California Giant Berry Farms prepares for peak Southern California strawberry volume in late March

Good growing weather is spurring on Southern California strawberry production for California Giant Berry Farms, said Kevin Dwyer, district manager for the Watsonville, Calif.-based marketer.

“Thanks to pleasant weather conditions this winter, our strawberry supply is about 15% ahead of where it was last year at the same time,” Dwyer said in late January. California Giant Berry Farms provides a year-round supply of sustainably grown fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, he said.

Dwyer said California Giant Berry Farms is anticipating the start of peak volume from its Southern California ranches in late March. 
“Oxnard had its first harvest in the first week of this year and will quickly ramp up towards its peak in March,” Dwyer said. “Our Santa Maria spring crop had its first harvest during the second week of January and will double in volume week after week through March.”

During the next three months, Dwyer said California Giant Berry Farms will employ several consumer engagement opportunities to build brand awareness and drive purchase intent for fresh berries. 

Organic outlook

California Giant Berry Farms has 2021 organic fall crop (hooped acreage) still in production in Santa Maria, Dwyer said. 

“Strawberry quality is holding up nicely,” he said. Cooler temperatures have helped the organic fruit remain firm and he said Cal Giant expects to continue harvesting well into March.

For the spring 2022 organic crop, Dwyer said the marketer was just getting started in Santa Maria in late January. The crop will ramp up in February and March, with especially good volume expected for April.