Naturipe Grower, Atlantic Blueberry Company, Kicks Off New Jersey Blueberry Season

The New Jersey blueberry harvest season has started for Naturipe grower, Atlantic Blueberry Company, with anticipation for another great season, say company officials.

Art Galletta, president of the blueberry operation, works hand in hand with second-, third- and now fourth-generation Galletta grandchildren too work the farm. “We were taught to always get along with each other and to work hard," says Galletta. "With this, good things happen."

Production and volume out of New Jersey looks to be similar to last year. “This year’s harvest will include primary varieties Duke, Blue Crop, Elliot and Draper, with a few test blocks of new varieties,” says Galletta. “We’re looking forward to the peak of the harvest to be in early July.” 

“There are many great things on the horizon, from improved varieties, improved machinery and product development," Galletta says. "We focus on providing the consumer with the best possible experience we can.” 

The company recently upgraded their sorting equipment and refurbished coolers in order to be ready for another big season. “It’s a very exciting and challenging time for the trade, trying to make the right decisions that will help us through the next growth stage of the industry," Galletta adds. 

The New Jersey soil is ideal for blueberries and the climate provides the right amount of dormancy. In fact, blueberries were first cultivated one hundred years ago on New Jersey soil. Blueberry pioneer, Elizabeth White, teamed up with the USDA to crossbreed bushes and create viable varieties that became the first commercial crop of blueberries in 1916. The Galletta family has too had a significant impact, not only in their local New Jersey region, but worldwide. 

The USDA honored Art’s father, Duke Galletta, by naming the “Duke” blueberry variety after him because of the cooperation and dedication he had towards the breeding program. Duke worked side by side with the USDA team to grow and evaluate test trials of many varieties that the USDA bred. “We love growing New Jersey blueberries and continuing our family traditions by being good stewards of the land, growing a nutritious food that is beautiful and delicious and supporting our employee families and the community,” Galletta says.

Continuing to endorse its family of farmers and highlighting their growing areas, Naturipe is featuring a new locally grown package design. The label clearly highlights the state in which the berries are grown. While New Jersey represents a large summer supply of blueberries, Naturipe represents domestic growers from across North America including Michigan, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia during this season.