Recent rain events have impacted key California growing regions, including Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Watsonville/Salinas. In advance of the storms, shippers harvested aggressively to protect quality and fulfill existing commitments. As of today, harvesting is suspended in Watsonville/Salinas, with limited production continuing in Santa Maria.

Santa Maria

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium, with smaller counts averaging 20–24 berries per 1‑lb clamshell
• Overall quality is good; some bruising and white shoulders have been reported
• Prices remain elevated due to limited supplies

Oxnard

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size ranges from small to medium, with counts averaging 18–24 berries per 1‑lb clamshell
• Defects are minimal; some white shoulders and packing‑related bruising have been noted
• Markets are high; stocks are tight

Watsonville/Salinas

• Fruit size is large, averaging 10–15 berries per 1‑lb clamshell
• Quality ranges from fair to good; some lots are exhibiting light pin rot and minor water bruising
• Suppliers are actively assessing rain totals and potential damage, which may further impact availability and quality
• Prices remain elevated, with no short‑term relief expected until assessments are complete

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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