Strawberries
Following up on a recent crop report for Ventura County, Calif., growers warn numbers may actually be worse than reported as spiraling production expenses force historic farming families to consider selling off land to survive.
Despite significant early-season freeze losses, Florida growers are leveraging crop replanting and peak-season quality to supply key domestic markets this fall.
Facing persistent farm inflation, labor constraints and climate volatility, some berry suppliers are shifting focus from simple year-round supply to high-margin flavor genetics, real-time quality technology and direct offshore production control.
Industry trailblazers and 2026 Packer 25 honorees Hiroki Koga and Julia Weber are combining advanced agricultural science with deep consumer connection to turn indoor-grown produce into the everyday standard.
To capitalize on retail berry market growth, the Chicago-based company is launching a modernized visual identity and transparent packaging designed to strengthen brand recognition and consumer trust at retail.
The company’s new Open Innovation Center in Tokyo combines robotics, manufacturing and cross-industry partnerships with the aim of building a repeatable blueprint for indoor agriculture.
A pioneering pilot from the U.S. Food Waste Pact reveals that redirecting farm-level surplus strawberries into commercial kitchens can deliver an 80% revenue boost over juicing channels for growers while offering foodservice operators a 22.4% cost savings.
Federal trade officials set an initial duty on winter strawberries from Mexico following allegations that low-priced imports have damaged domestic producers.
From high-tech DNA testing to advanced algorithms, new early detection tools aim to stop latent Neopestalotiopsis infections in nurseries before they destroy commercial strawberry crops.
The greenhouse grower aims to connect with buyers through sensory experiences, consumer insights and a look at its organic program.
Despite early-season weather hurdles, the berry industry is highly optimistic about the 2026 summer season due to stabilizing production, exceptional consumer demand and projected volume increases.
This Father’s Day, the vertical farming pioneer Oishii is offering a limited-edition Connoisseur six-pack of hand-selected, extra-large Omakase berries available in select New York City-area ZIP codes.
A devastating April freeze has pushed back the start of some late-spring and summer crops out of the Northeast, including the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut tristate area, and will impact supplies of a number of commodities.
The company says additions to its leadership team will accelerate growth and enhance value to growers and retail partners.
Bjorn’s insights from the Wall Street Journal’s Global Food Forum detail how the company leverages premium genetics, navigates labor and trade challenges and responds to the shifting consumer to drive the category.
Berries bring several qualities to motivate shoppers to buy, but retailers can enhance purchase possibilities with these tips and techniques.
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.