Supplies of imported blueberries from Chile are good and steady.
“We expect good supply through early March,” says Katiana Valdes of Crystal Valley Foods in Miami, Fl. Valdes adds that the Peruvian blueberry season is just winding down right now, a region that Crystal Valley is also garnering supplies from. Meanwhile, the domestic blueberry program with supplies first from Florida and later Georgia should begin in March. “In general, supplies are similar to last year and we expect good, steady volume for the next few weeks.”
At the same time, demand for blueberries continues to be solid as well. “Over the last several years, blueberries have seen a great increase in consumption because consumers are becoming more aware of their nutritional benefits and their “superfood” status,” adds Valdes.
A chance to show off
Crystal Valley’s blueberry program is just one of the things the company will discuss at its booth at the upcoming Southern Exposure show in Tampa, Fl. Feb. 27-29. “We’ve been exhibiting at Southern Exposure for three years now and it has always been a great show,” says Valdes. “Exhibiting gives us the opportunity to show off some of our new and existing retail items to potential customers.”
Valdes also appreciates the size of the show. “It is small enough that we are able to get quality one-on-one time with our current customers and potential customers,” says Valdes. “It also attracts not only regional buyers but buyers from across the country.”
And this year Crystal Valley is coming to the show with a bit of an expanded presence thanks to acquiring Joco Produce, an importer and marketer of fresh Asian tropical specialty fruits and vegetables based in Medley, Fl., in December. “The addition of the company’s product line has allowed us to become that one-stop-shop for our customers and help us to deliver new and unique products year-round,” says Valdes, adding that it will be showing some of the items in the product line as well as introducing new retail friendly packs and its full value-added line.
For more information:
Katiana Valdes
Crystal Valley Foods
Tel: +1 (786) 565-4575
katiana@crystalvalleyfoods.com
www.crystalvalleyfoods.com