To read the Southeast U.S., California berries delayed, demand high overview click here.
In the U.S., blackberries mostly come from Oxnard, Calif.; North Carolina; and Hammonton, N.J., according to Produce Market Guide, but Georgia and other states contribute as well. Raspberries are mostly from Mexico but also California, year-round.
In California, blackberries are generally available June through October, and in Oregon, July through September.
The South is the U.S. region least likely to buy raspberries, according to Fresh Trends.
These tart berries are a favorite with affluent consumers, with those in the top income bracket more than twice as likely to buy as those earning the least continues. Also, the oldest shoppers surveyed were nearly twice as likely to buy raspberries as the youngest shoppers.
Naturipe promoted on April 13 that its packaging shows the blackberries and blueberries are sourced from Alma, Ga.
To meet consumer demand for more locally or domestically produced food, the company is using state icons over an outline of the U.S. to highlight when the berries are U.S.-grown.
Raspberry growers in Watsonville anticipate the first pick of their season to start in early June, Chappell of California Giant said.
With a strong and steady supply from Mexico, production will be steady throughout the summer, and he expects significant, promotable raspberry volume in early fall through the end of the 2021.
Georgia blackberries are slated to begin harvest in late-May and will conclude mid-July, Chappell said, while Watsonville, Calif., blackberry growers anticipate their first pick early June, with peak supply mid-August through mid-September, and season ending by end of October.
Santa Maria, Calif., blackberry harvest will begin mid-June and the season should go through September, he said.
“California Giant’s domestic program is expected to have a strong, steady supply throughout the summer,” Chappell said.
