August 8, 2018

Happy Wednesday!

We're halfway through summer and it sure does feel like it. Weather is warm and berries are plentiful in California. Speaking of summer, we've had our eyes on quite a few seasonal sweets with our name on it - literally. We're dishing out our favorite California Giant recipes this summer in this weeks edition of The Buzz, with recommendations you won't want to leave off the menu. Remember to keep berries front and center as we dive deeper into August, and as consumers wind up lake-side for Labor Day.

For more information, including crop and weather reports, please scroll below.

Crop Updates

Watsonville - Salinas: 

Watsonville has seen a warming trend recently, as it was warm all last week with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. There has been a lot of fog sitting on the plants in the morning, but they see plenty of sunshine in the afternoon. It appears that temperatures will get back down to the low 70s this week, which should help quality and production. We have seen more standard graded fruits coming out of the fields lately due to soft and overripe berries caused by the recent heat. Nonetheless counts have been 20-22 with some 16-18. Over the next 4 weeks we expect production to gradually increase with our strawberries and bushberries.

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Santa Maria

Santa Maria is at the tail-end of a warming trend with temperatures reaching the mid to high 80s and lows in the high 50s. This heat has affected production a bit, but we expect temperatures to even back out toward the end of this week. Santa Maria has been busy planting our fall crop as we expect to see big numbers to come in the near future - we expect to pick our Portola variety the final week of August. When picking fresh, we are seeing a good quality berry with counts around 24-26. 

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Blueberries:

Blueberry quality is looking good in the PNW. Our Elliot variety in Oregon (photographed below) has an excellent crop this season and just began its first pick last week.  We have 8 different fields with mature planted Elliot’s, and look forward to finishing the year strong.

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Weather Conditions

For up-to-date weather conditions in all of our growing regions, click on the region below. Wunderground.com is our go-to weather resource for fast and reliable weather updates. 

Watsonville

Salinas

Santa Maria

Oxnard

Mexico

Georgia

Reaching Consumers

This just in - we received the latest Retail Category Trends report from the Strawberry Commission and we have insights we want to share with you. Below is one example of the data you can find by downloading the full report that is soon to be on our Trade Page. Along with produce insights and how berries have fared in the lineup , we can see strawberry dollars and pounds based on geography and region in comparison to the year prior - all valuable information we're glad to share with our retail partners. Be on the lookout for our newly updated site next week with everything you need to be 'in-the-know'.

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Seasonal Sweets

We've seen a variety of culinary trends this summer - from pickled berries to berry frosé. Take a look at a few of our California Giant favorites to keep consumers full of flavor all summer long.

Blackberry Thyme Margarita: 

A sure way to beat the heat. This play on the traditional margarita is fun and refreshing. The thyme adds a hint of spicy, sweet flavor with the juicy deliciousness of our ripe California Giant blackberries. Who wants a regular margarita when you can have this Instagram-worthy cocktail at your table? 

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Strawberry Guacamole: 

We're pretty positive that there is no better way to end the day this summer than with crunchy, creamy strawberry guacamole. Add a cold beer into the mix and you've got the perfect combo. Entice guests with this flavorful fiesta.

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Strawberry Frosé:

Talk about a trendy way to cool down this summer. Because who doesn't like an adult slushy? Need I say more?

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Berry and Watermelon Poolside Skewers: 

Nothing screams summer like berries paired with watermelon. We're loving the light, refreshing fruit salads with cheese pairings this season. These skewers can be deconstructed into a salad topped with goat cheese crumbles, and fresh squeezed lime juice to instantly transport you somewhere tropical.

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Apple and Strawberry Swirl Sorbet:

Dairy free options like sorbet are all the rage this summer, and better yet, so are fresh, fruity flavors like this Apple and Strawberry Swirl Sorbet. A sure way to end the evening satisfied - top off your entrée with a guilt-free dessert with all natural ingredients (not to mention, vibrant color!) We love the icy-deliciousness that sorbet offers, especially on those hot summer days.

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Consumer Spotlight
One of our favorite messages so far! We brought this consumer back to his childhood with our juicy blackberries.
 
Consumer Spotlight 
 
 
Pick of the Week

California Giant strawberries on display and looking delicious at this Kroger in Hilton Head, South Carolina.

Kroger Hilton Head 

  Send us your own "pick of the week" and we will feature it here!

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