STRAWBERRIES
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
Region Update: The area experienced rain and hail last week (~2.25 inches) and cool weather that has slowed ripening and interrupted harvest. Crews are largely focused on culling subpar fruit.
Quality: Quality of what is getting packed is good with 90 – 95% color and nice shape and sheen. Crews are working diligently to turn in a clean pack.
Volume: Production will increase rapidly once dry, warmer weather is present. The plants are strong and eager to produce exceptional fruit during the impending peak in a few short weeks.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 12-16
Santa Maria
Region Update: The area experienced rain and cool weather that has slowed ripening and interrupted harvest.
Quality: Conventional and organic quality is good with firm fruit and some cosmetic damage and/or green shoulders due to wet, cold weather. Plants are healthy and strong with plenty of green fruit and flowers.
Volume: Volumes are light as wet weather continues to delay ripening. Production will increase rapidly with dry, warm weather.
Pack Counts: Conventional spring crop: 12-18-20; Organic spring crop: 14—20; Organic fall crop: 28-36
BLUEBERRIES
Mexico
Quality: Quality is great.
Volume: Volume is increasing for both conventional and organic fruit.
Oxnard
Quality: Quality of organic fruit is good with some underripe fruit due to cold weather.
Volume: Volumes are below estimates as cold temperatures are slowing ripening. Dry, warm weather will allow for improved quality and rise in volume.
RASPBERRIES
Mexico
Quality: Quality is good with some soft, overripe and/or broken fruit due to warm weather.
Volume: Production is steady.
BLACKBERRIES
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 to the 2023 Chef Invitational!
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 guidelines, click here!
Meet Us On The Road
Women’s Fresh Perspective
April 16 – 19, 2023
Orlando, FL
CPMA
April 25 -27, 2023
Toronto, Canada
Sustainable Produce Summit
May 18, 2023
Palm Desert, CA
West Coast Produce Expo
May 18 – 20, 2023
Palm Desert, CA
Organic Produce Summit (OPS)
July 12 – 13, 2023
Monterey, CA
The Foodservice Conference
July 27 – 28, 2023
Monterey, CA
Southern Innovations – Org & FDS
September 14 -16, 2023
Charlotte, NC
Global Produce & Floral Show
October 19 – 21, 2023
Anaheim, CA
