The Santa Maria, Salinas, and Watsonville growing regions experienced extreme heat over the weekend. The elevated temperatures caused quality challenges and reduced yields.

Santa Maria, California 

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
• Growers in this region are experiencing unseasonably high temperatures
• Counts range from 12-16 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell; size is medium to medium-plus
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Quality is good; heat-related concerns include soft skin, decay, sunburn, and bruising
• Prices will rise

Oxnard, California

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Quality ranges from fair to good
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Counts range from 14-16 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell; size ranges from medium to medium-plus
• Defects are minimal; growers report some misshapen, bruised fruit from packing
• Markets will climb

Watsonville/Salinas

• Temperatures are above normal
• Counts range from 10-15 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Volume will fall due to excessive heat
• Heat-related quality concerns include soft skin, decay, sunburn, and bruising
• Prices are increasing

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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