Perfect storm weather conditions create outstanding blues for Gourmet Trading
Perfect storm weather conditions create outstanding blues for Gourmet Trading
Scott Hulsey, vice president of procurement for Gourmet Trading Co. in Los Angeles, said prospects are bright for the 2013 California blueberry season.
“This season has provided ideal growing conditions for the California blueberries,” he told The Produce News. “We had very little rain through our flowering period and no pre-harvest freezes, which can typically have a negative impact on the overall crop load.”
The company grows conventional blues on 150 of its own production acreage and handles another 150 acres according to Mr. Hulsey. “Gourmet Trading will handle about 40 percent more product this season [compared to 2012] assuming our production forecasts are realized,” he commented.
“As mentioned, early climatic conditions would suggest that this season’s overall fruit quality should be excellent. The initial finding and sampling of the field suggest that the overall berry size this season will be the largest the operation has ever seen,” he said.
Marketing Manager Chloé Varennes said the company markets to the retail sector under the “Gourmet Trading Co.” label. “It is our first season packing under the ‘Green Giant Fresh’ label for blueberries,” she added.
“We market our large blueberries — 18 millimeters and larger — as superblues. These berries are sweet and crunchy. In their new pack sizes — five ounce, 10 ounce and 16 ounce — they have a similar price point.”