California Strawberry Commission primed to promote strawberries

Volumes (in Kg) of strawberries from Central California in the US Market

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

Total California strawberry acreage reported for 2021 is 36,487. Acreage has increased in response to rising consumer demand. Fall planted acres, that reach peak production in late spring through early summer, increased 5.7 percent. California volume is expected to increase in the second half of March. Weather conditions have been favorable for excellent fruit quality and availability from all districts as the season progresses. Peak volume is projected to be greater than 2020, at 10 million trays per week in early May.

Volumes (in Kg) of strawberry in the US Market during the California season

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

Consumer demand is surging with more households purchasing strawberries. Household penetration in 2020 increased by 2.3 points compared to 2019, with strawberries now in 67.1 percent of U.S. households.

The California Strawberry Commission consumer outreach goal is to connect the heart of strawberry farmers with the heart of people. Consumers will have access to real farmer and farmworker stories via a Day-in-the Life webisode series that will be shared across social media and at www.CaliforniaStrawberries.com.

The CSC will also host a series of Strawberry Snackdowns. These will feature registered dietitians competing live on Instagram to make the most creative strawberry snacks.

To inspire people to eat more strawberries, consumers can enter the #CAStrawberryChallenge by submitting their favorite ways to enjoy strawberries for cash prizes from June through August.

Because of its success last year, the commission will also kick off a shopper activation in partnership with Ibotta in May to drive retail category engagement during National Strawberry Month.

More than ever, nutrition is top of mind and the California Strawberry Commission is here to help shoppers get creative with their meals. March is National Nutrition Month, and this month’s blog shares expert tips on how consumers can personalize their plate with strawberries. Recipe contributors have found creative ways to add strawberries to nutritious meals to meet a range of cultural and personal food preferences. The blog can be found at www.californiastrawberries.com/personalize-your-plate-with-strawberries/.

The CSC continues to elevate the health benefits of strawberries and keep them top of mind as a food that helps support the immune system. Strawberries are packed with beneficial antioxidants, provide fiber, and are an excellent source of vitamin C. A one-cup serving of strawberries has as much vitamin C as an orange, which is all the vitamin C we need in a day. Strawberries are also the most widely available fresh fruit source for vitamin C.

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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