California Giant sees strong summer blueberry volumes

(Courtesy California Giant Berry Farms)

California Giant Berry Farms is starting summer blueberry season with strong volumes in the Pacific Northwest.

“Our growers in Oregon harvested their first pick just last week,” Nick Chappell, California Giant director of retail sales, said in a June 24 news release. “This season is unique because it will only take about two weeks to hit peak volume and those high numbers will sustain for about six weeks before it begins to slowly decrease.”

Organic volume is up this year due to an acreage increase, according to the release.

With a large blueberry supply, California Giant will use consumer engagement tactics including sweepstakes and coupons to increase awareness about and purchase of blueberries.

“We’ve worked hard to listen and react to the feedback received from both trade customers as well as consumers over the past few years,” Chappell said in the release. “We recently invested more into our data resources, both qualitative and quantitative, to provide a more in-depth understanding of shopper behavior. The promotions and coupons are a part of that.”

Partnering with AC Foods, California Giant is recognized by the Xerces Society as Bee Better Certified. The certified blueberries are available in an 18-ounce plastic-free container.

Related articles:
Grapes lead pandemic specialty crop losses in California
Naturipe Farms sustainable packaging goal removes tons of plastic
Popularity of blueberries continues to expand

 

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