Blackberries

Strong Demand Awaits Berries as Harvests Ramp Up

Fri, 15 May 2026 21:40:26 GMT

Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries continue to lure shoppers into the produce department.

According to the 2026 edition of The Packer’s Fresh Trends survey of consumer habits, 77% of shoppers purchased blueberries in the past 12 months, 61% bought blackberries and 59% took home some raspberries.

In the berry category, blueberries are second only to strawberries in popularity, and consumers now want and expect to have them year-round, says Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council.

The domestic season is just getting started, with Florida, Georgia and California currently shipping fruit, he says. Harvest will next spread to states like Washington, Oregon, Michigan, Indiana, New Jersey and North Carolina.

“There have been interesting weather patterns all across the country that have helped some areas and hurt others, but overall, there should be plenty of blueberries to go around,” Cronquist says.

Bounce-Back Season for the Garden State

New Jersey blueberries typically start picking around June 8, says Joe Atchison III, assistant secretary for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

The height of the New Jersey season runs from late June through late July.

“Thus far in 2026, conditions have been indicating an excellent harvest of top-quality berries,” Atchison says. “New Jersey blueberries have a reputation [for] being bigger, better and more flavorful. They are a healthy snack that consumers crave.”

Growers in the state lost more than 25% of their crop to extreme heat last July, Atchison adds. This year, however, New Jersey is expecting a full harvest — about 38 million pounds.

Naturipe Farms

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms LLC supplies blueberries, blackberries and raspberries year-round by rotating growing regions as the seasons change, says Joe Klick, associate vice president of product management.

“Right now, we’re in the thick of U.S. production, bringing in high volumes and strong promotional opportunities for all three berries,” he said in late April.

Naturipe’s growers continue to invest in proprietary varieties that have driven improvements in sweetness, size and texture, Klick adds.

“Our Envoy blueberry variety is a showstopper,” he explains. “Key varieties are offering an elevated flavor profile that doesn’t taste like anything else in the produce aisle right now.”

Blackberry sales also are trending upward, particularly from Georgia, where quality and flavor have been amazing, Klick says.

(Photo courtesy of California Giant Berry Farms)

California Giant Berry Farms

Watsonville, Calif., blueberry volume from California Giant Berry Farms is projected to be up slightly in 2026 compared to last year because of newer varieties and solid performance across growing regions, according to Brad Peterson, director of business development for the company.

“The quality of the 2026 berry crop across our blueberry, raspberry and blackberry programs is shaping up to be excellent,” he says.

North Bay Produce

Traverse City, Mich.-based North Bay Produce is a year-round shipper of blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, says Aaron Hunter, who serves on the company’s sales, procurement and category management team.

Peak seasons vary for each type of berry depending on whether they’re imported or domestic, he says.

During the summer, North Bay Produce will source these berries from about eight states in the U.S. as well as Mexico, Canada, Morocco and Peru.

“Quality has been excellent not only on our Sekoya varieties of blueberries, but our Erandy blackberries have also been a big hit,” he says.

Fruitist

Century City, Calif.-based Fruitist supplies berries year-round through a globally diversified growing network, explains Steve Magami, the company’s co-founder and CEO.

“By operating across multiple microclimates in regions including Peru, Mexico, Oregon, Morocco, Egypt, China, India, Chile, Romania and the U.S., we’re able to maintain a consistent 52-week supply across blueberries,” he says.

And the company continues to scale up its lines of blackberries, raspberries and cherries, Magami adds.

Why Berry Growers See Sustainable Operations as Essential

Thu, 14 May 2026 16:38:11 GMT

Innovative farming techniques, the latest energy conservation programs and efficiencies to reduce their carbon footprint are some of the practices berry grower-shippers have implemented to meet their sustainability goals.

“Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it has become a core expectation across the supply chain,” says Brad Peterson, director of business development for Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms.

The firm’s trade partners are increasingly focused on topics that directly impact their business, such as packaging regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility and social responsibility initiatives like ethical sourcing and compliance programs, he says.

“Responsible production and food safety standards remain central to these conversations, with GlobalG.A.P. certification reinforcing trust and transparency,” Peterson says.

Sustainability also plays an important role at Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms LLC, says Janis McIntosh, director of marketing innovation and sustainability.

“Sustainability at Naturipe starts on the farm and is part of our everyday decision-making,” she says. “Our growers are constantly testing, learning and improving how they farm.”

Because Naturipe’s growers are owners, they’re invested in making sure their farms thrive for the next generation, McIntosh adds.

“That mindset drives real action,” she says.

Sustainability is embedded across all operations at Century City, Calif.-based Fruitist, from how berries are grown to how they are packed and distributed, says Steve Magami, co-founder and CEO.

“Because we operate a vertically integrated model, we’re able to implement and scale these practices more consistently across the supply chain,” he says.

Late last year, California Giant achieved B Corp certification, which Peterson describes as “a milestone that signifies we meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.”

The certification holds the company accountable to its stakeholders and ensures the business operates as “a force for good from the inside out,” he says.

The company’s involvement in sustainability is visible across several key areas of its operations.

“We have invested in a solar array at our Santa Maria, Calif., cooling facility, which helps offset grid electricity use and reduce our carbon footprint,” Peterson says.

“We require 100% grower compliance with integrated pest management and were the first to offer Bee Better Certified blueberries, which requires our partners to dedicate at least 5% of their land to creating high-quality pollinator habitats,” he adds.

And through California Giant’s supplier code of conduct, the company maintains a 100% sign-off rate among its growers, ensuring alignment on human rights and safety, Peterson says.

The company’s philanthropic efforts have resulted in more than $290,000 donated to community causes and food banks.

At Naturipe Farms, growers are actively testing new varieties and farming techniques to improve soil health, reduce inputs and increase yields, McIntosh says.

“They are strategic in their water usage, adjusting in real time based on variety, weather and field conditions,” she says.

Though Naturipe growers have always focused on field-level sustainability, their work in recent years has expanded and transformed into a learning center, McIntosh says.

“Our grower-owners have now set aside specific acreage just for testing new and innovative sustainable practices,” she says. “These fully staffed ranches implement, monitor and report on various trials from new pollinator and cover crop mixes to irrigation and machinery calibration.”

Their research is shared inside and outside of the company.

Fruitist became the first fruit company in Peru to achieve Level 3 carbon footprint accreditation and is on track for net zero by 2030, Magami says.

“Sustainability measures include advanced irrigation that reduces water use by 20% per hectare, solar installations covering up to 35% of electricity at certain facilities and planting 5,000 acres of forest reserves in Peru,” he says.

Record Growth and Strategic Partnerships Take Center Stage at Viva Fresh 2026

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:47:42 GMT

SAN ANTONIO — Setting a new record for growth in the heart of Texas, the 2026 Viva Fresh Expo hit a major milestone with a total of 2,877 attendees — the highest turnout in the show’s history. With a sold-out floor featuring 199 exhibitors and nearly 400 key retail and foodservice buyers, the event solidified its status as a powerhouse hub for the produce industry.

Energy was high on the show floor, where the true bounty of the Tex-Mex corridor was on full display.

From left, Alfredo Pena, Gary Calaroso, Kristina Lorusso and Sebastian Carmona of Giumarra Cos. turn out for Viva Fresh.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Giumarra Cos. featured an array of fresh produce including Mexican grapes, SugarWild jumbo blueberries and blackberries, soon-to-arrive DulceVida Nectarines and its Nature’s Partner premium avocados in two different packaging options — one featuring a morning smoothie recipe and another with a compelling retro feel.

“There’s romance to it,” says Kristina Lorusso. “It’s got a Coachella vibe to it, and retailers love it. It really pops in the department.”

Giumarra’s new avocado packaging brings a “Coachella vibe” to the produce aisle.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Giumarra also highlighted its new partnership with Horton Fruit Co., which will now offer a range of Giumarra’s specialties from its operations in Louisville, Ky., and Dallas.

“Horton Fruit Co. is adding Giumarra items to their list of offerings, which will help with availability heartaches in the retail supply chain,” says Lorusso.

From left, Matt Klare, Mike Wise, Tommy Wilkins and Tom Smith represent the Horton Fruit Co.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Tommy Wilkins of Horton Fruit Co. is equally excited by the partnership with Giumarra Cos.

“We ask our customers, ‘Where’s your heartburn, and how can we help?’ Giumarra has all of these boutique items that are in demand. We can offer logistical help and be a solution to get better product into stores,” he says.

From left, Sophia Koorkoyk, JC Cavaletto and Giovanni Cavaletto discussed sustainable avocado farming at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Sustainable avocado farming was the main event at the GLC Cerritos booth, where Giovanni Cavaletto showcased the company’s annual sustainability report. The report highlights the company’s many efforts on the sustainability front from its water-saving initiatives to pollination to reforestation and more. The company is GlobalG.A.P., Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade-certified.

In terms of avocado sourcing, Cavaletto says fruit from Guatemala and Ecuador are next on the horizon.

And GLC Cerritos touted its series of short videos that give customers a look at what’s going on in the market and on the farm.

Bryan Tate and Rod Whisner of IFCO say sustainability has never been more important.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Sustainability was also a hot topic at IFCO, which showcased its Reusable Packaging Containers.

“The sustainable message has never been bigger,” says Bryan Tate. “More and more people care about it every year.”

Tate says while the packaging space got confusing for a while, he’s seeing more pull from retailers now who are looking for a true end-to-end partnership with IFCO. And as retailers increasingly turn to automation, Tate says IFCO’s standardized RPC footprint, as well as the digital capabilities its adding, play well in automated operations.

North Bay Produce’s Sarah Quackenbush chats about the big boom in bigger berries.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

North Bay Produce’s Sarah Quackenbush showed off its Reserve Blackberries that are coming into peak volume and flavor out of Mexico, as well as its “humungous” jumbo blueberries.

“The jumbo berry market has grown a ton in the past couple of years,” she says. “There’s huge opportunity with bigger berries, and consumers are willing to pay more for them.”

La Bonanza’s Daiana Quintero and Valeria Villasenor showcase avocados from Mexico.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

La Bonanza Avocados, a family-owned avocado grower from Uruapan, Mexico, showcased its sustainably sourced hass avocados and avocado products. As a key hub of Mexico’s avocado-growing region, Uruapan is known as the “Avocado Capital of the World,” says La Bonanza.

From left, David Reyes, Roy Moore and Jeremy Giovannetti talk fresh flavors at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Divine Flavor featured Mexican table grapes, including Cotton Candy grapes out of Jalisco that are available through July, as well as a new crop of roma tomatoes from Baja, mini peppers and new organic cherry tomatoes on the vine.

From left, Eduardo Diaz, Daniel Amavizca and Daniel Ibarra say the crops out of Mexico look good.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Splendid, a company of growers and exporters based north of Sinaloa, Mexico, featured mangoes, sweet corn, green beans, bell peppers and more.

“We foresee a great season,” says Eduardo Diaz.

From left, Andrew Brown, John Pandol and Stefanie Pandol discuss good quality grapes and early California and Mexico seasons at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

John Pandol of Pandol Bros. says grapes from California and Mexico are coming early this year. And while conditions are “so far, so good” in California with no counter indications, in Mexico — which is further along in its season — “quality is good.”

Courtney Schuster and Marabeth Schuster showed off a bevy of beautiful onions from the Lone Star State.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Courtney Schuster of Rio Fresh, a south Texas-based onion grower-packer-shipper, says the onion season is looking strong and while there was some rain “things are tightening up and so far, quality is great.”

Rio Fresh showcased its Tri-Color organic and conventional red, yellow and white onion packs that are available in different combinations and weights up to 5 pounds.

Kellen Stailey Martin and Susie Rea showcase California Crema Gem avocados at Viva Fresh 2026.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey
)

Index Fresh showcased its California Crema Gem avocados, available from April to June in bags and bulk.

“Gems are more sustainably grown avocados because the trees are planted closer together, they use less water and there’s a labor savings as well,” says Kellen Stailey Martin.

The striking avocados have a darker skin with gold flecks and grow to a larger, value size, she says.

“The flavor is a little nuttier and it’s easier to scoop,” she adds.

Stailey Martin also touted the company’s cellulose packaging for its bagged organic and conventional AvoTerra line. The cellulose bag is made of 100% paper and is recyclable and compostable. It also features a new home-compostable PLU sticker from Sinclair.

Also new are Avoettes organic avocados.

“There’s a lot of traction with mini avocados,” says Stailey Martin. “They’re single-serve and there’s no waste.”

While Index Fresh launched the mini avocados with organic, Stailey Martin says conventional Avoettes are in the works.

Brooke Eldridge of Matthews Ridgeview Farm talks the trend in purple sweetpotatoes.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Matthews Ridge Farms’ Brooke Eldridge says the company’s current crop of sweetpotatoes is largely spoken for. She also talked about the rise of the Murasaki sweetpotato.

“The purple market is really growing,” she says. “Retailers are starting to get curious about them. They’re colorful and really grab attention in a dish.”

From left, Sarah Diamond, Tyann Schlimmer and Michelle Youngquist of Bay Baby Produce shared a variety of colorful pumpkin and squash offerings.

(Photo by Jennifer Strailey)

Bay Baby Produce showcased a colorful array of pumpkins and squash, including Day of the Dead pumpkins; a 5-count bag of ornamental pumpkins; pumpkin painting kits; and a new Jack Pack half-pallet display unit that holds up to five different items.

“Jack Pack brings the pumpkin patch to your store,” says Michelle Youngquist of the display units that will be available in September and October.

Bay Baby also featured a host of red, white and blue pumpkins designed to make everything from Labor Day gatherings to celebrating America’s 250th anniversary of independence more festive.

Weather and Innovation Take Center Stage at SEPC’s Southern Exposure

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:45:40 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. — Across the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure trade show floor, a recurring theme emerged: resilience in the face of erratic weather. While companies like North Bay Produce and AC Foods navigated the fallout of recent cold snaps and California storms, others such as Giumarra Cos. and Freshouse highlighted aggressive expansions in Florida and Mexico to ensure year-round availability for increasingly health-conscious consumers.

Harris Trock, Karl Ronhave, the Carrot Czar, Kaitlyn Anderson and Robert Dunning are shown at the Freshouse and Hapco Farms booth at Southern Exposure.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

It was all about carrots at the Freshouse and Hapco Farms’ booth. The aptly named Carrot Czar waved to passersby, and those manning the booth handed out carrot-shaped pens and socks with carrot prints on them.

Karl Ronhave, procurement and sales manager, says the carrot program is doing well, especially as California faces unpredictable weather.

The company expanded its carrot program in Florida in 2025 and did so again this year. The program will move to Canada as the season begins there at MR Farms.

“We have a year-round carrot program,” Ronhave says.

John Pursel, Chuck Plummer and Ron Steele are shown at the AC Foods and Suntreat Packing booth at Southern Exposure.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Visitors to the Sumo Citrus booth want to talk availability, timing and season duration, says Ron Steele, vice president of citrus sales for AC Foods. Steele says he has also discussed many promotional opportunities with digital and coupled that with demoing Sumos in-store.

“It’s about consistency of what we do,” he says.

Visitors to the booth also had questions about the weather in California and its impact on the Sumo crop.

“It’s been a challenge, but our teams have performed brilliantly due to the learnings of years past,” Steele says.

Sarah Quackenbush, Hannah Gaither, Chuck Yow, Doug Rombach and Ryan Lockman are shown at the North Bay booth at Southern Exposure.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Much of the conversation at North Bay’s booth stemmed from how berries fared through the cold temperatures that hit earlier this year.

“Some held up and what doesn’t will have a short season,” says Chuck Yow, business development account manager for North Bay.

He says it may be a rough couple of months for blueberries, but the industry will “learn more as we go.”

A big trend, too, is the push for larger berries: the Erandy blackberry and jumbo blueberries. He says consumers like that the fruit has good Brix and are looking for those larger fruits year-round.

“As popularity grows in sales, we’re still in periods of lower availability,” Yow says.

Matt Mariani, Darryl Bollack and Brad Ryan are shown at the Mariani Nut Co. booth at Southern Exposure.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Matt Mariani, director of retail sales at Mariani Nut Co., says visitors to the company’s booth talked about availability.

“The crop is above average with good supply,” he says.

He says tree nuts are experiencing robust growth in the tree nut oil market as health-conscious consumers seek plant-based and nutrient-dense ingredients.

“We’re grateful for that,” he says.

Jesus Cavazos, Richard Armata, Leslie Hernandez, Fraymil Rodriguez and Priscilla Diaz are shown at the EXP Group’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Fraymil Rodriguez, chief operating officer of EXP Group, says imports of roots and tropical yams continue to grow.

“They’re right in our wheelhouse,” he says, noting that as ethnic cuisines and foods become more mainstream, consumers are branching out and trying new things.

“There’s room for growth,” he says.

Weather patterns have proven to be a bit of a challenge for imports, Rodriguez notes.

“It’s not predictable,” he says. “It’s not easy doing sales with retailers, because we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”

But he says he and the EXP Group team are planning as best as they can, and it’s important to have a relationship with these retailers as well.

“We can tell retailers what’s going on, and having that established relationship helps us pivot,” he says.

Gary Caloroso, Kristina Lorusso and Rob Campbell are shown at the Giumarra Cos. booth at Southern Exposure.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Weather was on the mind of visitors to the Giumarra Cos. booth, says Kellee Harris, vice president of retail merchandising services.

Harris says many conversations also focused on the strong availability of Mexican watermelons.

Cesar Pacheco, vice president of sales for Nogales at Giumarra Cos., says watermelons from the state of Nayarit will run through the end of March, and the northern crop will begin around April 10 and run through the end of June.

He says this northern crop will start a week early to catch gaps.

“It’ll be a good season,” Pacheco says. “Acreage is up.”

He says conventional seedless and organic watermelon will be available in bins and cartons, as will mini watermelons and organic mini watermelons. Harris says demand for mini watermelons continues to grow.

“We’re starting to see an uptick in minis,” she says.

Shown in back from left, are Matt Quiing, Thomas Matier, Spencer Lightfoot, Hunter Tiveron; in front from left are Josianne Legare, Jocelyn Mastronardi and Pam Cherwak at Nature Fresh Farms’ Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Spencer Lightfoot, key account manager for Nature Fresh Farms, says a lot of conversations at the event were about organic produce and bringing organics into the Nature Fresh label.

And from there, Lightfoot says a lot of Nature Fresh’s efforts are set around marketing.

“We’re making sure our efforts with promotion align with good supply so we can promote it with consumers,” Lightfoot says.

How Sun Belle Bridges the Gap Between Produce Staple and Premium Indulgence

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:17:13 GMT

Sun Belle, a year-round marketer and shipper of fresh berries, has launched Craveabelles, a new premium blackberry label designed to elevate the category through exceptional flavor, appearance and shelf presence. According to Sun Belle, the Craveabelles line was created to highlight berries that not only meet consumer desires but also exceed the company’s own rigorous internal standards.

“We see a lot of consumer demand now for great flavor, variety specific, looking for that new item that hits all the marks every single time,” says Hailey Clark, marketing director of Sun Belle. “Craveabelles is a way for us to take our absolutely best-tasting berries and pack them for consumers to rely on to experience something different, but something they already know and love with the very best of it all.”

Craveabelles is available in 6- and 10-ounce clamshells, with peak availability running now through May.

“We’re seeing double-digit growth in the premium category in retail, so I think if we continue to meet that demand, it’ll supply what the consumers are looking for,” says Taylor Hazelwood, vice president of sales for Sun Belle. “It’s no doubt that they’re looking for the best quality, best eating experience, so it is challenging us as an industry and a supplier to rise to those expectations.”

Sun Belle defines these premium characteristics as higher-than-usual Brix levels, a glossy appearance and full 360-degree color. These traits reflect the company’s continued investment in varietal innovation alongside Black Venture Farms, a fellow member of the Frutura family. Black Venture Farms leads all varietal development, breeding, propagation and trialing.

“When you combine a really good, flavored berry with some branding that speaks elevated — something unique, something unforgettable, that experience that’s premium — you end up with a product that performs really well,” Clark says. “We made a combination of getting our best fruit — that we know every berry in the container is going to be delicious — and pairing it with very thoughtful branding to kind of just give an elevated premium berry experience.”

Currently sourced through Sun Belle’s Mexico breeding program, the company’s vertical integration under Frutura ensures consistent supply, quality control and the dependable delivery retail customers expect.

“As long as they’re hitting the peak flavor profile and specifications that we’ve given them, we will have a selection of varieties that can go into this path,” Hazelwood says. “We took our time to make sure that we were delivering a product that we were confident in and we knew would please the consumers. We want to make sure we did it right.”

The Craveabelles branding features a modern aesthetic designed to stand out on retail shelves and signal a premium experience to shoppers at first glance.

“The timing of this is really fun because we’re working on a lot of marketing strategies and concepts that we’re going to roll out this year,” Clark says. “Launching Craveabelles right now, which is a play off the word ‘craveable,’ but throwing in a little Sun Belle love in there, it’s really teasing what we are going to be planning for the rest of the year.”

Sun Belle plans to continue expanding its premium offerings while strengthening partnerships with retailers seeking standout flavor, dependable supply and compelling branding.

“From a marketing perspective, it’s a really fun way to get the buzz going about what’s happening at Sun Belle, because we do have a lot in the works,” Clark says.

Innovation and Celebration Take Center Stage at SEPC Southern Exposure

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:21:00 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. — The energy at this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure was palpable as industry leaders gathered to showcase the future of the produce aisle. The following highlights from the show floor capture how top brands are leveraging premium packaging, fair trade storytelling and new product categories to capture the modern consumer’s attention.

Taylor Hazelwood and Hailey Clark are shown at Sun Belle’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Taylor Hazelwood, vice president of sales for Sun Belle, says a trend she’s seeing is the evolution of the berry category and berry marketing.

“Anything that’s larger in size, the jumbos, the premium lines,” she says. “You’re seeing a little bit of a hit on convenience. You’re starting to see that come into play in some of the packs.”

Hailey Clark, marketing director for Sun Belle, says the berry category looks to pull in new shoppers.

“You have your traditional berry shoppers, but what about the person who is willing to spend a little more for a pack that they can throw in their kids’ lunchbox and they know it’s healthy?” she says.

Clark says Sun Belle seeks to keep not only its core customers happy, but it also looks to new consumers excited to try new flavors and eating experiences.

“It’s still healthy, it’s still reliable, it’s still a great option, but what can we do differently? What’s exciting?” she says. “I think the berry industry is diving into that a lot now, and it’s really fun, and we can do that through packaging, we can do that through variety-specific berries, through branding.”

Clark says branding helps build consumer loyalty.

“People look for brands; they become loyal to a brand if they have a really spectacular experience,” she says. “They want to look for that label again.”

Marianne Stamatelos, Shelby Dwyer, Madison Hopper and Kim Chackal are shown at Equifruit’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Equifruit celebrates its 20th anniversary in a big way at the SEPC event with a caricaturist sketching booth visitors.

Kim Chackal, co-owner and vice president of sales and marketing for Equifruit, says that as the fair trade organic banana company marks its “Bananaversary,” many people are surprised to learn the company has been in existence for that long.

“We did a great job building brand awareness,” she says. “We have great feedback on marketing. People see the Equifruit booth as a destination, and people understand the brand.”

But the focus now turns to how fair trade organic bananas can help lead the category into more growth, Chackal says.

Whitney Lett and Dan Murphy are shown at Fresh from Florida’s Southern Exposure booth.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

Whitney Lett, supervisor of retail and international trade for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, says Southern Exposure is a chance to reconnect with current partners and discuss promotions and plans.

The show is also about maintaining relationships, and she says she’s met with new retailers who learned about the programs available at the show.

“It’s night and day when you see them in person,” she says.

Nora Sherlock, Florida Watermelon Queen Shanie Keene, National Watermelon Queen Elanie Mason and Jill Barton are shown at the Jim Rash booth at Southern Exposure 2026.

(Photo: Christina Herrick)

While a lot of the conversation at the Jim Rash booth focused on watermelon and a visit from both the Florida and national watermelon queens, many visitors talked about strawberries, says Jill Barton, president of Jim Rash.

“It’s a new commodity for us,” she notes.

Barton says Southern Exposure is a favorite event of hers, adding that she loves to connect with everyone at the show.

“This show is different because of the Southeast Produce Council,” she says.

The Berry Boom: New Genetics and Strategic Sizing Drive 2026 Category Growth

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 18:03:39 GMT

As the produce industry moves into the 2026 season, the berry category continues to solidify its position as a powerhouse of the produce department. Fueled by a combination of high-performing new varieties, a smooth transition between growing regions and data-driven retail strategies, the big four berries remain the primary drivers of growth and consumer excitement.

Industry leaders are reporting a highly favorable outlook for the current shipping window.

Nick Wishnatzki, public relations director of Wish Farms, anticipates peak Florida strawberry volumes from late February through the first 10 days of March.

“Overall, the Florida strawberry crop looks healthier than last year’s crop,” Wishnatzki says, adding that production in California’s Oxnard and East Side Santa Maria regions is ahead of schedule, facilitating a smooth transition in mid-to-late March.

Jerry Moran, vice president of sales for Naturipe Farms, echoes this optimism.

“Seasonal transitions are shaping up well,” he says, adding that the move from Central Mexico into California and Florida has been smooth due to varietal overlap.

“Weather always has the potential to create short-term challenges, especially in winter, but we do not anticipate major supply gaps,” Moran says. “Continued investment in protected growing environments, diversified regions, and logistics has helped us shorten and soften those transition periods.”

Overall, Moran says the peak shipping windows look fairly similar to last year, “but we’re seeing better consistency thanks to improved varieties and tighter execution during transitions. Strawberries and blueberries are both showing strong volumes during their traditional peaks, with strawberries benefiting from expanded acreage and blueberries from newer genetics that hold quality longer. On the domestic side, the blueberry peak in Georgia is shaping up to be especially strong, setting a solid tone for the season.

“On the premium side, we’re seeing steady growth in varieties that deliver standout flavor, even if yields are slightly lower,” Moran says. “Retailers are increasingly willing to make space for those berries because they taste great and drive repeat purchases.”

The Future of Flavor: Varietal Innovation

A major theme for the 2026 season is the successful deployment of proprietary and university-developed genetics.

Wish Farms is highlighting the Ember and Encore varieties as a gold standard for Florida producers, noting their exceptional yield, disease resistance and fruit quality.

“Our company is laser focused on finding the best-tasting new varieties, so that characteristic ranks high on our list of requirements,” Wishnatzki says. “New varietal development is truly the future of our industry, as we not only want great tasting varieties, but ones that make farming sustainable, specifically when it comes to yield and disease resistance.

“University of Florida varieties continue to be the gold standard for strawberry producers in the state,” he continues. “The Ember and Encore varieties have shown very strong yield and quality this season. We are also proud members of the Ohalo Strawberry Consortium, which is working on some exciting developments coming down the line.”

Furthermore, Wish Farms’ proprietary breeding company, Berry Sweet Research, is advancing toward the commercialization of new premium raspberry and blackberry varieties.

“Entering its fourth year of rigorous seedling evaluation, BSR is setting new benchmarks in innovation, flavor and performance in its mission of developing premium raspberry and blackberry varieties,” Wishnatzki says. “At the helm is Carlos Fear, a renowned plant breeder and horticulturalist with 35 years of industry experience.

Fear spent much of his career at Driscoll’s, where he played a pivotal role developing industry-leading berry varieties, Wishnatzki adds. He is the inventor or co-inventor on 35 patents spanning raspberries, blackberries and strawberries.

“Each year, BSR assesses 10,000 seedlings, and advances approximately 100 elite selections for further evaluation across three strategic trial locations in California and Mexico. Selections are chosen based on exceptional yield, superior postharvest performance, and standout flavor criteria that reflect the evolving demands of growers, retailers and consumers,” Wishnatzki says. “BSR is preparing to launch full tunnel pre-commercial trials by 2026, featuring two standout raspberry selections. BSR anticipates expanding pre-commercial trials to include two to four selections with growers, paving the way for the release of up to two top-performing varieties for commercial production in 2027.”

Naturipe Farms is also seeing success with newer genetics that hold quality longer, particularly in the blueberry segment. Moran emphasized the importance of balancing high-yield varieties with premium-flavor genetics.

“Those premium berries create excitement and give retailers a way to trade shoppers up,” Moran says, adding that shoppers are increasingly willing to pay more for berries they can trust to taste good every time.

The CSC’s 2025 Strawberry Shopper Playbook reveals that the strawberry category added nearly $500 million in incremental sales, with dollar sales growing by 10%.

(Image courtesy of California Strawberry Commission)

Data-Driven Success: The $500 Million Gain

New research from the California Strawberry Commission underscores the massive financial impact of the category. The CSC’s 2025 Strawberry Shopper Playbook reveals that the strawberry category added nearly $500 million in incremental sales, with dollar sales growing by 10%.

Key takeaways for retailers from the CSC research include:

Volume leadership — Strawberries represent 60% of total berry category volume and drove 61% of incremental growth.
The 32-ounce powerhouse — Larger 32-ounce packages accounted for 68% of incremental sales, delivering $332 million in revenue.
Promotion power — Strawberry promotions generated a 36% volume lift on an average discount of only 22%.

Meeting the Health-Conscious Consumer

The sustained growth of the category is deeply tied to the health and wellness movement. Wishnatzki also points out that Florida’s winter timing is a major advantage, as fresh berries arrive just as shoppers are focusing on New Year’s resolutions and spring resets.

“We continue to see strong growth in the berry category year after year, especially with the health and wellness movement shaping consumer behavior,” he says. “Shoppers are increasingly prioritizing nutrient-rich, whole foods, and no category is better positioned than berries. Consumption is surging across all berry types, with strawberries leading the charge during Florida’s winter season. Packed with vitamin C, fiber and heart-healthy benefits, strawberries align perfectly with consumer goals for better eating.”

As the industry looks toward the rest of 2026, the focus remains clear: delivering consistent flavor and quality. When these elements are met, Moran says, berries remain one of the fastest-turning categories in produce, with shoppers willing to purchase every week.

Sweet Karoline Blackberries Set to Shine in 2026 Season

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:59:29 GMT

Berry Fresh’s 2026 Sweet Karoline blackberry season is expected to be the strongest yet, fueled by expanded acreage, improved yields and rising consumer enthusiasm.

Driven by strategic plantings and continued advances in agronomy, Berry Fresh has significantly increased Sweet Karoline production, according to a news release.

“Over the past several years, we’ve gained key insights into what Sweet Karoline needs to thrive,” says Darren Sinn, vice president of operations and supply chain for Berry Fresh. “As we expand into new growing regions, we can apply these insights to consistently deliver the vibrant flavor that defines the Sweet Karoline experience.”

Now entering its fourth commercial season, Sweet Karoline has earned a passionate following. Known for its reliably sweet flavor, low seed profile and excellent shelf life, the company says it continues to shine with both consumers and retail partners.

Season after season, Berry Fresh says it continues to build on its experience, enhancing the consistency and performance of Sweet Karoline, adding that this steady refinement has strengthened the program’s position as a trusted premium blackberry.

To support long-term growth, Berry Fresh has expanded Sweet Karoline acreage into Oregon, extending the season and enhancing national availability. The first harvest is expected this summer. Additional U.S. plantings are being planned to support scale and reach in the coming years.

“Our expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and delivering exceptional flavor,” says Jyoti Bhogal, vice president of sales and marketing for Berry Fresh. “With Sweet Karoline now thriving in new regions, and with consumer excitement continuing to grow, the program is building a longer, stronger and even more flavorful season each year.”

Naturipe’s Berry Scary Packaging Hits Stores for Halloween

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:28:22 GMT

On Oct. 14, Naturipe Farms announced its Halloween-themed Berry Scary, a limited-edition 12 oz. package of fresh blueberries and blackberries in seasonal packaging. The company says the specially packed berry offerings are shipping now and will reach Kroger and select Wakefern stores by mid-October.

“Berry Scary is fun, convenient, and appealing to families looking for healthier treats this season,” says John Johnston, director of premium products at Naturipe Farms. “Retailers who embrace seasonal packaging see a measurable boost in sales, and this launch is designed to do just that. We’re really excited about this project — it’s a great way to lean into the season while continuously putting excellent quality products on the shelves.”

The limited-edition packaging is decorated with a monster mascot and a vertical design. However, the company says that while the themed packaging is limited time, its berries aren’t.

“Thanks to our growing partners throughout North and South America, our berries keep their spellbinding flavor and frightful freshness year-round,” the company said in a news release.

Giumarra to Launch SugarWild Blackberry Program at Global Produce and Floral Show

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:55:50 GMT

The Giumarra Companies says it will debut its SugarWild berry program, a new generation of premium blackberries, during the International Frehs Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show.

The company says SugarWild offers consumers an exeptional eating experience.

SugarWild is shipping in limited volumes, in conventional, Jumbo SugarWild and Organic SugarWild pack styles.

“In collaboration with our grower partners in Mexico, our berry team is thrilled to introduce our most exciting berry yet at the industry’s most prominent event,” said Alfredo “Freddy” Peña, vice president for Giumarra International Berry Sales. “SugarWild’s combination of outstanding flavor and eye-catching branding invites consumers to discover a boldly sweet new berry experience. We look forward to supporting our retail customers with promotions to engage shoppers with SugarWild both in store and online.”

The company says its SugarWild blackberries will be available at its International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show booth, Mercado Giumarra. Booth No. 3373, will pay homage to the Giumarra Companies’ Southern California roots with a Hispanic market-themed booth.

Booth visitors can sample beverages and street tacos with traditional and inventive toppings that feature fresh produce items offered across Giumarra’s sales divisions.

SugarWild will also be spotlighted at IFPA’s Fresh Ideas Showcase at the show, too.

“Our company roots were established at the historic downtown Los Angeles produce market in 1922, and we continue to be inspired by the colorful, diverse market experiences Southern California has to offer,” said Megan Gorgisheli, vice president of marketing administration and brand for the Giumarra Companies. “This year’s booth brings that inspiration to life in a vibrant, welcoming space where we can connect with our customers, growers and fellow industry members.”

North Bay Produce’s Erandy Blackberry Wins Award

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 18:19:40 GMT

North Bay Produce says its premium blackberry variety, Erandy, has been awarded the prestigious Superior Taste Award in Brussels, Belgium.

This recognition is presented by the International Taste Institute, known for its rigorous evaluation process involving over 200 professional taste experts from around the globe, the company says.

“We are incredibly proud to receive the Superior Taste Award for our Erandy blackberries,” says Nick Osmulski, president of North Bay Produce. “This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our team and farmers who strive to deliver the best possible produce to our customers. It is an honor to be recognized by such a distinguished panel of taste experts.”

North Bay Produce says receiving the Superior Taste Award is a significant achievement. The Erandy blackberry, packaged under North Bay’s Reserve label, captured the attention of the expert jury in the evaluation process for its unique taste, texture and overall excellence.

The jury consists of independent and external experts from over 20 countries. They are members of distinguished chef and sommelier associations and have been recognized for their expertise through chef and sommelier competitions, as well as prestigious institutions such as Le Guide Michelin and Gault & Millau, the company says.

From AI to Genetics, Innovation is Fueling the Berry Category

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:50:04 GMT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Berry innovation was on full display at the recent Aneberries trade fair, where Hortifrut CEO Hector Lujan sat down with The Packer to share the vertically integrated company’s vision for the future of the category.

Founded in Chile, the global berry company operates its own commercial platforms as well as partnerships with U.S. growers including Naturipe, Michigan Blueberry Growers and Munger Farms. Globally, Hortifrut has a presence in India, China, North America, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

What role does innovation play at Hortifrut?

Lujan: It’s huge. Innovation is in our core values. We try to be a very innovative company that is always looking to challenge the status quo, but also reinvent ourselves in terms of how we farm, how we take product to market, and how we inform and bring people closer to our company.

We also expect a high level of execution. Innovation comes with the ability to bring it forward. So, we try to merge that in our culture, and hopefully it shows up. We also find that innovation generates a lot of really strong energy and excitement within the company that helps move us forward. And that’s been a testament to Hortifrut throughout its history.

How important are genetics to the future of blueberries and your company’s future?

Hortifrut has been a strong blueberry company, but we’re getting stronger in all the berry categories, and genetics are at the forefront of that. If you look at what’s transpired in the berry industry over the last 10 years, it’s really been driven by the genetic improvements, farming improvements, go-to-market improvements — but genetics are also at the forefront of creating a better eating experience with consumers and moving our products forward.

We are very engaged with our own genetics, but we’re also tapping into and looking to partner with different genetic houses to bring the best genetics to our farming. We invest in genetics on our own. We’re vertically integrated that way, but we’re also strategically partnering with other genetic houses, because we want to bring the best genetics to the table and products being represented under the Hortifrut, Naturipe labels.

What advancements are you seeing in the berry category and how is technology accelerating the pace of change?

Everybody’s innovating. And AI (artificial intelligence) has made leveraging information faster, but also much more constructive in terms of making changes and analyzing data for better decision making. AI is bringing a lot of really good tools that we can use as we build our databases.

Everybody you talk to in the industry is asking how much data is there in the community? How are you bringing that data together to empower your organization, be it with improved farming practices, better decision making, logistics, and even in genetics AI is becoming huge in terms of reading the recommendations of crossings. So, it’s playing a huge role.

There are other improvements in technology that are coming through in how we farm and automate harvesting or assisted harvesting. I think the most pronounced advancements have been through assisted harvesting, tools that allow for the harvester to be more productive.

At Fruit Attraction 2024 in Madrid, Hortifrut launched BerryReality , a virtual reality project designed to transform the way the industry and consumers connect with the company’s growing experience, innovation and sustainability practices. Is that helping to share Hortifrut’s story?

What you witnessed was our virtual reality tour that we’re trying to engage now and also use it to bring people closer to our company. We’re consistently trying to advance that forward, to have — even with AI — a conversation with people that brings them to a farm experience. We like to innovate in the marketplace. And we like to innovate in our farms.

Berry sales continue to boom in the U.S. Dollar sales for the berry category were over $12.5 billion, according to Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh retail data for the 52-week period ending June 15, 2025, up 7.5% over a year ago. What’s driving demand?

The competitive landscape in the berry industry has gotten tighter and tighter. And I think it’s stronger. Where the berry industry is growing because of the flavor profiles and the improvements in genetics, but it’s consumer demand for [a high-level] eating experience that’s really driving that growth. So, I think companies now are much more keen to ask, ‘How can we add value together with our customers, our retailers, and drive opportunity for the farmers through better eating experiences?’

And what we’re seeing is better genetics in every single berry category — in raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries — which is creating a much more competitive environment, but it’s also really good for the consumer because the eating experience keeps getting better and better, and that’s driving opportunity, growth and demand in the berry category.

The other factor driving sales is berries are getting discovered worldwide. What we’re seeing is that because of the health benefits of berries coupled with the eating experience, emerging markets are becoming huge opportunities. The world is eager to get berries into their stomachs. So, our share of stomach is growing worldwide.

A Fruit Logistica in Berlin earlier this year, Hortifrut sampled blueberries on the vine. When will you bring them to market and will they be available in the U.S.?

They’re available seasonally, because it’s certain varieties that we can harvest on the vine that need to mature evenly. So, it’s not a product that we have year-round. We have it in Europe right now. Actually, last week we started shipping the first berries on the vine into the Nordics, and it has been a great success.

It’s been a very rewarding experience. We’re seeing an even better shelf life with the berries on the vine , and people are excited to get them. So, it’s a novelty. It’s not something that we have done yet on a very big scale, but it’s something that is exciting for us — part of our innovation, part of our working with retailers to offer them something that’s unique and brings a differential to them. It also gets more people engaged with blueberries and is bringing new customers to the category.

As far as bringing blueberries on the vine to the United States, we’ve started those conversations and I’d say we’re in the ground stages of looking at how to enter that market.

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Berry Industry Says Tariffs Could Raise Prices, Reduce Consumption

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:05:00 GMT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — At the recent Aneberries trade fair, which brought together some 3,000 industry professionals from around the world, members of the global berry industry said they’re watching the Trump administration’s tariffs and trade deals closely.

Hortifrut, a vertically integrated company with its own commercial platforms as well as partnerships with growers including Naturipe, Michigan Blueberry Growers and Munger Farms, has a global presence in India, China, North America, Latin America, Europe and Africa.

The Packer sat down with Hector Lujan, CEO of Hortifrut, during Aneberries to learn if the administration’s tariffs and trade moves have impacted the global company.

Hortifrut CEO Hector Lujan discussed tariffs and trade at Aneberries 2025.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

“It’s starting to. Tariffs are an obstacle because they’re taking value out of the whole supply chain and making it more difficult to bring something in that’s very healthy to the American public. I think it can also lead to reduced consumption or availability because of economic pressure, but also because of affordability in the marketplace … and that’s a concern for us,” says Lujan, who sees consumers being impacted most by tariffs on berries.

“I think the consumer loses out the most in the whole chain in terms of how we’ve secured product for the U.S. in North America. North America’s food security is based on production domestically and imports,” he says.

Walk any U.S. supermarket’s produce department and much of what’s available is imported, Lujan says.

“The U.S. probably has one of the most diverse product offerings in the world. We can find most products year-round — very healthy products in the produce aisle,” he says. “And if we look at food as medicine, you’re getting your medicine there at the produce section. And the affordability of trade has made that possible.

“I don’t think we can produce berries year-round in the United States in the abundance that we need to and at the price point the consumer wants,” he adds.

Lujan says the U.S. berry industry has partnered with the rest of the world to ensure fresh product is available continuously and at an affordable price, and tariffs would upset this well-balanced supply chain.

Aneberries President Miguel Curiel says, ultimately, consumers will pay the price of tariffs.

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

Miguel Curiel, president of Aneberries (Mexico’s National Association of Berry Exporters) and vice president and general manager at Driscoll’s Mexico, agrees.

“If we continue to have a free trade without import tariffs, I can see the industry growing, because the consumer will continue demand at similar prices,” he says. “Now if there’s a tariff, clearly, in the short term the growers and the supply side takes the bigger hit of that tariff. But in the mid-to-long-term, it is the consumer who takes the hit. There’s no doubt about that. Yes, [tariffs] concern everybody, but the concern is more about uncertainty as to what rate will be applied.”

South American Season

“We’re getting into the season in Peru, where the first tariffs might hit at 10% and then Chile, and that’s a concern, because we’re going to ship blueberries in September, October, November and December, when there’s almost no blueberry production in the United States,” says Lujan.

He sees having the continuity and consistency of imported berry supplies that fill the gaps when the U.S. is not in production, as benefiting the entire fresh berry supply chain down to the consumer.

“Imports drive demand for domestic consumption as well, because you don’t disengage from the consumer,” he says. “It’s about driving that per capita consumption year-round.”

Curiel says Aneberries is committed to providing the North American market with the very best strawberries, raspberries and blackberries, and because of the perishability of those crops, the vast majority of them are sold within North America.

“The value that we deliver to consumers is freshness, as we’re able to deliver those three products to the shelf within three days,” he says. “By day number four or five, the consumer has the product in their home, so that limits the regions that compete.”

Canada, the U.S. and Mexico’s growing seasons for those berries also complement each other, he says.

“Blueberries are a different animal,” Curiel says. “They really compete on a world market. We’re mainly in the U.S. market, but we’re competing with fruit from Peru, Chile, Argentina, Morocco and even fruit from the United States and Canada almost at the same time. So, blueberries are very competitive and more of a world arena.”

Of tariffs, Curiel says the North American berry industry needs collaboration.

“I think we need to respect what each government is doing. The U.S. government is taking some actions, the Mexican government as well, and also Canada. It’s a matter of what the rules of the game will be. Once that’s settled, the industry will adapt,” he says.

The need for North American berry industry collaboration took center stage at Aneberries, July 24, during a session titled: “Berries Without Borders — A Global and Comprehensive Approach From International Organizations.”

(Photo: Jennifer Strailey)

USMCA: Renegotiation or Renewal?

The need for North American berry industry collaboration also took center stage at Aneberries, July 24, during a session titled: “Berries Without Borders — A Global and Comprehensive Approach From International Organizations.”

During the session, Kasey Cronquist, president of U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), spoke to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is up for its six-year review in July 2026, offering the three parties the opportunity to notify each other of their approval or opposition to renew the agreement in 2036.

“Come July of next year we will be paying attention to all the tea leaves — what’s going to happen and what these three countries decide — whether or not it’s going to be a full renegotiation of the agreement or a renewal of USMCA,” Cronquist said. “I think that’s the stage that’s been set.

“I think we’re in good shape with what has been said by this administration and with our trading partners, as long as we remain in compliance as a category and as an industry, we should be able to maintain free access,” he continued. “But I also think this administration has been clear that they like to negotiate deals. Far be it for me to suggest what those deals would be and for what purposes, but I think it’s really important that we’re all working together to show the value that this part of our industry brings to the U.S. economy.”

Seeking to showcase the value of the blueberry industry, the USHBC recently published an economic impact report that highlights the imported value of blueberries to the U.S.

USHBC says the findings of the study show that blueberry growers and importers have a significant impact on the U.S. economy. Overall, says USHBC, the growers and importers of blueberries from Canada, Chile, Mexico, and Peru contribute nearly $9.1 billion in annual economic impact to the U.S. economy. Supported by both domestic growers and international import partners, the industry also creates and sustains 61,676 full-time equivalent jobs each year and generates $3.3 billion in labor income.

“Being able to tell that story and being able to explain to this administration what it is that this industry brings to the national economy, even if it’s imported, is a really important page for us all to be on,” said Cronquist.

Cronquist said the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Chile and Peru need to find a way to all work together and find commonalities, so “there’s no winners and no losers.”

“We know blueberries, which is true for all berries, is not an annual crop that’s available year-round in the U.S., so we are dependent on imported product,” he said. “We can’t provide all the berries the U.S. needs, and the U.S. consumer wants berries 365 days a year.”

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California Giant Berry Farms Highlights How Berries Are Always on the Menu

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:07:09 GMT

Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms says the grower, shipper and wholesaler will showcase its offerings of premium strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries during the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference.

The company says it will tout its reliable year-round supply of fresh berries, noting berries are always on the menu with California Giant Berry Farms. The company will showcase its full line of fresh berries, conventional and organic at booth No. 102.

California Giant says research consistently shows consumers associate berries with freshness, naturalness and health benefits, making them highly appealing for menu innovation in the restaurant industry.

Berries continue to be a consumer favorite in the produce aisle, with a high percentage of households reporting purchases, citing data from The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025 survey .

California Giant says this widespread consumer familiarity and preference for berries at retail translates directly into a strong demand for them on foodservice menus, offering operators a clear path to satisfy customer expectations and enhance menu appeal.

The company says its Giant Blueberries, with impressive size and flavor, are available in good volume through August.

“Berries are a true powerhouse for any foodservice operation,” says Tim Youmans, vice president of sales for California Giant Berry Farms. “Beyond their vibrant color and incredible flavor, they offer versatility: from breakfast and desserts to savory applications and refreshing beverages. Incorporating fresh berries allows chefs to effortlessly elevate dishes, meet consumer demand for healthy and appealing options, and ultimately, drive customer satisfaction and repeat business.”

Aneberries International Trade Fair Brings Global Berry Industry to Mexico

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:59:57 GMT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Mexico’s National Association of Berry Exporters, or Aneberries, began as an initiative to represent the country’s entire berry supply, to provide technical training to smaller growers and to secure Mexico’s place in the global berry export value chain.

Today, the trade fair and conference has grown to become much more, says Aneberries President Miguel Ángel Curiel, who is also vice president and general manager at Driscoll’s México.

Held July 23-24, this week marks the 15^th anniversary of the Aneberries trade fair, an event that drew a record 3,000 attendees and exhibitors to Mexico’s Expo Guadalajara.

“The congress we have today has evolved as an area where, if you want to know the current state of the Mexican berry industry, you come to this show, because that’s what you’re going to hear — what is happening,” Curiel told The Packer. “And as people come out of this event [they’re] able to answer the questions they had about the business, they know where the industry is trending, they know what is hurting one of the each crops that we have here in Mexico — each of the four berries — and what are the opportunities and within that be able to connect with many players that are in the show today.”

Curiel says the Mexican berry industry has grown significantly in the last 30 years and now produces about 500 million kilos of blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries a year. And with this growth, the Aneberries event has attracted an increasingly international audience of importers and exporters.

“We’re here for several reasons, not the least of which is our general interest in building the Mexico domestic market,” said Kevin Hamilton, vice president of global marketing communications for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). “USHBC operates in 10 different countries related to trying to grow demand and find a destination home for all of this increased production that’s coming.

“Certainly Mexico, with the market that’s here — it’s a growing middle-class market,” Hamilton continued. “It’s a growing economy, growing general household wealth. We have a high interest in growing this market for not only the domestic producers, but also for U.S. exporters as well.”

Hamilton says that given the growth in an increasingly global berry supply, the need to drive demand in new markets is key.

“Production is growing — not only in the U.S., not only in Mexico, but certainly Peru and many other destinations as well. We can expect that volume is going to continue to increase on the supply side,” he said. “So, what we need to do is shift the demand curve and find homes in terms of demand for this product, so that profitability can be maintained across the board, especially for our U.S. growers that live in a regime in which our costs are just generally higher.

“As a result, we need to do everything we can from a marketing perspective and as an industry to grow demand, not only in the U.S., but in other large markets like Mexico, and do it in a way that’s profitable for the industry to maintain long-term viability,” he added.

California strawberry producers also see opportunities for growth with Mexico.

“Aneberries is the most important berry conference in Mexico, and it was our great honor as a strawberry commission to be invited for the first time this year to participate in the conference,” says Chris Christian, vice president market insights with the California Strawberry Commission. “It is important because our industries are very much interconnected for strawberries, between California and Mexico.”

California strawberry exports to Mexico have experienced accelerated growth in recent years.

“We’ve seen significant increase in our exports from California to Mexico,” Christian says. “Since 2022 the market size has nearly doubled, meaning the amount of our exports have nearly doubled over that time period and are over $100 million in value today. And so, Mexico is an important market for us. It is our second-largest export market behind Canada.”

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What’s Driving the Boom in Berries

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 03:10:21 GMT

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The Aneberries international conference and expo held July 23-24, welcomed a record 3,000 attendees to its 15^th annual event focused on the global berry market. Aneberries kicked off with a look at berry consumer shopping trends from The Packer’s 2025 Fresh Trends report.

Based on a survey of more than 1,100 consumers across the U.S., Fresh Trends 2025 surveyed shoppers about their fresh fruit and vegetable purchasing habits in 50 commodities — including berries — over the prior 12 months. Fielded in February, Fresh Trends 2025 also surveyed five generations (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, baby boomers and traditionalists) about what and why they buy in the produce department.

The Packer’s Editorial Director Jennifer Strailey presented Fresh Trends 2025 at the Aneberries conference and expo.

(Photo courtesy of Aneberries)

Berries by the Numbers

The total berry category continues to dominate. Dollar sales for the berry category were over $12.5 billion, according to Circana OmniMarket Integrated Fresh retail data for the 52-week period ending June 15, 2025, up 7.5% over a year ago. That’s dollar sales more than twice what the next leading produce category — grapes — posted for that same time period.

When it comes to berry types most purchased, Fresh Trends 2025 finds that strawberries and blueberries lead the category with 54% of consumers reporting purchasing the berries in the last 12 months. Blackberries came in next at 34%, and raspberries were the least-purchased berry in the category at 30%.

(Prostock-studio, Adobe Stock)

Blackberries Resonate With Older Shoppers

Fresh Trends 2025 found that higher-earning consumers with an annual household income greater than $100,000 were the most frequent purchaser of blackberries at 46%.

Older consumers were also among the most frequent purchasers of conventional blackberries with 71% of those aged 50 to 59 and 73% of those aged 60 or older reporting they purchased them in the last 12 months.

A look at conventional compared to organic blackberry sales shows a decided consumer preference for conventional. Of those who purchased blackberries in the last 12 months, 52% said they prefer conventional blackberries compared with 20% of those who only purchased organic. Twenty-five percent of consumers reported buying both conventional and organic blackberries.

But a key takeaway from Fresh Trends 2025 was that younger consumers are buying more organic produce, and despite being most sensitive to food inflation, they are also more willing to pay more for organic. This is evident in the berry category as well with 36% of Gen Z and 24% of millennials reporting purchasing organic blackberries compared with just 15% of Gen X and 5% of baby boomers.

Blueberries are tied with strawberries for the most-purchased berry.

(Cozine, Adobe Stock)

Something Blue, Something New

Fresh Trends 2025 found that 54% of consumers purchased blueberries in the last 12 months — the same percentage as last year’s survey but higher than the 37% reporting so in Fresh Trends 2023.

As with blackberries, higher-income consumers were most likely to report a blueberry purchase, with 64% of shoppers earning more than $100,000 in annual household income indicating purchases. Older consumers were also more likely to purchase blueberries, with 60% of those aged 50 to 59 and 59% of those aged 60 or older putting blueberries in their shopping baskets.

Among blueberry consumers, the majority, or 52%, prefer to buy conventionally grown blueberries, compared to just 20% who purchased organic exclusively and 24% who said they purchased both conventional and organic.

Once again, younger consumers showed more love for organic, with 32% of Gen Z and 24% of millennials reporting organic blueberry purchases in the past 12 months. This is compared to just 9% of baby boomers, 13% of traditionalists and 16% of Gen Xers.

And the blueberry category is benefiting from differentiation, as brands have introduced extra-large blueberries in recent years. Nearly half of consumers, or 45%, reported having purchased jumbo blueberries in the past 12 months.

A look at purchase of jumbo blueberries by generation, reveals that younger consumers were more apt to purchase the fruit. At 54%, millennials were far and away the leading purchasers of extra-large blueberries.

Reported purchase of jumbo blueberries in past 12 months by generation:

43% of Gen Z
54% of millennials
44% of Gen Xers
34% of baby boomers
38% of traditionalists

The jumbo blueberry purchasing habits of men versus women reveals another interesting trend. Throughout the Fresh Trends 2025 survey, men and women were closely aligned in their buying behavior, with relatively few exceptions. But when it comes to blueberries, 50% of men reported having purchased extra-large blueberries in the last 12 months compared with 40% of women.

The Packer has spoken with suppliers of extra-large blueberries who’ve said they see their product resonating with men, who perhaps view jumbo blueberries as a more substantial or satisfying snack. Cracking into the snacking trend with bigger blueberries could be a game changer for the subcategory.

At 38%, Gen Z shoppers lead in the purchase of organic raspberries.

(Africa Studio, Adobe Stock)

Raspberries Cross Generations

Thirty percent of consumers surveyed in Fresh Trends 2025 reported purchasing raspberries in the last 12 months. Generationally speaking, the consumers who most frequently reported purchasing raspberries in the past 12 months were baby boomers at 38%, Gen X at 32% and Gen Z at 30%.

When it comes to conventional versus organic raspberries, consumers purchased far more conventional raspberries than organic, with the majority, or 59%, of consumers saying they purchased conventional raspberries, compared with just 15% who said they only purchased organic raspberries.

On the organic front, the trend of the youngest berry shoppers gravitating to organics is apparent again with 38% of Gen Z indicating they had purchased organic raspberries in the last 12 months.

Twenty-three percent of all consumers surveyed said they bought organic strawberries in the last 12 months.

(knelson20, Adobe Stock)

Strawberries Top the Most-Purchased List

Strawberries not only made Fresh Trends 2025’s list of the top 10 most purchased fruits and vegetables — coming in at No. 8 with 54% of consumers saying they purchased strawberries in the last 12 months — but strawberries are also the No. 1 item in the berry category that consumers most frequently reported purchasing as organic. Twenty-three percent of all consumers surveyed said they bought organic strawberries in the last 12 months.

The big red berry also continues to gain new customers. Nine percent of consumers surveyed in Fresh Trends 2025 said they were new purchasers of strawberries, buying them for the first time in the past several years.

What drives consumers to buy?

When consumers were asked what factors make them likely to purchase fruits and vegetables they haven’t purchased before or more of a certain kind of produce, “on sale” was the most popular response at 41%, followed by word of mouth at 38%, sampling at 33% and social media at 27%.

And strawberries were another case where men and women indicated different purchasing habits, with 59% of women saying they had purchased strawberries in the past 12 months, compared with 49% of men.

U.S. Relies Heavily on Berry Imports From Mexico

The Packer’s presentation at Aneberries also took a look at the U.S.-Mexico berry trade, with input from international banking and financial services company Rabobank.

More than 90% of the raspberry supply in the U.S. is imported, with the vast majority coming from Mexico, says Rabobank.

With blueberries, over 60% of the supply is imported, with more heavy imports from Mexico during March, April and May when it’s the offseason for California.

Rabobank says almost all U.S. strawberry imports come from Mexico and about 25% of the fresh strawberries consumed in the U.S. are imported.

Mexico supplies a little over 62% of blackberries for the U.S. market. The vast majority of the U.S. blackberry supply is imported from Mexico from February through April.

Opportunities for Growth

The fresh produce industry now has five generations of produce shoppers, and one of the most compelling insights that came out of the Fresh Trends 2025 report with regard to berries specifically is that few other fresh produce categories have the penetration across all five generations that berries do.

From the youngest to the oldest and in between, consumers are engaging with berries. That’s great news for berry suppliers, retailers, foodservice and more, but the berry category also has the challenge of continuing to appeal to and delight that critically important younger shopper who craves something new and different, whether that’s organic berries, extra-large berries or innovations in value-added and snack offerings.

And younger shoppers, who despite being most sensitive to higher food prices, are also more willing to spend more for these items. They see items like organic berries as an affordable luxury, and they’re willing to pay the price to get what they want.

Download a free copy of the Fresh Trends 2025 report here .

Your next read: Fresh Trends 2025 — Driving Demand in an Age of Uncertainty

Solid Crops and Shopper-Focused Strategies Help Berries Shine in the Retail Spotlight

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:58:59 GMT

Summer berries are in peak season, and growers across the U.S. say it’s shaping up to be a flavorful year.

From strawberries and blueberries to raspberries and blackberries, here is what’s in season, what’s trending and what retailers need to know to keep berry sales booming.

Consumer insights

Data from The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025 report underscore just how vital berries remain to the produce department. From consumer buying habits and demographics to favored varieties and organic preferences, data from the annual consumer survey reveals where berries are performing well.

Strawberries

Strawberries were No. 8 among the top 10 fruits and vegetables that consumers reported purchasing, as 54% of shoppers indicated they bought strawberries during the past 12 months.

Strawberries are also the commodity that consumers most frequently reported purchasing as organic, with 23% saying they bought organic strawberries during the past year.

Baby boomers (69%) are who most frequently reported making a strawberry purchase, followed by Gen X (56%), millennials (50%), Gen Z (48%) and traditionalists (35%).

Blackberries

For blackberries, consumers with over $100,000 in annual household income (46%) most frequently said they bought blackberries in the past 12 months, with the lowest rate of reported purchases (21%) among those making less than $25,000 a year.

Consumers in the West most frequently reported purchasing blackberries (39%), followed by the Midwest (35%), Northeast (34%) and South (31%).

Of those who indicated blackberry purchases, 52% said they preferred to buy conventional blackberries, compared with 20% who only purchased organic blackberries and 25% who bought a combination of organic and conventional. Consumers who most often said they bought conventional blackberries were those without dependent children (60%), those aged 50 to 59 (71%) and those aged 60 or older (73%).

Blueberries

Blueberries continue to be a consumer favorite, according to Fresh Trends 2025 data, with 54% of respondents saying they bought blueberries in the past 12 months.

Higher-income consumers most frequently said they bought blueberries, with 64% of surveyed shoppers with more than $100,000 in annual household income indicating purchases.

Older consumers were the most frequent in reporting blueberry purchases, with 60% of those aged 50-59 and 59% of those aged 60 or older saying they added blueberries to their shopping carts in the past year.

Consumers in the West most often indicated they bought blueberries (60%), followed by the Midwest (56%), Northeast (53%) and South (49%).

Of those who purchased blueberries, most said they prefer to buy conventionally grown blueberries (52%), compared to 20% who purchased organic exclusively and 24% who purchased a mix of both conventional and organic. Consumers aged 50 or older that live in the Midwest were the most frequent to report buying conventionally grown blueberries.

Raspberries

Like the other berries, annual household income appeared to be a factor in reported raspberry purchase rates, with 35% of consumers earning $50,000 to $100,000 and 37% of earning over $100,000 saying they bought raspberries in the past 12 months. This compares with just 21% of those with annual household incomes of $25,000 to $50,000.

Generationally speaking, the consumers who most frequently reported purchasing raspberries in the past 12 months were Gen Z (30%), Gen X (32%) and baby boomers (38%).

The majority, or 59%, of consumers said they purchased conventional raspberries, compared with 15% who said they purchased only organic raspberries, while 23% indicated they purchased both conventional and organic.

Gen Z most frequently reported purchasing organics in this category, with 38% saying they bought organic raspberries in the past 12 months, more than double the percentage of millennials (14%) and Gen Xers (15%).

“As more people are prioritizing health span over lifespan, they’re turning to fresh, functional foods to support long-term wellness, and strawberries are leading the way,” said Amanda Armstrong, marketing director for Nature Fresh Farms.

(Photo courtesy of Nature Fresh Farms)

Nature Fresh Farms

Amanda Armstrong, marketing director for Nature Fresh Farms, said anticipation is building for what’s ahead as it finishes its current season.

“This upcoming season promises to be our most flavorful yet. Our focus remains unwavering — delivering Little Obsessions organic strawberries that are truly ‘so good you can’t resist,’” Armstrong said. “With our commitment to quality and innovation, we’re positioning for a season that will set new standards for year-round berry excellence.”

Armstrong said Nature Fresh Farms’ organic Little Obsessions berries offer summertime flavor and freshness no matter the season.

“Grown greenhouse-clean, they’re not only bursting with taste but also good for you and the planet,” Armstrong said. “It’s the berry experience you remember, with the consistency you can count on. As more people are prioritizing health span over lifespan, they’re turning to fresh, functional foods to support long-term wellness, and strawberries are leading the way. With our greenhouse-grown strawberries available year-round, health-focused shoppers can enjoy fresh, organic berries whenever they want.”

Armstrong said consumers should seek berries that promise an experience.

“Look for varieties that deliver that perfect balance of sweetness and juiciness that makes you close your eyes and savor the moment,” she said. “Our organic Little Obsessions are specifically chosen for their ability to create those ‘can’t resist’ moments — berries so fresh and flavorful they redefine expectations, start conversations and create connections.”

Northwest Berry Foundation

In Oregon, strawberries are just coming into season, explained Julie Pond, executive director for the Northwest Berry Foundation.

“Early and midseason June-bearing strawberry varieties are available now, and later season June-bearing varieties will be available in the next week or two. Day-neutral strawberries like Albion are available locally now and will continue to be available through September,” Pond said near the end of May. “The earliest blackberry varieties have just finished blooming, and right now the season is looking to be a week earlier than normal. Harvest should start around late June. Red raspberry is currently in bloom right now with a mid-June start. Blueberry just finished a great pollination season, and fruit is swelling for a late-June harvest start. Tack on 10 days, and that’s where Washington timing is, generally speaking, though eastern Washington blueberries should begin mid-June.

Overall, the season is looking good for all berries so far, Pond said.

“Growers are cautiously optimistic. Pollination weather was favorable, and it looks like an average crop in all berries,” Pond explained. “This past winter was moderate, which made a difference compared to the last couple of prior winters, which had some extended cold stretches. This year the plants didn’t need to adjust to winter concerns.”

From a fresh, local perspective, Pond said consumers like the up-and-coming varieties and varieties that are different from the usual run-of-the-mill ones.

“Don’t get me wrong, the tried-and-true varieties will always have traction in the region, but any unique colored berries or really any new varieties are fun to experience,” Pond said. “We’re fortunate to have a few longstanding berry breeding programs in the Pacific Northwest, which gives growers and consumers an opportunity to find the right varieties for our exact conditions and needs.”

Consumers should expect great quality berries coming out of the Pacific Northwest, Pond said, adding, “Take advantage of the season while it’s happening. Take the opportunity to try some new varieties while enjoying the tried-and-true ones we have.”

Blackberries are now in season in California, said Erin Mittelstaedt, CEO of The FruitGuys.

(Photo courtesy of The FruitGuys)

The FruitGuys

Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are all in season right now in California, said Erin Mittelstaedt, CEO of The FruitGuys.

“California berry season typically starts with strawberries in February, followed by blueberries in April, blackberries in May and raspberries in June,” she said. “Florida’s strawberry season is already over; its strawberries are actually best during the winter months, typically peaking in February and March.”

Grapes and kiwifruit are technically berries, too, Mittelstaedt said, “even though we don’t usually think of them that way. California farmers are already harvesting the first grapes of the season. We should see kiwis in the fall, and we also always look forward to kiwi berries from the Pacific Northwest in September and October.”

Like all of the fruit seasons, berry season arrives at different times across the country, Mittelstaedt said.

“Florida and California farmers harvest their berries first, followed by farmers in the Midwest and on the East Coast,” she said. “Our farm partners in Pennsylvania, for example, usually harvest their strawberries in late May and June, raspberries in June and July, and blackberries from July to September. So, if you’re on the East Coast, expect to wait a little longer for some of those local fruits.”

Mittelstaedt said The FruitGuys is seeing more interest in unique and unusual fruits across the board, including berries. “Customers love it when we can sneak something different into our mixes, like kiwi berries (which look like miniature, fuzz-less kiwis) or pineberries (strawberry relatives with white skin and red seeds).

“Apart from that, this has been a fantastic year for California strawberries and blueberries,” she added. “They’re in great supply, and their flavor is delicious, so enjoy them this summer while they last.”

Consumers should look for berries that are brightly colored and firm, Mittelstaedt said.

“Size isn’t necessarily important (it varies from variety to variety), but smaller berries may have a more intense flavor,” she said. “Pass on berries that look squished, bruised or wet in the container — they could mold more quickly.

“For strawberries in particular, you can also look for bright green leaves. If the leaves are browning or dry, it means the berries may not be as fresh” she added. “At home or in the office, store your berries in the fridge and wait to wash them until right before you eat them. That will help them last longer.”

Wilmot Orchards’ varieties that produce larger berries are its most popular, said Courtney Stevens, chief operating officer and owner.

(Photo courtesy of Wilmot Orchards)

Wilmot Orchards

The Wilmot Orchards blueberry season typically starts in late July and runs to the middle or end of August, depending on the year, said Courtney Stevens, chief operating officer and owner.

Across the 11 different varieties of blueberries Wilmot has for picking, the varieties that produce larger berries are always the most popular, Stevens said.

“A few years ago, we planted two new varieties for us, Bonus and Valor,” she said. “They’re the largest of our varieties and will be producing even more this year as the bushes are maturing.

“We’re also expecting the ‘Made in Canada’ trend to continue into the summer,” she added. “We’re excited to offer our many products that are not only made in Canada and with our blueberries but made in Ontario through our partnership with fellow family-owned businesses, such as our blueberry jams, [barbecue] sauce and habanero jelly, all perfect to enjoy during the summer.”

Consumers should ensure they’re buying completely ripe berries, Stevens said.

“This means the berry is completely the color it should be. For blueberries, that means that each berry should be blue all over. If they’re not ripe, the berries may be white, green or pink at the bottom of the berry where the stem would have been. This will ensure the best flavor and most nutrients,” she said. “Buying in season will also ensure the best flavor, as the berries are not being picked while under-ripe to make sure they’re still firm when they finally arrive at the grocery store. The best berries always come directly from the farm, again because they are picked at the peak of their ripeness, so they’ll have the best flavor.”

California Giant Berry Farms

California Giant Berry Farms is currently harvesting high-quality strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, with year-round availability thanks to its global growing regions, said Tim Youmans, vice president of sales.

“Strawberries are currently coming from Watsonville/Salinas and Santa Maria, Calif., blueberries from California’s Central Valley, and blackberries and raspberries primarily from Mexico, with light supplies from Watsonville, Calif.,” he said.

Consumer trends continue to emphasize health and wellness, driving demand for nutrient-rich berries in various culinary applications, from innovative savory dishes to refreshing beverages, Youmans said.

“We’re seeing increased interest in versatile usage and convenient snacking options, which our premium berries perfectly complement,” he said. “Our focus remains on continuous improvement in flavor and shelf life, ensuring we consistently provide the best berry experience for our consumers and partners.”

When picking out berries this season, Youmans said consumers should look for bright, uniform color and firmness across all varieties.

“For strawberries, choose those that are bright red with a natural sheen and fresh, green leaves (the calyx), as they don’t ripen after harvest. Blueberries should be a bright blue with a natural powdery ‘bloom’ and feel firm,” he said. “Raspberries should be bright and consistent in color, while blackberries should be an inky, deep purple. Always check the entire container to ensure it’s free from crushed, moldy or bruised berries and any excess moisture.”

North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association

The summer of 2025 is looking like a great year for berries across the country, said Darcy Kochis, executive director for the North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association.

“Of course, depending on the region where you’re in, you can get strawberries and raspberries as early as now, and when you move into the colder regions, you know it’s usually around June when you’re starting to see your first raspberries. When you’re looking at the southeast, you’re getting blackberries around that time, or even early June,” Kochis said. “We’ve got some really wonderful varieties of blackberries and raspberries that are being grown all throughout the country, specific to their region. We have great breeding programs out of North Carolina, Arkansas and Oregon that naturally plant breed new varieties that are delicious for people to eat and also for growers to grow. So, we’re excited about the variety of blackberries and raspberries that we have coming out of the different areas.”

While fresh berries can be found year-round, Kochis said, consumers can check packaging for “grown in the U.S.” during the summer to support U.S. farmers and U.S.-grown berries that are mainly available in the summertime.

Berries are an important part of the produce aisle, Kochis said.

“If you walk into a grocery store, you always see berries first, first thing in the fruits and vegetables section. They’re always front and center, and that’s because consumers love them,” Kochis said. “They do really well at retailers, and we want to make sure that we’re all supporting each other by producing good quality fruit that can go through those markets quickly and into consumers’ bellies.”

Naturipe Farms said its raspberries are headed into a peak in June, with crops boasting both strong quality as well as promotable volumes.

(Photo courtesy of Naturipe Farms)

Naturipe Farms

Naturipe Farms kicked off its domestic season with promotable volumes of Southern-grown berries, the company said in a news release.

Blackberries from the southeast are led by Georgia-grown fruit and feature its sought-after proprietary variety, Southern Grace. With Mexico’s crop winding down and domestic production ramping up, this year’s blackberry season is off to a strong start, according to the company.

“Our Southern Grace variety delivers exceptional flavor and consistently high quality, and we’re excited to bring this delightful berry to our retail partners at just the right time,” said Fernando Aguiar, director of business development for Naturipe Farms. “It’s a unique opportunity to promote a regionally grown blackberry that really stands out on the shelf — and in the clamshell.”

Naturipe Farms’ domestic blackberry peak was expected to begin in late May and run through most of June, with promotable volumes available in both 6-ounce and 12-ounce clamshells. This is an ideal time for retailers to capitalize on consumer demand for local and regionally sourced foods, highlighting the Georgia origins of Naturipe blackberries and driving purchases during a key window for berry sales, the company said.

Naturipe raspberries are also headed into a peak in June, with crops boasting both strong quality as well as promotable volumes. All Naturipe’s raspberries are 100% proprietary varieties and are specially bred for flavor and appearance, the company said. Naturipe’s raspberries are available in the same 6-ounce and 12-ounce pack sizes.

“June is a great time to run a dual blackberry and raspberry promotion,” Aguiar said. “It’s a one-two punch of flavor, quality and value.”

Optimism abounds for bush berries despite slower start

Fri, 09 May 2025 16:08:36 GMT

Domestic raspberry and blackberry movement is ramping up, and with shipments already underway from Mexico, growers say they anticipate an overall good season this year despite a slower start than a year ago.

In the blackberry fresh market category, USDA reports that, as of April 19, movement was at about 6.3 million pounds from California, Georgia and North Carolina, down from about 9.5 million pounds at the same time in 2024. Total 2024 fresh market volume was 62.3 million pounds.

Fresh market volume of raspberries as of April 19 was 720,000 pounds from California, down from 1.9 million pounds in 2024. Total fresh market volume for 2024 was 63.5 million pounds of conventional and 27.7 million pounds of organic.

Traverse City, Mich.-based North Bay Produce sources blackberries from Mexico year-round, while Georgia will start in May, followed by North Carolina in June, said Aaron Hunter, sales representative. Raspberries are sourced from Mexico from October to June and from California from June to October.

“Erandy Reserve blackberries are our staple blackberry known for its high Brix, extended shelf life and wow effect,” Hunter said.

“All our bush berries have shown to be excellent in quality, sizing and flavor,” he added.

Blackberries from North Bay Produce are sold in 6-, 10- and 12-ounce packages, and raspberries come in 6- and 12-ounce containers. All are available in organic as well as conventional versions.

Peak season for raspberries from Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms is August to November, says Tim Youmans, vice president of sales.

(Photo courtesy of California Giant)

Peak season for raspberries from Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms is August to November, said Tim Youmans, vice president of sales. Peak production for blackberries is June through October. Both are sourced primarily from Watsonville and Mexico.

“California Giant will have availability of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in anticipation of Mother’s Day,” he said.

And a couple of months later, the Fourth of July will be an ideal time for retailers to ensure a large and full berry patch display, Youmans said.

Mark Bolda, farm adviser for strawberries and caneberries for University of California Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz County, Watsonville, said the outlook for blackberries and raspberries is excellent.

“We’ve had some good cold [weather] this past winter with a bit of moisture,” he said. “I think we’re looking at a great crop.”

Alpine Fresh touts organic Sweet Karoline blackberry season

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:19:49 GMT

Harvesting for organic Sweet Karoline blackberries is underway, according to Alpine Fresh.

“We’re thrilled to see the first organic fruit hitting the market,” Alpine Fresh CEO Walter Yager said in a news release. “Our growers have done a phenomenal job, and we’re expecting strong, promotable volumes as we head into the end of April — just in time for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day promotions.”

Sweet Karoline blackberries boasts a high Brix level, the company says. The organic Sweet Karoline blackberries are marketed under Alpine Fresh’s Hippie Organics brand.

Peak volume is forecasted throughout May, according to Alpine Fresh, providing ample opportunity for the company’s retail and food service partners to feature Sweet Karoline’s organic blackberries in seasonal promotions, the release said. The organic season will continue through mid-June, offering a steady supply of flavorful fruit.

The conventional Sweet Karoline blackberry season has already been in motion, the company said.

Agragene and Associates Insectary partner on gene editing approach to SWD control

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:22:35 GMT

Agragene and Associates Insectary have announced a partnership to advance Agragene’s Knockout SWD technology targeting spotted wing drosophila (SWD), a top pest of fresh berries. Agragene’s technology, still in development, uses gene editing to create sterile male SWD. Associates Insectary, which specializes in high-volume insect production, will rear the sterile males at their Santa Paula, Calif., facility.

Matt Helms, Agragene’s chief commercial officer, says the company reached out to Associates Insectary for a partnership for several reasons, including its respected reputation and extensive expertise. But a shared entrepreneurial spirit is at the heart of the partnership, he said.

“They are looking ahead from a vision perspective and trying to invest their time and partnerships into new technologies that can be game changing. That attracted us to each other,” Helms told The Packer.

A new twist on an old strategy

Both companies see strong potential for future pest control in Knockout SWD. The technology applies the tried-and-true sterile insect technique (SIT) to SWD, but with a twist: gene editing.

“Knockout is basically a gene edited process,” explained Bryan Witherbee, Agragene CEO. “We’re targeting two genes in particular; one that is responsible for female development and one that is responsible for spermatogenesis, or development of sperm.”

The result of this approach is an efficient process to produce only sterile male SWD eggs, Witherbee said. This contrasts with the traditional SIT process. That involves rearing the target pest to adulthood, sorting males from females, then irradiating the males.

While this process has been used effectively for decades, Witherbee called it time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive. Irradiating the adult males comes with potential issues as well, starting with the impact of irradiation on the insects.

“It’s the same as for humans; it’s hard on you physically,” explained Chris Adams, assistant professor of tree fruit entomology at Oregon State University. Adams led a USDA-permitted experimental release of Knockout SWD in partnership with Agragene last summer.

“[Irradiation] kills and breaks down lots of cells, so there is a fitness cost,” Adams said.

Some of that fitness cost is dead, instead of just sterile, males. But it can also mean the sterile males that survive the irradiation process might not be able to compete against wild males to mate, Adams said.

The materials needed for the irradiation process also come with their own drawbacks. Adams explained most SIT programs use radioactive cobalt, a regulated substance.

“We know this is a very needed product. This is something that growers are anticipating.”

Bryan Witherbee, Agragene CEO

Witherbee sees a lot of advantages to Knockout SWD’s gene editing spin on SIT.

“Once we get the egg made, in terms of the sterile male, we don’t touch them,” he said, so the process sidesteps the drawbacks of irradiation-based SIT. He explained eggs will be packaged together with a food source in a convenient box. This can be placed in orchards or berry farms. The sterile males will develop inside the box until they reach adulthood and fly out to do their work.

Better together to battle SWD

Helms explained that in the planned partnership with Associates Insectary, Agragene will provide the breeding lines, one edited for non-viability in females and one edited for sterility in males, to Associates Insectary, who will then rear, pack and distribute them, something it is well equipped to do.

“Associates Insectary has the processes, controls and expertise to consistently rear our Knockout insect technology solution and is also strategically located in a key market geography,” Helms said in the companies’ joint news release.

Zach Slaughter of Associates Insectary also highlighted his company’s important location in Ventura County, near so many berry farms in California. With so many growers so close, he told The Packer the company has been able to hand-deliver beneficial insects to its customers. Slaughter said Associates Insectary long ago realized the industry needs transparent, reliable suppliers of beneficials.

“So, we quickly knew that we were going to focus on being a reliable producer that is not out to compete against our peer insectaries, but instead collaborate and support. In six months, we have partnered in some fashion with four other beneficial insectaries and providers to contract rear, assisting in stabilizing supply in key beneficials they identified needing production support in,” Slaughter said.

The invasive spotted wing drosophila is studied in the entomology lab at Oregon State University’s Mid-Columbia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Hood River. The fly is a major new fruit pest.

(Oregon State University Extension photo by Lynn Ketchum. Used under the CC BY-SA 2.0/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.)

He added that at Associates Insectary, “We truly believe ‘a rising tide lifts all boats,’” a mindset he said Agragene also embodies.

He called the partnership with Agragene on Knockout SWD something of a passion project for Associates Insectary given the compatibility of the two companies’ goals.

“Our mission is to advance the use of beneficials and other biocontrols over the use of harmful chemicals,” Slaughter said. “Outside of the obvious that [Agragene is] producing a beneficial insect and we are a commercial insectary, their focus in providing an accessible and scalable solution for growers as a way to execute their mission compliments ours.”

“The partnership with Associates Insectary enables us to scale our groundbreaking technology and bring it to growers who are desperately seeking insect control solutions,” Helms said in the release.

Tiny flies mean huge problems for berry growers

According to Adams, berry growers are indeed in need of solutions to the SWD problem because it is a massive one. A 2021 report in Entomology Today estimated the damage caused to U.S. fruit growers by SWD at $500 million annually.

“I think they are the biggest threat to soft fruit and berries,” Adams said.

He explained the basics of the SWD. They are relatively new invasive pests. Unlike native or more established berry pests, SWD can attack undamaged or unripe fruit. Worse, they reproduce stunningly fast.

Under the proper conditions, such as the warm months of summer, a SWD can go from egg to adult in seven to 10 days. Females can lay up to 600 eggs during their lifetime. Adults usually live for two to nine weeks but can overwinter under the right conditions.

“They’re survivors, and they do a really good job of making more flies,” Adams said.

The prolific nature of SWD means growers must be rigorous about pesticide application. “If you skip a week and you don’t spray, you end up with infested fruit,” Adams said.

SWD feed on any soft-skinned fruit such as blackberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries and more. Females pierce the skin of even unripe fruit to lay their eggs.

(Oregon State University Extension photo by Amy Dreves. Used under the CC BY-SA 2.0/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.)

This causes problems for organic and smaller growers, especially the small “mom and pop” U-pick farms, he said. But it also poses issues for conventional growers on labor, Helms added.

“This is all hand harvested, so the reentry or preharvest intervals — it varies a little bit on these products — really impacts the timing that the farmer can have his harvest crews rotate around to the different fields and maximize the yield opportunity.”

Adams also pointed out the damage SWD do to fruit, and their larva, look like that of the Western cherry fruit fly, a quarantine pest. This causes problems at the packing level.

Hatching spotted wing drosophila larvae feed on fruit before breaching the skin to escape.

(Oregon State University Extension photo by Amy Dreves. Used under the CC BY-SA 2.0/Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.)

“If it ends up in the packing house on the line, and they catch maggots inside of fruit, they have to stop the production line and ID what you have,” Adams said. “And because Western chair fruit fly restricts export of the fruit, you have to reject the whole load. You can’t take the chance.

“So growers hands are kind of tied right now to a very expensive and frequent pesticide application,” he continued. “So that’s why we’re really excited about this new sterile insect release technique from Agragene. It’s another tool; we don’t currently have a sterile insect release technique for spotted wing drosophila.”

A path forward for future pest projects

Helms described growers as throwing the kitchen sink at the SWD problem right now. Witherbee added growers are hungry for tools. They, like Adams, hope their Knockout SWD could be another tool in berry growers’ arsenal.

Though the technology is still in the research phase, Agragene envisions a 12-week program beginning when berries start flowering. This is roughly three or four weeks before wild SWD begin emerging, according to Helms. Growers would receive shipments of the boxed Knockout SWD every two weeks during the program. The boxes would be hung in trees, or on trellises or vines to get the gene-edited flies out into the fields ahead of the wild type.

“Our goal is that this is a foundational program. Kind of like with the COVID curve, instead of letting [SWD numbers] spike, we want to keep it down and push it out,” Adams said. “We believe we can have an opportunity to increase yields, increase quality and likely reduce the need for reliance on insecticides.”

“This is a much more environmentally friendly way to control insects and I just think it’s going to be — once they figure out how to get this to scale — a really exciting technique. And I think it’s going to be a great new tool for growers everywhere.”

Chris Adams, assistant professor of tree fruit entomology at Oregon State University

Witherbee said they project Knockout SWD will be available to growers sometime in 2027. The next step to getting there, however, is an experimental use permit from EPA. He said they expect to submit the experimental use permit (EUP) package within the month. The company is already looking for growers interested in participating in anticipation of the permit.

“Once we do get the approval from the EPA to do the experimental use permit, that opens up the amount of acreage that we can do. We are already kind of reaching out to some early adopters in terms of growers that are interested in trying this out with us.”

While Witherbee and Helms were excited about the potential for specifically the Knockout SWD technology, they both were also very hopeful about what it could mean for the future of the beneficials industry.

“Hopefully, as we work our way through, this truly becomes a template for the next generation,” Helms said.

Though SIT is a decades-old strategy, thus far genetic editing for sterility has only been used on mosquitoes. Using gene editing to produce SIT for agricultural pests is new regulatory terrain. Helms said he was excited to “start paving the regulatory path forward in the U.S. and new countries” with what Agragene is doing.

He added that the company is already thinking about next potential targets for the technology, including olive fruit fly, Mediterranean fruit fly and naval orange worm.

“At least two of those will be moving forward in parallel, but that is going to be a little bit of an evolution for the company,” he said.

Witherbee noted partnerships with insectaries like Associates Insectary will be key to those efforts.

“Hopefully the relationship and the learnings they got from this first one will carry over to the next and second and third insect, as we move these through,” Witherbee said.

Oppy, G&M Farms to introduce new berries

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 17:15:43 GMT

Fresh produce grower, marketer and distributor Oppy and G&M Farms , a berry producer based in Selma, Calif., say they will introduce a new wave of premium berries to the market this spring.

The partnership builds on the success of last season’s Pink Cosmo and Hunkaberry jumbo blueberry debut and continues a commitment to deliver high-quality, standout fruit to the marketplace, according to a news release.

Oppy said the enhanced, flavor-forward collaboration brings new offerings to its berry program, including Mango Kist and Maui Sunset blueberries and Sugar Diamond blackberries. The partnership also includes a pipeline of cutting-edge new varieties into the future, the company said.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the team at G&M Farms, whose commitment to quality and innovation aligns perfectly with Oppy’s mission to bring fresh, exciting options to our customers,” said Jason Fung, vice president of Oppy’s berry category. “Together, we’ll build on the amazing response to Pink Cosmo blues we experienced last year by introducing more premium, high-flavor blueberries and blackberries to set our portfolio apart.”

Complementing the new varieties, Oppy said it will also significantly increase its California blueberry offerings in collaboration with G&M Farms. G&M Farms will continue to focus on advancing berry quality and production, the release said.

“These are some of the most exotic berries on the planet, and we’re confident they will intrigue shoppers and spark a lot of excitement in the berry category,” said Greg Willems, co-owner of G&M Farms, who added that harvest begins in early May.

Berry Fresh touts success of Sweet Karoline blackberries

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 15:04:49 GMT

Berry Fresh says its Sweet Karoline blackberry season is underway and retailers can expect excellent flavor and quality for this season’s crop.

Berry Fresh co-owns the Sweet Karoline blackberry variety, which the company said is known for its sweet flavor and resistance to red cells.

“Sweet Karoline is really impressing our customers, with the season ramping up into its peak,” Jyoti Bhogal, vice president of sales and marketing at Berry Fresh, said in a news release. “The season will go into June with flavor this year tasting fantastic.”

While the variety has been on the market for four years, Berry Fresh said it learns more about the variety as it increases its distribution. The variety is exclusively grown in Mexico, and its season spans from February to June.

“It’s the blackberry that will change blackberry haters’ minds,” said Laudan Chaffin, marketing director for Berry Fresh. “Through sampling and consumer feedback, we’ve surprised many blackberry doubters with Sweet Karoline’s flavor; it’s not only consistently sweet, but its flavor has depth to it as well. Many of us have had bad blackberries and that bitter, tart taste lingers in your memory. Sweet Karoline is going to change that view.”

Bhogal said Berry Fresh plans to expand its acreage and add plantings in the U.S. to lengthen the growing season.

“We are currently prepping fields in Oregon to plant the variety later this Spring,” Bhogal said. “We would like to test how they do in Oregon and are hopeful that we’ll be able to extend the season later into summer with an Oregon Sweet Karoline crop.”

Kroger adds new produce brand

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 17:00:17 GMT

The Kroger Co. says it launched a new fresh produce line, Field & Vine, to highlight produce grown by U.S. farmers in California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon and Washington.

“Field & Vine features berries grown in the fields of American farmers that are picked, packed and delivered in stores during peak seasonality,” Dan De La Rosa, Kroger’s group vice president of fresh merchandising, said in a news release. “Harvesting at just the right time during the U.S. growing season allows us to provide our customers with an enhanced fresh experience, offering the highest-quality, best-tasting berries possible. We are thrilled to launch Field & Vine in collaboration with local farmers who enable Kroger to feed families across America every day.”

Kroger currently offers strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries under the Field & Vine brand.

“Working with Kroger has been great for getting our Georgia blackberries to customers when they are at the very best of the season,” Matthew Giddings chief operating officer of Always Fresh Family Farms, said in the release. “By identifying where our berries are grown — right here in the U.S.A — customers can feel good about supporting their local growers and they are getting fresh and in season fruits, harvested at a time when fully ripe and ready to eat.”

Kroger said the produce sold under the Field & Vine brand is a limited-time, best-of-season product with optimal freshness.

“Adding Field & Vine to the Our Brands portfolio brings together Kroger’s expertise in fresh with our commitment to deliver customers the products they want, backed by our fresh guarantee,” Juan De Paoli, Kroger’s vice president of Our Brands, said in the release.

Late-summer berries remain plentiful

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 21:33:42 GMT

Summer’s nearly half over, but there still are plenty of late-summer berries to be found — from coast to coast.

Strawberries are going strong in California, and blueberries now are available from California, Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington. Blackberries and raspberries are available from the East Coast, California, Washington and Oregon.

“Strawberry sales definitely remain strong in the late summer, as we have demand for strawberries on a year-round basis from our key customers,” said Cindy Jewell, who handles marketing for Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries.

“Consumers expect to see strawberries in their local store all year long, and we do our best to keep them on the shelf,” she said.

The company was still harvesting its spring crop in Santa Maria, Calif., in mid-July, and its late-summer volume was expected to kick in during August when the fall strawberry crop begins.

Oxnard will follow with a fall strawberry crop that will extend into 2025.

California has endured some high temperatures this summer, but Bobalu’s coastal location is an advantage, Jewell said.

“Thankfully, our fields in Santa Maria hug the coastal region there, and the ocean breezes keep our fields at a pretty good temperature,” she said.

Strawberry quality is “excellent,” she added. “The fruit is flavorful, full red in color and delicious.”

Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries was harvesting its spring crop in Santa Maria in mid-July, says Cindy Jewell, who handles marketing for the company. “Strawberry sales definitely remain strong in the late summer,” she says. “Consumers expect to see strawberries in their local store all year long.”

(Photo courtesy of Bobalu Berries)

Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms said in its July 15 crop report that quality of strawberries from the Watsonville/Salinas area was “great” with “nice sheen and excellent flavor.”

The company’s Santa Maria season is winding down, and berry size is smaller because of high heat.

As of the week ending July 6, California growers had shipped 131,827,552 trays of strawberries. That’s up from 109,085,918 trays at the same time a year ago and up from about 128 million trays in 2022, according to the Watsonville-based California Strawberry Commission.

“California strawberry quality, size and taste have been excellent all season long, and this should continue throughout the year, despite low market prices that have made this a challenging year,” said Jeff Cardinale, the commission’s director of communications.

During the summer, Irvine, Calif.-based Gem-Pack Berries sources strawberries from the Watsonville/Salinas and Santa Maria regions; raspberries from Watsonville and the Mexican state of Baja California; blackberries from Oxnard, Calif., Watsonville and Tennessee; and some blueberries from the Pacific Northwest, said Trent Etchandy, vice president of sales.

Gem-Pack will have organic strawberries from Watsonville as late as October and sources organic and conventional raspberries from Baja California nearly year-round.

“Berry sales should remain steady as we get through July and into August,” Etchandy said. Volume then will start to decrease.

“Berries are super sweet right now,” he said in mid-July. “Size on the conventional is steady, but the organic size has gone down.”

It’s been a tough year on pricing for strawberries.

“Hopefully, that will turn around as we get into the middle of July,” Etchandy said.

The company has introduced a new website — gem-packberries.com — with a fresh consumer focus, said Michelle Deleissegues, vice president of marketing.

“More features will be introduced as the year progresses,” she said.

Consalo Family Farms, Vineland, N.J., expects to transition its blueberry program from New Jersey to grower partners in Michigan in late July, says Chelsea Consalo, executive vice president. “Blueberries really are a summer staple,” she says. “Demand has been high and pricing is favorable right now.”

(Photo courtesy of Consalo Family farms)

On the blueberry side, Consalo Family Farms, Vineland, N.J., expects to transition from New Jersey to grower partners in Michigan around the fourth week of July, said Chelsea Consalo, executive vice president.

“Blueberries really are a summer staple,” she said. “Demand has been high, and pricing is favorable right now.”

New Jersey blueberry growers have had to deal with some hot weather this summer.

“Battling the weather is something we deal with not only in season, but out of season,” Consalo said. “Cold temperatures in the winter can affect our crop as well.”

Consalo Family Farms also has a growing organic blueberry program and continues to expand blueberry varietals.

“Flavor is something consumers are demanding,” Consalo said. “Consumers are becoming more discerning about their food choices, seeking out products that are not only healthy but also delicious.”

Cal Giant said blueberry quality out of the Pacific Northwest is “good” on conventional and organic product. Blueberry quality out of Mexico also is good, “with some scarred and shriveled fruit due to hot weather.”

Raspberry quality out of Watsonville is “great with nice size and color.” Volumes should be steady for the next two weeks. Quality is “good” out of Mexico, but raspberries have passed their peak there and volume is declining.

Quality of blackberries from Watsonville is “good, with nice color and size.” Volumes are steady and expected to increase in two to four weeks. Blackberry quality out of Mexico is “great with nice size and color.” Volume from Mexico should be steady for the next two weeks.

A look at packaging

Packaging plays an important role in preserving the integrity of delicate berries during precooling and distribution, said Madu Etchandy, vice president of operations for Gem-Pack.

Packaging also extends shelf life and protects against environmental conditions, he said.

Gem-Pack offers strawberries in clamshells ranging from 8.8 ounces to 4-pound long-stem packs; blackberries and raspberries in 6-ounce and 12-ounce sizes; and blueberries in pints, 6-ounce and 18-ounce clamshells.

“We are seeing consumers opt for smaller packaging due to price point and opting to purchase fresh produce more frequently,” he said.

Clamshell containers allow consumers to clearly see the quantity and quality of the berries, and they give merchandisers more display flexibility and creativity while maintaining berry quality and integrity, Madu Etchandy said.

Gem-Pack also uses its packaging to communicate its recyclability and traceability program, he added. Almost all of the firm’s packaging is recyclable.

How the season is shaping up for bush berries

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:39:03 GMT

Strawberries aren’t the only berries that shine during the summer. Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries also are berry standouts.

The summer blueberry season is shaping up to be exceptional, said Kristy Babb, director of communications for the Folsom, Calif.-based North American Blueberry Council. U.S. blueberry production is expected to reach 700 million pounds this year, up from 637.2 million pounds in 2023, she said.

“Following a record crop in 2023, Georgia is on track to have an even bigger crop — 115 million pounds — in 2024,” she said.

North Carolina’s volume is down slightly from last season, but quality is great, she said.

“New Jersey and Michigan are set for a strong season with excellent pollination and fruit set,” Babb said. And growers in the Pacific Northwest anticipate a larger crop than last year.

Fresh volume out of California could be down, however, if anticipated heat waves materialize during the second half of the Golden State’s blueberry season.

Overall, quality of U.S. blueberries is expected to be good this summer.

“While weather is always an unpredictable factor, the southern regions have experienced excellent growing conditions with favorable temperatures and minimal adverse events,” Babb said.

Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms will have blueberries from New Jersey, Michigan, Oregon and Washington “that are exceptional in quality and flavor” to support Fourth of July promotions, said Brian Bocock, vice president of product management.

“This is a great time for retailers to promote these delicious and good-for-you berries,” he said. July Fourth blueberry supplies were tight the past couple of years, but that won’t be the case for Naturipe this summer.

“This year, we will have volume to support large ads and big displays,” Bocock said.

Blueberries

(Photo courtesy of Naturipe Farms)

Naturipe blackberries also will be plentiful for Independence Day.

“Our summer blackberries are absolutely bursting with flavor,” he said. “They’re sweeter and juicier than ever, making them perfect for snacking, baking or adding a pop of freshness to your salads and desserts this summer.”

Now is the time retailers should stock up on all Naturipe’s berries, he said.

“Help your shoppers deck out all of their summer meal occasions in red, white and blue with the vibrant hues of our strawberries, blueberries and raspberries,” Bocock said.

Retailers can drive incremental sales by sampling dishes made with berries, he added.

Naturipe also sources blackberries from Georgia, North Carolina and California and offers raspberries from central Mexico and the country’s Baja California region.

Vineland, N.J.-based Consalo Family Farms recently expanded a packinghouse at its Egg Harbor City, N.J., blueberry farm, said Chelsea Consalo, executive vice president.

“The expansion project involved construction efforts that seamlessly integrated cold storage units, sorting equipment and other machinery,” she said. “The result is a streamlined facility with greatly increased throughput capacity.

The company offers New Jersey blueberries starting in early June but offer berries year-round.

“The state is known for its Jersey Fresh program, and we’re proud to be a part of that,” Consalo said. “We are continuing to make taste one of the biggest priorities here as we invest in new varieties and take out old ones.”

Cold, rainy New Jersey weather has affected the blueberry crop, she said, “nonetheless, the quality is still looking great.”

Irvine, Calif.-based Gem-Pack Berries sources raspberries out of Baja California, California’s Watsonville/Salinas growing region and Oxnard, Calif., said Michelle Deleissegues, vice president of marketing. The company also brings in some blackberries from central Mexico. Volume should be similar to last year, and quality should be good.

“Watsonville raspberries have been awesome as far as quality and flavor,” said Paul Kawamura, the company’s chief sales officer.

Gem-Pack also offers organic raspberries.

The blueberry category in the U.S. has enjoyed continued growth in recent years, Babb said.

Retail sales increased by 11.1% from 2021 to 2023, “reflecting consumers’ growing enthusiasm and love for the snackable, crave-worthy flavor of blueberries and their many health benefits,” she said.

Approximately 8% to 10% of blueberries are shipped as organic from conventional markets.

Because of favorable weather, it looks as though Naturipe’s volumes of blueberries and blackberries will be up compared to last year, Bocock said.

“This is really exciting in terms of both quantity and quality,” he said.

Naturipe will have significant volume of new acres of its new proprietary blueberries in all of its blueberry-growing regions, Bocock said, “which will make it our best year ever for quality, flavor, size and texture.”

Frutura acquires Sun Belle and Giddings Fruits, advancing berry business

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:48:38 GMT

Frutura has inked two agreements that will underpin the company’s berry business and strategy. The California-based global fruit sales and marketing company has acquired both Giddings Fruit and Sun Belle in a deal that Frutura CEO David Krause has called, “the most significant acquisitions that Frutura has made to date.”

Both companies bring an established, year-round berry business to Frutura. Giddings Fruit, based in Santiago, Chile, is a year-round supplier of organic and conventional cherries and berries, with packing operations in Mexico and South America. Likewise, Chicago-based Sun Belle is a year-round marketer of conventional and organic berries sold under the Sun Belle and Green Belle Brands and boasts well-developed U.S. distribution and infrastructure that includes five warehouses.

In the months ahead, Frutura anticipates a smooth integration of the three companies, as Sun Belle and Giddings have enjoyed a close, decades-long relationship. In recent years, the two berry companies have worked together on distribution, marketing and logistics, with Sun Belle serving as the exclusive sales agent for Giddings’ berries grown in Mexico.

Related news: Coca-Cola enters fresh produce category in deal with Frutura

After the acquisition, Sun Belle Founder Janice Honigberg will continue as CEO and Giddings Fruit’s Julio Giddings will transition to chair emeritus. Both leaders are slated to join Frutura’s board of directors, according to a news release.

The Packer spoke with Frutura’s CEO David Krause, about what these major acquisitions mean and how this “unicorn” is a capstone for the company’s portfolio and growth strategy.

Editor’s note: The following has been edited for length and clarity.

The Packer: First off, congratulations! I’m so curious how these two deals came together. Can you share what it was like to acquire both Sun Belle and Giddings Fruit?

Krause: It’s exciting for us, as you can imagine, to acquire two unique, very distinct businesses that have been operating and working together for quite a long time. There’s a strong relationship between the two of them. The deal is also the fulfillment of our strategy to get into the berry space.

To be able to acquire both businesses, it’s been quite a process, as you can imagine. [Both Sun Belle and Giddings Fruit] see the value in the Futura platform and being part of a bigger organization that’s focused on high-growth crops. We’re excited to have them join the family and add strategically to the berry category for our customers and for consumers.

When did you begin considering acquiring these two specific companies?

Clearly, berries have been on our radar from the beginning. What makes these two companies unique is that the fact that they are a producer and a distributor working together for a long period of time, and they have a 52-week supply for customers in the berry category.

That, for us, hit a bullseye on all the things that we were looking for: high quality, right genetic varieties, 52-weeks of the year supply, multiple production regions around the globe [along with] great customer relationships and great management teams that are all going to stay on.

For us, it was a perfect, unicorn type of an event — you just don’t get these kinds of opportunities very often, if ever. We’re very excited about, it because it feels unique for us.

I think it’s fair to say that they tried to put the companies together in the past, and it just didn’t work out. We were lucky to be that company that had a unique proposition that they understood, and they got. It was the right moment in time for both owners and owner groups to say, “This is the right thing for us to do,” and to put the deal together. Frutura was that third party [that] brought them together, finally. Any good deal worth pursuing, as you know, is worth taking your time.

It’s consistent with the strategic acquisitions you’ve made in the past year, too. With the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show, and in the months ahead, what can we expect to see from Giddings Fruit and Sun Bell?

It’s going to be exciting, as you can imagine. We were able to secure space side-by-side, so we have a bigger, broader booth with representatives from the companies across the whole platform. We’re very excited about the coming week and being able to have customer visits and talk about the integration of these two businesses.

As we go into the next six months to a year, we’ll do what Futura does with all our acquisitions. We ask, “How can we help them become better at serving their customers and consumers?” From there we bring to bear the rest of the resources within Frutura — whether that’s growing a specific product line or filling periods of time where they’re a little short on supply.

We see a very busy 12 months ahead but, at the same time, it’s unique because both these companies have been working together for a long, long time. Now we have this unique opportunity to put them in common ownership and unlock that value for our customers and grower co-partners as well.

As you look ahead, are there any challenges that you foresee?

I wouldn’t say challenges — opportunities are what gets me excited the most. Other Frutura divisions are growing berries as well, so we can flow that product and help supply all our customers and markets.

Between the principles [at Sun Belle and Giddings Fruit], they’re going to teach me what they need and how I can help bring that to bear. Whether that’s a new supply of blackberries out of Morocco for the European market, asking, “How [do] we fill in these things that we need from a supply perspective for global marketing?” That’s something that gets me excited.

The potential is amazing with these two well-run companies. We’ll be able to unlock value that they both recognize, but weren’t able to do, separately.

You mentioned that this deal felt like a capstone for Frutura. What makes these two acquisitions central to your plan?

Getting back to the berry strategy was a key element. Now that we’ve acquired all these different companies, we’ve gotten to the scale that we’ve been looking at, and this kind of for us as a capstone acquisition. I won’t say that it totally fulfills everything that we want, but it really is the crowning achievement of the strategy that we set out to grow into. For us, it’s kind of a double award: We’re getting into the berry space, and we’re also achieving the size, scale and depth of crops that we wanted to all along. For us, it’s a moment to celebrate.

Related: Building a one-stop avocado shop: Q&A with Frutura avocado whisperer Stephen Fink

Don't overlook the consumer appeal of raspberries, blackberries

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 19:38:10 GMT

Blackberries and raspberries may not top consumers’ shopping lists, but they are commodities that a good number of shoppers pick up at least occasionally.

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey says 1 in 4 consumers purchased blackberries in the past year, and 24% of consumers purchased raspberries.

Average retail price for blackberries in 2022 was $3.37 per unit, up 4% from 2022. Average retail price for raspberries was $1.72, up 5% from the previous year.

Irvine, Calif.-based Gem-Pack Berries LLC , which recently partnered with Watsonville, Calif.-based Well-Pict Berries , ships raspberries out of Baja California year-round, with a new crop starting in central Mexico in October, said Michelle Deleissegues, vice president of marketing.

“Baja weather has been fairly typical, and the raspberry crop is beautiful,” she said.

The company expects to start shipping blackberries and blueberries from central Mexico in September.

Proprietary raspberry varieties have been popular with customers of Salinas, Calif.-based Naturipe Farms LLC and have had strong demand, said Fernando Aguiar, director of business development.

“This year we’ll be able to offer our customers even greater volumes and bigger promotional opportunities,” he said.

Mexico was in its seasonal rainy period in July, which brought some challenges to the current season, Aguiar said. But he expected favorable weather conditions in the fall to produce “an exceptional new crop.”

“We’re expecting great quality, flavor and size on our raspberries,” he said. “We grow outstanding berries in all regions, but our Baja raspberries grow in ideal conditions that allow them to have great size, flavor and overall great quality.”

Naturipe’s proprietary raspberry varieties will come first from Baja California and then central Mexico.

“We’ll have a nice overlap of production from both areas while our volumes build toward their first peak in the early fall,” Aguiar said.

The company produces raspberries year-round.

In the blackberry category, Naturipe’s Southern Grace variety out of Georgia “is an excellent piece of fruit that is delighting consumers,” he said.