May 31, 2018

Temperatures will fluctuate between mid 60s-mid 70s throughout the week. Nightly lows will fall to the low 50s. We are expecting to see sunny days with some clouds early in the mornings. Fruit quality looks great with nice size, shape and color. Counts on 1lb. are ranging from 10 to 14.  Volume will continue to increase as we get into our peak the middle of June.  Everyone is in good shape with labor at this time - some ranches are finishing around 3pm the first part of the week and 12pm at back half of the week.  

 

Santa Maria: 

Temperatures will stay in the high 70s all week with lows falling to the mid 50s. It's looking like a sunny and warm week ahead, with fruit quality remaining very good on fresh production. Our Monterey variety is mostly being packed, as it looks excellent at 16-18 count, with others 20-22 count. We just started planting our fall crop as you can see from the photos below, and this year we're excited to be planting two varieties - stay tuned for more information and updates on these in the weeks ahead!  

Mexico: 

With a small chance of rain early in the week, weather is expected to be sunny overall. The highs will reach the mid 80s and the lows will fall to the high 50s. Overall export quality is coming to an end as crops are giving their last harvests; we're seeing deformed, soft, and small strawberries here and there because of the heat. However, raspberries and blueberries still look good and could go on for another couple weeks. This is our last week of blackberries.

Blueberries:

Pacific North West

Weather is expected to be mild through the week, with a lot of clouds projected. Temperature highs will hit the high 60s, with lows falling to the high 40s. Oregon, Washington, and BC all have the same harvest date as projected - the 3rd week of June.

Georgia

Thunderstorms are expected throughout the rest of the week while the weather will remain hot. Highs will be in the mid 80s with lows falling to the low 70s. Production out of this region is scarce. In about 7-10 days our later season varieties will be ready for harvest.

Central Valley

This region is seeing steady production, yet coming down from our peak this week. For the next 2 weeks production will be declining. Warm, sunny days in the forecast. Large fruit size and firm berries.

Markon Field Tour:

We had a blast at our annual dinner and field tour with Markon last week! Spring and summer are some of our favorite seasons, because we have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with our customers, show them our operations, and their favorite part...trying our delicious, Giant berries!

Walmart and Sam's Club Field Tour:

Last week with Walmart and Sam's Club at one of our local Watsonville ranches. It was a beautiful day for a field tour, and we look forward to meeting with you all again!

It's that time of year again! Our Annual Skirt Steak BBQ is kicking off Tuesday, July 17th from 11:30-2:00PM. We love this annual opportunity to support organizations and families right here within our community! Be sure to place your orders by July 11th and come hungry! We can't wait to see you there.

 

 

June is just days away, you know what that means - the United Fresh Expo is around the corner and we can't wait to see and meet some fresh and familiar faces!

We have a lot in motion to discuss at the show - starting with our new raspberry program in Mexico, with a crop that will give us year-round supply for the first time ever. This new crop - the Adelita variety from Planasa - was planted this spring and summer so we could begin harvest throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons, until our California crop kicks off. We're looking forward to the year round supply of raspberries this new program will offer us, and discussing more details with you all at the show!

 

Be sure to stop by booth #1236 for more information, in addition to fun, summer promotional initiatives from our Skinny Dips Sweepstakes that just launched last week, our iBotta campaign, new lifestyle video content, our Chef Invitational event in July, and MORE. That's not it, if you don't have a pass to come say hi, we'll have a free one for you. Email @cjewell@calgiant.com to learn more on how to obtain your free pass for the show. See you there! 

 

 

We have our final Chef Invitational sponsors added to our list! A HUGE thank you to all participating sponsors on this years first annual event - we're looking forward to all the bites and bubbly headed our way. Ashby Confections from Scott's Valley, CA will be joining us with chocolates and fresh berry candies made with our very own berries. Alfaro Family Vineyards based in Watsonville, CA with be supplying delicious wine-pairings. Anyone else excited? Stay tuned for our official RSVP and invitation that will be sent out this Friday, June 1 if your chef has been selected. Each foodservice partner with a chosen chef finalist will be able to bring up to 5 representatives to join all the fun in beautiful Monterey, CA. We can't wait to see you there!

 

 

This Consumer Spotlight speaks for itself!

 

  

 

These organic strawberries are looking might Giant at this San Diego Ralph's location. Pack em' in a cooler and head to the beach!