Supplies of blackberries from Mexico are currently on the slim side.
“It’s very low supply right now, mainly because of the rain last week,” says Jorge Mardones of OTC Produce LLC. based in McAllen, TX. “There are a lot of orders but the volume isn’t there. Every pallet is sold out.”
While production overall on blackberries is similar to last year’s levels, there will be a delay on getting supplies back up to regular volumes by as much as a week. “Every year production on blackberries in Mexico grows a little bit. Every year they’re planting more berries,” says Mardones. Supplies right now are coming from Michoacán.
Meanwhile demand continues to be good for blackberries. “My impression is that demand is stronger than last year,” says Mardones.
Similar to 2019 pricing
As for pricing, for 6 lb. of berries, Mardones notes the average price is $15-$16 which is similar to last year at this time. “The pricing has stayed in this range,” he says, noting if it’s greenhouse or hydroponically grown berries, pricing might be up by $1.
Looking ahead, things should even back out on blackberry supplies. “In the next few weeks, I think prices will be the same. I don’t think that will change,” says Mardones. “Production will be higher though because everything will be normal again after that rain and the demand for blackberries will continue to be strong. It’s a very stable market right now.”
For more information:
Jorge Mardones
OTC Produce LLC
Tel: +1 (956) 651-4501
jmardones@otcproduce.com