Market Update For Berries

It seems as if weekly rainstorms passing through all California berry growing regions is becoming more the norm these days. Weekend rain in both Santa Maria and Watsonville will impact availability to start the week. Growers were already fighting color and size, so expect the market to open with elevated FOBs ranging from $14.00 to as high as $18.00. Northern growers in Watsonville and Salinas are just getting going, with peak production not expected for another two to three weeks. With Mother’s Day a month away, the industry needs some relief from all the inclement weather we’ve had. Ranches are filled with flowers and fruit and growers in Watsonville are ready to support strong promotional activity in May. For now,  it will be another week of demand exceed supply, with things improving by the end of the week.