As one of the largest shippers of blueberries on the East Coast, Dandrea Produce, based in Vineland, NJ, executes a seamless program throughout the calendar year.  “New Jersey blueberries play a huge role in our seamless program,” said Peter Dandrea, director of sales. “Having consistent supply is crucial for our customers and we foresee this year the New Jersey crop may be even more important.”

Michael D’Ottavio was keeping his fingers crossed that the weather would stay as good as it was earlier this season.

“With ideal weather conditions for blueberries and blackberries, this year’s crop looks to have better size and much more volume than last season,” said D’Ottavio, president of D’Ottavio Farms in Vineland, NJ. “Our bee habitats and satellite irrigation system really help with pollination and the correct amount of water supply to the plants.”

The upcoming New Jersey blueberry season looks to hold great promise according to Tom Beaver, director of sales and marketing at Sunny Valley International, based in Glassboro, NJ. “So far, things are shaping for 2022 to be an excellent New Jersey blueberry season,” he said. “Our growers are anticipating a good-sized crop that should allow for excellent promotional opportunities. We have already been working with our retail partners to set-up ads and promotions.”

Co-presidents Steven Espinosa and Albert Grimaldi are leading the charge at Fru-Veg Marketing.

Three seasons ago, the company partnered with Berry Bros. allowing Fru-Veg to expand its blueberry program to include domestic blueberries to customers from farm-to-table and also create a 12-month, year-round supply of fresh blueberries. Now the two companies have started a bigger project together.

Late winter 2021 and early spring 2022 saw a number of typical weather events, including cold temperatures, rains and wind, but as of the third week in May, John Galaida of Pleasantdale Farms was looking forward to a good season for New Jersey blueberries.

Blueberries are one of New Jersey’s signature crops, and with the season only weeks away, early estimations are that it’s going to be a strong crop, on par with last year.