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Strawberries
Watsonville- Salinas:
The weather has been in the 90's this week. Next week temperatures are expected to drop back down to normal with an average high of low-mid 70s. The plants have been stressed due to the flip flopping weather patterns, which has caused harvested volume to be down. The quality of what is being packed overall is good, but the heat has not helped crews who are working hard to maintain our high standards.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 22-24; Organic: 28-32.
As the 2020 season wraps up, growers are preparing to plant the first weeks of November for the Spring 2021 season.
Santa Maria:
The trend of hot-to-cold-to-hot weather continues, as last week was cool with a wet marine layer, but this week growers saw highs in the 90s to 100. Overnight lows average in the 60s. Next week the area is expected to be back to average temps. Quality has been affected as a result of this heat. Crews are seeing soft, overripe fruit and are dropping as needed. Size has been reduced also due to the heat but the crews are putting together the best packs possible. Overall plant production is currently at its peak, but quality struggles have affected the overall harvested volume.
Overall pack counts continue to vary by ranch. Conventional: 18-24; Organic: 16-20 / 26-30.
Mexico:
Temperatures remain mostly unchanged for our growing areas in Mexico; however, heavy winds and a chance of rain is forecasted for the weekend. Quality overall is good, although crews are reporting some afternoon fruit as overripe and bruised. Overall pack counts continue to vary by ranch: Conventional: 16-18 / 24-26.
Blueberries
Mexico:
Our growers in Mexico are coming into their peak blueberry production with volume continuing to increase for the next several weeks. Quality is good with good size, bloom, flavor and firmness.
South America:
Temperatures will be warm this week in our Argentina growing areas, with isolated showers in Saito-Concordia and Tucuman. An air shipment is expected to arrive into the U.S. from Argentina this week. Growers are reporting good ripening of the early varieties that will be shipped on ocean container when volume allows.
Peru is currently packing up their sea containers, which is expected to depart this week with fruit showing high bloom, sweet taste and good firmness.
Chile volume will add to the South American volume in mid-November.
Raspberries
Mexico:
Promotable volume continues to increase over the next several weeks. Growers are reporting some uneven ripening due to the varying weather temperatures, but are working with crews to ensure high quality packs.
Blackberries
Mexico:
Heavy wind and rain is forecasted for the weekend which may affect the volume harvested. This week’s windy weather has already caused some light damage to a small percentage of fruit, but crews are doing a good job of keeping this out of the pack and the fruit’s overall quality looks good.
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.
It's the final countdown! Our Fuel for School promotion is almost over, and consumers are rushing in with their submissions, with a 23% increase from last week. This promotion has truly peaked the interest of our consumers with relevant information and resources. Like our consumers, please enjoy these promotion amenities such as our limited edition Back to School Checklists that highlight Cal Giant berries in a unique, helpful way! Plus, check out our new blog post on the Buzz Blog to enjoy some A+ guilt-free, gluten-free delights!
A berry sweet message from one of our HEB shoppers:
"Hello Cal Giant, thank you for great strawberries!! They are the most tasteful of berries!! When there aren’t any at either of my local stores... I want to cry!!! Thank You!!"
This week’s featured non-profit organization is Partnership for Children
Partnership for Children has been providing transportation to medical care and family support services for children living with life-threatening illnesses in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties since 2007.
Their transportation program increases access to compassionate care for children, and financial and practical support services help ensure families maintain basic living needs such as housing, utilities, and diapers. During the holidays, Partnership for Children provides the children and their siblings with toys, gifts, pajamas, warm hats, and books to bring some cheer!
Please consider donating HERE to this worthwhile cause.
