Summer raspberry volume is strong and ramping up toward the fall peak. "The supply is steady from our Watsonville, California production area and increasing from Mexico as it builds momentum into the fall and winter period," says Tim Youmans, vice president of sales with California Giant Berry Farms.
© California Giant Berry Farms
He also notes that new and improved raspberry varieties are producing excellent quality with a summer-sweet flavor. California Giant has increased its summer raspberry volume with new varieties, Noelia and Majestic in California, and Amalia in Mexico. "We have been deliberately removing older varieties and introducing new varieties with strong consumer attributes," says Youmans.
The ramp-up is occurring during cooler-than-average temperatures along the California coast, resulting in a more gradual increase in the production curve. Although this benefits product quality, the lower temperatures have led to a slower progression of supply.
© California Giant Berry Farms
Demand and pricing
As for demand, it's strong for high-quality fruit, and pricing has been similar to prior years.
Looking ahead, excellent quality on ample raspberry supply is expected in the next few weeks. "Watsonville will harvest its peak volume for the next several weeks before starting to decline in mid-October," says Youmans. "Mexico is currently ramping up its supply, with volume hitting its peak at the end of October. This will last through to the end of the year. This overlap in supply windows provides us with strong availability for promotions now through December."
© California Giant Berry Farms
Moving into late August also generally means a shift in consumer shopping patterns. "August traditionally brings major transitions for families with kids as summer vacations come to an end and back-to-school life starts back up," says Youmans. "Retail shopping patterns can be a bit tricky with plenty of summer fruit options still available and capturing display space to keep your items front and center."
For more information:
Kelley Sablan
California Giant Berry Farms
Tel: +1(831) 786-7467 Ext. 267
[email protected]
www.calgiant.com
