The supply of strawberries is strong and stable right now. "Our Oxnard, California spring crop is slated to peak in the coming weeks, while the Santa Maria growing region is anticipated to provide ample, peak volumes near early May," says Nick Chappell, Director of Sales for California Giant Berry Farms "Florida is currently peaking, while Mexico's production is winding down—albeit still producing strong volumes."
Overall, Chappell says its supply of strawberries this year is up slightly over last year, largely due to the company's increase in acreage. "We anticipate good availability for the Easter pull and will also have ample volumes of long-stemmed strawberries," he says.
The Oxnard and Santa Maria, California growing regions have started their seasons on time. However, wet weather conditions have required crews to strip the fields several times, creating hiccups in supply. "The biggest challenge of 2024 has been weather. Weather impacted crops early on, from rain to uncharacteristically cold weather. Despite this, the plants are doing well and producing strong new flower and fruit sets," Chappell says.
"We anticipate good availability for the Easter pull and will also have ample volumes of long-stemmed strawberries," Chappell says.
Weather concerns across the regions
Indeed growing conditions for strawberries have been challenging. Florida began its season with cooler-than-normal temperatures and above-average rainfall. California's growing regions also faced inclement weather—with heavy rains and an atmospheric river while Mexico faced warmer-than-average temperatures that had slightly impacted their fruit quality.
In addition, El Nino weather effects across the country this winter also caused consumption to decline slightly.
As for strawberry pricing, it is up slightly compared to last year.
Looking ahead, the Watsonville/Salinas, California region will begin harvesting strawberries at the end of March. "In addition to the ramping of domestic strawberry season, we're approaching the beginning of our domestic blueberry season, which will provide fruit from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, California's Central Valley, Oregon and Washington," says Chappell. "Our raspberry and blackberry supplies have remained steady—with high-quality fruit available."
For more information:
Kyla Oberman
California Giant Berry Farms
Tel.: +1 (831) 728-1773
koberman@calgiant.com
https://www.calgiant.com/