There are many vibrant colors that blossom in the Pacific Northwest—emerald pears, blushing Autumn Glory®, and cherries of all shades. And any who have been, or indeed simply traveled in photos, know it is all set against a backdrop of mountains, lakes, and distances of blue.
Likewise, quietly rising amid Superfresh® Growers’ own well-known treefruit operations is a network of delicious blueberry growth. Now, as this supporting artist of a category’s roots deepen and its reach expands, Catherine Gipe-Stewart takes the time to bring it into the light.
Catherine Gipe-Stewart, Director of Marketing, Superfresh® Growers: In partnership with family-owned farms known for their exceptional quality, Superfresh Growers cultivates 700 acres of blueberries across the Pacific Northwest, with farms in both Oregon’s Umpqua Valley and Washington’s Skagit Valley.
In the Umpqua Valley, blueberries enjoy a head start on the season, ripening about a week earlier than in the neighboring Willamette Valley. Cool coastal breezes help regulate the crop, resulting in consistently delicious berries.
Further north, our Skagit Valley farms in Washington benefit from a cool, temperate climate with mild summers, which helps prevent heat stress. The region is also known for its sandy loam and organic-rich soils, ideal for growing high-quality blueberries. Both of these prime growing regions boast naturally acidic soils (pH 4.5–5.5), the perfect environment for blueberries to thrive.
MDC: This sounds like a beautiful area to visit and tour! How many seasons does this year mark of Superfresh's blueberry partnership? CGS: Superfresh Growers has been growing and marketing blueberries since the summer of 2019, so we are now heading into our seventh season. Over this time, we have expanded our growing regions twofold and continue to plan for expansion in the years to come, with the intention of adding incremental value to our retail partners each step of the way.
MDC: Can you tell me a bit about the unique way Superfresh added the blueberry category and how it fits into your overall strategy? CGS: At Superfresh Growers, our growers are our true north—everything we do is rooted in honoring them. As farmers ourselves, we understand that reinvesting in the land is essential for a thriving future. That’s why every decision we make prioritizes sustainability and growth, guiding how we do business every day.
With family-owned roots dating back to the late 1800s, farming is in our DNA, and we proudly support local family farms. This shared commitment made our partnership with Norris Farms a natural fit. Founded by Paul and Sandy Norris, the farm is now run by their daughters. Together, we foster transparency and collaboration as we continue to grow.
MDC: With the coming blueberry season rapidly approaching, how can the buy-side best tap into the strengths of this storied program? CGS: The Umpqua Valley is anticipating a promising blueberry season this year, thanks to favorable weather conditions. A notably mild winter has provided ample water supply for the blueberry bushes, with no significant freeze events reported so far. Additionally, the Oregon Cascade Mountains are experiencing a healthy snowpack, nearly double the normal levels, which feeds the Umpqua River that nourishes our farms.
As Rebecca Solnit's A Field Guide to Getting Lost observes, “Blue is the color of longing for the distances you never arrive in, for the blue world.” But we in this industry can help consumers reach the blue world—fields and fields of it. 
