Market Update For Berries

Week of February 23 – March 1

Santa Maria and Oxnard received more than 3 inches of rain last week, but young plants are super healthy so growers will just need another week to clean up and reset. Once Santa Maria’s volumes pick back up, retailers will want to jump all over the new crop high quality fruit. Sizing should range from 12 to 14 count, offering big, great tasting fruit to promote. FOBs should also be in line to support promotions, ranging from $12.00 to $16.00. Florida continues to pump out good volume, but the lull after Valentine’s Day has the spot market ranging from $8.00 to $12.00. Central Mexico should start to wind down, as they have managed to extend their season as far as it can go. Quality is declining from Mexico as well, so they will start keeping their fruit in the local markets. March, April and May will be prime time to push sales on premium California strawberries, and this year’s spring plantings should support an extended run. Let’s hope mother nature cooperates.