California Giant Berry Farms' Tim Youmans Shares Blueberry Season Update

WATSONVILLE, CA - A topping on yogurt bowls, the base of smoothies, and more—blueberries play a key role in my everyday eating occasions. This staple berry is beloved by consumers, and they look for it on each shopping trip. To get an update on the category, I turned to Tim Youmans, Vice President of Sales at California Giant Berry Farms.

“Peru continues to provide a steady volume of blueberries, while Mexico is currently building toward a peak in early February. These volumes will be complemented by high-quality fruit from Chile,” Tim explained. “This increasing influx, paired with Oxnard, California’s domestic organic program hitting its stride mid-month, is expected to provide ample availability, especially for February.”

California Giant’s current organic blueberry supply is ramping up quickly, according to Tim. Conventional supplies remain stable and consistent with last year’s levels.

Currently, California Giant’s conventional blueberries are being harvested in Peru, Chile, and Mexico. The supplier’s organic program is currently sourcing from Peru and Oxnard. Tim relayed that he anticipates the arrival of organic fruit from Chile toward the end of the month.

“Conditions across these regions have been favorable for quality. In Peru, optimal weather has led to an earlier-than-normal peak, while Mexico is benefiting from steady, warm days that are supporting consistent yields,” Tim continued. “In Oxnard, while we’ve monitored seasonal rains earlier in the month and cooler morning temperatures typical for January, the fruit quality remains strong as the California season begins to gain momentum.”

Tim went on to note that as we move toward late January and early February, the market will transition into a much more abundant and stable supply phase.

“The arrival of volumes from Chile in late January, complementing Mexico hitting its peak in early February, will provide a boost to overall availability,” he said. “With Oxnard’s organic program also ramping up to peak volumes in mid-February and Peru maintaining its stability, the industry is looking at a window of strong availability. This alignment of regional peaks creates a perfect opportunity for large-scale promotions and consistent shelf presence throughout the mid-winter months.”

In a follow-up article, Tim and I will discuss blueberry demand as well as one of California Giant’s newest products. Keep a tab open for ANUK, and you won’t miss it.