The supply of strawberries from California is good right now. "Santa Maria has kicked into production this week in a big way and it looks to continue with very good production and quality for the next eight weeks at least," says Jack Wilkinson, head of sales at Blazer Wilkinson Gee (BWG), adding that the weather conditions look favorable for the weeks ahead. "Now is the time for retailers to consider booking strawberry promotions as that quality and production out of Santa Maria are truly 'second to none.'"
This looks similar to last year's schedule at this time, though possibly a bit behind because the temperatures in the region have been mild.
Along with Santa Maria, which will peak in its supply of strawberries over the next four weeks, BWG is also receiving good volumes from its ranches in northern Baja. There is also production in Oxnard from other suppliers – though that will lighten over the next four to eight weeks–while Salinas is just starting its production. Its stronger volumes will come mid-late May to July. "Thus far, the outlook for Santa Maria, Baja, and Salinas is exceptional," adds Jack Wilkinson.
"We're heading into our Mother's Day pull now with good demand and we expect that Memorial Weekend, and even several weeks after that, will continue to have good demand," says Blake Wilkinson.
Strawberries for the holidays
As for demand, Easter brought good demand for strawberries, and given it was later this year, there were more berries from the industry to supply the holiday. "We're heading into our Mother's Day pull now with good demand and we expect that Memorial Weekend, and even several weeks after that, will continue to have good demand," says Blake Wilkinson, supply director for BWG. "I think there will be ample strawberry supplies for all retailers and all holidays for the next eight weeks."
Along with strawberries, this year will see the launch of the company's import program. The company has partnered with growers in South America to offer blueberries on a nearly year-round basis, to which it also plans to add citrus, grapes, and cherries in the near future as well. "Blueberries tie in very nicely with strawberries because they're in the same category and almost always have the same buyers. Being able to offer two products in the same segment offers a value-add to customers by allowing them to get two commodities in the same place. This past year, we've developed our business the most in the blueberry segment and we'd like to continue to grow that segment," says Kiana Amaral of BWG.
"We'll have our British Columbia blueberry program starting around the first of July, and then Peruvian blueberries will also begin arriving in late September," says Blake Wilkinson, adding that mandarins will also start arriving in mid-July.
Except for the blueberries, which will be packed under the company's Foxy™ label like its strawberries are, the grapes, citrus, and cherries will be packed under a new label–"Just"–which signifies the simplicity of the product being offered in it's most basic state. "Just" label grapes, citrus, and cherries will begin their quality arrivals soon.
For more information:
Kiana Amaral
Blazer Wilkinson Gee
Tel: +1 (831) 455.3700
[email protected]
https://bwgberries.com/