News and Stories

Raspberry supplies are limited; prices are elevated. Expect active mixed berry markets over the next two months as crops begin transitioning south to fall growing regions. Availability may become sporadic.

Blackberries

• California and North/South Carolina are the primary growing regions for blackberries
• These seasons are past their peaks
• The majority of California supplies are from the Salinas/Watsonville growing region
• Stocks are ample
• Quality is very good
• The crop is winding down and will begin transitioning from California to Mexico through the month of September
• Expect adequate Mexican volume by October
• Prices are expected to increase through the transition period, then ease when new crop supplies reach sufficient levels

Blueberries

• The Pacific Northwest and Michigan are the primary growing regions
• The British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington seasons will wind down over the next few weeks
• Supplies are adequate
• Prices are steady
• Michigan stocks are expected to remain on the market through September
• Stocks are ample
• The market is steady, but expected to climb through the rest of the season
• California growers will begin using controlled-atmosphere storage rooms to ensure sufficient supplies while crops switch from domestic to imported berries
• Fruit will be held for two to three weeks maximum in controlled-atmosphere storage
• Quality issues such as softness and shriveling may develop due to age
• Larger pack sizes will be limited; 6 and 4.4-ounce clamshells will dominate the market
• Expect elevated prices and sporadic supplies by late September/early October
• Fruit from Peru and Uruguay will arrive in early September
• Supplies from Argentina and Mexico will become available in late September/early October
• Chilean fruit will arrive early November

Raspberries

• The market is very active; demand exceeds supply
• Salinas/Watsonville is the primary growing region followed by Oxnard, California
• Retail advertisements over the past few weeks have led to tighter supplies
• Oxnard volume is down, increasing demand for Salinas/Watsonville fruit
• Hot, humid weather this past month has resulted in lower yields
• Expect elevated prices until supplies increase over the next several weeks
• Quality is good
• The Salinas/Watsonville season is expected to continue through October
• The Oxnard fall crop will ramp up through September and reach adequate volume by October
• Mexican supplies will begin crossing into the U.S. late September/early October

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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