Consalo Family Farms focuses on the best in blueberries

When it comes to blueberries, the consumer wants everything: Great taste, excellent quality and just about anything else that might create a better eating experience.

Those demands are keeping officials at Consalo Family Farms on their collective toes. The Vineland, NJ-based company takes great pride in its blueberry crop and knows that they have to stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive and meet the expectations of retailers and consumers alike.

“The Consalo family has always been passionate about growing high-quality produce,” said Sarah Consalo, the chief financial officer for the 98-year-old company. “Our commitment to excellence in farming naturally led us to explore various crops that aligned with our values. Blueberries have been a part of our crop portfolio since the beginning of our business, and as consumer interest in antioxidant-rich, health-forward fruits began to grow, they emerged as one of our biggest commodities.

“We recognize the long-term potential in both fresh and value-added blueberry products,” Consalo continued. “We’re fully vertically integrated and we feel that our ability to diversify our offerings has allowed us to better serve retail customers. We not only specialize in growing and packing but also importing and distributing our fruit and produce.”

Consalo, who has been with the company for about five years, said she is optimistic about the blueberry harvest this year. “Despite a slight decrease in U.S. production, the blueberry season here in New Jersey has a strong outlook,” she noted. “Today’s consumers are more selective than ever when it comes to fresh produce. In the blueberry category, texture and flavor are driving purchasing decisions. Shoppers are not just looking for nutrition, they are seeking a premium eating experience. That means berries with a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness are becoming more important.”

As other blueberry growers in the Garden State have stated, Mother Nature seems to be playing a big role in the harvest. “This season is shaping up to be a strong one, thanks to excellent pollination and cool weather conditions,” she said. “The cooler temperatures helped firm up the berries, resulting in improved quality and higher overall volume.”