International berry marketer Naturipe has revealed that ideal growing conditions for blueberries are on the rise throughout the US, resulting in plentiful volumes of the fruit to help meet increased consumption trends.
“We are now seeing optimal quality and production from Florida and Georgia,” said Mario Flores, director of blueberry product management, who also pointed to earlier harvests this season. “Northern Florida and South Georgia’s southern highbush blueberry production has reached peak daily harvest and has promotable volumes for the domestic season.
'From today (week 16) through the next two weeks, the southeast will have good availability of quality, fresh blueberries,” he explained.
Now that the cool, wet weather is subsiding, “California production is gradually increasing,' he continued. 'Albeit a bit later than last year, we expect volumes to ramp up the beginning of May and see the peak of harvest from the second week of May into the first week of June.'
Blueberries are the only (fruit) expecting increased consumer consumption in 2017, according to the US Highbush Blueberry Council.
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