From holiday baking to simple snacking and everything in between, berries shine during the fall. Their indulgently sweet flavor and extreme versatility make them a staple of shoppers’ seasonal menus, landing them a rightful spot on any plate from breakfast to dessert. With November’s arrival comes a vast collection of premium varieties expected to spark a berryful boost for the produce department, so we tapped the expertise of some of our supply-side friends to find out just what opportunities are on the horizon…
“November marks an exciting shift in the berry category as premium varieties take center stage. WOW™ Strawberries return with their signature quality, elevating the category from fall through spring. Meanwhile, WOW Joyberry® Blueberries, exclusively featuring the Sekoya variety, offer a standout flavor experience for consumers seeking something special. The upcoming launch of the Organic Joyberry will further expand premium options. Retailers should spotlight these modern varieties, as shoppers are increasingly choosing berries based on taste and size. We’re also looking forward to the launch of the Summer Blast™ Blueberry snacking cup, perfectly timed for lunchboxes and holiday gatherings. The snacking cup includes bite-sized bursts of our popular blueberry varieties in a convenient grab-and-go format. As we look ahead to 2026 and shifting global supply dynamics, it’s more important than ever for retailers to curate berry assortments that reflect both quality and consumer preference.”
“November is a great time of year for fresh berries to bring a vibrant pop of color to the produce aisle. Raspberries, along with their berry patch companions—strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries—present a prime merchandising opportunity for stores. By creating inviting displays, retailers can show customers that berries are a delicious and easy addition to their holiday menu.
For chefs and home cooks, berries offer a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal. A simple, elegant side of fresh raspberries and blueberries, or a beautiful topping for a cheesecake, adds a bright note. They also make a festive and wonderful base for dressings and sauces or a garnish for holiday cocktails. By showcasing the versatility of these berries for both sweet and savory uses, retailers can inspire customers and boost sales.”
“Berries aren’t just for summer—they’re showstoppers all year! November is the perfect time to spotlight strawberries and raspberries. These vibrant, mouthwatering berries bring a pop of color to produce departments and an easy sales lift for retailers. Shoppers love discovering how well they pair with fall favorites, whether topping pumpkin pancakes, mixing into apple crisps, or adding a fresh twist to holiday spreads. Place berries front and center, cross-merchandise with bakery or dairy for seasonal inspiration, and don’t be afraid to showcase them in multiple locations. When retailers position strawberries and raspberries as must-haves for fall meals, holiday entertaining, and healthy snacking, they not only drive impulse purchases but also remind shoppers that berries are a category they can count on year-round.
Naturipe’s Sweet Selections premium berries deliver the quality shoppers expect and the flavor they crave. And keep an eye out—Naturipe’s Mighty Blues, our jumbo blueberries, are set to be big, bold, and delicious, capturing shopper attention and driving repeat sales. At Naturipe, we know berries bring the flavor, inspiration, and excitement retailers need to keep produce departments fresh and shoppers coming back for more.”
“Our highest priority is quality here at Bobalu. While the No. 1 variety for production in winter is known as Lassen Canyon, Bobalu experiments with other varieties in the winter, such as BG367 to increase production speed. There are three things we strive for to have a successful strawberry business: treat employees well, pay them well, and have good production. My best merchandising tip for retailers would be to focus on an abundant and captivating display. Display strawberry clamshells with a top view to showcase our uniquely beautiful packing technique. California berries specifically are held to a high standard, and ours are simply the best!”
“November is a great month to promote blueberries from Peru, especially the Sekoya™ varieties of Pop® ‘FCM14-052’ and Beauty® ‘FCM12-097’ from North Bay Produce. These varietals are a perfect fit for the Jumbo 9.8 oz pack and provide a premium eating experience in texture and flavor. November is the month these berries will be in abundant supply and readily available—both in organic and conventional presentations. Look for North Bay’s RĖSERVE® branding to ensure your premium eating experience.”
“Berries are expected to be stocked on the shelves for consumers year-round, but especially as we go into the holiday season. Historically, the month of November has proven to be one of the shorter supply months of the year for strawberries. However, as one of the fastest-growing shippers in the industry, Gem-Pack strategically supports continuing demand by incorporating innovative and flavorful proprietary varieties across several growing regions and berry types to ensure year-round availability. We hold quality, taste, and consistent deliverability as our top priorities, even during the slower months leading into peak demand, to maintain consumer loyalty and buying consistency.”
“Berries continue to be one of the most reliable basket builders in the produce department, and the opportunity for retailers this November is to lean into programs that deliver both volume and eating quality. At Homegrown, we’ve launched a new import blueberry program from Peru, available in both organic and conventional, with promotable supply throughout the month. This is a prime time to feature blueberries in prominent, colorful displays, cross-merchandised with seasonal items to encourage multiple purchases.
We’ve also expanded our organic blackberry program with the premium ‘Erandira’ variety, known for its consistent flavor and quality. Secondary organic displays or callouts at point-of-sale are excellent ways to capture shoppers who prioritize taste and trust in the organic label. Looking ahead, we’ll soon add strawberries and raspberries to the Homegrown berry patch, each chosen with our flavor-first philosophy. In a competitive category like berries, great flavor paired with thoughtful merchandising is what keeps the category strong year-round.”
