Posts Tagged “California strawberry shipments”
A cooler, unsettled weather pattern has replaced last week’s heat across key West Coast growing regions, according to a press release by Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Sporadic showers, increased humidity, and prolonged morning moisture are forecast for most regions starting Wednesday, October 21, and continuing through Thursday, October 22. Markon is working with growers to pack orders ahead where necessary to ensure 100% fulfillment. Harvesting crews will take measures to keep field-packed boxes as clean and dry as possible.
Salinas Valley, Santa Maria & Oxnard
- Showers are expected Wednesday through Thursday, with estimated rainfall totals of 0.30″ to 0.75″ in the
- Salinas Valley and 0.50″ to 1.25″ across Santa Maria and Oxnard growing areas
- Dry conditions will return by the weekend
Huron
- Approximately 0.25″ to 0.40″ of rainfall can be expected between Tuesday and Thursday
- Dry conditions will return by the weekend
Arizona/California Desert Region
- Warm weather will continue through midweek before temperatures dip later in the week
- Breezy conditions and isolated showers are possible, with rainfall generally expected to remain below 0.05″
Field Outlook
Production and loading delays can be expected over the next several days, pending field conditions, particularly in Salinas, Santa Maria, Huron, and Oxnard.
Rain-related challenges that may develop, including but are not limited to:
- Bottom rot, decay, increased mildew pressure, premature pinking, shortened shelf-life in commodity and value-added lettuce items
- Bruising, decay, soft texture, rain damage, reduced yields, and shortened shelf life in strawberries
- Pin rot, decay, bead discoloration, hollow core, increased mildew pressure, and shortened shelf life in broccoli
- Black mold and shortened shelf life in cauliflower
Reduced yields and variable case weights remain possible in affected row crop commodities.
Markon inspectors will closely monitor commodity and value-added lettuce and tender leaf items and will update further as needed. Ordering for quick turns is recommended; strict cold-chain management remains critical to maximizing product quality and shelf life.
Strawberry and raspberry shipments are in peak volume with excellent quality across California’s Central Coast with Watsonville and Salinas leading production.
Plentiful volumes will be available in the coming weeks. Raspberry loadings in Oxnard and Watsonville is expected to steadily increase, supporting consistent volumes for the remainder of the season, shares shipper Gem-Pack Berries, LLC. of Irving, CA noting good availability and peak quality on strawberries from California’s Central Coast are also expected to continue as summer demand remains strong.
California is expected to harvest 43,726 acres of strawberries in 2026, a five percent increase over last year due to expanded fall plantings.
The 2026 California strawberry season has been determined by dramatic weather swings that have affected both production and prices.
Warm temperatures in February and March brought the harvest nearly three weeks earlier than usual, producing higher-than-average yields. March production reached 80 to 150 trays per acre, well above the five-year average of 30 to 70 trays. The increased supply pushed strawberry prices down to between $7 and $10 per tray during the early part of the season.
However, cooler temperatures and rain in April and May slowed production and damaged crops. Rain can cause strawberries to split, burst, and develop mold, reducing the amount of marketable fruit. As weekly volumes declined, prices rebounded to between $10 and $16 per tray, giving many growers an opportunity to recover from the earlier price drop.
A prolonged heat event is expected to impact the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys this week, with temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and low 100s in inland growing areas. Persistent heat stress is expected to accelerate crop maturity and create additional quality and shelf-life challenges across several commodities, according to a July 28 press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Markon inspectors are monitoring commodity and value-added items closely for heat-related challenges such as:
Strawberries
- Increase in soft fruit and bruising susceptibility
- Reduced shelf-life potential
- Lower yields
- Smaller berry size
Broccoli
- Increased hollow core and/or pin rot
- Higher Diamondback Moth pressure
Lettuce (Iceberg, Romaine, Green Leaf)
- Dehydration
- Increased long core/seeder, and internal burn pressure
- Stronger insect pressure (aphid, gnats, lygus, thrip)
- Greater variability in case weights due to additional trimming
- Premature pinking in value-added salads
- Reduced shelf-life potential
Tender Leaf Items
- Accelerated growth leading to weaker cell structure
- Increased yellowing, dehydration, and seeder development (arugula, cilantro)
- Reduced shelf-life potential
Impacts from the heat wave could last for over two weeks. Ordering for quick turns is highly recommended and as always, strict cold-chain management is critical for maximizing quality and shelf-life.
California strawberry loadings are expected to remain ample throughout the season.
The California Strawberry Commission of Watsonville, CA projects weekly volumes between 7 and 8 million trays through August, supporting sustained retail promotions and consistent market availability during key demand periods.
California, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of US strawberry production, is expected to see a slight expansion in planted area.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), acreage in the Golden State is projected to increase by two percent year-on-year to about 43,700 acres. This growth, combined with the introduction of new varieties, is expected to support an uplift in fresh output.
“We project an increase in overall fresh production compared to 2025, based on a slight increase in acreage and the new varieties now in production,” Christian says. Peak shipments are expected between May and August, aligning with historical consumption trends.
Despite some pest pressure linked to warm conditions, growers continue to report strong crop performance. Overall, the market outlook points to a well-supplied season characterized by strong production fundamentals, good fruit quality, and continued promotional opportunities.
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
Elevated temperatures are forcing an end to the seasons in Texas and Florida. California volume is rising in Santa Maria and Oxnard; quality is excellent, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria/Oxnard, California
- Current weather is ideal for strawberries
- Volume continues to increase weekly
- Quality is excellent; good shape, color, and flavor are being reported
- Size ranges from medium plus to large (10-14 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to remain low
Salinas/Watsonville
- Warmer weather in these growing regions has increased yields
- Quality is excellent; defects are minimal
- Size ranges from 14 to 15 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Expect minimal numbers for another two weeks
- Markets are stable
Florida
- Temperatures in the mid-80s to mid-90s have ended the Florida season for most suppliers
- Fruit has been softened and bruised by heat
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Harvesting was been canceled for Friday, December 26 due to persistent rain in California’s Santa Maria and Oxnard growing regions. Expect tight supplies and strong markets through the week of January 5-9, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
Santa Maria/ Oxnard
- These regions received over 2.5 inches of rain in 48 hours; most growers cancelled harvests for at least two days
- During this period, packer label will be substituted as needed
- Expect a demand-exceeds-supply market for the next week
- Quality is average; early signs of decay and bruising have been reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect strong demand and elevated markets through next week
Mexico/South Texas
- Volume will increase through December and reach its peak in mid-January
- Quality concerns include over-ripening and light bruising
- Size is small-medium (19 to 25 berries per one-pound clamshell)
- Expect elevated pricing and tight stocks as Mexico helps fill orders from California
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Volume is rising
- Quality is improving; concerns include white shoulders and green tips
- Size is small-medium (17 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to inch up as Florida supplements California shortages
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
California strawberry supplies remain extremely limited due to the rains and lower temperatures of the past two weeks. Mexican berries (into South Texas) and Florida-grown supplies are increasing; quality is improving. Expect prices to decline slowly over the next 10 days, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria and Oxnard, California
- Harvesting has been minimal this week as growers are allowing fruit to mature
- Winter production is expected to begin by late December
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Supplies are increasing
- Quality problems include white shoulders, skin bruising, and green tips
- This market is active
Florida
- Cooler weather has slowed growth, but supplies are slowly increasing
- Defects include white shoulders and green tips
- Size ranges from 17 to 22 berries per 8/1-pound clamshells
Baja, Mexico (into California)
- Shipments are beginning to cross after last week’s border blockades ended
- Rainy weather slowed production
- Quality ranges from fair to good
- Size ranges from 19-24 per 8/1-pound clamshells
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Rain is forecast for the California growing regions of Santa Maria and Oxnard Thursday night, November 13, then November 16, through Friday, November 17; harvesting cancellations are expected, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Limited yields from the South Texas growing region will help offset California’s reduced volume. Expect an extreme demand-exceeds-supply market over the next two weeks.
Santa Maria/Oxnard
- Upcoming rain will present quality issues, as well as harvesting delays
- Expect an extreme demand-exceeds-supply market for the next two weeks
- Quality ranges from fair to fairly good; light decay, soft skin, and bruising are issues
- Size ranges from small-medium to medium
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect tight supplies and elevated prices
Mexico/South Texas
- Current yields will not meet demand
- Supplies are limited, due to quality problems including white shoulders, skin bruising, and green tips
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Supplies will increase in late November
- Expect low volume and high markets
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA released this strawberry market report September 22, 2025:
Rain is forecast for the Santa Maria and Oxnard, California regions on Tuesday, September 23. Growers will pack ahead of the rain to ensure better quality. Expect tight stocks and strong markets through next week.
Santa Maria/Oxnard
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Quality concerns include decay, pin-rot, and water damage
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Size is small-medium (18 to 24 per one-pound clamshell)
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Salinas/Watsonville
- MFC Strawberries are available; quality and color are good
- Size is currently 16 to 25 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
- Some bruising, white shoulders, and light mildew are being reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Elevated markets are forecast for the next 7-10 days
Mexico/South Texas
- New crop harvesting is expected to start in mid-November
- Product will cross into South Texas
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.