After expected gaps, Gold Coast looks for ample supply in Santa Maria

Gold Coast Produce
Gold Coast Produce
(Image courtesy Gold Coast Produce)

There will be some harvest gaps for vegetable crops in the next few weeks but better supply is coming, says Crystal Chavez, marketing coordinator for Gold Coast Packing Inc., Santa Maria, Calif.

From the Santa Maria Valley, Gold Coast Packing grows conventional broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, cilantro and Brussels sprouts. Organic crops for Gold Coast include cauliflower and spinach, Chavez said.

Crop progress was a little behind a year ago, Chavez said.

“California experienced record amounts of rainfall in January, February and March,” she said. “As much as the rain was needed, the abundance of precipitation left our grounds saturated for periods at a time.”

That pushed back planting schedules and created delays.

“The crops most affected are broccoli and cauliflower, and we will see gaps over the next few weeks,” Chavez said. “A few acres in the Santa Maria Valley flooded, but Gold Coast acreage was spared. Once we get past these few weeks of uncertainty, our supply looks great. ”

Chavez said Gold Coast is in the process of developing and launching several new items that will be out later this spring and early summer. 

“We have also been busy making upgrades to our production facility Fresh Venture Foods,” Chavez said. “The updates will create efficiencies as well as help us expand our production capabilities, allowing us to offer more new innovative products.”

Chavez said the past four months have seen an increase in demand for foodservice items, especially on the school foodservice side. 

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.