Alan Ediger of California Giant Berry Farms Comments on Current Strawberry Market

Overview of strawberry production in the US, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on January 5, 2024.

UNITED STATES – Keeping our eye on the strawberry market across the United States and Mexico, we reached out to industry friends for comments on recent rains in California and Florida.

Alan Ediger, Vice President of Sales for California Giant Berry Farms, commented on the state of the company’s strawberry program.

“Recent heavy rains in Florida have posed a challenge for strawberry growers, disrupting yields and impacting the harvest with an increase in botrytis and misshapen fruit,” he noted. “We anticipate improved quality and abundant supplies from Florida by early February. On a positive note, Santa Maria’s crops are reaping the benefits of the abundant rain, fostering optimal conditions for growth. Meanwhile, Oxnard’s operations remain unaffected, maintaining their normal course amidst the weather variations in the region.”

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

According to PRO*ACT’s The Source, McAllen, Texas, is also experiencing some challenges due to labor shortages and cold weather.

Somewhat echoing Alan’s reporting, the industry resource noted that Oxnard’s cold temperatures mixed with rain may have slowed production. For California Giant, that does not seem to be the case!

The Source went on to note that supplies will be light through January as production ramps back up, creating a demand-exceeds-supply situation.

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

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