A bountiful harvest of California strawberries has arrived for California Giant Berry Farms, the company has informed, sharing news of substantial volumes for its cornerstone product.

The company said in a release, "The berry purveyor’s high yields of excellent-quality fruit ensure peak promotable volumes of California strawberries throughout the coming months. "

The Santa Maria region is showing strong early-season production of conventional and organic strawberries exhibiting ideal size, quality, and flavor. Peak volumes are anticipated to arrive by mid-May. Notably, organic production in Santa Maria will mirror the conventional peak, ensuring a steady supply of premium organic fruit into the middle of May. 

The Watsonville and Salinas growing region is also ramping production, with weekly volumes increasing. Spring rains have caused temporary harvest disruptions, but the company projects peak harvest volumes to be sustained throughout June.

Ranches in the region report "excellent fruit quality, flavor, and impressive size." The Watsonville/Salinas organic peak will mirror that of Santa Maria, hitting its stride in mid-May. 

"We're thrilled to see such a strong California strawberry harvest," shared Tim Youmans, Vice President of Sales at California Giant Berry Farms. "The optimal growing conditions experienced this season have resulted in exceptional fruit, and we're confident that customers will be pleased with the quality and flavor of our California-grown strawberries." 

The California strawberry industry is gearing up for a remarkable peak of the season - promising an abundant supply of fruit. This surge in production presents a fantastic opportunity for retailers and consumers alike, with substantial volumes of strawberries for distribution and enjoyment.

California Giant encourages retailers to implement engaging promotional programs to leverage the upcoming peak fully.

California Giant is ready to provide tailored retailer support designed to help craft and optimize strategies for maximum impact and sales.  

A message to retailers

To maximize sales and consumer engagement, retailers should create eye-catching displays that showcase the vibrant colors and freshness of the strawberries, offering a variety of conventional and organic pack sizes to cater to diverse customer needs.

Utilizing digital marketing to promote the availability of peak-season strawberries is also essential - with the rapid growth of e-commerce within the fresh produce sector, digital marketing offers the ability to amplify consumer education regarding the health benefits of fresh strawberries, as well as simultaneously driving demand by highlighting the craveability of fresh fruit.   

Beyond traditional retail promotions, the spring food service landscape, anchored by events like Mother's Day, Easter, and Earth Day, offers a strategic platform to demonstrate the culinary versatility of berries. By emphasizing their seasonal freshness, visual appeal, and sustainable sourcing, food service operators can effectively leverage heightened consumer interest in both celebratory dining and eco-conscious choices. 

Related article: California Giant Berry Farms announces volume increase for blueberries this season