Strawberry prices remain strong with limited supplies from California thanks to rain.
But in a crop update April 5, Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 projects California volume to ramp up quickly.
Markon gave the following updates by growing region:
Santa Maria, CA
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Quality is good: some water-damaged fruit is being reported
- Production is down this week due to water-damaged fruit caused by last week’s rain
- Volume is anticipated to increase quickly in the coming weeks
- Expect elevated markets and tight supplies for the next 5-7 days
Oxnard, CA
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Quality is good
- Berries are firm with 90-95% color
- Plant health is strong after last week’s heavy rainfall
- Production is down this week due to water-damaged fruit from last week’s rain
- Volume is low but anticipated to increase quickly
- Expect elevated markets and tight supplies for the next 5-7 days
Salinas/Watsonville, CA
- Volume is low as the season is just starting to come into play
- Supplies are expected to ramp up in late April, barring any unusual weather events
Central Mexico (Loading in South Texas)
- Supplies are extremely limited; most growers have ended their season
- Quality is fair: heat-related issues are being reported
- Most growers have shifted to their California growing programs
Florida
- The season has come to an end as heavy rainfall hit the region last week
- All fruit being harvested is being sold to local markets
Georgia
- Light harvesting is underway
- Expect supplies to increase in early May
