Production of strawberries in California has reached record levels up to this point in the season. It's all thanks to the mild weather and the significant spring rainfall, which ironically caused a shortage of fruit at the time. However, according to growers, the rains sparked all growing regions into action, causing early starts and heavy production.
"The untimely rains in spring caused supplies to be short for the Easter pull," explained Scott Blazer of Blazer Wilkinson. "They were however, healthy rains, and post-Easter all regions including Salinas, Watsonville, Oxnard and Santa Maria came online as a result. Since then, we have seen historically high supplies. Moderate temperatures mean that strong volumes are persisting, with only Oxnard completing their season so far. No one has seen levels as high as they have been this season."
Market weak but quality is high
Because of the abundance of fruit in the market, prices are low and are set to stay that way while the mild temperatures remain. But due to the excellent growing conditions, fruit quality is very high, which is translating into very good news for consumers. On the retail front, there is a higher instance of larger packs, with 3lb clamshells and other similar sizes more prevalent this year.
"With temperatures as they are, the strawberry plants are healthy and producing excellent quality strawberries," Blazer noted. "Prices are low, which means that consumers are enjoying high quality berries at good prices."
Blazer predicts that the market will stay low for the next few weeks, and that there is no reason yet for production to drop in June so long as temperatures remain mild. "The weather is still mild and therefore the plants are remaining healthy," he said. "As long as hot temperatures remain absent, strawberry plants can produce 25 percent more fruit in a season."
What will July bring?
The big question for suppliers is just how long such strong volume can continue. The situation can change quite quickly and it's now a waiting game to see how the second half of the season plays out. Because of the somewhat unusual situation with all regions coming online at the same time, there is an air of uncertainty as to what exactly will happen as the season progresses.
"Typically, after July 4 the market gets weaker, but with the record production in the first half of the season, there is some uncertainty as to what will happen," Blazer shared. "For example, we don't know if it will translate into a gap that doesn't normally appear, or whether the plants slow down. Santa Maria and Watsonville started early and have produced much more than they usually do, so it's unclear how long that can go on for. For growers, it's a waiting game just to see how the second half of the season will perform."
For more information:
Scott Blazer
Blazer Wilkinson
Tel: +1 (831) 455-3700