Mixed berry yields are tightening throughout the industry. Blueberry demand outpaces available supplies. Blackberry and raspberry volume is average, but quality is generally good, with minimal defects despite recent heat, according to an April 2 press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Blueberries
- Prices are elevated
- The Chilean and Peruvian seasons have ended; import shipments have officially concluded
- Mexican-grown supplies are meeting current demands
- The Florida/Georgia growing region is set to begin production next week on a limited basis
- Stocks will remain snug through April, then increase once California’s San Joaquin Valley season starts in early May
Blackberries/Raspberries
- Markets are up
- Harvesting is past its seasonal peak in Central Mexico; labor challenges are also impacting overall availability
- Limited production has begun in Baja, Mexico
- Expect tight stocks through March; volume will start to increase in April
Strawberries
California’s key growing regions—Santa Maria, Oxnard, Salinas, and Watsonville—are benefiting from clear forecasts and ideal growing conditions. Quality is improving across all districts. Pricing is beginning to trend downward as supplies increase.
Santa Maria, California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Berry size is medium; counts have gotten smaller, averaging 18 to 22 pieces per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; issues include bruising and white shoulders
- Prices will inch down as weather conditions improve
- Oxnard, California
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Berry size is medium; counts have gotten smaller, averaging 18 to 22 pieces per 1-pound clamshell
- Defects are minimal; growers report some white shoulders and packing-related bruising
- Markets will ease as weather conditions improve
- Watsonville/Salinas
- Berry size is large; counts range from 10-15 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Volume is increasing daily
- Most of the damaged fruit has been culled
- Prices will begin to decrease as weather conditions improve