Recently, the weather in California has been extremely disruptive. "The rain came about a month earlier than normal, creating significant challenges for the strawberry crop," says Matthew Giddings with Always Fresh Farms. As a result, there is a big gap in strawberry supply. While the fields are cleaned after each rain event, the rain has been interrupting harvest. "We were unable to harvest last week and missed the Thanksgiving pull," shared Giddings. However, limited supply has been driving demand for other berries with consumers shifting to blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. While Always Fresh Farms expects to ship strawberries from California until the end of the year, the gap in production will continue.
Generally, supply is not a problem this time of year. Between November and March there are lots of strawberries from Mexico and Florida available, but this season, the Mexican crop is a little delayed. Overall, a lighter volume is expected out of Mexico, which won't be sufficient to meet U.S. demand.
© Always Fresh Farms
Ideal weather in Florida
Given the current market dynamics, Florida growers are extremely excited to get started on their season. So far, they've had perfect weather during the growing season and are hopeful it stays that way. Last year, Hurricane Milton had a heavy impact on Florida's strawberry season as it forced many growers to replant their crops. This resulted in a late start to the season and Florida missing out on an important window. "This year however, the Sunshine State is expecting a really strong season, and we are hoping for robust demand to carry into December and January," commented Giddings. Always Fresh Farms anticipates strong volumes, for both their conventional and organic strawberries from Florida.
Florida harvest has started with very small volumes. "There is a lot of eagerness to get started due to favorable market conditions. Prices are much higher than we've seen historically this time of year, but it won't be until mid-December when volumes really start picking up." That means the shortage in supply will continue for a couple more weeks, but Giddings is hopeful supply and demand will be more balanced before Christmas.
© Always Fresh Farms
For more information:
Matthew Giddings
Always Fresh Farms
Tel: (+1) 863-401-3404
[email protected]
www.alwaysfresh.com
