Garlic prices over the past 18 months or so, not only in the United States but globally, have been “at a very high level” according to Paul Auerbach, president of Maurice A. Auerbach Inc. in South Hackensack, NJ.

California growers see a fairly normal crop for the season just underway. But China has a larger crop than it has had in two years, with an increased volume coming into the U.S. market. “We foresee it is going to put a little downward pressure on an elevated market,” Mr. Auerbach said July 25.

Spice World, which is headquartered in Orlando, FL, and has garlic growing, packing and shipping operations in Coalinga, CA, markets whole fresh garlic, peeled garlic and a wide assortment of processed garlic products in addition to (as its name suggests) a line of spices and spice blends.

The company handles not only California garlic but also garlic imported from various producing countries outside of the United States.

However, Spice World has a strong California focus in its garlic program, as is clearly evident in the following statement on the company web site.

Colorful Harvest LLC of Salina, CA, has natural ways of getting attention — the vibrant color and visual appeal of its product line is readily apparent, and that holds true for the berry category.

Through traditional plant breeding, ancient color traits have been brought forward in heirloom seeds and varietals that naturally produce brighter, more colorful produce. The same traits that give unique hues to Colorful Harvest varieties also deliver premium taste and nutrition.

Continued rise in consumer demand for berries comes as no surprise to Stuart Gilfenbain of Eclipse Berry Farms LLC. How many other products taste like dessert, offer a good profit margin to retailers and have health benefits that exceed simple nutrition?

No wonder consumers are clamoring for more and more berries.

“We’re delivering healthy fruit that’s known to be high in antioxidants: red is good,” Mr. Gilfenbain said. “Consumers are now aware of health matters more than ever when they’re shopping. It’s a win-win situation.”

Well-Pict Inc. in Watsonville, CA, introduced a pair of new proprietary berries at last year’s Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit show in October and is now bringing those new varieties to the market for the fall season.

The new Well-Pict strawberry is genetically bred to produce larger berries later in the season, and a new raspberry delivers superior flavor along with larger fruit.

After a “weird” summer weather-wise, Red Blossom Sales Inc. of Fresno, CA, has its fall berry program on track, according to Craig Casca, chief executive officer and director of sales.

“The weather has been kind of weird for the whole summer,” Mr. Casca told The Produce News in late July. “It’s slowed things down, which is good for the plants; on the bad side, it’s made berry size smaller than we’d like. But in the long run we’re going to have better berries for a longer period of time.”