Prince de Bretagne's Gariguette season has begun in France

Gariguettes are the earliest variety of the season and are particularly appreciated by French consumers. Production represents almost half of French strawberry plantations. Prince de Bretagne's Gariguette production has doubled over the last 5 years. Today, 27 producers harvest over 1,000 tons per year, of which 75% is of the Gariguette variety. At the same time, the Breton brand of fruit and vegetable producers is expanding their offer with a new 250g punnet of Gariguette Extra.

The arrival of Spring brings with it the Gariguette which is recognised by its long shape, sweet, slightly tangy taste and its juicy flesh. It is the most well-known variety (60% recognition) and most favoured by the French. Since the beginning of the millennium, the Prince de Bretagne producers grow in the Finistère and Côtes d'Armor, and complete their offer from May with the Mara des Bois (similar to wild strawberries).

Gariguettes are sensitive to heat and are well adapted to Brittany which is responsible for over 20% of French production. From 510 tons in 2008 to over 1,000 tons in 2013 and an expected 1,120 tons in 2014 (of which 75% Gariguettes), production has doubled in 5 years.

Today, 27 Prince de Bretagne producers specialise in Gariguette and Mara des Bois strawberries. These strawberries are hand picked when ripe and packaged on the farm to avoid too much handling.

To guarantee freshness, Prince de Bretagne's strawberries are sold at auction in the morning, whilst they are being picked.
Prince de Bretagne has specialised in high quality wooden 1 kg trays (20x30cm) which are recognised by consumers and employees in large and average surface retailers. A packaging which represents both quality and family consumption.

Prince de Bretagne launched a new 250g punnet of Gariguette Extra's this season, large and transparent to enable product visibility. This new punnet will also be available in May for the Mara des bois.