On a small farm in Oceanside California, a company is growing raspberries that will eventually make their way to the Japanese market. Fresh Pac International, which also has a more substantial strawberry program, grows the raspberries in hoop houses and therefore has avoided most of the adverse weather that has plagued California growers over the past month.
"None of the rains that have fallen in the last few weeks have had any effect on us," shared Ed Espinoza of Fresh Pac International. "For us it has only been cold. This is because we grow the raspberries under protection in hoop houses here in Oceanside, which protects them from rain and other winter conditions."
Small scale
Fresh Pac International's raspberry program is only on a small scale, spanning a few months of the year and without any large volumes. However, their crop is enjoying a good market with consumers in Japan and other markets seeking out the company's berries.
"We are only a very small player, with a relatively small growing deal that spans from January to March," Espinoza explained. "On most days we produce between 200 and 300 cases a day, sometimes exceeding 400 cases a day during the peak of our season. We grow mainly for export, with the majority going to Japan. All of the raspberries are shipped in 6oz clamshells. Prices have been good this year and we have enjoyed a steady market."
This is the second season the company has engaged with the raspberry export deal and while it has been rather successful, Espinoza said there are no plans for future expansion. "This is our second season and at this stage, we are not thinking about expanding the program," he said. "We are happy with the way the program is going."
