The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council partnered with Major League Pickleball for its 2024 season, promoting blueberries as the official fruit of MLP among a rapidly growing base of pickleball fans.

Overall strawberry quality is optimum out of all areas, and volume will continue to increase throughout May. Good color, size and texture are arriving at the coolers daily. Blueberry quality from all areas is excellent with Mexico, Georgia and Florida holding a slight edge in size and overall quality. Peru is beginning to see a decline in numbers coming very near to the end of their season.

STRAWBERRIES:

Mastronardi Produce's berry division has joined the coveted Sekoya blueberry platform in a strategic move to elevate its blueberry offering. A retailer favorite, Sekoya varieties are renowned for their exceptional firmness, sweet flavor, jumbo size and extended shelf life.

Naturipe Farms kicked off California strawberry season with increasing volumes of its delicious varieties of strawberries.

Family Tree Farms will be exhibiting at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure show this week, sampling its current Mexican blueberry and blackberry production at Booth No. 338.

The berry category plays a significant role in boosting sales volume for produce departments. Strawberries are the major player in drawing shoppers to the store, especially when they are on ad promotion. Blueberries are also a powerful sales builder within the berry category.