The start of Florida's blueberry season is quickly approaching. Around March 20, North Bay Produce and its member producer H&A Farms will begin collecting pallet volumes. “This start date is a little late compared to the last five years, but on schedule when you look at the 20-year average,” says Ryan Lockman of North Bay Produce. It was a very good blueberry winter for Florida, but the cold weather slowed growth and slightly delayed the start of harvest. “I anticipate a very good, high-quality harvest as long as nothing major happens between now and harvest,” he added. Volumes will gradually increase and the season is expected to peak between April 8 and 22 before ending in mid-May.

H&A Farms is a fourth generation producer covering all blueberry growing areas in Florida with the highest concentration of production around the I-4 corridor. The acreage can be found as far south as Avon Park, FL and as far north as Gainesville with the producer's packinghouse located downtown on Mt. Dora, FL. Together, North Bay and H&A account for about 24 percent of Florida's blueberry production.

Development of new varieties

Just five years ago, the Florida blueberry industry was dying because the varieties did not produce competitively, nor did they meet the quality and flavor profile that consumers were looking for. However, H&A Farms has breathed new life into the blueberry industry through intensive and proprietary growing methods that have resulted in high-yielding early varieties as well as consistent, high-quality fruits.

"In addition to the improved yields, the harvest of these new varieties starts early, allowing Florida to be the first state to bring domestically grown blueberries to market each year," Lockman said. All North Bay blueberries grown and packaged in Florida will have the Fresh From Florida logo on the packaging, underscoring the rejuvenation of the industry. Available packaging includes 6 oz., Pint and 18 oz. shells in both conventional and organic. In addition to the clam shells, the blueberries will be offered in the company's new packaging, which can be peeled and sealed with the resealable top.

The cover label includes the Fresh From Florida logo.

The cover label includes the Fresh From Florida logo.

National and foreign distribution

Florida blueberries will be distributed far beyond the southeastern United States. “H&A Farms will follow the protocol for shipping fruit west, so blueberries from Florida will also be available in California. In fact, they can be delivered anywhere in the continental US, Lockman said. H&A Farms Global GAP certification allows fruit to be shipped abroad. Outside of the US, they will be heading to Europe, including the UK. With Orlando and Miami international airports close by and in close proximity to the Port of Miami, export logistics are convenient.

Demand for imported blueberries has been very good over the past six to eight weeks. Lockman expects strong demand to continue with the start of the domestic season. “Although there is competition from external influences, we believe that demand will keep the market strong. “We are in an early window, being the first national state in production.”