Peruvian production picking up on jumbo blueberries
Sekoya® blueberries are currently seeing a mix of sourcing as they’re coming domestically from Oregon, Washington, New Jersey and Michigan, but also Peru. “Growing conditions across our domestic regions have been favorable overall, resulting in good fruit quality and production,” says Ryan Lockman, Vice President of Sales and Procurement for North Bay Produce. “In Peru, warmer-than-normal temperatures associated with El Niño have created some growing challenges. However, the Sekoya varietals have proven to be exceptionally resilient, maintaining strong fruit quality, size, and eating characteristics despite the warmer conditions.”
Right now, the domestic season for jumbo blueberries is beginning to wind down with bigger fruit availability becoming more limited. At the same time, Peru is ramping up its production and it is expected to reach peak harvest in September and October which is making way for a smooth transition into the imported season. “This timing allows North Bay to continue offering retailers a dependable supply of premium Sekoya blueberries,” says Lockman.
Lockman says growing conditions across the domestic regions have been favorable overall, resulting in good fruit quality and production.
Growing consumer demand
At the same time, the demand for Jumbo Sekoya blueberries remains strong and continues to increase. “Retailers and consumers are recognizing the consistent quality, excellent shelf life, and premium eating experience that these varietals deliver, leading to continued momentum across the category,” he says. “Consumption is expected to continue growing as more consumers discover the exceptional flavor, crisp texture, and consistent quality of the jumbo Sekoya varietals of berries. Combined with increased year-round availability, these premium attributes are helping drive repeat purchases and expanding consumer demand.”
In fact, Lockman says one of the biggest opportunities in the berry category continues to be the growth of the premium blueberry category. “As consumer demand for larger, better-tasting blueberries increases, retailers are looking for ways to differentiate their berry offerings,” he notes, adding that the company’s investment in premium genetics has expanded to include Super Jumbo (24 mm+) and organic Jumbo blueberries, both of which provides retailers with more options to meet that demand. “These premium offerings deliver the size, flavor, and eating quality consumers expect while helping retailers build excitement and value within the blueberry category.”
For more information:
Sharon Robb
North Bay Produce, Inc.
Tel: +1 (231) 946-1941
srobb@northbayproduce.com
www.northbayproduce.com
