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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