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Watsonville-Salinas:
Our Watsonville-Salinas regions have received some showers between Wednesday evening and Thursday, with more expected over the weekend and potentially next week. However, as of now, next week predictions look slim. We are tracking rain totals diligently and will continue to monitor damage and report back to our customers during these storms. Overall, quality prior to these rain events has been very good with counts 10-12 and large, firm fruit. We do anticipate some minor water damage from this week's storms and will assess crop quality next week once the bulk of the rainfall passes.
Santa Maria:
Temperatures started off this week in the 60s-70s and soon transitioned into cooler days and nights with temperatures dropping into the 60s and nighttime lows in the 50s. We have received some rainfall and expect it to persist through the weekend on Saturday only at this point, with weather to improve a bit next week. Our Monterey quality looks very nice with good color and firmness. San Andreas is facing slightly more bruising than that of the Monterey at 16-18 count, but overall it's looking good. Our organic fruit is mostly 15-18 and looks excellent with no present issues. Our Cabrillo crop has really nice size and fruit load. At this time, we have no issues with labor.
Blueberries:
Georgia Blueberries:
We are finishing up the highbush crop - the quality of the fruit in the pack has been holding up well, and we are only seeing minor defects such as 'redbacks' and stems. Our quality control team is being diligent in ensuring very clean packs. We anticipate the first week of June being a very heavy first week of volume of the Rabbiteye variety.
Oxnard Organic Blueberries:
Oxnard organic volumes are peaking this week and next week, after that, volume will decline after next week through the first week of June. Quality has been good overall - there has been isolated softer fruit at one of the blocks at one of the ranches, but the majority of the fruit has been firm and great quality.
Central Valley Blueberries:
There is a chance of about .25-.50 inches of rain between today and Friday. The rain could decrease the volume at the end of this week but will not effect next week’s volume.
Oregon Blueberries:
Weather was warm in the Willamette Valley last week, and crop development has sped up. We are now past peak bloom timing and into the petal fall/ green fruit expansion growth stages. We had great pollination weather and bee activity during the peak bloom timing and are anticipating good yields. We are now estimating a start date of June 22-24 for Willamette Valley duke
Mexico:
In Central Mexico, weather conditions remain stable and no rainfall has occurred yet. Temperatures are reaching record highs up to 100 degrees in some locations, but typical temperatures are ranging between 90-95 during the day. Low temperatures are in the high 50s with some areas in the 60s. Raspberry quality is good overall, some growers are battling overripe and soft fruit, but generally defects are minimal. Volume will start to slow down within the next few weeks. As for blueberries, quality is looking good with good size, firmness, sweetness and full bloom. Volumes are decreasing for blues. Blackberries should continue a few more weeks as most of the rain that begins in our Mexico regions typically starts in our blackberry districts. Currently, quality remains good with the exception of high temperatures causing soft fruit and red cell here and there, but crews are doing a diligent job of packing clean packs.
Georgia Blackberries:
Our Georgia blackberries are about to be loaded with fruit in the next month or so - with an anticipated start date for June 14-15th. Be on the lookout for updates in the next few weeks as the crop kicks off.
Giant Eagle Field Tour:
This week we had our friends over at Giant Eagle come visit our California Giant headquarters and check out our operations. Not only did they tour our facilities and even got a lesson grading premium packs - they also loved harvesting their own clamshells (they may have ate more than they packed - but that's ok, we don't blame them!) We look forward to seeing them again soon, and planning more field tours with our customers this summer.
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.
Last call to grab your tickets for our 60th Annual Spring Lamb BBQ THIS weekend! Rain or shine, we can't wait to eat, drink and be merry with you, while all proceeds go toward the American Cancer Society. We'll have plenty of tents set up on the ranch in the event of afternoon showers, and look forward to seeing you Saturday! Make sure to purchase your tickets on our site if you haven't yet.
We look forward to continuing to develop relationships with our every day consumers and berry lovers, and driving the path to purchase with shopper incentive programs such as coupons and fun, promotional activities - especially during these peak season months ahead. Plus, who doesn't like to be apart of a squad?
Congratulations to our six chef finalists that will be moving on to the Chef Invitational taking place June 23-25th. The selection process was incredibly difficult this year as we were challenged with the task of sifting through countless creative, innovative berry recipes from dozens of highly skilled chef participants. However, we are pleased to announce the chefs that will be heading to Tehama in a few short weeks to compete against of another with their dishes in front of a live audience.
1. Chef Israel Ortiz, Harrah’s Resort / Fresh Concepts
Recipe: Berry Bomb Fish Taco
2. Chef Travis Peters, Shamrock Foodservice / Markon
Recipe: Blueberry Sweet Tea Quail in Raspberry BBQ Sauce over Black & Blue Brussels with Toasted Pecans & Strawberry Oils
3. Chef Adrian Day-Murchison – Renaissance Food Group
Recipe: Blackberry Harissa Pork Tenderloin w/ Roasted Strawberry Beet Salad
4. Chef Patty Long – Renaissance Food Group
Recipe: Blueberry Mole Chicken with Berry Habanero Salsa and Masa Corn Cake
5. Chef Christian Kearns – Sysco
Recipe: Berry Halibut
6. Chef Jonathon Merrick – Maines Paper & Food Service / Markon
Recipe: Blackberry-Blueberry Filled Korean Street Style Mochi Donut
Please support your chefs by attending the Chef Invitational taking place Tuesday, June 25th at Tehama Golf Club in Monterey, CA from 3-5:45PM. Stay tuned for an official RSVP to the event in the weeks ahead.
