Where do you grow your berries?
Over the last 40 years, Well-Pict has expanded our growing areas to encompass Baja California in the south, to Watsonville in the north. By choosing the proper areas and determining the most advantageous planting times, we can eliminate that annoying winter supply gap found with most berry growers. Slight variations in climate between each area provide for staggered harvest times, without loss of quality, and more importantly, allow us to provide premium berries to our customers — and your table — successfully throughout the year. Please note that while our strawberries and raspberries are grown and shipped all year round, our blackberries have a shorter window of availability from summer to early fall.
How do you grow such wonderful berries?
Well-Pict has an extensive plant breeding program to develop superior proprietary varieties that are uniquely Well-Pict. Following an extensive screening process where plants are chosen for their ability to produce berries of superior size, taste, aroma and color, individual seedlings are propagated and planted in our “fruiting fields.” Planted anew each year with clean, first-year planting stock to ensure maximum fruit quality and minimal pest and disease influence, these fields are tended to by only the most experienced and knowledgeable farmers in the area. Add in our coastal land’s perfect climate, where the days are warmed by the California sun and the night’s cooled by the Pacific Ocean fog, and you have the makings for producing the world’s best berries.
Where can I buy your berries?
Well-Pict can be found at most large chain and club stores around the United States, including: Albertsons, Aldie’s, Bi-Lo, Brunos, C&S, Costco, Harris Teeter, Heinen’s, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Meijer Publix, Schnucks, Safeway, Sam’s Club, Supervalu, Target, Tops, Wal-Mart, Whole Foods, Winco, and Winn Dixie.
Our berries can also be found internationally in the following markets:
Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan
Don’t see your local market on the list? Let your store manager know you are looking for the Well-Pict brand of berries. Sometimes Mother Nature and other factors can impact berry supply, and your grocer can let you know when you will see our brand return to the shelves.
Your berries are so large. Do you use steroids to make that happen?
No…just old –fashioned farming practices and years of growing experience. Our scientific work developing varieties that carry the traits our customers look for — taste, color, aroma and size — is a major factor in our being able to bring superior berries to the market.
What do you put on them to make them so shiny?
The luscious sheen of our berries is just one of the natural traits from our Well-Pict proprietary varieties. The beautiful shine comes from the sun and from being freshly picked.
Do you use chemicals in your growing?
We avoid chemicals whenever possible, both for health and cost benefit to our customers. Any chemicals sprayed are in compliance with the county, state and national spray regulations, with California currently superseding the federal guidelines. In addition, our growers are instructed to use only natural biological controls, including non-chemical alternatives for pest and disease management, such as the cultivation of disease-resistant plant varieties and the targeted introduction of friendly insects — or “helper bugs” — into our fields. Soils in our organic growing areas are naturally enriched with the use of compost and other non-synthetic nutrient materials, and no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides are ever used — only natural, USDA Organic Certified materials are allowed.
Do you ever sell seeds or plants?
Our berry varieties are proprietary and patented and developed for only Well-Pict growers. But don’t worry! You should always be able to find the Well-Pict label at fine grocery stores and markets around the country, as well as the world.
Should I wash my berries once I bring them home?
As with all fresh produce, a good washing before serving is always recommended. To make your fresh berries last longer, you should keep them in the clamshell container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Remember not to rinse them until right before you are ready to use!
How do you get out berry stains from fabric?
For fabric stains, stretch the stained section over a bowl, fastening in place with a rubber band. Next, pour boiling water through the fabric from a height of two to three feet, avoiding any splattering. This must be done immediately. If stain persists, soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water and ½ teaspoon detergent for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then sponge the area with rubbing alcohol. Launder as soon as possible.
I am allergic to pesticides and eat only organic fruit. Do you sell organic berries?
Yes, our full line of berries from strawberries, raspberries and blackberries is available through our organic label. USDA approved, our organic strawberries and raspberries are shipped all year round, with our organic blackberries available during the summer and early fall.
Exactly what is organic produce?
Simply stated, organic produce is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. It’s also produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.
Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified as well.