New Jersey sees good movement of blueberries this summer

“Blueberries are plentiful right now—they’re right in the heart of the season,” says Joseph Lucca of JRL Inc. in Hammonton, NJ. “There are more berries this year than there were last year. The spring weather was more cooperative this year, thus the bees had a better chance to pollinate.

The New Jersey berry season for JRL began the normal time, June 15th. “Our first variety, Dukes, will finish July 4th and then Blue Crop will go to July 20th with Elliott finishing the season,” says Lucca.

While demand is steady and strong, Lucca notes that New Jersey is enjoying this time in the market. “There were some blueberries this year coming out of Georgia. Their season is over and the North Carolina season is winding down,” says Lucca. “Michigan’s season should start in about a week. We’ll have a bit of competition but not much. By the time they get in, our season will be winding down.”

In terms of pricing, Lucca notes that currently the price is at $16.00 FOB. “It’ll probably change one more time before the season is over,” says Lucca. “All of that puts pricing at a steady pace comparable to last year. Especially since there’ll be heavy volume for about the next 10 days.”