HAMMONTON, NJ — With “very consistent” weather during the winter and spring months, Atlantic Blueberry Co. is looking for the 2013 New Jersey blueberry season to start pretty much on time with greater volume than last year.

Asked for his assessment of the upcoming blueberry deal for the state as a whole, Atlantic President Art Galletta told The Produce News, “The weather over the winter and spring was very consistent. We’re more on target with our regular timing.” The state’s blueberry season generally begins June 15-18, and Galletta was looking at that timeframe for this season.

John Galletta, Rob Galletta and Billy Galletta of Atlantic Blueberry Co. took a look at some Bluecrop variety blueberries. (Photo by Gordon M. Hochberg)As to volume, a “full crop” in the state would yield in the range of 60-65 million pounds, said Galletta. “On a scale of one to 10,” the upcoming season “is probably nine-and-a-half.”

Concerning quality, “Everything is on target to have a good crop,” he stated. “A cool spring has allowed for steady development. There hasn’t been too much rain. Bee activity was excellent. All the ingredients for a good-quality crop are there.”

Looking specifically at Atlantic Blueberry Co., which has been owned and operated by the Galletta family for more than 75 years, the company president said, “Last year for us was a little disappointing. On June 30, high winds came through [the area] — straight-line winds of 80 mph. We lost quite a bit of crop last year. So we’re looking forward to having a good crop this year.” With the start of the season just a few days away, “We look like we’re going to have a full crop.”

Over the previous winter months, the company did not initiate any major renovations to its facility, headquartered here in the southern part of the state, but it had been making “all the little refinements” that it does on a routine basis “to improve what we do,” said Galletta, whose five-year term as chairman of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council ended in January, although he continues on the board as past president.

On the personnel front, Art Galletta said that as of Jan. 1, his son John (who celebrated his 25th birthday on June 16) secured “a small ownership position in the company.” John’s responsibilities are primarily in the areas of information technology, database management and food safety.

Art Galletta noted that Atlantic’s varieties continue to consist primarily of Duke and Bluecrop, which comprise “over 80 percent of what we do.” Elliott and some Draper varieties comprise the balance.

The company president was optimistic as the new season approached.

“We should have a solid crop,” he declared. “We have a lot of really good farmers in this state, which is good because it really gives New Jersey a good reputation. We have millions of people within overnight delivery” of fresh blueberries from the state of New Jersey. And barring unusual weather events, “volume is pretty consistent.” So “retailers know that they can depend on New Jersey as a source for producing blueberries that will deliver.”