The Trade Buzz

CROP UPDATES

STRAWBERRIES

strawberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is fair due to warm weather with some bruised and overripe fruit. 

Volume: Production is decreasing as the season winds down. 

Pack Counts: Conventional: 24-26, 28-30 depending on ranch 

Oxnard

Quality: Quality is good with 95-100% color and nice shape and sheen. 

Volume: Production is forecasted to increase gradually from April into May due to warmer, dry weather.    

Pack Counts: Conventional: 12-16, 16-20, depending on ranch 

Santa Maria

Quality: Conventional and organic quality is good, with occasional misshapen fruit.  

Volume: Production is increasing due to warmer, dry weather.   

Pack Counts: Conventional spring crop: 10-14; Organic spring crop: 12-16, 16-20; Organic fall crop: 25-32 

Watsonville/
Salinas

Crop Status: Continued cold temps and wet weather has delayed the Central Coast growing regions by a few weeks. Growers will begin harvesting very light volume this week, with volume quickly picking up early May. 

BLUEBERRIES

blueberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is good.  

Volume: Volume is decreasing slightly for both conventional and organic fruit. 

Oxnard

Quality: Quality of organic fruit is good. 

Volume: Production is steady. 

Georgia

Quality: Quality of conventional fruit is great. 

Volume: Production is increasing. 

RASPBERRIES

raspberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is good with some soft, overripe and/or broken fruit due to warm weather.  

Volume: Production is steady. 

BLACKBERRIES

blackberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is good with occasional red cell and soft fruit due to recent warm weather.  

Volume: Production is steady. 

LAST CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Now in its 5th year, the California Giant Chef Invitational is a nationwide culinary competition that calls upon chefs to think outside the box and create innovative, original dishes featuring fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries as the hero of the plate. Don’t miss your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and compete in the event for the title of California Giant Berry Farms Top Chef. Submit your recipe by 11:59 PM on 3/31/23.

For more information on how to apply to the 2023 California Giant Chef Invitational and to read the complete guidelinesclick here!

IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

Oct. 17th – 18th
Atlanta, GA
Booth #B1439

A berry nice note from a California Giant Berry Farms shopper:

“Great product! My kids love strawberries and I’ve purchased these for them and they are the best strawberries I have found in the area. Kudos to you!”

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