Strawberry prices should drop soon

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