Demand and price are climbing back up for blackberries. “This week demand picked up after a three-week low market and low demand with single digits pricing. In this type of market, everyone loses, from the grower all the way to the consumer. There’s nothing like a steady market with a good price!” says Martin Maldonado of Miramar, Fl.-based Pure Fresh LLC. “For the end of this week we are looking at $10/$12 for 12x6oz blackberries. That’s not great, but we can all be happy after a bitter last three weeks.” This change marks hitting double digits again after the industry saw $6 for awhile. “And that represented huge losses for all involved,” says Maldonado. 
Mexico wrapping up
Right now, Maldonado says blackberries from Mexico are on their final stretch and may last 10 to 12 more days. California production covers the West Coast and Georgia and North Carolina are covering the east Coast. “There’s some minor production in South Carolina and Texas that stays in state,” he says. “And Guatemala blackberries cover where needed. Good air-flown fruit with only a two hour flight so arrivals are very fresh.” This rotation, notes Maldonado, lets blackberries be available year-round from both domestic and import sources.
“Imports should give domestic the right of way right now and cover where needed,” he says. “Just like imports cover all fall and winter and beginning of spring. Then domestic production covers the summer--mostly California, Oregon, North Carolina, Georgia and smaller areas in Texas, South Carolina and Mississippi and more.”
For more information:
Martin Maldonado
Pure Fresh LLC
Tel: +1-305-477-2047
[email protected]
http://purefresh.us.com/
