Humid weather along the Central Coast has affected strawberry volumes in California. Combined with good demand, prices for berries have been strong.
“Supplies are coming from Oxnard, Santa Maria and Salinas, though Salinas is winding down,” said Derek Sass of Beachside Produce. “Volumes have been light due to intense and humid weather for the past three weeks.” He added that in addition to lower yields, sizing has been on the smaller side.
“Humidity is softening up the berries, so there's a bit of bruising and water damage,” said Sass. “Because of those supplies, market prices are strong.” On October 19, prices for a flat of medium berries from Oxnard, Salinas and Santa Maria were between $14.00 and $16.00, and prices for a flat of organic berries were between $18.00 and $20.00.
“Prices have been this way for the last few weeks, and I expect them to remain strong through the season,” said Sass. “When there's been less water, we have continued in Santa Maria into February. But, with these weather patterns, it will probably be a shorter year.”
For more information:
Derek Sass
Beachside Produce
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