Stephanie Hilton, spokesperson for Watsonville, CA-based Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co. LLC., said that heading into fall the company will be offering both conventional and organic strawberries and blackberries.

“These are being produced in California,” said Ms. Hilton. “Santa Cruz Berry Farming can supply berries all year long, and blackberries are available August through December. We expect strong supplies throughout the fall.”

Fritz Koontz (second from left), owner of Santa Cruz Berry Farming Co., flanked by his production team and Seven Seas Berry Sales’ team.Fritz Koontz, founder of Santa Cruz Berry Farming, has been involved in various aspects of agriculture since college. Over the years, he has developed a deep appreciation of the land and the people who make growing strawberries successful. The dedication of the people who work with him is proof of his passion to grow great tasting, high-quality and conventional berries.

“After 25 years in the strawberry industry, I felt it was time for me to pursue my own ideals and goals,” said Mr. Koontz. “During the years I had seen my dream of being part of successful, innovative strawberry farming and shipping organization become a reality. But at the same time I understood that there were farming practices and research into strawberry varietals that I wanted to expand upon. I will now work more closely with my partner, Dr. Beth Crandall to develop, grow and market proprietary varieties. Beth is one of the premier strawberry researchers and I have been a partner with her for 10 years, but was unable to give the program the attention that I wanted to. I have a strong commitment to both my customers and consumers to supply only the highest quality and most flavorful strawberries and will work tirelessly to that end.”

Today, Santa Cruz Berry Farming grows berries and it has long-term collaborative relationships with growing partners throughout California.

“In conjunction with our sales group, Seven Seas Berry Sales, we ship berries throughout the U.S., Canada and internationally,” said Ms. Hilton. “The berry category continues to see growth at the retail level. Even as most berry categories have become available year-round, they continue to generate consumer excitement and increased sales.”

Strawberries, Ms. Hilton noted, continue to be the dominant berry category, “However our customers have seen increasing demand across the entire category,” she added.

Santa Cruz Berry Farming believes in protecting its most valuable asset, the land, by rotating crops, limiting pesticides, monitoring water usage and making sure its harvesting teams take every precaution to assure food safety.

Mr. Koontz said it is the goal of the company to grow the highest quality, safest, most flavorful strawberries available. “Along with using the latest in recyclable materials and the most sustainable packaging innovation standards produced, Santa Cruz Berry Farming Company leads the way in progressive farming techniques,” he noted.

Santa Cruz Berry Farming Company strawberries are picked by hand and packed directly in the field. Each packed pallet is trucked directly from the field to one of the company’s fully modernized, forced air coolers. After every load is chilled to an optimal 32-34 Fahrenheit, they are ready to be distributed throughout North America and beyond.

Santa Cruz Berry Farming Company prides itself in developing a team of growers, shippers, buyers and retailers who enjoy bringing the enjoyment of fresh, delicious strawberries from the field to the consumer.