Markon inspectors and growers assessed the impact of the recent rainfall across California’s Central Coast strawberry growing regions today, and unfortunately, challenging conditions persist. Growers are culling water-damaged fruit, heavily reducing yields; losses are estimated at 50-60% of current crops.

Supplies for orders scheduled to pack and ship Monday, October 26, and Tuesday, October 27, are extremely limited. California growers expect to fill 50% of orders due to quality problems; shelf life will be reduced in all harvested fruit.

Mexico’s strawberry season has begun, but volume is low. Full production is not expected until late November or early December. Markon is moving member orders to Mexico for the next two weeks, as current supplies allow.

California growers began stripping damaged fruit today and will continue next week.

• Strawberry availability will remain extremely low throughout this week
• Shortages, delays, and harvest cancellations are expected
• Markets will remain active, as demand will far exceed available supplies
• The long-term weather forecast indicates another storm may move into California’s Central Coast later this week

Markon will continue working closely with our California and Mexico growers to secure as much high-quality product as possible and minimize disruptions for our members.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for additional information.

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