October 9, 2017

Weather patterns in this region have been moderate with nighttime temperatures on the cooler side, which has been helpful for fruit quality. Counts are currently between 23-28 for conventional strawberries, with organics in the high 20s. These cooler nights are turning things around for soft or overripe fruit. Bushberry quality is on the rebound, with our Salinas raspberries looking great in size and flavor. Some fields in this region are being prepped for planting, with growers striving for mid-October to begin the planting process. Volume industry-wide will continue to decrease with shorter days and cooler nights.

Santa Maria: 

This week we can predict temperatures to be in the high 70s with nighttime lows in the upper 40s. The cool nights are helping firm up our fruit. We anticipate rain toward the last week of the month, with clear days ahead until then. Counts are mostly 22-26 – some higher, some lower. We have a good push of fruit coming through most ranches, with a lot of blossom on the way. Blackberry quality is looking good – with berries large and firm.

Mexico:

Weather in our Mexico growing regions has varied – with highs in the 80s in Zamora, to mid –high 70s in Irapuato, Maravatío, Los Reyes and Ziracuaretiro. Nighttime lows are consistent in the 50s in all growing regions, with rain forecasted this week for Maravatío, Los Reyes and Ziracuaretiro. Quality among blackberries in Zamora is great – with size and firmness in our favor due to suitable weather conditions. Raspberries look good – they are firm and pink in color – and should ripen soon. Blueberries in Irapuato look fantastic in size, color, and flavor. We are not packing strawberries in Maravatío yet, but have great quality and counts of 26-28. In Ziracuaretiro fruit looks good, with growers committed to quality. Blackberries are firm and good in size, with volume to increase as weather improves.

Blueberries:

The Northwest havest season has come to an end, and starting December 25th all blueberry production will be imported from Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Chile. It's a slow start for our blueberry crops, with production slowly but surely starting to scratch in these regions.

Florida:

Planting in this region has almost wrapped up. We have experienced 10 straight days of rain – and will finish planting the 10-15 percent that is left once weather clears. We should be set to start scratching the first week of November – with about half the acreage being our Radiance variety, and the remaining strawberry crops being Sensation and Florida Beauty varieties. Stay tuned for updated photos of planting in our next newsletter! 

The countdown for PMA Fresh Summit begins. With just over a week to go – we can’t wait to join our produce friends in New Orleans to talk all things berries! From our latest growing programs, to creative marketing campaigns, to Tour de Fresh 2018, we couldn’t be more excited to bring our latest berry insights to Louisiana. Speaking of insights, be on the lookout for our updated Trade Page at https://trade.calgiant.com/ set to launch just before PMA Fresh Summit. Our updated Trade Page will showcase data compiled by multiple sources to better help us understand shopping behavior, retail category data, emerging trends in produce, and build brand loyalty within the berry category. We look forward to regularly updating these key insights and making this page an easy, one-stop-shop for all things berry related. Come visit your friends at California Giant to learn more at booth #2401. Place a bet against our black jack dealer, cool down with a berry Moscow Mule, and try a tasty strawberry peanut butter cup treat – we’ll have it all! 

This Capitola Nob Hill is loaded with 2lb California Giant strawberries!