The supply of raspberries has been good for the past few weeks and as April approaches, it looks to be increasing. “The supply is comparable to this time last year and the season also started on time,” says Ryan Lockman, vice-president of sales and procurement for grower-owned cooperative North Bay Produce.
While strawberry supplies are good right now, reports indicate that supplies may be tighter in April-May when strawberries from the region are expected--the same time raspberry volumes will be increasing.
He notes that raspberries are currently coming from Central Mexico which is the only region producing raspberries at the moment. They are available from Mexico almost all year round though U.S. production comes on in July and goes until October.
Strong raspberry demand
Those increased supplies will be met with good demand. “Demand for raspberries is very good right now as it’s the only berry that there is a good supply of at the moment. The berry category continues to shine with consumers,” he says.
Indeed, within the category, strawberries from California are currently on watch given the recent atmospheric river rains in the Salinas region, a key berry growing area. While strawberry supplies are good right now, reports indicate that supplies may be tighter in April-May when strawberries from the region are expected--the same time raspberry volumes will be increasing.
For North Bay what could also factor into its demand is its approach towards sustainability, a growing issue for consumers. In 2019, the company joined BerrySustainable, a berry industry initiative with the goal to have 100 percent recycle-ready clamshells by 2025. To fulfill this initiative, all of North Bay’s raspberries are packed in recyclable clamshells.
Right: Ryan Lockman
Prices are strengthening right now due to good retail movement with low volumes on strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. “In the next few weeks, the raspberry market should increase,” says Lockman.
For more information:
Sharon Robb
North Bay Produce, Inc.
Tel: +1 (231) 946-1941
srobb@northbayproduce.com
www.northbayproduce.com