California Giant Berry Farms VP of Sales and Marketing Tom Smith reports that both blackberry and raspberry seasons in Watsonville are starting earlier than usual this year. Raspberry production is currently at peak, while blackberry volumes are steadily ramping toward a late-July peak. The early start represents a notable shift from typical seasonal timing out of one of California's key berry-growing areas.
An early berry season out of Watsonville has direct implications for retail ad planning and promotional timing. Category managers who built summer berry programs around historical peak windows may need to adjust. The overlap of an early Watsonville season with other regional programs could also put some pressure on pricing if volume builds faster than demand absorbs it.
Worth monitoring whether the early timing affects overall season length — early starts don't always mean extended seasons. Buyers should check in with their berry suppliers now on volume forecasts and pricing trajectory heading into July.