Blueberries are one of New Jersey’s signature crops, and with the season only weeks away, early estimations are that it’s going to be a strong crop, on par with last year.

Consalo Family Farms has been in the farming industry since the 1920s. “I represent my family’s fourth-generation and have watched our company grow and expand from just one tractor to where we are today,” said Chelsea Consalo, EVP of Consalo Family Farms and the Fresh Wave, which is the sole marketer of all products grown by the Vineland, NJ-based company. “Blueberries are what we do. I am personally very passionate about our blueberry farms and spend my summer managing the operation.”

Around May 10, planting season for sweet potatoes began at Vick Family Farms, and though things have been cooler than normal, some rain is expected to help with planting. 

“We have great customers all across the United States, and in many countries across the world,” said Charlotte D. Vick, partner/sales and marketing manager for the Wilson, NC-based company. “We have built strong relationships that we value so much and continue to work with each of them to grow their sweet potato sales.”

Over a quarter century, Krichmar Produce, operating out of Vineland, NJ, has prided itself on providing businesses from Florida to Maine with the finest quality fruits and vegetables, thanks in part to a trucking operation it added to the company 15 years ago.

That part of the business continues to increase, even though challenges such as driver shortages, freight costs and lack of trucks plagues many in the industry.

Fru-Veg Marketing is a top importer of fine produce from the best growers of Europe and Latin America. Since its founding in 1988 by Conchita Espinosa, and through the partnership of current co-presidents Steven Espinosa and Albert Grimaldi, the company’s philosophy has revolved around the principal of selecting the finest growers in each region.

Gary Margolis, president of Gem Tomato Sales Inc., has long led the movement of direct marketing for Arkansas’ popular vine-ripened tomato varieties — be it rounds or Romas — and has a longstanding relationship with Triple M Farms in Hamburg, AR.