October 9, 2020

We look forward to seeing many of you on the virtual trade show floor at PMA's Fresh Summit. Be sure to join us next week to hear our panel discussions about our journey towards Sustainably Grown Certification, as well as becoming a TRUE-Zero Waste Certified.  

Topic: Sustainably Grown Certification
Panel Discussion with California Giant Berry Farms, SCS Grower Services & Measure to Improve
Date: 10am PST on Tuesday, Oct. 13th

Topic: Zero Waste Certification
Panel Discussion with California Giant Berry Farms & TRUE
Date: 10am PST on Wednesday, Oct. 14th

We hope to see you there!

Crop Updates

Strawberries
Watsonville- Salinas:

The weather has been much cooler this past week with temperatures in the high 70s dipping into the mid-60s on Wednesday. The rest of the week should bring highs in the 60s to low 70s. Next week will warm up again with highs in the 70s and low 80s. Nights are in the low 50s. Overall quality is good with lighter color and firm berries. Volume from this area will continue to fall off into November, as this season comes to a wrap.
Crop Counts: Conventional: 20-24; Organic: 30-32.

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Santa Maria:

Weather this week was in the low-mid 70s with nights dipping into the mid 50s. Cloudy mornings typically clear by mid-morning. Next week will see highs into the mid-80s. There is some minor bruising and overripe fruit being reported; but for the most part, this week’s fruit has good size, shape and great taste. Overall pack counts continue to vary by ranch; average counts: Conventional: 18-20; Organic: 24-26

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Mexico:

Temperatures averaged in the mid 80s and overnight lows in the 40s. Humidity is improving overall, except for regions close to the Gulf of Mexico that will be impacted by a hurricane coming over the weekend and beginning of next week. There is a 50% chance of rain for that area. Production continues to pick up; peak volume will begin late-November and will remain steady for several weeks.

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Florida:

Weather has been in the 80s with lows in the 70s. In another 10 days, temperatures are expected to dip down into the high 70s and overnight lows in the 60s. Ranches are currently in the middle of planting. The plants look good. Harvest will start with light volumes mid-November and will pick up quickly week over week.

Blueberries
Mexico:

Growers are reporting very good quality with harvested blueberries of good size, bloom, flavor and firmness. Conventional volume continues to increase in steady momentum.

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South America:

We’re currently receiving light volume out of Peru, Argentina and Uruguay. Quality on the first received container has been mostly good with good size, bloom and firm berries. Increased volume from Chile is expected to arrive in mid-December. We recently received great news that U.S. regulators are now allowing fruit from more regions of Chile to enter the U.S. without fumigation. This will allow more organic fruit going forward and will improve quality, as fruit will not undergo the stress and cold chain disruption that can occur during fumigation.

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Raspberries
Watsonville-Salinas:

Quality is mostly good with a little dark and leaky fruit. Volume from this area is tapering off for the season. 

Mexico:

Promotable volume is in a strong, upward trend with good quality coming out of the fields. 

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Blackberries 
Watsonville-Salinas:

Quality continues to hold as the Watsonville season begins to wind down now through mid-November.

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Mexico:

Windy weather has been a recent challenge to quality, but crews have been working hard to keep packs clean. Field estimates show volumes ramping up in the next two weeks and is expected to remain steady.

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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

Florida

South America

 

Reaching Consumers

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Fuel for School is here to help consumers of all ages make this an A+ year. This promotion has truly peaked the interest of our consumers with relevant information and resources. We've already received 135,055 entries, a 30% increase from last weeks numbers! As a means of elevating the promotion and brand, we recently released our limited edition Back to School Checklists! They're not only helpful, but have been a great way to highlight California Giant berries. 

Consumer Spotlight

A berry sweet message from one of our Meijer shoppers:

"We purchase strawberries on a weekly bases. Usually two large containers. I want to say NEVER have I ever been able to cut my strawberries without having to throw some out. SERIOUSLY you need to know you're the best!"

 

Pick of the Week

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This week’s featured non-profit organization is Monarch Services.

Monarch Services support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, as well as their families. Additionally, Monarch engages in violence prevention work with youth, with outreach to vulnerable populations, including the migrant farm worker community.

Please consider donating HERE to this worthwhile cause.

 

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