Market Update For Berries

Week of May 11 – May 17

Santa Maria is officially past its peak production, with only the northern districts continuing to produce solid numbers. Pack-outs in Santa Maria will continue to decline, which should keep spot market pricing firm through the balance of the month. Santa Maria is still expected to be packing fruit well into July, but volumes will not be impressive. Although the extended forecast looks favorable, demand will continue to exceed supply as the industry gets past Mother’s Day and goes right into the Memorial Day pull. Growers have struggled to cover ad commitments and that pressure is expected to continue over the next several weeks. Spot market pricing is expected to range between $14.00 and $18.00, with the market mostly around $16.00 FOB.