What is Driscoll's?

Driscoll's, Inc. operates as the world's largest fresh berry company, documented as controlling approximately one-third of the $6 billion U.S. berry market as of 2017 and holding an estimated 60 percent share of the U.S. organic strawberry market. The company functions as a berry genetics and brand management operation that develops proprietary berry varieties and licenses them exclusively to a network of independent contract growers who produce strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for distribution under the Driscoll's brand.

Headquartered in Watsonville, California, Driscoll's operates through an independent grower model involving approximately 750 contracted growers across 21 countries, with berries sold in 48 countries globally. The company maintains direct ownership of berry genetics through patents and plant variety rights, while contracted growers handle actual cultivation on their own farms. Distribution infrastructure includes over 56 cooling and distribution facilities across North and South America, with documented locations in California, the Pacific Northwest, Florida, Mexico, Chile, and Peru.

The business model centers on breeding proprietary berry varieties at company-owned research facilities, propagating these varieties in specialized nurseries, distributing plants to approved contract growers, and then marketing the harvested berries under the Driscoll's brand through grocery retailers and foodservice providers across North America, Europe, Australia, and other international markets.

Corporate Foundation

Driscoll's, Inc. was officially founded in 1904, though the company traces its operational origins to the late 1800s when J.E. "Ed" Reiter and his brother-in-law R.F. "Dick" Driscoll began cultivating strawberries in the Watsonville area. The company was initially known as Banner Berry Farm's Brand before adopting the Driscoll Strawberry Associates name following a 1966 merger between the Strawberry Institute of California and Driscoll Strawberry Associates. The company changed its name to Driscoll's, Inc. in 2016.

Driscoll's operates as a privately held, fourth-generation family business that has remained in the Reiter and Driscoll families since its founding. The company is not publicly traded and does not disclose ownership percentages or revenue figures. Corporate headquarters are located at 345 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, California 95076.

According to business databases, the company was formally incorporated in 1953 and operates under NAICS code 111 (Crop Production). Employment figures reported in various sources range from approximately 3,500 to 4,000+ employees globally, though these figures may represent only direct company employees and not the substantially larger workforce employed by independent contract growers, which company materials indicate exceeds 100,000 people collectively across the grower network.

As of January 2024, Soren Bjorn serves as Chief Executive Officer, having previously held the position of President of Driscoll's of the Americas. Other executive leadership includes recently appointed positions such as the company's first Global Chief Marketing Officer (Jiunn Shih, appointed September 2025) and first Global Chief Communications Officer (Frances Dillard). In 2022, Driscoll's acquired Berry Gardens Limited, a sales, packaging, and distribution entity of Berry Gardens Grower Cooperative, and Haygrove Africa Trading, a Sub-Saharan blueberry supplier.

Production Operations and Business Model

Driscoll's operates through a vertically integrated model that maintains control over genetics and branding while outsourcing actual farming to independent contractors. The company directly operates research and development facilities, plant nurseries, cooling centers, and distribution infrastructure, while contracted growers own and operate the farms where berries are cultivated.

Research and Development Infrastructure

The company maintains research facilities in Watsonville, California, including operations at the historic Cassin Ranch site that has housed berry development work since 1904. Driscoll's employs approximately 30 breeding specialists across nine global locations dedicated to developing proprietary berry varieties through traditional cross-pollination breeding methods. Company materials indicate that research teams evaluate thousands of seedling varieties annually, selecting approximately the top 1 percent for commercial development. The development timeline for new commercial varieties typically spans five to seven years from initial cross-pollination to market-ready plants.

The company operates dedicated flavor research facilities, including what is described as one of the world's largest Research and Development Flavor Centers focused exclusively on berry flavor optimization. Testing protocols involve near-infrared sensors to measure Brix levels (sugar content), consumer taste panels, and rigorous sensory analysis by trained evaluators.

Nursery Operations

Driscoll's maintains proprietary nursery operations where berry plants are propagated before distribution to growers. Company materials indicate that nursery locations are selected for geographic isolation to minimize pest and disease exposure. The production process involves taking cuttings from selected seedling varieties, growing them in controlled screen house environments, then transplanting to nursery fields for several years before harvest and distribution. Documented nursery operations exist in California, with organic nursery plant production capability established since 2007 for strawberry crowns, with expansion into organic plant stock for blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Plants are distributed to contract growers in a dormant state, stored in cooling facilities and released according to seasonal planting schedules. All plant materials remain proprietary to Driscoll's and are available exclusively to approved contract growers under licensing agreements.

Independent Grower Network

Production agriculture is conducted by approximately 750 independent contract growers operating farms that span 21 countries. Documented growing regions include primary locations in California, Florida, and Mexico, with additional operations in Canada, Chile, Peru, Australia, New Zealand, multiple European countries including Morocco, and various other international locations. Company materials indicate growers in 22 countries according to some sources.

Growing regions are selected based on climate suitability for specific berry varieties and seasonal production windows. Company strategy involves "following the sun" to maintain year-round berry availability, with winter production concentrated in Mexico and South American locations, spring and summer production in California and other North American regions, and counter-seasonal production in Australia and New Zealand.

Contract growers operate under agreements that specify use of Driscoll's proprietary plant varieties, adherence to company production standards, and delivery of harvested berries to Driscoll's distribution network. Growers provide their own land, irrigation infrastructure, labor, and cultivation inputs while following protocols established by Driscoll's agronomic teams.

Cooling and Distribution Infrastructure

Driscoll's operates or contracts with over 56 cooling and distribution facilities across North and South America. Documented facility locations include Santa Maria and Watsonville, California; Dover, Florida; and multiple locations throughout Mexico, Chile, and Peru. These facilities serve as collection points where contract growers deliver field-packed berries for rapid cooling to 33 degrees Fahrenheit, quality inspection, palletization, and shipment to retail and foodservice customers.

Quality assurance protocols at distribution centers include random sampling for berry weight, counts, defects, and compliance with food safety standards. Company materials indicate that berries move from field harvest to cooling within hours, with cooling processes taking 45 minutes to 2.5 hours depending on product volume.

Production Methods

All Driscoll's berries are hand-harvested and field-packed by contract grower employees. Pickers receive clamshell containers at morning distribution, harvest berries at optimal ripeness, pack them directly in the field, and return packed containers to cooling facilities the same day. This field-packing approach minimizes handling and maintains berry quality during distribution.

Strawberry plants require annual replanting, raspberry plants are replanted every two to three years, blackberry plants every five to six years, and blueberry plants can produce for over 15 years before replacement is necessary. Growing seasons vary by berry type and climate, with strawberries requiring approximately 30 days from flower to fruit and harvesting cycles every three days during production periods.

The company does not directly employ farmworkers or operate farms, though it provides agronomic support, plant materials, quality standards, and in some cases technical assistance to contract growers who employ the agricultural labor force.

Product Portfolio

Driscoll's markets four primary berry categories through both conventional and organic production channels: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries (both red and yellow varieties), and blackberries. All products are sold as fresh, whole berries in plastic clamshell packaging or increasingly in paper-based packaging materials.

Conventional Berry Lines

Standard conventional berries represent the majority of product volume and are marketed under the distinctive yellow Driscoll's label. These berries are grown using conventional agricultural inputs including synthetic fertilizers and approved pesticides, following Good Agricultural Practices protocols established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Organic Berry Lines

Organic berries are marketed under a green Driscoll's label and are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program. The company documented operations through approximately 150 organic contract growers as of recent reports, spanning operations in the United States, Mexico, Chile, and Peru. Organic products are available across all four berry categories.

Sweetest Batch™ Premium Line

Introduced in recent years, the Sweetest Batch™ collection represents a premium tier of proprietary berry varieties selected specifically for enhanced sweetness and flavor intensity. These products are marketed in distinctive red, yellow, and pink packaging with gold accents and command pricing approximately 30 percent higher than standard berries according to industry reports.

The Sweetest Batch™ line includes varieties across all four berry types. Company materials describe the strawberry variety as yielding approximately 40 percent less fruit than legacy varieties due to the genetic characteristics that produce enhanced sweetness. These specialty products are available seasonally and in limited geographic markets based on growing region suitability and production volumes.

Product specifications for Sweetest Batch™ varieties emphasize higher Brix levels (sugar content), specific flavor profile characteristics, and optimized texture properties. Sweetest Batch™ Strawberries are described as having flavor notes of strawberry candy and fruit punch. Raspberries in this line have elevated sweetness but shorter shelf life requiring consumption within one to two days of purchase due to higher sugar content and resulting delicacy. Blueberries are grown in southern regions including Southern California, Georgia, and Central Mexico during fall through early spring when warm days and cool nights optimize flavor development. Blackberries are cultivated primarily in the Sierra Madre mountains of central Mexico.

Specialty and Limited Edition Lines

Driscoll's markets additional specialty strawberry varieties on a limited seasonal basis:

Rosé Strawberries™: A pink-hued strawberry variety developed through traditional breeding, with described flavor notes of peach, floral characteristics, and pink lemonade. These berries are available in spring and summer in select markets.

Tropical Bliss™ Strawberries: A specialty variety launched in 2022, described as fully ripe despite an unusual coloration, with flavor profiles including tropical punch, pineapple, and passionfruit notes. Available seasonally in limited quantities.

All specialty varieties are developed using traditional cross-pollination breeding methods without genetic modification. Development timelines for these proprietary varieties span multiple years, with some varieties like Sweetest Batch™ Blackberries representing over a decade of breeding work from initial seedling selection to commercial launch.

Packaging Formats

Berries are packaged in clamshell containers of various sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 16 ounces depending on berry type and retail channel. The company introduced paper-based packaging made with at least 94 percent less plastic than traditional clamshells, marketed as an environmental sustainability initiative. Packaging includes the Driscoll's brand name, product variety, and relevant certification labels (organic, Fair Trade where applicable).

Certifications and Quality Standards

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: The following certifications are referenced in company materials and certification databases. AgriLinkage has not independently verified current validity, scope, or compliance status. Certification standing can change based on audit outcomes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation directly from the supplier and verify validity with issuing bodies.

USDA National Organic Program Certification

Driscoll's organic berries are certified under the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) through USDA-accredited third-party certification agencies. Company materials indicate that approximately 95 percent of organic contract growers are certified through California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), with the remainder using other USDA-accredited certifiers.

USDA organic certification requires that land be free of prohibited synthetic inputs for at least three years prior to certification, exclusion of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, prohibition of genetically modified organisms, maintenance of soil health through crop rotation and cover cropping, and annual inspections with random audits. California organic operations face additional oversight from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), which conducts independent surprise inspections and pesticide residue testing.

Organic certification applies to specific farms and fields operated by contract growers rather than to Driscoll's corporate entity. Each contract grower must maintain individual certification and develop an Organic System Plan detailing practices and procedures. Company agronomic teams provide support to growers through the certification process and ongoing compliance.

The scope of organic certification at Driscoll's covers strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries grown on certified organic farms using organic-certified plant stock propagated in Driscoll's organic nursery operations.

Fair Trade USA Certification

Beginning in January 2016, Driscoll's launched a Fair Trade USA certification program for organic strawberries and raspberries grown in Baja California, Mexico. Company materials indicate the program was expanded to certify 100 percent of berry production from Baja California, covering approximately 1,000 additional farmworkers in the growing region.

Fair Trade USA is a nonprofit organization that certifies products meeting standards for safe working conditions, environmental protection, and community development funding. Under Fair Trade certification, berries are sold with an additional price premium directed into a community development fund. An elected Fair Trade Committee composed of local farmworkers determines allocation of funds for community projects.

Fair Trade certification at Driscoll's applies specifically to organic berries from contracted growing operations in Baja California, Mexico. Products bearing Fair Trade certification are labeled as "Fair Trade Certified" with distinctive packaging. The geographic and product scope is limited compared to overall company operations.

Food Safety Protocols

Driscoll's maintains a Global Food Safety Program founded on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) principles established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Company materials state these practices are enforced across all contract grower farms, cooling facilities, and distribution centers. The program includes protocols for water quality, worker hygiene, pest management, traceability, and contamination prevention.

Individual contract growers and facilities may maintain additional food safety certifications such as Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)-recognized schemes, though company-level certification status under GFSI standards is not documented in publicly available materials.

Sustainability and Quality Management

Driscoll's maintains membership in The Sustainable Packaging Coalition and has stated commitments to achieve 100 percent recycle-ready packaging by 2025, though public documentation of progress toward this target is limited.

The company has documented implementation of Worker Welfare standards across the independent grower network as of 2015, with stated requirements for third-party audits and assessments. Specific standards and audit protocols are not detailed in publicly available materials.

All berry genetics are developed exclusively through traditional cross-pollination breeding methods without use of genetic modification technology. This approach is documented in company materials and represents a foundational element of production standards applied across all berry varieties.

Market Distribution

Driscoll's berries reach consumers through retail grocery chains, supermarkets, and foodservice providers across 48 countries, according to company materials. The distribution strategy emphasizes partnerships with major retail chains and premium grocery outlets that can maintain cold chain requirements and feature fresh berry products prominently.

Geographic Markets

North America: This region represents the largest market concentration, with extensive distribution throughout the United States and Canada. Berries are supplied to major supermarket chains including Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, and numerous regional and specialty retailers. California, Florida, and Mexico serve as primary growing regions serving North American markets, with supplemental production from Canada and other locations.

Europe: Driscoll's entered European markets and maintains growing and distribution operations serving the United Kingdom and broader European markets. The 2022 acquisition of Berry Gardens Limited, a UK-based sales, packaging, and distribution entity, expanded the company's European market presence. Growing operations in Morocco and other European regions supply this market.

Australia and New Zealand: The company operates in partnership with Costa Group in Australia, described as Australia's largest grower, packer, and marketer of premium fresh produce. Growing operations span Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Tasmania. The Fresh Berry Company of NZ Ltd. partnership established in 2016 manages distribution in New Zealand through a network of contracted growers.

Other International Markets: Driscoll's markets berries in the Middle East and various other international markets, though specific distribution channels and volumes in these regions are not detailed in available materials. Growing operations in Chile and Peru support both export markets and local distribution.

Distribution Channels

The primary distribution channel consists of direct sales to retail grocery chains and supermarkets, where berries are merchandised in the fresh produce section. This channel represents the vast majority of product volume.

Foodservice distribution supplies berries to restaurants, hotels, catering operations, and institutional food providers, though specific volume allocations to this channel are not disclosed. Online retail represents a growing channel, with berries available through e-commerce platforms including Amazon Fresh and partnerships with major retailers offering online grocery ordering.

Market Positioning

Driscoll's markets its products as premium berries emphasizing flavor, quality, and brand recognition. The company has documented recognition as one of America's top retail grocery brands and maintains strong consumer awareness built through over a century of operations and consistent quality messaging.

Product differentiation relies on proprietary genetics, flavor optimization, rigorous quality standards, and brand equity rather than price competition. The introduction of premium tiers like Sweetest Batch™ at approximately 30 percent price premiums demonstrates the company's focus on value-added positioning rather than commodity pricing strategies.

Technology and Innovation

Driscoll's competitive position centers significantly on proprietary breeding capabilities and flavor optimization technologies developed over decades of focused research investment.

Breeding and Genetics

The company maintains what it describes as over 70 years of strawberry breeding expertise and operates one of the world's largest research facilities dedicated exclusively to berry flavor innovation. Breeding programs employ traditional cross-pollination techniques to develop varieties with targeted characteristics including flavor profiles, disease resistance, shipping durability, appearance, and yield properties.

The breeding process involves creating thousands of unique seedlings annually through controlled pollination of parent plants selected for desired traits. Seedlings are grown in test plots across multiple growing regions over several years, with continuous evaluation against flavor, agronomic, and commercial criteria. Less than 1 percent of evaluated seedlings advance to commercial production.

All developed varieties are protected through plant patents and plant variety protection certificates. Company materials reference 98 filed patents related to berry genetics and production methods. These intellectual property protections enable the exclusive licensing model where only approved Driscoll's contract growers receive access to proprietary plant varieties.

Flavor Science and Sensory Analysis

Driscoll's employs dedicated sensory science teams including sensory analysts, plant pathologists, and flavor researchers. The company developed proprietary sensory wheels that map flavor profiles across different berry varieties, helping consumers understand taste characteristics and enabling breeders to target specific flavor attributes.

Flavor evaluation protocols combine instrumental analysis (Brix measurement, acid content testing, volatile compound profiling) with trained sensory panels and consumer taste testing. Company materials indicate that more than 500 selected varieties are flavor-tested annually from test plots worldwide.

For premium lines like Sweetest Batch™, dedicated quality assurance teams conduct weekly farm visits during harvest seasons to verify that berries meet rigorous flavor standards before harvest authorization. This intensive monitoring ensures consistency in products positioned on enhanced flavor characteristics.

Agricultural Technology

The company has documented testing of robotic strawberry harvesting technology beginning around 2016, though the status and scale of any deployed automated harvesting systems are not detailed in current public materials.

Water management technologies represent another innovation focus. Driscoll's has worked with contract growers to deploy soil moisture sensor systems, micro-sprinkler irrigation, flow meter monitoring, and wireless irrigation networks. A documented water conservation program in the Pajaro Valley achieved 30 to 40 percent reduction in water consumption among participating growers through technology adoption and infrastructure investment.

Research partnerships with universities and other agricultural institutions focus on organic production techniques including anaerobic soil disinfestation, steam sterilization as alternatives to chemical fumigants, beneficial insect programs, cover cropping strategies, and compost-based soil amendment protocols.

Packaging Innovation

The transition from traditional plastic clamshells to paper-based packaging alternatives represents a significant technical development. The new packaging materials are marketed as containing at least 94 percent less plastic while maintaining protection, freshness, and shelf presentation properties required for retail distribution.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility Initiatives

DISCLAIMER: The following represents publicly stated initiatives documented in company materials. Independent verification of implementation would require third-party assessment.

Water Stewardship

Driscoll's has documented involvement in water conservation programs, particularly in California where groundwater resources face significant pressure. The company participated in the Pajaro Valley Community Water Dialogue beginning in 2009, contributing to development of wireless irrigation networks and water monitoring infrastructure that achieved documented consumption reductions of 30 to 40 percent among participating growers.

Company materials indicate support for California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and collaboration with contract growers to implement water-efficient practices including micro-sprinkler systems, soil moisture monitoring, and use of recycled water where available. The company states investment in flow meter installations to enable tracking of crop water demands and usage.

Most berry production relies on groundwater irrigation, creating water resource dependencies in primary growing regions. Company materials acknowledge water scarcity challenges and state commitment to sustainable water management, though specific reduction targets or comprehensive water usage data are not disclosed in public materials.

Farmworker Welfare Programs

In 2015, Driscoll's announced adoption of global Worker Welfare standards for independent contract growers, with stated requirements for third-party audits and assessments. The Fair Trade USA certification program launched in 2016 for Baja California operations provides community development funding controlled by elected farmworker committees.

Documented community development projects funded through Fair Trade premiums include health fairs serving nearly 3,000 farmworkers and family members with services from over 200 volunteer doctors and medical students across three events in Baja California between 2017 and reported periods. Services included dental care, gynecology, optometry, and general medical consultations addressing limited healthcare access in growing communities.

The company maintains that all contract growers must comply with applicable labor laws including minimum wage requirements, though enforcement mechanisms and audit protocols beyond Fair Trade certified operations are not detailed in public materials.

Organic Agriculture Expansion

Driscoll's has invested in organic nursery infrastructure to supply organic-certified plant stock to contract growers, enabling expansion of organic production without reliance on conventional plant materials. This initiative, operational since 2007 for strawberries with expansion to other berry types, addresses a significant constraint in organic agriculture where certified plant materials have historically been in limited commercial supply.

The organic program includes technical support to growers transitioning from conventional to organic certification, sharing of best practices, coordination with CCOF and other certifiers, and research into organic-approved pest management, soil health, and disease control techniques.

Packaging and Waste Reduction

Stated commitments include achieving 100 percent recycle-ready packaging by 2025 and significant reduction in plastic content through paper-based packaging alternatives. The company maintains membership in The Sustainable Packaging Coalition, indicating participation in industry-wide packaging sustainability initiatives.

Driscoll's has stated programs for recycling agricultural plastics including drip irrigation lines and other farm materials, though specific diversion rates or landfill reduction metrics are not publicly disclosed.

Regulatory Context and Industry Position

Market Dominance and Competitive Position

Driscoll's documented market share of approximately one-third of the U.S. berry market and 60 percent of the organic strawberry market positions the company as the dominant player in fresh berry distribution. As of 2024, multiple sources identify Driscoll's as the world's largest berry company, a position built through proprietary genetics, brand development, and the independent grower network model.

This market dominance provides significant influence over berry availability, pricing, and consumer expectations for berry quality and characteristics. The company's breeding programs and flavor standards effectively shape industry norms and consumer preferences across the berry category.

Contract Growing Model and Labor Issues

The independent grower model that defines Driscoll's operations creates a regulatory position where the company maintains control over genetics, quality standards, and brand while farmworkers are employed by contract growers rather than Driscoll's directly. This structure has implications for labor relations and corporate responsibility for working conditions.

In 2015, farmworkers at contract grower operations in San Quintín, Mexico conducted strikes that drew international attention to wages and working conditions. While workers achieved some immediate gains, advocacy organizations have documented ongoing concerns about working conditions, wages, and labor rights at contract growing operations serving Driscoll's.

The company's response included adoption of Worker Welfare standards and establishment of the Fair Trade certification program. Critics have characterized these initiatives as insufficient to address systemic issues in the contract growing model where economic pressure on growers can result in inadequate compensation and conditions for farmworkers.

Organic Certification Controversies

Driscoll's has been involved in industry debates regarding organic certification of container-grown and hydroponic production systems. Some organic agriculture advocates, including The Cornucopia Institute, have challenged the allowance of container growing methods under USDA organic standards, arguing that soil-based cultivation represents a foundational requirement of organic agriculture.

A Cornucopia Institute lawsuit challenged the appointment of a Driscoll's employee to the National Organic Standards Board, alleging conflicts of interest and illegal appointment criteria. The broader debate reflects ongoing tensions within organic agriculture between traditional soil-based farming advocates and companies employing container systems and other production technologies that some argue diverge from organic principles.

Driscoll's organic berries maintain USDA organic certification through accredited third-party certifiers, indicating compliance with current USDA organic regulations as administered and interpreted by certification bodies and the National Organic Program.

Environmental Concerns in Growing Regions

Operations in Mexico have faced criticism from community organizations and advocacy groups regarding environmental impacts including water extraction, deforestation, and pesticide use in concentrated berry production areas. Published reports document concerns from farmers and residents near production areas in Michoacán regarding water availability and alleged impacts from well drilling and groundwater extraction for berry irrigation.

Company materials emphasize water stewardship commitments and environmental responsibility, while critical sources allege inadequate protections and environmental harm in some growing regions. Independent verification of environmental practices across the geographically dispersed contract grower network presents inherent challenges.

Food Safety and Traceability

The distributed production model spanning 21 countries and approximately 750 contract growers creates complex food safety and traceability requirements. Driscoll's documented food safety protocols and quality assurance systems aim to ensure product safety and enable traceability from retail to specific growing operations, though details of traceability systems and food safety audit results are not publicly disclosed.

Accessing Current Information

Potential buyers, retailers, foodservice operators, and other commercial parties requiring current and specific information about Driscoll's products, certifications, growing practices, or capabilities should contact the company directly through official channels:

Website: www.driscolls.com
Headquarters: 345 Westridge Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076, United States

The company website provides product information, retailer locators, grower profiles, sustainability reports, and corporate contact information. Regional websites serve specific markets including Australia (driscolls.com.au) and Europe (driscolls.eu).

For verification of organic certification status, buyers should contact California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) or other relevant USDA-accredited certifiers. Fair Trade certification verification is available through Fair Trade USA. Specific facility certifications and food safety documentation should be requested directly from the supplier.

Conclusion: Driscoll's Position in the Global Fresh Berry Market

Driscoll's holds a dominant position in the global fresh berry industry through its unique business model combining proprietary genetics development, brand equity, and an extensive network of contract growers spanning 21 countries. The company's documented market share of approximately one-third of the U.S. berry market and status as the world's largest berry company reflect the success of this integrated approach to berry production and distribution.

For commercial buyers evaluating Driscoll's as a potential berry supplier, key considerations include the company's extensive geographic reach enabling year-round supply, strong brand recognition supporting retail sales, proprietary genetics offering differentiated flavor profiles, established quality and food safety systems, and organic and Fair Trade certified product options. The premium positioning and resulting price points may align well with retail partners targeting quality-focused consumers and specialty product segments.

Buyers should recognize that actual berry production occurs through independent contract growers rather than Driscoll's owned operations, making direct verification of growing practices, labor conditions, and facility capabilities more complex than with vertically integrated operations. Due diligence should include understanding specific grower relationships, facility certifications, and product sourcing regions relevant to particular orders.

The company's century-plus operational history, fourth-generation family ownership, and sustained market leadership demonstrate business stability and long-term commitment to the berry category. Recent innovations in premium product lines, packaging sustainability, and market expansion indicate ongoing investment in category development and competitive positioning.

This profile provides background intelligence on Driscoll's corporate structure, operational model, product portfolio, certifications, and market position. Current commercial engagement requires direct contact with the company to obtain specifications, pricing, availability, capacity commitments, certification documentation, and other details necessary for purchase decisions. Buyers should verify all material facts directly and conduct due diligence appropriate to their quality, compliance, and risk management requirements.