Strawberry quality continues to be a challenge. California growing regions have been decimated by recent weather. Mexican-grown crops continue to battle size, limiting how much fruit can cross into the United States.

Santa Maria, California

• Production is slated to wrap up in mid-December
• Crews must cull up to 50% of fruit from plants
• Production is down 65-70% in some fields
• Quality concerns include excessive bruising, pin rot, and water damage
• Plastic clamshells will be substituted for the corrugated packs

Oxnard, California

• Volume remains low
• Quality is good
• Size ranges from medium to large
• Production is expected to increase over the next two weeks

Central Mexico

• The season has begun, but production is increasing slowly
• Limited quantities have begun to cross into McAllen, Texas; By mid-December suppliers are expecting to receive load volume in both California and Texas
• Size is small (approximately 32+ berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• So far, challenges include small size, bruising, and misshapen fruit

Florida

• Harvesting has begun in a very limited way; fruit will hit the market over the next 7-10 days
• Volume is expected to increase by mid-December
• Markon First Crop Strawberries are estimated to begin shipping the week of December 6

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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