When strawberry supply turns unpredictable, IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) is the format forward-thinking food businesses are relying on.
Manufacturers, foodservice operators, and frozen dessert brands alike are increasingly turning to IQF strawberries for one simple reason: they work. Whether you’re producing baked goods, smoothies, sauces, or frozen novelties, IQF delivers consistency, quality, and supply-chain security that fresh simply can’t match.
But when it comes to frozen strawberries, precision matters. That’s where variety and harvest timing make all the difference.
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Why Spec-Matching Matters for IQF Success
Smart IQF buyers aren’t just buying strawberries—they’re buying performance. And that performance hinges on dialing in the right combination of variety × growing conditions × harvest window.
Here’s what drives the difference between a program that runs smoothly—and one that racks up rejections and waste:
- Firmness & Cell Structure: Minimizes drip and mush after thaw
- Uniform Shape & Size: Drives packing efficiency and grading precision
- Color Stability: Internal and external color that holds through the freeze
- Brix (Sugar): Ensures flavor stays present post-thaw
- Harvest Concentration: Supports plant scheduling and predictable output
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What We’ve Learned From the Field
At Noon International, we work across multiple growing regions to secure varieties that meet the IQF spec—whether you’re sourcing for whole berries, slices, or blended formats.
Mexico: Winter–Spring Backbone
From Mexico, several varieties stand out for their IQF performance. Festival is a short-day variety known for its firmness and consistent shape, making it a strong option for whole IQF—provided sizing is right. While its flavor can be average and uniformity may vary, these factors can be mitigated through pre-screening.
Camino Real offers solid firmness and sizes conducive to slicing. It typically enters the season later and is suitable for IQF pieces and slices, though external color can sometimes run darker, requiring alignment with color specifications. Monterey, a day-neutral variety, balances flavor and firmness and is widely available, ideal for slicing and dicing—though it needs mildew management and should be drawn from pre-tested lots.
San Andreas brings reliable yields and can be used across mixed IQF programs. Its internal color can sometimes be light, so pre-checking against colorimeter specs is essential. Albion is a standout for premium slices with its large, conic, and firm shape, though its lower yields and size spread may slow grading operations.
In short, for whole IQF applications, Festival and Camino Real are preferred when firmness and size meet spec. Monterey, Albion, and San Andreas are all strong choices for slices and pieces, especially when Brix and internal color are carefully screened.
Peru: High-Firmness, Scalable
Peru’s varieties also bring dependable performance. Camarosa is the workhorse: very firm, shape-stable, and excellent in freeze–thaw conditions, though it has a narrower harvest window and a slightly milder flavor compared to day-neutrals.
Sabrina is another short-day variety that delivers firm fruit and strong yields—ideal for whole IQF formats. Because of its concentrated harvest window, however, production planning is key. San Andreas performs well in both whole and sliced applications, offering a good balance of yield and quality. Still, internal color can vary, so it’s important to screen lots ahead of purchase orders.
Monterey from Peru is a dependable variety, especially for sliced and pieced applications, with strong flavor attributes. Field variability due to excessive runners requires attention to uniformity. Aromas rounds out the selection as a versatile day-neutral option. While it offers steady output and is useful in blends for slices, shape uniformity can vary, making it less ideal for premium whole IQF.
Camarosa and Sabrina are the go-to choices for whole IQF from Peru, while San Andreas and Monterey are optimal for slice/piece programs when color and Brix are validated.
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Pro Moves for Program Success
If your program demands maximum firmness for whole berries, prioritize Peru’s short-day varieties like Camarosa and Sabrina, and supplement with Festival and Camino Real from Mexico when they pass firmness and size screens.
Need vibrant, color-true slices? Look to Monterey and San Andreas from both countries—just be sure to lock in internal color and Brix during contract negotiations.
And for a smooth, consistent 12-month supply lane? Blend Peru’s concentrated short-day peak with Mexico’s extended day-neutral shoulder crop. This strategy stabilizes volume, labor, and line utilization all year.
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How Noon International Helps You Win
We don’t just ship frozen strawberries. We work with your spec—backed by decades of technical know-how and a global sourcing footprint.
- Pre-lot screening for firmness, size, color, and Brix
- Spec-matched samples with lab reports
- Dual-origin calendars to smooth supply disruptions and line schedules
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Ready to Eliminate Strawberry Surprises?
IQF demand is picking up—and the smartest buyers are already locking in their programs.
Contact Noon International today to learn what IQF cuts and sizes are available—and how we can help build a strawberry program that’s built to perform.
Let’s make your next season your most reliable one yet.
The Noon International Team
Supplying frozen fruit and vegetable ingredients to top U.S. brands since 1976
www.noon-intl.com
+1 (206) 283-8400
sales@noon-intl.com
Noon International is a global broker of frozen fruits and vegetables serving food manufacturers, private-label brands, and foodservice operators across the U.S. and beyond. Learn more at www.noon-intl.com.
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