Blackberries are a new program for Wish Farms, as of August 2016. Imports are currently coming in from Mexico’s Michoacán State and then they’ll switch to domestic in May/June. The domestic season runs until August/September and the cycle begins again, although Jose Saca with Wish Farms notes that many Mexican growers are concerned over the new U.S. policies and a possible 'Border Tax'. He adds, however, they're confident that the issues will be resolved soon. It's been an unusual season. “At the very beginning of the Mexican import season prices were pretty good and then deteriorated rather quickly,” he said.
Depressed berry prices
Between last Thanksgiving and New Year, prices were very low. “We’ve never seen prices that low that early in the season.” He noted that blueberries were also having a tough time around then, and are just coming into better pricing now. Strawberries also saw depressed pricing. Prices were reflected along with supply and demand and a lot of competition in the berry sector and for space in retail stores. “It’s getting back to normal levels. The important part is that the growers are getting a fair price,” he said, adding that supplies should increase towards the end of March or early April.
Consumption is better than previous years with health conscious people finding out about the blackberry’s health benefits. “The blackberry is just as good or better for health in terms of antioxidants than other berries,” said Saca.
Varieties getting even sweeter
Blackberries are becoming a better tasting fruit, Saca says, with improved crop management. Even though Mexico may still be producing the same varieties it has been in the past, they’re sweeter because of the improved ways to take care of the fruit. Wish Farms will soon be launching its flat pint packaging, which presents the berries more attractively and treats the fruit better as they are not stacked upon each other.
For more information:
Jose Saca
Wish Farms
(813) 752-5111