RC Jones and Jonathan Sparks Discuss Bobalu's Expansion, Surety of Supply, and Dedicated Retail Programs

CALIFORNIA and MEXICO - Life is full of rhythms, and in fresh produce, we don’t just acknowledge them—we live by them. Changing seasons beckon in new growing regions, harvests divide the calendar into delicious interlocking moments of time, and the hum of the holidays carries its own tempo. The people of this industry breathe these rhythms—in all they do and in how they live. Building on these interwoven patterns is Bobalu, a company consistently reading today’s retail landscape with its finger on the pulse of the evolving strawberry consumer—all in an effort to increase the surety of supply for its partners and the fresh berry basket. For Bobalu, this means expansion.

“As a fully integrated grower, packer, shipper, and processor of strawberries, maintaining a year-round supply for our customers is paramount to the continued success of our operations and Bobalu’s partners,” RC Jones, Managing Member, shares. “It only seemed natural to expand our program to respond to today’s market demand and to support customers seeking to bring a better berry experience to the fresh produce department.”

The strategic advantages are many, particularly as today’s shoppers become increasingly discerning about quality, company values, and compassionate growing practices—all areas Bobalu will be discussing at the 2025 International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce & Floral Show on Oct 16-18 in Anaheim, California.

“Bobalu has expanded its organic program by strategically increasing our year-round supply, aligning with growers across organic and conventional acreage in Mexico and California’s Oxnard and Santa Maria regions for both planting cycles. This allows the company to continue providing its partners with an enhanced consumer experience,” RC tells me. “The growth of this program enhances Bobalu’s ability to maximize efficiencies in consolidation, logistics, and shipping capabilities. With five distinct crop cycles and several new and exciting varieties, Bobalu has positioned itself to provide consumers with some of the highest quality standards in the industry.”

The structure of Bobalu’s year-round organic strawberry program aims to minimize seasonal supply gaps and quality fluctuations, ensuring a more stable and reliable partner in the berry space.

Consumer trends point to continued growth in the organic segment, and Bobalu is helping retailers and operators meet those preferences.

“The organic category continues to evolve as demand grows, and Bobalu is pleased to be in a position to assist our retail and foodservice partners in meeting this expanding segment of the berry category,” Jonathan Sparks, Sales, explains.

To further strengthen its network of support, Bobalu brings marketing insights, category management tools, and solutions to help buyers maximize organic strawberry sales at retail and in foodservice menus.

“By having an experienced and dedicated field and sales team, Bobalu is able to quickly and effectively communicate with its customers about any updates and changes in the industry. This boots-on-the-ground approach provides our partners with up-to-date information and news from all growing regions,” RC concludes.

And so, from season to season, from region to region, Bobalu continues to move with the natural rhythms of fresh produce—ensuring that the steady beat of quality and consistency carries through to every berry basket.

Visit booth #1481 at IFPA's GPFS to learn more about Bobalu's evolution.