Strawberries remain in a demand-exceeds-supply situation as the Salinas/Watsonville growing region moves past peak production. Additionally, fruit quality is being impacted by elevated levels of soft skin and bruising, resulting in increased quality concerns across the market.

Watsonville/Salinas

• Quality is fair-good, with minor bruising and soft skin
• Quality defects have come from humid mornings and warm weather and will be present for the remainder of the season

• Soft skin and bruising are being reported
• Fruit may appear acceptable at the time of packing but can break down several days later
• Expect strong demand and high prices through the remainder of the season
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns

Santa Maria, California 

• Quality is good at the initial start of the season
• Bruising and uneven ripening are the major concerns
• Volume will not be ready for another two to three weeks
• Expect strong demand and high markets through the remainder of the season

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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