Gem-Pack Berries LLC is excited about its recent merger with Well-Pict and Gem-Pack’s exponential growth over the last two years, says Michelle Deleissegues, vice president of marketing for the Irvine, Calif.-based marketer.
“We’re pleased that we’ve found high-quality solutions to our consistently increasing demand,” she said.
Supply outlook
This summer, Gem-Pack has strawberries in Santa Maria and Watsonville, Calif., and raspberries out of Baja, Mexico. The company also offers blackberries at the very beginning of summer and then starting up again in the late summer/early fall, Deleissegues said.
Gem-Pack has conventional and organic strawberries and raspberries.
“Our biggest and most strategic change to our berry program is aligning with Well-Pict Berries,” she said. “Gem-Pack is now deeper and broader in all the berry categories; stronger than ever.”
In mid-June, she said Gem-Pack and Well-Pict are focusing on combining the firms’ teams and brands from the merger. Those efforts will ensure all customers, from both Gem-Pack and Well-Pict, have the seamless service and product flow they are used to, Deleissegues said.
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Consumer appeal
Berry consumers are always looking for flavor first, Deleissegues said.
“Summer berries especially are expected to be sweet and juicy,” she said. “Communicating the health benefits of berries is also a homerun, especially reminding consumers that something as delicious as berries is also one of the nutrition powerhouses in the store.”
Retailers can sell more berries by educating the consumer at the berry display on the store floor, Deleissegues said.
“Introduce them to their grower, as well as particular varieties that are available at during a particular season,” she said.
During holidays or special occasions, retailers can show the consumer how to use the berries in inventive or overlooked ways, Deleissegues said.
“Consumers are always looking for new and fun food serving ideas to serve for holiday get-togethers and special occasions,” she said.
