The blackberry season is entering a period of slower volume, as weather and the time of year play their part on supply. In the last month, cooler weather slowed growth, however this week has seen a return to warmer temperatures in the growing regions in Mexico.
"At this time of year, the Mexican blackberry growing regions include Michoacán, Jalisco and Colima," said Mike Corbett of Bonafruit. "The region has seen relatively cold weather up until now, as day time temperatures have now climbed back up into the 80s. Overall supply has dropped in the last three weeks and volume has been weak."
Gaps appearing in spring
There is expected to be a continuation of difficult supply as the season goes on. Production in Mexico will have lighter volumes than in the fall, but some increases can come in April. Towards the end of spring, US domestic production will begin. This creates pressure on supply as Mexico volume decreases before US production increases.
"The Mexico season will continue in those regions right up until early June," Corbett said. "However, volume and quality will diminish starting from May as the season begins to wind down. At this point Georgia commences production and California also begins their season from April. Early supply from these regions is generally not enough to sufficiently supply the market until they get going in summer."
Prices gradually rising
The market is being slow to react to the turbulence in the blackberry season. Prices have risen moderately over the last few weeks and are expected to continue to do so over the next few weeks. Suppliers say this type of activity is quite typical for the season.
"The market has been slow, and prices are slowly going up," Corbett said. "2 weeks ago, they were at $8.00, now they are around $10.00. By the first week of March, we expect prices to climb slightly further to $12.00. This is quite a typical market for blackberries heading into March, in terms of volume and demand. Overall, there is still good movement in the market however."
Corbett also said club packs are seeing good demand in stores during the Spring. "The 12oz. and 18oz. club packs, typical of what you will find in the larger big box stores are seeing good demand," he said. "Again, this is something we typically see throughout the Spring."
For more information:
Mike Corbett
Bonafruit
Tel: +1 (956) 781-8700