labor issues and competition from California and Mexico are presenting ongoing challenges for the Florida strawberry industry.

Florida fall strawberry season
Florida fall strawberry season

Strawberries aren’t ready yet this fall so far, but on Nov. 26, 2020, strawberry shipments from Florida had 4,923 packages of eight 1-pound containers with lids — or almost 40,000 pounds, according to the AMS.

CBD oil could extend strawberry shelf life
CBD oil could extend strawberry shelf life

Cannabidiol oil applied to strawberries can extend the berry’s shelf life, according to research published in ScienceDirect from University of South Florida scientists.

Florida weather results in ‘next-level’ strawberry quality
Florida weather results in ‘next-level’ strawberry quality

“When we have cooler years, the berry quality is a lot sweeter and firmer...this year’s quality of fruit is going to be next-level. Hopefully, the market will prevail, and everyone is happy, COVID notwithstanding.”

Florida's brilliance strawberry variety a hit
Florida's brilliance strawberry variety a hit

The new Florida brilliance strawberry variety, which debuted last season, has proven to be a winner.

Florida strawberry volume growing after slow start
Florida strawberry volume growing after slow start

Florida’s 2019-20 strawberry deal got off to a slow start just before Thanksgiving, but grower-shippers said volume gradually was picking up, and supplies should be plentiful by the first of the year.

Wish Farms adds e-mail for berry lovers
Wish Farms adds e-mail for berry lovers

Plant City, Fla.-based Wish Farms has been busy giving back the past few months with its “Berry Lover” e-mail campaign.

 Automated harvest is getting closer
Automated harvest is getting closer

The time for automated harvest of strawberries is getting closer, said Gary Wishnatzki, co-founder of Harvest CROO Robotics and president, CEO and owner of Wish Farms, Plant City, Fla. 

Florida brilliance variety shows promise in first season
Florida brilliance variety shows promise in first season

Florida's fastest-growing strawberry variety also is its newest.

 Big volume ahead for January after slow start to season
Big volume ahead for January after slow start to season

The beginning of the Florida strawberry season has started off lighter than usual but should find strong volume in January.

<p>RCMA strawberry winners</p>
Florida strawberry event raises nearly $100,000

The fifth annual Strawberry Picking Challenge raised nearly $100,000 for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association.

Plant City, Fla.-based Harvest CROO Robotics is testing a mechanical strawberry harvester prototype in Southern California this spring.
Automation advancing on strawberry fields

After years of investment, harvest automation is getting closer for the Florida strawberry industry.

<p>Wish Farms strawberry plant</p>
Florida Strawberries business updates

Catch up on business updates from companies featured in The Packer's Florida Strawberries profile.

<p>Radiance variety strawberries</p>
Strawberry industry looks to solve challenges

Improving varieties and the continuing hope of harvest automation in Florida are two of the reasons strawberry marketers see bright hopes for the future.

<p>Wish Farms strawberry harvest</p>
Florida strawberry volume starts strong

Florida strawberry growers have enjoyed a strong start to the 2017-18 season, and early signs point to a year of ample volume and promotion opportunities.