GOODYEAR, AZ - Duncan Family Farms is doubling down on its strawberry program, coming off a successful debut with starts planted—pun intended—for even more on the horizon.
I connected with Lauren Etchart, Sales and Marketing Specialist, on the company's expanded strawberry program and what's ahead for the 2027 season.
"Following a successful season in 2026 where we re-introduced strawberries after almost a decade, we made the decision to double the footprint of our strawberry program for 2027. The program is being developed in partnership with Arizona-based retailer partners, with the capacity to serve our local distribution partners," Lauren tells me. "As an established organic grower with deep experience in specialty and fresh-market production, we are excited to build on the success of our first season back in the strawberry business and expand our availability of locally grown organic strawberries."
The company's projected strawberry season runs from February through April. Before committing to the larger footprint, Lauren explains that Duncan Family Farms weighed how its limited first-season run had landed with distributors.
"Our strawberries received very positive feedback from the select distributors who carried them during our first season. That response reinforced the demand for locally grown organic strawberries and gave us the confidence to significantly expand the program," she shares.
Pointing to the response reflecting a broader shift she's tracking across the market, Lauren says the team continues to see strong consumer and retail demand for local produce.
"This is especially evident in our regional market and through our partnership with retailers and food distributors alike," Lauren points out. "We anticipate pricing to remain generally consistent with last season, while the expanded acreage will allow us to better serve the needs of our retail and distribution partners.
As we continue to follow all fresh influences and impacts, AndNowUKnow will report on all the latest.
Companies in this Story
Duncan Family Farms
Duncan Family Farms is a family run certified organic farm specializing in lettuces, greens and vegetables.
