Market Update For Berries

Last week we saw daily pack-outs exceed 2 million flats. That is unprecedented volumes for an industry that struggles to move more than 1.5 million daily flats and hold the spot market stable. Spot pricing dropped like a rock with most marketers trying to move fruit between $8.00 and $10.00, and many were forced to consign loads to wholesalers to keep coolers clean. It’s a shame that we are seeing some of the best quality fruit and prices are moving well below the cost of production. Marketers are hoping that strong promotional activity for Mother’s Day and cooler weather in Santa Maria and Watsonville will stabilize pricing. For now, it’s go time for the industry, with another week of steady production.