Bargain strawberry prices disappearing as crops transition

Wholesale strawberry prices, which had been falling or staying low for the past few weeks, should head back upward as crops transition from Florida and Mexico to California.

USDA reports strawberry flats began rising at the start of mid-March, as Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 confirmed to buyers in its weekly Fresh Crop Report.

“The market is climbing,” Markon said in the report. “Supply levels are decreasing in Central Mexico and Florida as these seasons wind down. Production is ramping up in Oxnard, California. Quality is very good.”

Expanding on market conditions on its website, Markon said strawberries are available from both Oxnard and Santa Maria, CA, growing regions. However, while Oxnard is seeing sunshine, Santa Maria has had more clouds and cooler weather.

Central Mexico supplies coming through South Texas will continue to wind down through March, as will Florida, Markon said, and Florida is seeing slightly higher quality, larger berries at the end of the season than Mexico.

ProduceIQ BB #:368175 noted in its weekly ProduceIQ Index report that strawberry prices hit a 10-year low last week, in part due to strong volumes from Florida and Mexico.