The California strawberry harvest is progressing steadily, with average supplies reported in key growing regions. A source noted, "We are expecting the processing volumes to double up over the next week to 10 days and head into peak production the last week of May." Current posted prices are $0.68/lb for conventional and $0.95/lb for organic strawberries, according to the Processing Strawberry Advisory Board of California. Market participants observe these prices as "higher than expected, especially compared with last year's prices for growers being down." Juice-grade strawberries are priced lower, at $0.25/lb for conventional and $0.40/lb for organic, maintaining the typical pricing gap.
In the frozen sector, Expana reports EBP USSMC pricing as of April 30, 2025, at $1.10/lb FOB California for medium conventional IQF strawberries, and EBP USSSC at $1.15/lb for sliced IQF, both up 10% from the previous year. A market participant stated, "Demand has bounced back from low levels experienced in 2023 and 2024. Long inventory positions have been cleaned up and customers are back in the marketplace with a healthy appetite, despite high prices."
Market conditions in Mexico are influencing upward pressure. The Central Mexico strawberry season ended unexpectedly early, straining supply. An Expana market participant commented, "The strawberry season in central Mexico just ended, weeks before planned. There are some inventories left, but prices are going up." This early conclusion is expected to impact availability and potentially drive prices higher. With California maintaining a steady supply and Mexico's reduced imports, the market is experiencing tightening availability and firmer pricing as California continues its harvest.
Source: Mintec/Expana