“It’s pretty steady and volume picked up after the 4th of July,” says Franco Maggiore from Dorval, Que.-based CPS/Canada Produce Source Fruits & Legumes. “The temperature is ideal this time of year from the west coast. During the winter months, with all the precipitation into California, the soil is very fertile so the berries look good and taste great.”
The season though did start later than anticipated due to California weather conditions. “Some cooler temperatures at the beginning of the season delayed the harvest,” says Maggiore. “But we should have ample supply till August, if weather permits.”
He also notes the good quality of the California berries this season. “This year, California has an outstanding quality berry and I believe Mother Nature played a part in that,” he says. “They’re sweeter, plumper and firm. Blackberries don’t ripen after harvest so it’s a delicate fruit to be appreciated.”
Change from winter
That steady volume coming from California is a marked difference from the supply Franco saw coming out of Mexico from December to February. “There was higher volume coming out of Mexico,” Maggiore says. “But the overall demand for blackberries is always stable, unless it’s promoted aggressively.” He notes that retail stores need visual display at the eye level to increase sales.
For more information:
Franco Maggiore
CPS/Canada Produce Source Fruits & Legumes
Tel: +1-450-280-0018
francomaggiore@ymail.com
The season though did start later than anticipated due to California weather conditions. “Some cooler temperatures at the beginning of the season delayed the harvest,” says Maggiore. “But we should have ample supply till August, if weather permits.”
He also notes the good quality of the California berries this season. “This year, California has an outstanding quality berry and I believe Mother Nature played a part in that,” he says. “They’re sweeter, plumper and firm. Blackberries don’t ripen after harvest so it’s a delicate fruit to be appreciated.”
Change from winter
That steady volume coming from California is a marked difference from the supply Franco saw coming out of Mexico from December to February. “There was higher volume coming out of Mexico,” Maggiore says. “But the overall demand for blackberries is always stable, unless it’s promoted aggressively.” He notes that retail stores need visual display at the eye level to increase sales.
For more information:
Franco Maggiore
CPS/Canada Produce Source Fruits & Legumes
Tel: +1-450-280-0018
francomaggiore@ymail.com