Field strawberry harvesting is in “full swing everywhere in Quebec” according to a report issued on July 13, 2016 by the Quebec Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association (QSRGA). However “weather has dramatically delayed the start and progress of all main regions including the bigger three: Mexico, California and Florida,” said Carlos Birlain of SolidBridge. “Market Volume seems to be around 4.5k and 0.3k conventional and organic fruit for July,” he added. “July is usually a high peak (for Canadian strawberry regions) and December and January when Florida, California and Mexico are fully over supplying the market.”
Strawberry supply is currently coming out of several areas besides Quebec, including California, Florida, and both North and South Carolina, which will have an affect on prices. A forecast from the QSRGA stated that prices for berries were about $26 - $32 for varying container sizes. “Prices may decrease slightly during the last part of the season due to the level of quality of last crops when temperature and weather conditions are not the best and before Mexico starts in October,” said Birlain. He expects volume will start decreasing to levels around 3k trucks late this summer compared to July. “In September the volume will barely satisfy a minor share of the market,” he said.
For more information:
Carlos Birlain
SolidBridge
Ph: (514) 578-1670
