2022 a big year for Bobalu strawberries

Bobalu Berry Farms is celebrating a 60-year run of growing California strawberries. “This is a big year for us,” said Cindy Jewell, marketing director at Bobalu. “We are excited about having a larger crop and working with our trading partners to set up promotional opportunities during key volume periods.”

Operating as a fully integrated grower, packer, shipper and processor, Bobalu can offer year-round production of its strawberries. “We increased our acreage in Santa Maria, and added a fall crop in Oxnard this year which helps with that smooth transition between districts,” said Jewell. “Bobalu has farms in Oxnard and Santa Maria, CA along with acreage in Central Mexico.”

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Founded in 1962, the Bobalu brand is a fun play on founders Bob and Lupe Jones’ first names. The prides itself in its multi-generational legacy and the expertise that comes with over 250 years of collective strawberry growing and packing experience within the team. As Bobalu likes to say, “Family grown, farmer owned.”

“We are also really excited about celebrating the 60-year milestone,” said Jewell, “and looking forward, as we celebrate the past.”

Regarding this year’s strawberries, “The plants are extremely healthy and we are already seeing a great crop from Oxnard and Santa Maria as a result,” said Jewell.  “We got a good chill on the plants prior to planting this winter, which should really provide us with a nice long season.”

Weather had been a factor in last year’s crop, resulting in lower yields, but Jewell emphasized, “We look forward to increased numbers this year for us and for the consumer to enjoy all summer long.”

As for the current strawberry market, “We have strong demand and steady pricing,” said Jewell, “and our quality and flavor is excellent.” The summer months can test strawberry price and demand, as other fresh items in the produce department increase in volume and premium quality as a result of weather conditions.  “Typically, summertime is when berries see the toughest competition for their place in the shopping cart with the influx of seasonal items,” said Jewell.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

With the year’s supply chain issues causing adverse effects on packaging supply, Jewell said, “We are not making significant shifts other than responding to the increased demand for two-pound packages.” Bobalu is seeing a shift toward buying larger pack sizes, as shoppers are making less frequent trips to the grocery store.

“Our job is to ensure we have a steady supply for our trading partners to offer on display,” said Jewell. Bobalu offers multiple pack sizes to accommodate consumer choice and buying habits.

Bobalu has a lot to celebrate in its 60-years of California strawberries. “One thing I am most proud of this year is the new Bobalu Berries Scholarship Program launched by owners, Bobby and RC Jones,” said Jewell. The company is providing annual scholarships to all seven major high schools throughout Ventura County.

Jewell said, “The brothers feel strongly about supporting the community that has continually supported Bobalu for 60 years.”  Bobalu is excited to award the first scholarships at the end of the 2022 school year to deserving high school seniors.

Bobalu Berry Farms is proud to grow and deliver high-quality strawberries, year-round — Happy 60th, Bobalu!

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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