“US blueberry supply has a very good forecast for this year,” says Kyla Oberman with Naturipe Farms. Currently, Florida production is at its peak and Georgia production has just begun and will continue to increase in the next two to four weeks. As far as the US West Coast, California supply is looking to be about a week early, showing a strong, great quality crop. “We will see production increase dramatically over the next two to four weeks,” said Oberman. “Pending any major weather events, we are looking forward to a very strong US blueberry season.”
Naturipe prides itself on producing the best tasting berries possible. The company’s variety improvement program has developed several new varieties in the past few years. “We are starting to see some of these varieties in this year’s production,” mentioned Oberman.
Heat seal package
Naturipe is introducing a new Heat Seal package with a “state of the art” peel and reseal technology. This new design allows consumers to conveniently open the entire top of container and simply seal it back up to maintain freshness and quality. “One of the key benefits of our new design is the strength and durability of the package as well as the security of the lidding film which greatly reduces the opportunity for accidental spills which could result in slip and falls,” said Oberman. “This new package aligns perfectly with our ‘Cultivate with Care’ initiative and overall packaging mission to reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink.” The tray is made with recycled plastic, requires 30 percent less plastic and is 100 percent recyclable.
1 lb clamshell
“We are also encouraging the industry to adopt a NEW pack size for blueberries. With overall industry supply expected to reach record highs this year, we suggest a NEW 1lb clamshell.” There are many benefits to retailers for carrying this new pack size including easy merchandising with 1lb strawberries – the footprint is the same and ‘Buy One Get One Free’ promotion opportunities are great.
Berry consumption is on the rise
According to the 2015 State of the Plate report from PBH, overall berry consumption has increased with four annual eatings per capita from 2009 until 2014. During this timeframe, children in the ages two to seventeen increased berry consumption with seven annual eatings per capita. A study from the US Blueberry Council showed that consumers were twice as likely to buy blueberries in 2013 as they were nine years before.
Educate retailers and consumers
Increased demand and supply also come with challenges. One of the challenges for Naturipe is keeping retailers as well as consumers, informed. “It’s important to tell retailers about the success of the crop, starting at the field, all the way to marketing and promotion opportunities. At the same time, customers need to be educated on the great flavor, new health research findings and the seasonal availability of blueberries,” finished Oberman.
For more information:
Kyla Oberman
Naturipe Farms
Tel: (+1) 831-443-2352