TRAVERSE CITY, MI - With spring in session, retailers are looking to pad their berry sets with high-quality fruit. They need supply-side partners like North Bay Produce on their side, which has multiple growing regions, grower owners, and more to keep its berry programs running smoothly.
The supplier offered insights into its overarching blueberry programs, with updates coming in from Mexico, Florida, and Georgia.
Mexico is in peak production over the next couple of weeks, with reports coming out of overall good quality and steady volume. According to a newsletter released by the company, SEKOYA® blueberries from Mexico are currently arriving and eating great.
The SEKOYA blueberries are a family of varieties invested in by North Bay. Only a select group of companies across the globe can grow them. They’re known for their exceptional size, flavor, texture, and appearance, and this year, many of the supplier’s Jumbo blueberries will come from SEKOYA plantings in Mexico. SEKOYA berries will also be featured under North Bay’s new RESERVE™ label, high-end packaging that reflects the high-end value of the fruit.
In Florida, North Bay reports that the crop is bigger than it has been for the past five to six years. The company began harvest in the state over the past couple of weeks, with volume due to build as we head toward April.
The crop itself is expected to be abundant and high-quality since weather events in Florida these past few months were optimal for blueberry growth. Jumbo blueberries will also be available from this region, and North Bay introduced regional state call-out labels to highlight where the fruit is grown.
Georgia blueberries, the company noted, are on track for a large crop this year—so long as the weather remains consistent in the coming weeks. The crop will be harvested later than last year, with an estimated start date of April 20, 2024. This may result in a volume separation between Florida fruit. Peak harvest dates currently look to be May 1–May 15.
Stick with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report crop updates like this.
