Raspberry market to remain strong as US domestic season begins

The raspberry season is transitioning from Mexican growing regions into California as summer domestic production prepares to ramp up. California-grown raspberries will be supplying stores over the next few months. 

"We are currently marketing raspberries from Mexico," shared Nick Wishnatzki of Wish Farms, Inc. "However, that season is wrapping up. In two to three weeks, we will see a shift to domestic raspberries from California. We will be marketing raspberries from our company-owned farm, Misty-Sierra Madre in Santa Maria, CA, where we will have a supply of raspberries from late June to September."

Wishnatzki noted that during this current transition phase, supplies remain light as the Mexico season tapers off. "Supply is light right now as the Mexico season draws to a close and we transition to California," he said. "They have experienced rain, but nothing that severely hampered supply."

This shortage of supply is expected to fuel an already active market, which suppliers predict will tighten even further as June progresses. "Consumer demand is and will remain extremely strong as we head into summer," Wishnatzki observed. "We anticipate a shortage in the back half of June as we transition to the California season."

As a result of the strong consumer demand for raspberries, Wish Farms is actively promoting raspberries through social media and other channels, encouraging consumers to share tasty recipes as well as learn more about the berry itself and where to find them. 

"Wish Farms is excited to have raspberries in our program," Wishnatzki said. "We are always looking for fun ways to incorporate them into recipes, posts and blogs. As the domestic season comes into full swing, consumers can expect to see some engaging posts encouraging our social fan base to pick up Wish Farms raspberries at their store."

Wish Farms will be participating at the United Fresh expo in Chicago later this month. Wishnatzki said that such events provide excellent opportunities for growers and their customers to meet in person. "We are happy to take part in the United Fresh expo," he expressed. "Our team believes that it really strengthens our relationships with our great customers. A phone call just can’t compare to a handshake or face to face meeting with a valued partner."

Visitors to the Wish Farms booth will have an opportunity to experience the company's Florida farms, practically first hand. With the aid of technology, the viewer can "walk" the fields and experience daily life on the farm. 

"We have an exciting experience to share with our booth visitors," Wishnatzki explained. "Wish Farms recently produced two virtual reality videos of our strawberry and blueberry farm in Florida. In each video, the viewer gets to experience the process of how a berry goes from the field into a consumer ready package. We encourage visitors to stop by booth #1023, put on a headset, and let us transport them to the farm!" Here is a sneak peek of what can been seen in the booth.

For more information:

Nick Wishnatzki

Tel: +1 (813) 752-5111