AC Foods, based in Tulare County’s Richgrove community, recently launched betterful, a line of regenerative, organic-certified blueberries. Image contributed

A local fruit grower is expanding its product selection with the launch of a new blueberry brand.

AC Foods, based in Tulare County’s Richgrove community, recently launched betterful, a line of regenerative, organic-certified blueberries.

The betterful blueberries are grown using practices that focus on rebuilding working landscapes and restoring natural resources. Their approach emphasizes soil health, with the berries deep root systems holding carbon dioxide that would otherwise be released into the air, said Kristin Jacobs, sustainability manager at AC Foods.

“In simple terms, we’re farming in a way that’s good for the berries, good for the soil, and good for the planet — it’s like giving back to nature while growing delicious fruit,” she said

The vertically integrated producer operates nurseries, farms, packing facilities and sales on more than 20,000 acres across California, Oregon and Australia.

AC Foods are growers of the popular Sumo Citrus, which is originally from Japan. They have been growing blueberries since 2014, but never had their own brand until the launch of betterful.

 “As we look at the strategy of other brands in our portfolio like Sumo Citrus, we wanted to figure out a way to disrupt this commodity category and really bring some excitement to the blueberry aisle,” said Sunnia Gull, vice president of marketing.

Gull said the company had a story to tell with regenerative farming, which was a big spur for AC Foods to launch its own blueberry brand.

Their farms utilize cover crops, compost, mulching and weed matting to protect from soil erosion, feed soil microbes and build soil health.

With careful management of their pollinator habitats by removing weeds that allow beneficial native plants to thrive and the monitoring of beneficial insects to maintain natural pollinator papulations, there has been a 25% average increase in betterful’s soil organic matter since 2016.

As with any fresh produce, Dan Bowden, senior vice president of blueberries and tree nuts, said there are always challenges to be expected including high rain levels and high temperatures close together.

“Being vertically integrated, we are able to be in constant communication with farms to manage quality and plan for weather impacts,” Bowden said.

Betterful’s regenerative farming practices create habitats for insects and many bird species, which is beneficial for both the habitat, as well as the crops.

The efforts have resulted in 170 acres of habitat planted and maintained for insects and wild pollinators and a 267% increase of wild pollinators on their farms. The birds allow for the farms to naturally manage pests that may invade crops, giving betterful the chance to provide consumers with healthier, more sustainably grown blueberries.

Betterful’s blueberries are mainly grown between Fresno and Bakersfield, as well as the Delta regions. In California they have farms in Fowler, Sanger, Richgrove, Delano and near Stockton.

Central Valley consumers can find their products in select stores including Whole Foods. They can also be found at NewLeaf, Berkeley Bowl marketplace and Oliver’s Markets.