Strawberries
Sustainability has become a core expectation for production as companies prioritize innovations and efficiencies.
Severe drought and unseasonable spring heat in North Carolina are causing significant yield losses for specialty crops like brassicas and berries while simultaneously increasing pest pressures for regional organic growers.
The popular berries have had good numbers with shipping so far, creating plenty of retail opportunities headed into the summer holidays.
California’s produce industry is anticipating a robust 2026 season with increased strawberry yields, steady table grape volumes and high-quality stone fruit, all supported by early harvests and aggressive global marketing campaigns.
In the role of vice president of public affairs, Vetter will support alignment on governmental affairs across the company’s global regions.
Former Coca-Cola veteran joins the global berry leader to oversee finance, technology and strategy as the company prepares for its next long-term strategic plan.
The company leveraged record-breaking attendance to showcase exceptional crop quality, promote its Pink-A-Boo Pineberries and strengthen direct-to-consumer connections through digital and grassroots engagement.
The company, which says the new format maintains berry quality, has also launched a first-ever 10-day freshness guarantee.
From anniversary milestones to jumbo berry trends and the debut of new commodities, exhibitors at the Southeast Produce Council’s event focus on brand loyalty and the power of in-person connections.
From “perfect storms” to record-breaking shifts, University of Florida experts break down the devastating impact on specialty crops and why resilience remains the only path forward.
Driven by breakthrough varietal innovations from leaders like Wish Farms and Naturipe, and supported by record-breaking retail data from the California Strawberry Commission, the berry category is entering 2026 as a $500 million growth engine for the produce department.
University of Florida expert warns that while overhead irrigation and row covers are vital for saving fruit from the cold, those protective measures could also threaten to spread pathogens and delay fungicide treatments.
The California Strawberry Commission’s 2025 Shopper Playbook shares strategies for retail growth.
Economic losses to specialty crops last year were on a level that can put farming operations out of business, with the American Farm Bureau Federation estimating billions in losses to almonds, apples, lettuce, potatoes, strawberries and blueberries alone.
A group representing the winter strawberry industry seeks federal relief after two decades of alleged market distortion and injury from low-priced competition.
This is the first offering for the grower, marketer and distributor of fresh fruit since its integration with Dole Diversified North America in October.
Suppliers and state agricultural leaders report a promising season marked by high fruit quality, strategic field adjustments and renewed retail partnerships, even as growers continue to navigate labor, cost and weather challenges.
Organic growers are required to respond to the survey, a special study of the Census of Agriculture. Responses are due Feb. 5, 2026.
The Watsonville, Calif.-based berry grower says this recognition demonstrates its commitment to social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
Together, the three organizations say they are advancing a cutting-edge approach to breeding and growing high-quality strawberries indoors.
The company says it represents around 17% of the state’s industry, with over 2,500 acres of conventional, organic and Pink-A-Boo pineberry production.
The Schiller Park, Ill.-based company says central Florida is known for its thriving winter strawberry crop, producing fruit with exceptional flavor from late November to early April.
During the recent Aneberries trade fair, Hortifrut’s CEO shared the vertically integrated company’s vision for the category.
California has seen a significant increase in its strawberry exports to Mexico in recent years. To learn the latest, The Packer connected with the commission’s Chris Christian at Aneberries 2025.
At the recent Aneberries trade fair, members of the global berry industry said they’re reading the Trump administration’s tariff tea leaves and watching trade deals closely.
While at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, the California grower says it will showcase its year-round supply of fresh berries.
The annual trade fair, held July 23-24, marked its 15th anniversary and welcomed a record 3,000 attendees and exhibitors to Mexico’s Expo Guadalajara.