Latest News From Berries Marketing

Berries and summer are synonymous. And right on cue, the sweet, juicy little orbs are making their way across North America as temperatures warm and consumers head outdoors.

Prices for strawberries around the nation ranged from 98 cents to $6.99 per 1-pound clamshell on June 23, according to U.S. Marketing Services.

Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries do well on social media, with their natural good looks and sweet nature.

Companies are touting sustainability efforts every which way — berry-focused companies included.

Why is it that we so closely associate Valentine’s Day with strawberries? I mean, sure, the fruit is sweet. It’s beautiful. It’s red. It’s more or less heart-shaped.

California Giant Berry Farms announced winners of its third annual Chef Invitational culinary competition.

Homegrown Organic Farms is partnering with Valles del Sur, a Chilean grower, to import organic blueberries.

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

Domex Superfresh Growers and Norris Farms are preparing for Northwest blueberry season.

Two universities and an association that represents blackberry and raspberry growers are studying retail strategies and how the pandemic is affecting sales.

Rainier Fruit Co. is on track to earn Bee Better certification for Washington blueberries in July 2020.

North American berry grower-shippers are responding to consumer and retailer pressure to reduce or eliminate single-use plastic.

North Bay Produce Inc. was established as Wilderness Fresh Produce in 1984, its primary focus was Michigan apples, said Brian Klumpp, director of marketing and strategic development.

HBF International LLC, Sheridan, Ore., has hired a new member for its sales team, said CEO Doug Perkins.

High yields and good flavor seem to be the characteristics grower-shippers look for most when selecting a strawberry variety.

The California Strawberry Commission wants to make an emotional connection with people through a multi-pronged promotion aimed at connecting the hearts of strawberry growers with the hearts of consumers.

Whether retailers and consumers are looking for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries, they’ll be able to find them this summer, and they should be pleased with the quality, grower-shippers say.

The domestic blueberry season was kicking off in mid-April with harvesting already underway in Georgia, said Victoria De Bruin, marketing manager for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

California’s strawberry crop seemed to be gradually returning to normal volume this spring after a rainy winter that delayed picking early in the season.

Grower-shippers throughout the U.S. report that good-quality berries should be plentiful this summer.

Catch up on berry news from produce companies supplying and marketing fresh berries in North America.

Berries are one of the few remaining categories that still have an air of seasonality about them, and that’s something retailers can use to their advantage.

Cool weather in growing areas across the U.S. could delay the launch of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries a bit this season, but growers say promotable volume should be available.

California strawberry growers are hopeful they’ll make up some of the Easter sales they lost when Mother’s Day arrives May 13.

Berries have become a foodservice favorite as their availability grows and chefs discover new uses for the tasty fruit, grower-shippers say.

Reaching beyond the traditional marketing target of 25- to 44-year-old women shoppers, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council wants to increase demand from moderate consumers of blueberries.

Business updates on companies featured in The Packer's Berries Marketing section.