News and Stories

The primary California growing region of Oxnard received approximately 0.50” to 0.75” of rain on Friday, March 11. Despite the rain, supplies remain adequate. Expect promotable supply levels between California and Florida for the Easter holiday on Sunday, March 27 (barring any adverse weather).

Oxnard, California

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are not available due to rain; Markon Best Available (MBA) and packer label supplies in one-pound clamshells are being substituted
• Oxnard received approximately 0.50” to 0.75” of rain over a very short period last Friday, March 11
• The storm passed quickly and was followed by strong winds that helped dry fields; rain is not forecast through this weekend
• Quality is good despite the recent weather; only a few short-term quality issues are of concern
• Bruising
• Light rain/water damage
• Occasional decay
• Wind scarring
• Crews were able to cull rain-damaged fruit on Saturday, March 12 and Monday, March 14; quality is expected to rebound by Thursday, March 17
• Supplies are adequate; ample stocks will be on the market to meet Easter demand
• The market is slightly higher this week; prices are inching up

Santa Maria, California

• MFC and MBA Strawberries are not available due to rain; packer label supplies in one-pound clamshells are being substituted
• Santa Maria received approximately 1.25” to 1.50” of rain between Friday, March 11 and Monday, March 14
• Supplies were impacted in Santa Maria much more than in Oxnard; it will take several days of culling damaged fruit before quality rebounds
• Most suppliers are only shipping fruit on the West Coast this week; rain-related quality issues are of major concern
• Bruising
• Decay
• Rain/water damage
• Soft Texture
• Wind scarring
• Quality is forecast to rebound by Monday, March 21
• Volume is low; stocks are currently less than half of Oxnard supplies
• The market is slightly higher this week; prices are inching up

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are not available; packer label supplies in one and two-pound clamshells are available
• Ample supplies will be on the market through Easter (March 27); the season will end for many suppliers the week of March 28
• Warm temperatures and sporadic rain continue to affect quality and shelf-life; more rain is forecast for this weekend
• Overall quality ranges from fairly good to good
• Texture is fairly firm
• Overall size is medium to medium-plus
• Bruising, occasional decay, and overripe berries are concerns
• Prices are steady to slightly higher; the market will inch up for Easter

Mexico (into South Texas)

• MFC Strawberries are not available
• The season has ended for most independent suppliers
• Driscoll’s strawberry and mixed berry seasons will continue through April

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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