Primavera Marketing Inc., in Linden, CA, packs and ships approximately 1.4 million of the 2.2 million boxes of apples produced each year in California, specifically for the fresh market.

On August 3, Richard Sambado, director of domestic sales, told The Produce News that Washington still had some old crop Galas on the market, a later-than-usual occurrence.

From the far reaches of Culiacan in the Mexican state of Sinaloa through Baja and up the California coast, Sambrailo Packaging, located in Watsonville, CA, continues to see increased demand for its one-pint “RunRite” clamshell.

Andrew & Williamson Produce Co. in San Diego has boosted its production of heirloom tomatoes in the San Quentin growing region of Baja California, Mexico, for summer and fall harvest.

About 14 years ago, Oxnard, CA-based Eclipse Berry Farms LLC, secured a deal with a Florida tomato grower and became one of the first shippers in the country to sell grape tomatoes.

“We were the first company to market grape tomatoes in North America and had an exclusive for three years,” said Stuart Gilfenbain, who handles sales (along with Rick Hearst) for the family-owned company started by his father, Norman Gilfenbain. “It was a special seed brought in from Taiwan.”

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.”

Sweet Darling Sales Inc., in Watsonville, CA, harvests strawberries from early April until early November. Matt Biscotti, sales representative for the company, said the company’s crop is produced and harvested primarily in the Watsonville District.