The pumpkin crop was off to a rough start due to heavy rains in all the growing regions, said Marco Serrano, sales rep for Fresh Farms, in a news release. This caused the crop to start about 10 days later than their estimated start date, but the quality is surprisingly is outstanding, Serrano continued.
“We expected some issues due to the rains, but thankfully this wasn’t the case. Volumes are steady and should remain this way with no interruptions through October,” Serrano said. “The market started off strong due to the late start as well as demand from the west due to a heat wave that slowed their crop down. Good weather throughout all growing regions, however, brought on good, steady yields. Fresh Farms expects good promotional volumes, weather permitting.”
Fresh Farms is currently growing in the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora, according to the news release. Fresh Farms is in its third season and has been growing every year. It expects to grow this program yearly as the feedback from customers has been very positive.
“Pumpkins literally sell by themselves,” Serrano said. “Our marketing team came up with a carving competition through our social media in which anyone can send pictures of Fresh Farms carved pumpkins to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place price money,” Serrano continued. “Retailers will improve sales by making the customers’ pumpkin purchase experience fun. Carving competitions, carving stencils, in-store carving and the ideas to promote pumpkins are endless.”
