Naturipe Farms’ has reached its peak of season of California blueberries. Increased consumer demand for these little blue dynamos keeps pushing Naturipe grower-owners Munger Farms to continually improve themselves, their harvesting methods, berry varieties and packaging styles.
Brothers, David Munger and Kable Munger are second generation growers in farming fresh blueberries in the rich soil of California’s San Joaquin Valley. The brothers remarked, “It is our mission to deliver the highest quality berries to our customers and the consumers. We are dedicated to finding innovative new technologies to improve and stay competitive in this ever changing marketplace.”
Today, the fully integrated farming family has extended to include Kable’s children, Asha and Diwan. “It is an honor to work alongside my family. My sister and I are very fortunate to have the support of not only our Dad and Uncle, but of our dedicated team and extended family here at Munger Farms,” said Diwan Munger.
As the season moves north along the west coast, Brian Bocock, vice president of product management, explains “We are in the back half of the peak in Delano, and heading straight into the peak of the Delta region. The Delta growing area is a nice bridge of production between the California and Oregon/Washington seasons, providing a continuous supply of conventional and organic blueberries to our customers.”
Included in this year’s harvest is a variety proprietary to Naturipe, the ‘Rocio’. The Rocio is an early variety with berries that are typically larger in size and has a wonderful sweet flavor. In addition, varieties such as “Legacy and Draper from our northern California farms offer the best ‘late season California’ blueberries with their flavor, quality and superior self-life,” says Mario Flores, director of blueberry product management.
According to the USHBC “Americans are nearly twice as likely as they were nine years ago to buy blueberries”. Naturipe is ready to meet that consumer demand with its best tasting berries and a variety of packaging types to choose from. Taking innovative strides, Naturipe now offers a natural fiber, compostable organic tray which resonates well with today’s organic shopper. Their heat sealed packaging, exemplifies the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship with a 30 percent plastic reduction rate. And their value added products such as the Mighty Blues and ready to eat snack packs are well known as industry leading blueberry offerings into to the fresh market.
Naturipe Farms LLC is a grower-owned producer and international marketer of healthy, best tasting, premium berries. With production primarily from multi generation family farms, located in the prime berry growing regions throughout North and South America. The diverse grower base ensures year-round availability of “locally grown” and “in-season global” conventional and organic berries. Naturipe Farms, formed in 2000, is a partnership between Naturipe Berry Growers, Hortifrut SA, MBG Marketing and Munger Farms. With sales and customer service offices located strategically throughout the USA – Salinas CA., Grand Junction MI., Estero FL., Boston MA., Wenatchee WA., Atlanta GA.
Source: Naturipe Farms LLC
