Supplies of strawberries out of California have been hampered by weather effects from earlier in the season. With less fruit, prices for berries have risen.“Prices are currently reflective of a short market,” noted Cindy Jewell of California Giant Berry Farms. “Prices are higher than usual, which is good for the grower but probably not for the consumer.” By the end of last week, prices for a flat of berries were as high as $16.00 for some sizes. The short market is partly due to weather from earlier in the season and partly due to the transition to fall supplies.
“The season started earlier because of mild conditions,” explained Jewell. “We're farther along with plants than usual. We also had some issues with labour during the middle of summer, so some guys pulled out of the fresh deal earlier than normal.” Barring heavy rain that cuts the season short, supplies are expected to go into November. As the season progresses, however, supplies will continue to diminish.
“You have days getting shorter, so volumes will diminish in California,” said Jewell. “There are still a lot of factors working against increases in volume.”
For more information:
Cindy Jewell
California Giant Berry Farms
+1 831 728 1965