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For the first time , Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries will ship fresh strawberries from California for the entire year, said Cindy Jewell, marketing representative.

Good growing weather is spurring on Southern California strawberry production for California Giant Berry Farms, said Kevin Dwyer, district manager for the Watsonville, Calif.-based marketer.

Watsonville, Calif.-based Well-Pict Berries grows its Southern California proprietary strawberry varieties on approximately 1,200 acres in Oxnard, Calif., said Jim Grabowski, director of marketing.

Naturipe Farms has increased strawberry acreage in Oxnard and additional acreage throughout the company’s main growing regions in California, said Jerry Moran, vice president of sales for Naturipe Farms.

Friesland, Wis.-based Alsum Farms & Produce anticipates a very good quality crop of Wisconsin potatoes, says Christine Lindner, marketing manager for the company.

Wentachee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers has introduced the 5 River Islands brand of California cherries.

Organic strawberries account for 11.8% of the acreage in California, according to the California Strawberry Commission, and growers say volume has been holding steady or making small gains over the past few years.

With California avocado volume rising seasonally, the Irvine, Calif.-based California Avocado Commission is releasing fresh advertising to support the crop.

California spring vegetables are seeing increasing competition from Mexican imports.

As consumer demand for avocados surges, so does their popularity among foodservice operators.