California Giant Berry Farms, which supplies fresh sustainable berries, shared a strawberry crop update where it forecasts giant volumes of organic and conventionally grown strawberries ahead, just in time for National Strawberry Month. The company reports its grower partners are on track to deliver peak promotable volumes of California strawberries led by its Santa Maria, Watsonville and Salinas growing regions.
California Giant Berry reports its grower partners are on track to deliver peak promotable volumes of California strawberries.
“Our season started off strong, with healthy plants from the get-go,” said J.T. Tipton, district manager at California Giant Berry Farms. “Despite not receiving as much rain as typically desired in the winter, our plants have otherwise seen optimal growing conditions — which translates into the high-quality, sizeable and flavorful fruit.”
Strawberry production is currently in the Santa Maria, Watsonville and Salinas, California growing regions, with the company’s Oxnard program adding supplemental volume going through mid-May. Peak volumes of conventional and organic strawberries from Santa Maria—pending any unforeseen, extreme weather events—are slated to arrive in time for Mother’s Day, with the Watsonville and Salinas growing regions ramping up to deliver peak volumes in late-May, ideal for Memorial Day celebrations.
Left to right: J.T. Tipton, Nick Chappell.
“We’ve seen strong demand across the board,” said Nick Chappell, director of sales at California Giant Berry Farms. “We are on the cusp of delivering a significant supply for our partners during a time of increased retail demand. The fruit that will arrive for National Strawberry Month, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day has outstanding quality.”
Demand for strawberries has been surging, according to data from IRI/Freshlook, with retail dollar sales of strawberries up 14.9 percent from one year ago. “We see this increase in demand in part due to consumers seeking to make health-conscious choices and the health benefits of strawberries—especially their high vitamin C content— act as a major draw,” says Chappell.
Tipton says the season started off strong, with healthy plants from the get-go.
To support the expected influx of strawberries, California Giant will employ a consumer engagement sweepstakes to build brand awareness, drive purchase intent for fresh berries and share the smiles and health benefits that berries deliver.
For more information:
Kyla Oberman
California Giant Berry Farms
Tel: +1 (831) 247-4386
koberman@calgiant.com
www.calgiant.com