Last updated on April 11th, 2023 at 04:48 pm
Salinas, California-based Naturipe Farms is promoting blueberries from its Southeast growing region in retailers.
The berry grower will fill shelves with blueberries in all clamshell sizes, from the single serving six-ounce to the two-pound pack. Retailers can expect the crop between mid-April and mid-June.
Weather plays a factor in the production of the superfruit in the Southeast, and after two years of unfavorable events like hurricanes and frost, Naturipe will have promotable volumes of high-quality blueberries from Florida and Georgia. There will also be promotable volumes of organic blueberries from the Southeast U.S.
“Naturipe growers are producing increased promotable volumes of blueberries and helping our retailers grow sales year after year,” said Brian Bocock, VP of product management.
“We’re excited to return to stellar volumes of our delicious blueberries after a few seasons impacted by adverse weather. Our growers continue to pick the best and sweetest blueberries from their fields, and we know retailers and consumers alike won’t be able to resist the delicious varieties they’ve come to associate with Naturipe.”
Earlier this month, two of Naturipe’s owners, MBG Marketing and Hortifrut, announced that their breeding program, Berry Blue, is partnering with the University of Florida’s program to develop new and proprietary late season southern highbush blueberry varieties. These berries will feature improved consumer appeal and will be sold under the Naturipe brand.
“We are thrilled at the news of this partnership. We are confident Berry Blue and the University of Florida’s impressive breeding programs will bring incredible tasting blueberries and change the industry for the better,” said Jim Roberts, president of sales at Naturipe.
“The results will benefit retailers, consumers and Naturipe growers who work hard every day to deliver high-quality, healthy and irresistible blueberries.”
Naturipe continues to offer year-round availability through its “Globally Local” program. The emphasis Naturipe places on the wellbeing and success of its growers allows it to be among the first to market with Florida blueberries.
