The number of strawberry flats shipped this year from California are slightly behind those shipped at this same time last year. Pricing could improve as the season progresses, though production from summer plantings could buoy prices some.
“Volumes are steady right now, maybe a little lighter than they were last year, but that's probably because of the weather,” noted Tom Simmons with the Watsonville Berry Co-op. “I think it's that we had optimal weather for growing last year, and this year we've had more normal weather.” Through the first week of August, California strawberry production has totaled over 105 million flats for the season, and production through that same point in the season last year was approaching 111 million flats.
On August 5, prices for a flat of strawberries from Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria were between $8.00 and $10.00. Simmons characterized that as a good market, though that market could improve in the latter part of the season.
“When production is at its peak, which is June through July, we typically see an abundance of fruit we compete with, so the market will drop,” he explained. “Depending on the weather, we'll harvest through November. Pricing should improve until then as we see less competition.” But, he added, there are a number of growers who opted for more summer plantings in the hopes of avoiding a crowded summer market, and production from that summer acreage could temper prices as we transition into fall.
“There aren't a lot of summer plantings, but there are some that we should keep on the radar,” said Simmons. “For now, demand seems to be fairly good and things are getting better.”
For more information:
Tom Simmons
Watsonville Berry Co-op
+1 831 724 5601