Following a challenging season on Mexican blackberries, largely due to the impact of COVID-19 on demand, growers are now looking to come back with a stronger domestic blackberry season.
In March and April, many growers throughout the US reported seeing a few common trends in the demand for produce. First, consumers were “panic buying” groceries near the middle to end of March, a trend which threw demand for produce in general askew. Then, April saw consumers opt more for frozen or canned produce or longer-lasting items such as apples, onions and potatoes thanks to limited trips to the grocery store.
However, Wish Farms in Plant City, Fl., says it’s beginning to see a shift in demand from consumers on blackberries. In March and April, demand for blackberries significantly dropped thanks to a variety of reasons—consumer traffic was limited in-stores, foodservice and restaurant demand also dropped and more. However, now with cities in the US beginning to open up again and the support Wish says it sees for American-grown produce, retailers are talking positively as the focus turns to domestic production.
Domestic blackberries begin
Georgia starts with its blackberry crops in mid to late May and then production shifts to North Carolina and California in early June. Peak volume is anticipated for early June. “Right now, volumes are a little low in general—at least volumes crossing the border as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),” says Jose Saca of Wish, noting Wish is still fulfilling its programs. Supplies currently are coming largely from Michoacán, Mexico as well as Colima and Jalisco. “Mexico is getting ready to wind down the season and will most probably do so by the end of May. But the domestic season starts about the end of May so it should be a good transition,” he adds.
Saca says he’s anticipating seeing demand pick up again for blackberries. “Our expectations are that consumers will come out of the stay-at-home hibernation craving fresh fruits and vegetables,” he says. “Retailers are starting to see the demand for the fruit go up and blackberries are a key part of their berry program.”
In turn, Wish is also looking to see an increase on pricing as well. “We’re hopeful that pricing for domestic berries are more in line with previous seasons,” says Saca. “Pricing on blackberries have been lower than in previous years. Especially since COVID-19, they have really dropped.”
For more information:
Jose Saca
Wish Farms
Tel: +1 (813) 752-5111
[email protected]
https://wishfarms.com/