Naturipe Farms has highlighted increased demand for blueberries, leading one of its grower-owners Munger Farms to continually improve its harvesting methods, berry varieties and packaging styles.

In a release, the company said the San Joaquin Valley-based growers were in the peak of their season for blueberries in Calfifornia.

"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," said brothers David and Kable Munger in a release.

Naturipe Farms vice president Brian Bocock said production was currently in the back half of the peak in Delano, heading straight into the peak of the California 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," Bocock said.

Included in this year’s harvest is a variety proprietary to Naturipe, the ‘Rocio’, 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 blueberry product management director, Mario Flores.

According to the United States Highbush Blueberry Council, Americans are nearly twice as likely as they were nine years ago to buy blueberries.

In the release, Naturipe said it was 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.," the company said.

"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."

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