As many as seven days of rain are expected in California’s Salinas/Watsonville, Santa Maria, and Oxnard strawberry growing regions starting Friday, November 22. Strawberry volume is beginning to rise in Mexico (into South Texas). The Florida season is getting underway; supplies will increase in December.
Salinas/Watsonville
- Stocks continue to diminish
- Rain is expected from Friday, November 22 through Friday, November 29
- The upcoming storms will end the Salinas strawberry season
- Size currently ranges from small to medium (24 to 28 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is fair; some softness and early decay have been reported
- Expect markets to remain elevated
Santa Maria
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is downtrending
- Size currently ranges from small to medium (48 to 53 berries per 2-pound clamshell)
- Pin rot and light color re issues
- Quality is good; some softness and green shoulders have been reported
- Expect markets to climb as yields fall
Oxnard
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Volume is increasing, helping fill the industry void from other growing regions
- Size currently ranges from medium to large (18 to 21 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good; color is deep red color and flavor is sweet
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Early season volume is low
- Size currently ranges from medium to large (20 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Quality is good; small size and white shoulders have been reported
- Expect increasing volume (crossing into San Juan, Texas)
- Markets will remain high
Florida
- Growers have begun shipping berries in a limited manner
- Quality will slowly improve week after week.
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.
©2024 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.