News and Stories

UPDATE: California Strawberries

May 21, 2015

 

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed. Last week’s light showers in Santa Maria and Salinas/Watsonville, California did not have a significant impact on supply levels. Prices are easing; stocks have increased and demand has weakened. Markon’s May strawberry promotion will end Saturday, May 23. The market is expected to remain steady to slightly lower than promotional rates, making a smooth transition back to open-market prices. Expect two-tiered pricing between the Salinas/Watsonville and Santa Maria growing regions with the Santa Maria market being slightly lower.

 

  • MFC Strawberries are available; MBA is being substituted as needed
  • Salinas/Watsonville is the primary growing region
    • Quality is excellent; size is large
    • Supplies are ample
    • Prices are easing
  • Santa Maria supplies were impacted by last week’s rain, but volume remains high
    • Light water damage is being reported in some lots
    • Overall quality is good; size is medium to medium-plus
    • The market is declining quickly
  • Growers in both Santa Maria and Watsonville are sending extra berries to processors due to a declining market
    • Processing prices are currently higher than those for fresh market commodity packs
    • The fresh market will inch up as more supplies go to processors
    • Prices are expected to rebound in the coming weeks

 

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

 

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