“The raspberry market was tight for a few weeks, but it is starting to come back,” says Jim Grabowski with Well-Pict. Warm weather along the California Coast affected supplies. “Raspberries are grown under hoops and inside the hoops, it is hot and the fruit cooked as a result.” Due to the heat, the sensitive berry became too soft. Since then, temperatures have come down and Grabowski expects production numbers to be back to normal around September 10.
Another 6-8 weeks domestic production
This time of the year, raspberry production is limited to the Watsonville and Salinas areas. “Under normal circumstances, they should be able to produce for another six to eight weeks,” mentioned Grabowski. “Typically, the season starts at the beginning of May and runs through the end of October.”
Supply and demand to become more balanced
The USDA recorded prices between $10 and $14 per flat early August. From there, prices increased steadily to about $16 for a flat by the end of August and the first week of September. With supplies returning to a normal level, Grabowski expects prices to come down. “Demand usually slows down as well after the summer holidays,” added Grabowski. “As a result, I anticipate a better balance between supply and demand.” Please visit us at booth #4637 at the PMA Fresh Summit!
For more information:
Jim Grabowski
Well-Pict
Tel: (+1) 708-227-1222