The supply of conventional and organic strawberries from both Watsonville/Salinas and Santa Maria, are steady right now. "While production is tapering down week-over-week in Watsonville/Salinas, Santa Maria's fall crop is ramping up and we expect an increase in strawberry supply from the Santa Maria new crop in the coming weeks," says Tim Youmans, VP of Sales for California Giant Berry Farms. "The region's fall crop is thriving, with plants loaded with flowers and all stages of ripening berries. To us, this suggests peak volumes are potentially beginning in mid-September to mid-October."
"We expect an increase in strawberry supply from the Santa Maria new crop in the coming weeks," says Tim Youmans.
Overall, the supply of strawberries this year is up slightly over last year which may not be surprising given 2023 saw significant flooding in the Pajaro Valley, a weather event that impacted numerous commodities. "We have had exceptionally good strawberry growing weather in California this year," says Youmans.
Better weather compared to 2023
Watsonville/Salinas for example has had mild, warm weather with daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and nighttime temperatures in the mid-50s while Santa Maria has had hot weather with daytime temperatures in the high-80s and nighttime temperatures in the mid-50s. "The favorable weather allowed us to start on time, quality and yields have been strong, and we anticipate that continuing through the rest of the season. Barring any major weather events, we're anticipating the Watsonville/Salinas region to complete their harvest near the end of October," says Youmans.
Barring any major weather events, it's anticipated that the Watsonville/Salinas region will complete harvest near the end of October.
So where is this all leaving pricing? "Favorable pricing has followed shippers with premium quality. Promotions should continue through the fall to keep the fruit moving and consumer consumption high," says Youmans.
Looking further ahead, the grower-shipper's Mexico crop, which will supplement Santa Maria fall crop volumes, will begin in early November along with volumes from Florida in later November. Collectively, Santa Maria, Florida, and Mexico are forecasted to run through the end of the year, and well into 2025.
For more information:
Kyla Oberman
California Giant Berry Farms
Tel: (+1) 831.786.7458
[email protected]
www.calgiant.com