Supplies of raspberries continue to be low as the Mexican growing regions struggle to produce enough to meet demand. The Mexico season, which still has a couple of months to go, has been hampered by sporadic weather patterns that have stressed the plants. California crops have started, but as yet are not in sufficient production to adequately supply the market.
"The Mexico raspberry season is set to close out in late July," said Vicky Garcia of Berry Fresh. "There has been lower volume out of Mexico and this is likely to continue through to the end of the Mexico season. Our Watsonville season will start in mid to late July, and Mexico will restart later in October."
"Weather has been the cause of the lower volume," she added. "The hot and cold mix of temperatures has impacted on crops. It is also starting to rain now in parts of Mexico which is affecting the vines and as a result, they are not producing as much. This is quite typical for this time of year as the Mexico season approaches the end and supplies tend to be more sporadic. Overall, the market has been fairly stable, with no large peaks and troughs."
Continuing high demand
Raspberries continue to see strong demand as consumers come to adore them. Recent years have seen more customers seek them out. Suppliers say this is thanks to the flavor profile as well as the availability of new varieties which, according to them, are providing consumers with a better tasting berry.
"The demand for raspberries continues to be very high," Garcia noted. "The current volume has not been enough to keep up with demand. While not on the level of blueberries, raspberries are definitely a growing category and more and more consumers are seeking them out in recent years. There have been some newer varieties that have recently entered the market. These are even sweeter and appear to be more appealing to the consumer. Packaging has remained largely the same, with the 6 oz and 12 oz packs proving to be a good size for consumers."
For more information:
Vicky Garcia
Berry Fresh
Tel: +1 (310) 637-2401