MONTEREY, CA - Through its subsidiary Giddings Berries USA, Giddings Fruit, a leading global supplier of conventional and organic berries, cherries, and more, has opened an office in Monterey, California.
"We have assembled a great USA team and anticipate significant expansion opportunities in the North American market for our premium fruit. We will be starting the 2020-21 season with our new proprietary jumbo (XL) blueberry brand, in addition to our conventional, organic, and biodynamic blueberries," said Julio Giddings, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Giddings Fruit. "Our mission is to provide premium-quality fruit with the greatest level of customer care, to integrate our growing operations with the U.S. market, and to work closely with our customers ensuring consistent quality, agility, and commitment. We look forward to working with American buyers."
Founded in 1985 in Santiago, Chile, by Giddings, Giddings Fruit is a fully vertically integrated supplier with an extensive breeding program, along with growing and packing operations ranging throughout North and South America.
Giddings’ presence in the USA, and now specifically in California, responds to the need to be closer to the customer, to simplify the supply chain, to be able to better manage large volumes, and to ensure consistent quality that meets and exceeds U.S. market standards.
Giddings’ primary products are conventional and organic blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, with additional volumes of strawberries, cherries, and red currants. Giddings has consistently been among the top four exporters of berries from Chile, Peru, and Mexico, with production shipped to the United States, Asia, and Europe. Giddings is also one of the top exporters of premium cherries from Chile.
Through its subsidiary Black Venture Farms, Giddings is investing heavily in proprietary blackberry and raspberry genetics as well as participating with other world-class berry genetic development (blueberry, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry) programs. An increasing percentage of its overall production is with new genetics, bred specifically for extended shelf-life and flavor.
Ian Grigg is now Chief Operating Officer for Giddings Berries USA, and he is joined by Helena Beckett, Director of Sales, in the new Monterey, California, office.
Grigg spent 15 years working in the fresh cut flower industry with responsibilities for growing, importing, operations, costing, and sales. Prior to joining Giddings Berries USA, in addition to running a startup in Colombia, Grigg spent five years in berry category management, genetic program development, international business development, and was active in fresh produce industry associations.
"I am absolutely energized with this opportunity that Julio has provided us and truly excited to reconnect with all of the great growers, retailers, and friends from the past," said Grigg.
Helena Beckett has been in the fresh produce industry for 17 years, working with leading growers to represent their brands to national retailers. She is a graduate of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program (Class 18), and has been an active industry volunteer, including serving on the Leadership Alumni board, Tour de Fresh, and several United Fresh committees.
"It’s invigorating to be a part of an innovative company that will have a remarkable impact on how consumers experience the berry category," said Beckett.
With the new office and management team, Giddings Berries USA is making a long-term commitment to serving American consumers. Its vertically integrated supply chain, proprietary genetics, commitment to excellence, and dedication to customer service will make it a force to be reckoned with.
