Giumarra expects Chilean blueberries to pick up soon
Giumarra expects Chilean blueberries to pick up soon
The Chilean fruit import season brings excitement to all who deal in the product, including Giumarra Cos., headquartered in Los Angeles.
The Giumarra Cos. is a produce marketing firm comprising independent sales teams, each unique in product offering yet bound by a common thread of uncompromising service to its customers and growers.
Tom Richardson, vice president of global development for the company, said it was importing Chilean blueberries in mid-December.
“We have been receiving vessel arrivals as of the first week in December,” said Richardson. “Volumes are down and the peak of season is a bit delayed due to weather conditions, but we expect it to pick up shortly.”
The Giumarra Cos.’ “Nature’s Partner” branded blueberries from Chile started shipping in October for its export customers.
Tom (TW) Wilson, grape sales manager for Giumarra Cos., said grapes from Chile were expected to continue through May.
“Stone fruits — peaches, plums and nectarines — will be available from November through March,” said Wilson. “Apricots will be available during December and through January. Cherries will be offered from November to January and Chilean persimmons will be available from April through July.”
In North America, Giumarra Cos. supplies predominantly the U.S. and Canada in regions west of the Mississippi River. It also offers Chilean fruit to its Mexican customers. These shipments arrive in Mexico direct from Chile through its sales partnership, G y S Marketing in Hermosillo.
“Fruits from Chile arrive into North America by air and ocean vessel, depending on the product and time of the season,” Wilson explained. “Our customers in North America are retailers, wholesalers, distributors and foodservice operators.”