© Veg Fresh FarmsIt’s summer, signifying the peak of domestic berry production. California’s Santa Maria and Watsonville/Salinas districts are the primary growing regions for fresh-market strawberries. For blueberries, production is currently transitioning from California to the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, as the season progresses into July. Raspberries and blackberries are grown domestically in California, but Baja California in Mexico is also a key growing region in summer. Additional growing regions throughout the U.S. support local and regional berry programs this time of year, as well as processing markets.
While summer is a time of year for many to slow down, it is an extremely busy time for the produce industry with so many growing regions being in season. “It’s no different for berries and berry farming is truly a labor of passion and dedication,” says Michael Osumi, Director of the Berry Operations at Veg Fresh Farms. Every day, growers and supply chain partners work tirelessly to deliver the highest-quality fruit, ensuring consumers can enjoy fresh, flavorful berries. “We grow early-, mid-, and late-season varieties for all berry types to provide consistent supply, quality, and flavor throughout the year,” commented Osumi. “Advances in breeding have also introduced varieties with improved disease resistance, climate adaptability, and enhanced eating characteristics, allowing us to continually optimize our offerings.”
© Veg Fresh Farms
Favorable weather
Fortunately, berry supply has been strong across the major growing regions this year. Favorable weather conditions and seasonal transitions have supported steady production. “Nevertheless, weather remains an important factor, influencing yields and timing throughout the season.” Thanks to ideal summer growing conditions, berry quality is currently excellent. “Berries are delivering outstanding sweetness, flavor, and overall eating quality,” Osumi said. Because they are highly perishable, maintaining a strong cold chain and careful handling throughout the supply chain is essential to ensuring consumers enjoy the best possible experience.
Organic category growth
Quality is a key driver of consumption and consumer demand for berries remains consistently strong. Berries continue to be a favorite among shoppers due to their flavor, versatility, and health benefits, supporting year-round consumption across all berry categories. Although conventional berries continue to represent the majority of consumer demand, Veg Fresh is dedicated to expanding and strengthening its organic offering to meet the growing interest in organic produce. The company is focused on serving a wide range of customers, providing tailored berry solutions across retail, wholesale, foodservice, and other market channels.
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OPS
In two weeks, Veg Fresh will be exhibiting at the Organic Produce Summit in Monterey. In addition to its Good-Life Organic brand, the company will also have berry products from its Crystal Cove brand on display at booth #321.
For more information:
Michael Osumi
Director of the Berry Operations
Veg Fresh Farms
Tel: 714-345-4138
[email protected]
www.vegfresh.com