Despite volumes this year that outpace those from 2014, strawberries from California are commanding good prices. For berries out of most districts, demand is currently exceeding supplies.“The market is strong right now,” said Jerry Summers of CBS Farms. “Volumes are good enough right now to promote well, and I think that's the biggest thing that has helped the market.” Production for the state topped 58.0 million flats this week, which is ahead of the 55.6 million flats that the state's growers had produced by this time last year. Even with more fruit than last year, supplies have not been enough to meet robust demand, and, as a result, prices have been good.
On April 21, prices for a flat of medium and large berries were between $10.00 and $12.00 for berries from the Salinas-Watsonville area and out of Santa Maria. In both regions, demand was reported as exceeding supplies.
“With not much competition from soft fruit or melons, I think we can keep this market going this way through Mother's Day,” said Summers. “The market has exceeded expectations, and there's a good combination of good quality and lots of demand.”
For more information:
Jerry Summers
CBS Farms
+1 831 724 0700