OXNARD, CA - As a Californian growing up with hot summers, I often remember the times I spent with my grandparents, eating strawberries while watching T.V. I have since matured—for one, I no longer dip them in sugar—but the cravings for fresh berries have only heightened as I am more aware of how these berries make it to my retailer’s shelves. Bobalu is one grower keeping buyers apprised of its harvest, and its updates from Santa Maria and Oxnard, California, are more than insightful as tight volumes are seen.
“We know the volume has been a bit tight these last couple of weeks, but we are really focused on ensuring [the] best quality as we continue to harvest our spring crop,” the company noted on its Santa Maria harvest. “At the same time, we are seeing significant progress in our fall crop as the plants mature and fruit comes on. We are still a week or so away from ramping up here with the fall crop, but everything looks great and the fruit has excellent flavor. We will have both Monterey and Portola available.”
Currently, the Santa Maria crop looks and tastes great. The Oxnard crop is also coming along nicely as the grower stated it is on schedule to begin harvesting.
“Our timing is scheduled to complement the Santa Maria crop, and we should begin harvesting in mid- to late-September,” continued Bobalu. “We will keep you informed as the plants mature and we see the fruit coming on.”
The strawberry volume year to date shows it is ahead of last year’s number, coming in at 153 million trays compared to 137 million. Now that’s some fast-moving berries!
For the latest info, check back with ANUK to keep you up to date.
