Naturipe expects stellar Michigan blueberry crop

Naturipe Farms is anticipating a good crop of Michigan blueberries, with a peak supply from mid-July through mid-August.

“We expect a fantastic Michigan blueberry season with exceptional varieties to delight retailers and consumers,” said Brian Bocock, vice president of product management for Naturipe Farms. “We really love growing Naturipe blueberries in Michigan because of Lake Michigan’s temperature moderating effect and the amazing sandy loam soils. These factors create a great environment to grow blueberries near the shores of Lake Michigan. 2023 is the year to set record sales in your stores with the incredible crop that looks to be on its way this summer.”

Naturipe will see a couple of new proprietary varieties, which are new releases from its Berry Blue breeding program, that will be firmer, juicier and packed full of flavor, Bocock said.

“We will also have plenty of delicious Mighty Blues, our jumbo blueberries, next month and into the late summer months," he said.

The Michigan blueberry season will extend until mid-September, Bocock said.

“We can’t wait for retailers and customers to taste the new varieties that are being grown in Michigan,” he said. “We have some public varieties and a few very exciting proprietary varieties that really take the best characteristics of the standard varieties and make them even better. They are firmer, more flavorful and taste even better at each bite. For retailers, they also have a better shelf life than previous varieties.”

Naturipe grows both conventional and organic blueberries in Michigan, Bocock said.

“We are also able to supplement our organic supply with blueberries from the Pacific Northwest, as they will be coming into peak season around the same time," he said. Naturipe’s organic volumes are stronger from the Pacific Northwest and Peru during July and August.  

The improved Michigan crop will allow Naturipe to do greater volumes of the larger 18-ounce, 24-ounce and 32-ounce packs, Bocock said.

Naturipe also offers blueberries in its usual 6-ounce pack and pints, as well as 5-pound bulk cartons.

Retail boost

Retailers can maximize sales of Michigan blueberries by scheduling promotions, Bocock said.

“Consumer demand for blueberries has been off the charts this year, and overall consumption has doubled in the past five-plus years, which means more consumers are looking for fresh blueberries,” he said. “Building bigger displays as well as carrying multiple pack sizes has been key to retailers growing berry sales all year long, and this is particularly true when blueberries are in season locally. Putting blueberries at the front of the produce section and reminding consumers that they’re available and delicious is the best way to capture incremental impulse sales.”