USA: Berry producers project increased volumes in new campaign

The US berry season will begin soon in areas such as Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Producers project increases in the volumes of strawberries, blueberries and blackberries with good quality during the end of winter and the beginning of spring. According to The Packer, Matthew Giddings, COO of Plant City-based Always Fresh Farms, is eager to get started on Florida blueberries soon, likely in late February. He expects the firm's total berry volume to increase compared to last year. “We're seeing some really big sizes in the new strawberry and blueberry varieties that not only look big, but also taste great,” he said. According to Brian Bocock, vice president of product management for Naturipe Farms, based in Salinas, California, the company produces blueberries in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida, and blackberries in Georgia and North Carolina. Blueberries are available from February to June in Florida, April to July in Georgia, and May to July in North Carolina. The ...