Although the recent stretch of cooler weather has aided quality, higher temperatures are forecast through Saturday, October 17. Quality challenges from previous heat events persist, including soft skin, sun scalding, and bruising. This week’s hot weather will increase these heat-related quality issues during harvesting and packing.
Watsonville/Salinas
- Size ranges from small to small-medium; counts range from 26-28 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is fair; pin rot, odd shape, bruising, and soft skin have been called out
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect the heat to drive up prices
Santa Maria, California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Size ranges from small-medium to medium; counts range from 22-26 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality ranges from fair to good; light bruising and odd shape are being reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Volume levels have decreased due to the heat
- Expect prices to climb
Oxnard, California
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Size is medium; counts range from 20-24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; white shoulders and light bruising have been reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect the upcoming heat to increase markets
Mexico (into South Texas)
- The season is getting started
- Size is medium; counts range from 18-22 per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; bruising is a minor issue
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect prices to rise alongside the California market
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.
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