Magic Sun, Richmond, Va., known as a grower of conventional and organic tomatoes, is expanding to include blueberries, with plans to quickly ramp up production.
The blueberries, grown in Jalisco, Mexico, on 52 acres, are the Biloxi, Jupiter and atlas varieties and are medium to jumbo-sized berries, according to a news release.
Offering blueberries follows Globalmex International’s strategy of taking advantage of market opportunities for growers and retailers, according to Alejandro Santander, vice president of sales and operations at Globalmex, the grower and marketer of Magic Sun-branded products.
“We know that there has been a significant increase and a strong consumer trend for purchasing fresh produce over the past six months,” Santander said in the Oct. 21 news release. “Blueberry demand has risen as part of that growth. Our retail partners were looking for blueberry crops to go beyond the typical domestic growing season of June through mid-September.”
Magic Sun blueberries will be available in 6- and 18-ounce and 1-pint clamshells.
Growers report that the weather conditions have been positive all season long and there is a strong volume with product available for shipping in mid-December.
“This is our third season with this crop and the quality and consistency have been excellent,” Anthony Otto, Magic Sun sales manager, said in the release. “Our retail partners like the variety of packs for increased promotional opportunities and the ability respond to market fluctuations. Having our new crop coming in early winter gives our retail partners a definite market advantage.”
Based on retail interest, plans for the next crop include an additional 35 acres in December 2021 and another 25 acres the following year for a total blueberry crop of 112 acres, according to the release.
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