Despite the heat wave in California, strawberry production continues to chug along with higher volume than last year.
According to USDA, California shipped 28.3 million pounds in the last week, up 5 million pounds from the same week a year ago.
Consequently, prices are slightly lower than this time last year, averaging $8-12 per flat of 8 1-pound containers vs. $10-14 at the same time last year. Organic prices are also about $2 lower per flat than last year.
According to the weekly crop report from Markon Cooperative BB #:123315, strawberry prices have stabilized, and quality is excellent.
Markon director of quality assurance John Galvez said in a video that the coastal regions aren’t seeing the heat trouble that other areas are, and that’s producing very good berries.
“Markon orders are being packed near the cooler coastal areas, so the impact from recent heat spikes has been minimal on berries,” Markon told customers.
“Quality is holding up very well even though sizing has decreased slightly. Volume is expected to decline over the next 1-2 weeks, but there is still expected to be enough fruit to cover demand. Current quality of the strawberries being packed is very good with full red color and sweet flavor.”
