2023-06-19 13:46:00
In the US, blueberry supplies appear to be better than last year around this time. “Last year’s weather issues in both Georgia and North Carolina affected overall industry volumes, but this season is looking better and more balanced,” says Ryan Lockman, vice president of sales and purchasing for the Cooperative of North Bay Produce Producers.
Currently, the US domestic crop is in full transition between Highbush crops from the South and Highbush crops from the northern growing regions. “With the exception of Florida, production from the Southeast has moved up a bit this year, both in Georgia and North Carolina. Mind you, as we move north with supply from the East, the schedule seems to be normalizing.” , it states. “We expect the same to happen in the Pacific Northwest as production is currently running a bit behind schedule.”
Currently, the supply comes from Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, California, Mexico and Peru.
Increasing consumption of blueberries
As far as demand is concerned, it’s very good so far, and Lockman expects it to continue at that good level. “As long as quality remains good and promotions continue, consumers will continue to buy and hopefully come back for more as we move into production regions,” he says. To stimulate demand and interest from retailers, North Bay is now offering its jumbo cranberries in jumbo packs year-round. clamshell.
All of this has given rise to the blueberry market becoming very strong in the last six months. “More fruit is being sold at higher prices per pound than we’ve ever seen, especially during peak production periods,” says Lockman. “There is underlying demand that has remained constant and very encouraging consumption growth.”
As the sector’s production moves to the northern producing regions (New Jersey, Michigan, Oregon, Washington and BC), crops should continue to be good, following a period of pollination that appears to have developed positively. Lockman says that during the summer season there will continue to be opportunities to promote his blueberries. “The greatest hope is that it rains in all the next producing regions so that the industry can offer better sizes and quality,” he adds.
For more information:
Sharon Robb
North Bay Produce, Inc.
Tel.: +1 (231) 946-1941
srobb@northbayproduce.com
www.northbayproduce.com
Publication date: Mon. June 19 2023
1687200500
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