Monterey, CA — Giddings Fruit, a leading global supplier of conventional and organic berries, cherries and more, through its subsidiary Giddings Berries USA has opened an office in Monterey, CA.
Founded in 1985 in Santiago, Chile by Julio Giddings, Giddings Fruit is a fully vertically integrated supplier with an extensive breeding program, along with growing and packing operations ranging throughout North and South America.
Giddings’ presence in the USA, and now specifically in California, responds to the need to be closer to the customer, to simplify the supply chain, to be able to better manage large volumes and to ensure consistent quality that meets and exceeds US market standards.
Giddings’ primary products are conventional and organic blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, with additional volumes of strawberries, cherries and red currants. Giddings has consistently been among the top four exporters of berries from Chile, Peru and Mexico, with production shipped to the United States, Asia and Europe. Giddings is also one of the top exporters of premium cherries from Chile.
Through their subsidiary Black Venture Farms, Giddings is investing heavily in proprietary blackberry and raspberry genetics as well as participating with other world-class berry genetic development (blueberry, strawberry, blackberry and raspberry) programs. An increasing percentage of their overall production is with new genetics, bred specifically for extended shelf life and flavor.
“We have assembled a great USA team and anticipate significant expansion opportunities in the North American market for our premium fruit. We will be starting the 2020-21 season with our new proprietary jumbo (XL) blueberry brand, in additional to our conventional, organic and biodynamic blueberries,” said Julio Giddings, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Giddings Fruit. “Our mission is to provide premium-quality fruit with the greatest level of customer care, to integrate our growing operations with the US market, and to work closely with our customers ensuring consistent quality, agility and commitment. We look forward to working with American buyers.”
Ian Grigg is now Chief Operating Officer for Giddings Berries USA, and he is joined by Helena Beckett, Director of Sales, in the new Monterey, CA office.
Grigg spent 15 years working in the fresh cut flower industry with responsibilities for growing, importing, operations, costing and sales. Prior to joining Giddings Berries USA, in addition to running a startup in Colombia, Grigg spent five years in berry category management, genetic program development, international business development and was active in fresh produce industry associations. “I am absolutely energized with this opportunity that Julio has provided us and truly excited to reconnect with all of the great growers, retailers and friends from the past,” said Grigg.
Helena Beckett has been in the fresh produce industry for 17 years, working with leading growers to represent their brands to national retailers. She is a graduate of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program (Class 18), and has been an active industry volunteer, including serving on the Leadership Alumni board, Tour de Fresh and several United Fresh committees. “It’s invigorating to be a part of an innovative company that will have a remarkable impact on how consumers experience the berry category,” said Beckett.
With the new office and management team, Giddings Berries USA is making a long-term commitment to serving American consumers. Their vertically-integrated supply chain, proprietary genetics, commitment to excellence and dedication to customer service will make them a force to be reckoned with. To find out more, email Helena Beckett, helena.beckett@giddingsfruit.com or Ian Grigg, ian.grigg@giddingsfruit.com.
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About Giddings Berries USA
Giddings Berries USA is the Monterey, CA based subsidiary of Giddings Fruit, a leading global supplier of conventional and organic berries, cherries and more now servicing the United States. They are vertically integrated, with an extensive breeding program, along with growing and packing operations ranging throughout North and South America. Founded in 1985 in Santiago, Chile, the brand is driven by the heart, soul and vision of the Giddings group. Giddings Fruit is passionate about enabling farmers to grow and sell the most delicious fruit to be enjoyed by consumers worldwide.
