California Giant Berry Farms’ new blueberry crop update forecasts increased volumes of organic and conventionally grown blueberries.
A promising start to the domestic blueberry season has come with early season harvests underway and a focus on delivering exceptional quality, the company said in a news release.
Conventional blueberry production is ramping up, with the Florida season commencing last week and Georgia anticipated to begin the first week of April. California’s Central Valley will follow suit, with harvests expected to begin in early May, ensuring a consistent supply of fresh, conventional blueberries, the company said.
On the organic front, Oxnard, Calif., is currently experiencing peak production, yielding high-quality fruit, said California Giant, adding that these supplies will be supplemented by organic harvests from the Central Valley beginning in early April.
“At California Giant, we’re not just harvesting blueberries; we’re cultivating an exceptional berry experience,” said Tim Youmans, vice president of sales. “This dedication to superior quality translates directly to increased sell-ability. Consumers are consistently drawn to the vibrant color, firm texture and sweet, juicy flavor of our berries, creating repeat purchases and driving category growth.”
California Giant also said it will highlight the availability of its premium Giant Blueberries. These large (20-millimeter-plus) berries are now available in a new label design, selected by California Giant’s consumer audience.
The Giant Blueberries, known for their size and flavor, undergo rigorous sorting on a Unitec sorting line at California Giant’s Santa Maria, Calif., packing facility, the company said. The company said this process ensures that only the highest-quality berries, selected for color, firmness, size and other quality indicators, are packaged into each clamshell.
California Giant said it continues to deliver on its mission to provide the best berry experience by offering a year-round supply of fresh berries that represent the highest standards for quality and consistency.
