Blueberry harvest in British Columbia, Canada, began this weekend. "These are just initial volumes–some people may have started already for farm stands, etc.," says Navtej Bains of Westberry Farms, adding that the crop is starting just slightly earlier than last year by a few days.
© Westberry Farms
This follows good growing conditions for the fruit this year, though rain late last week may have pushed the start of picking into later into the weekend to get more sun on the berries. "It has been a little warm–this was a warmer spring for sure," says Bains. "We also had a really good cold snap in the winter. Chill hours are really important for blueberries, and we also had decent pollination weather."
As for the crop, Bains says while it's still early to tell, the crop looks on par with the 2024 crop. Harvest will go well into September, depending on the weather.
© Westberry Farms
Good demand anticipated
Meanwhile, on demand for B.C. blueberries, the fruit is one that's gaining popularity with consumers due to its associated health benefits. "Consumers are also more aware of where their food comes from, so hopefully that helps us a bit," says Bains. "People really wait for B.C. fruit to start. Buying Canadian has also been a factor with consumers lately."
© Westberry Farms
The company handles two lines of business–fresh production and frozen. "Demand is there on the frozen side and the fresh side, and our programs are set up. While demand is steady on fresh fruit, it also really depends on how the other states producing before us did, and I think they did pretty well this year," says Bains.
For more information:
Navtej Bains
Westberry Farms
Tel: +1 (604) 850-0377
[email protected]
http://westberryfarms.com/
