Dandrea Produce Inc., in Vineland, NJ, has blueberries coming on June 15 to 16, and they are coming on strong. The company, a leading producer, importer, marketing firm and distributor of a full line of fruits and vegetables from around the world, has 15 growing partners in New Jersey producing blueberries.

Steve Dandrea, vice president of sales and marketing, told The Produce News that the crops this year look very good and are abundant in volumes.

“We’ve enjoyed great spring weather,” said Dandrea. “By June 18 or 19 we’ll be into very good vines.

“Demand is also going to be good,” he continued. “We already have strong promotions set up. Dandrea distributes blueberries from Florida to Canada, and we expect all areas will enjoy a good Jersey blueberry season.”

Other New Jersey crops are also in great shape for Dandrea. By the first of June the company was into its full line of lettuces, herbs and other leaf items, and had started packing cucumbers and squashes.

“As always, we are promoting the ‘Jersey Fresh’ local initiative strongly,” said Dandrea. “The program is warmly received. But anything that is grown closest to customers always tastes better. It’s not just about promotion, but also that we’ve proven that no one can beat what we can produce in quality and quantity. The drought in California has helped producers in the east, but it’s helped by enabling us to prove that we can deliver what customers want, and deliver it faster than anyone in the west can.”

He explained that New Jersey farmers are in the fields harvesting at 5:30 in the morning. Product is vacuum cooled and brought directly into cold storage at the company’s cutting edge facility. It’s packed, on trucks and delivered that afternoon, and retailers have it on their shelves the next morning.

The company has developed a strong business model that insures smooth movements and satisfaction for everyone from its growers to its customers. It partners with only top-notch growers. It plans, finances and markets the products, and some of its programs include start- and end-date pricing.

“By effectively integrating with our grower and retail partners, we can all effectively plan the coming season,” explained Dandrea. “Some of our programs are fixed, and other fluctuate weekly, but we always provide what our customers want.”

In addition, Dandrea Produce appoints quality control personal to monitor growth and conditions.

It currently has about 2,500-acres under contract, and it’s expanding its model internationally.

“Blueberries this season will be priced appropriately for consumers, and in abundant supplies,” Dandrea added.