Rain is expected in the Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Salinas, California growing regions through October 21.
California Overview
- Harvesting and shipping disruptions, including order delays and complete production cancelation, are possible depending on total rainfall
- Supplies are limited
- Moving orders to Mexican berries (into South Texas) is recommended; Markon’s Account Management and Purchasing Teams are working to identify which membership DCs can do this
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
Santa Maria, California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- Size ranges from small-medium to medium; counts range from 26-30 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 will decrease due to the upcoming rain
- 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 rain to increase markets
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 elevated prices
Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.
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