As fall progresses, the California strawberry volumes are starting to decrease. “This is normal for this time of year,” says Cindy Jewell. “The state-wide volumes are continuing to decline, and as fall settles in and the days get shorter, the harvesting does slow down, even with the addition of the fall crop coming into play,” Jewell explains.
Optimal weather and steady volumes
While the overall strawberry volumes currently coming out of California are lower than they were at this time last year, the good weather conditions are ensuring steady volumes. “Fall harvest season has begun. According to the numbers, however, the daily volumes are lower as the Watsonville and Salinas crop slows each week,” Jewell says.
For Bobalu Berries in the Santa Maria region, the weather has held up with a good result for the volumes: “Our volume from the Santa Maria is consistent and should stay so for the next three to four weeks,” Jewell shares. “We are still harvesting some spring fruit in addition to our fall crop to ensure the highest quality standards. The weather is still cooperating in this region and we don’t see any rain or inclement weather in the forecast,” she adds.
2021 crop planted
In the Oxnard region, the fields are fully planted for the upcoming 2021 crop. “The fields look great,” says Jewell, “the plants are progressing well, and we expect to be harvesting by the holiday season for this crop.”
Bobalu Berry Farms also grows in Mexico and is currently assessing their Central Mexico fields and finalizing their 2021 program. “The plants look great, but there have been issues in the region with some nurseries and, as a result, plants are tight this year. Some growers could experience tighter volumes this year due to reduced plant availability. But our fields look great and there is even some red fruit showing up. We are expecting volume in the next month or so as the plants continue to mature and push out fruit,” Jewell comments.
New website for Bobalu
Bobalu Berry Farms has recently launched a new website, which aims at clearly sharing the family roots of the company. “This new site has the Jones Brothers’ stamp all over it, sharing their vision for the future and what sets Bobalu apart. It is colorful, personal, and captures the passion Bobby and RC Jones carry every day as managing partners. Once visitors watch the live action pieces, they will see that the Jones brothers don’t spend much time behind a desk. In fact, on most days you will not find either one of them in an office, but rather in the fields, working side by side with employees, and each other,” Jewell says.
Visitors to the new site will be able to watch several video clips, learn about the company’s 60-year family history, and subscribe to a weekly e-newsletter called the ‘10oclock walk’.
As Bobalu Berry Farms looks toward 2021, the company is excited about what is ahead and how they can capitalize on the increasing demand for their strawberry brand. “Despite the pandemic, the sales team led by Anthony Gallino has made significant progress in introducing the brand to the retail community in 2020 and proving that Bobalu stands for quality, flavor and consistent availability. The new website drives that message home along with putting a face behind the brand now seen in stores across the country,” Jewell concludes.
For more information:
Cindy Jewell
Bobalu Berries
Tel: +1 (831) 566-2202
Email: PR@Bobalu.US
www.bobaluberries.com