Florida Blueberry Volumes Will Increase

The Florida blueberry season is getting off to a slow start. Adam Roe of Noble Citrus shares: “We are starting to get some fruit this week and then next week we should really start our volumes. Thereafter, we should have strong volumes until the end of April.”

Solid and stable volumes are expected

The overall vintage is looking great, says Roe. “In terms of volume and quality, everything looks good. We have a lot of new varieties coming here in Florida that taste very sweet and crunchy, so we're excited about them this year, ”he says.

“The volume appears to be good this year and we hope that we do not see a strong spike, but rather that the volumes spread evenly over the weeks,” says Roe. “Our season will extend until Georgia starts, so that means we could extend into May, depending on how the weather in Georgia may affect the start of the season. Retailers generally turn to Georgia when they start up because of its lower prices, which is when the remaining supplies from Florida will go to U-Pick and local sales, ”adds Roe.

Competition from Mexico

Retailers are also excited about the start of the season, says Roe. “We are hearing that there will be a good reception from retailers. They are ready for the fruit from Florida to arrive because Chile is currently closing its season. The last of their fruit is already in the water, and there are some quality problems with these shipments upon arrival due to the rains in Chile at the end of January, ”he explains.

Although there is currently not much volume on the market, Mexico is also starting production. “They have low volumes at the moment, but their peak will come somewhere in the Florida window. When that happens, there will be strong competition with them for market space, ”says Roe. Despite this, retailers value locally grown produce. Roe explains: “Local farming is definitely a factor that comes into play and helps Florida have good retail support. But it is also difficult for retailers because Mexico has a longer window than Florida, so changing suppliers can be difficult. "

Florida's Valencia oranges remain strong

The grapefruit season is mostly over for Florida growers, but the supply of oranges from Valencia should last through May or June. The market is seeing the effects of the cold in Texas, says Roe. “The cold in Texas definitely had a big impact on the grapefruit market, but now we're seeing it on oranges too. At this time of year there is generally less demand, but demand has remained good this year. We don't know how long it will last, but for now we are definitely seeing a rebound, ”concludes Roe.

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