Live Oak expands bell pepper season with new acreage
Live Oak Farms, Le Grand, Calif., is expanding its bell pepper program, with supplies of red and green peppers starting in mid-April from Coachella Valley.
Adding Coachella and southern San Joaquin valley production in late May allows Live Oak Farms to meet customer needs better, according to a news release.
“Our customers have been asking for Live Oak to expand our production window, and we’re pleased to announce that Live Oak’s commitment to excellence in product quality and service is coming to Coachella this year,” Donna Vaughan, Live Oak partner and saleswoman, said in the release.
In the past, the grower’s bell peppers shipped from late June to October. The new acreage in expanded regions gives Live Oak Farms bell peppers through the end of the year. The company added California acreage in Coachella and Bakersfield joining established production in Merced and Santa Clara counties, according to the release.
The company began the bell pepper expansion in 2018, installing an advanced technology packing line.
“We’re now complementing our growth in Central California with an expanded production window supported by an aggressive product development program that works closely with seed companies and other technology providers to differentiate Live Oak in the marketplace,” Ed Beckman, chief operating officer, said in the release.
Live Oak’s spring crops are green and elongated red bell peppers, with display-ready packs available. Red bell peppers follow in May. Tomatoes (including romas) ship June through late October. It offers a specialty jalapeno pepper, according to the release.
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