Enhancing Traceability: Wild Goose Farms Fresh Traceability

At Wild Goose Packing, we take traceability to the next level. Our system surpasses the industry standard set by the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI).

Here’s how it works:

QR Codes: Each clamshell receives a unique QR code. This digital fingerprint allows us to trace it back to the grower and the precise packing day.

Happiness Survey: The traceback system ensures transparency. Consumers can confidently ask, “How’s my picking?” knowing that we’ve got the answer.

From field to fork, Spring Valley Packing prioritizes safety, quality, and your peace of mind.

 

Certifications Matter:

We’re proud to hold the Primus GFS certification. It ensures uniformity and confidence in our fruit. We pack exclusively for growers who maintain the same high standards—a commitment to safety and excellence.

So next time you savor those juicy blueberries,

remember the journey they’ve taken—from field to your hands, within 48 hours.

HAACP Certified:

Ensuring Food Safety:

Wild Goose Farms’ HAACP Certification

Wild Goose Packing takes food safety seriously. Our dedicated team is trained and certified through the International HACCP program (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

This systematic preventive approach safeguards our produce from biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout the production process.

Rest assured, our commitment to quality extends beyond the blueberries themselves—it’s woven into every step of our operation.

 

Pioneering blueberry packing and distribution amidst the rapid expansion of Florida’s blueberry acreage, particularly in the Central Florida corridor, a crucial need emerged:

Centralized packing and distribution.
In 2011, Wild Goose Farms strategically entered this industry segment, vertically integrating its operations to handle fruit packing and distribution. Since then, our business has flourished. We not only pack the fruit grown on our own farms but also collaborate with local growers. Our volume of packed fruit has surged over the years, now representing nearly ten percent of Florida’s blueberry crop. At Wild Goose Farms, we’re not just cultivating blueberries; we’re shaping the future of their journey from field to table.

 

 

Navigating the Blueberry Season: A Timeline

Blueberry packing season kicks off in February, marking the transition from the southern hemisphere (Chile) to the northern hemisphere (Florida).

As the sun climbs higher, output reaches its zenith in mid-April. But just before Memorial Day, as Georgia’s production ramps up, our packing season gracefully concludes.

So, whether you’re savoring these little bursts of flavor or pondering their journey, remember: blueberries have their own seasonal rhythm.

 

From Field to Clamshell:

A Blueberry’s Journey at Wild Goose Packing

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes before those plump blueberries reach your grocery store?

Let’s take a peek into a day in the life of a blueberry at Wild Goose Packing:

Initial Inspection: As the fruit arrives at our packing facility, it undergoes a meticulous inspection. Our experts evaluate overall quality and condition, ensuring only the best berries proceed.

Cooling for Freshness: To preserve that just-picked freshness, the blueberries are cooled to 55°F or below. This step is crucial for maintaining their flavor and texture.

Automated Sorting: Straight from cooling, the berries head to automated color and soft sorting machines. These high-tech marvels identify underripe, overripe, or damaged berries and swiftly remove them.

Human Touch: Despite the machines’ precision, our trained team steps in. They hand-select any defects that might have slipped past the sorting equipment. Quality control is our priority.

Clamshell Packing: Conveyor belts transport the sorted fruit to an automated filling machine. Here, blueberries are carefully packed into clamshells, with a remarkable tolerance of +/- 5 grams per pack.

Quality Assurance: Every pallet of fruit undergoes a rigorous quality control inspection. Only the best berries make the cut. They’re promptly shipped out to distribution centers.