Region Update: Santa Maria experienced a wet and cold week, receiving approximately 2.5 to 2.75 inches of rain over the past seven days. Daytime temperatures have remained in the upper 50s to low 60s, while nighttime lows have dropped into the mid to low 30s, creating slow drying conditions across all ranches. Additional rainfall of roughly a quarter inch fell this morning. Weather conditions are expected to improve heading into the weekend, with daytime highs forecasted in the mid 70s and nighttime lows rising into the low 50s. The following week shows a similar warming trend. Rain initially forecasted for next week has been pushed out, leaving only the possibility of light, scattered showers on Wednesday, which are not currently expected to disrupt harvest operations.
Quality: Crews are actively managing water damage, green shoulders, and scattered rot, both on the plant and in harvested fruit. These defects are consistent with the recent rain and cold temperatures and are expected to persist into the first pass next week. Quality expectations for next week reflect the current weather impacts. The first pass of the week is expected to show higher rates of dry water damage, decay, and green shoulder, and shape issues such as creasing and tip damage may become more apparent. The second pass is likely to include lighter color, as temperatures remain cool early in the week. Crews are being instructed to prioritize full‑color fruit to ensure high quality packs.
Volume: Production next week is expected to be slow, driven by the cold temperatures, saturated fields, and rain‑related damage from this week. Many ranches will struggle to generate color through mid‑week, and movement through the fields will be limited until soils dry. Current estimates call for approximately 30% of our original estimates for next week, though still more than what we received this week.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 18-20; Organic spring crop: 18-20.
Quality: Strawberry quality is showing increasing sensitivity to the warmer weather in the regions currently experiencing upper 80s temperatures. The most prevalent defects include overripe fruit, bruising, green tips, and misshapes. Green and white shoulders continue to be frequently reported, especially in the Maravatío area. This issue is primarily attributed to inconsistent picking discipline rather than weather related factors.
Volume: Production is steady.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 18-20, 20-24;
Quality: Quality has become more challenging due to the sudden increase in heat. Bruising has been the primary issue this week, especially in afternoon picks when field temperatures peak. While crews have kept most bruised fruit out of the pack, this represents the most significant quality pressure of the season so far. Localized thrip hotspots remain active, although spread has been limited. Growers continue to manage these areas carefully. Botrytis pressure remains low, and no notable flare ups have been observed to date—though this could change with upcoming fog and rain.
Volume: This week’s production outlook is more uncertain due to the combined effects of the upcoming cold snap and residual freeze damage from earlier weather events.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 20-24;
Peru Region Update: Peru is also entering the final phase of its season. One organic bulk container is scheduled to arrive Friday, pending terminal inspection. Additional pint and 18 ounce loads from Camposol are also expected, with the vessel having arrived earlier this week. Under normal circumstances, these loads clear inspection in approximately five days, though final timing remains dependent on local port scheduling. Peru has ceased new packing aside from one final week finishing out existing fruit. Once current containers arrive and clear, no additional Peruvian supply will be available.
Chile Region Update: Chile’s arrivals this week include a 6 ounce container scheduled to reach the cooler this afternoon, following a bulk conventional container that arrived earlier this morning. The bulk fruit is being sorted today, with packing scheduled to begin tomorrow. The packing plan prioritizes 12×18 ounce packs to cover commitments, followed by a switch to 6 ounce clamshells for the remainder of the week. On the organic side, two more organic bulk containers from Chile are expected, with one possibly arriving later today pending customs clearance. These represent the final organic volumes of the Chilean season, as recent weather events and the natural seasonal decline have effectively brought Chilean production to an end. All remaining Chilean fruit is already on the water or scheduled for arrival, and no new production will occur at origin.
Region Update: Oxnard is targeting approximately 10 loads of packed pounds next week, with a steady upward trajectory expected over the following month. Despite receiving 1”-3” of rain over the last few days, longer range conditions show daytime temperatures in the low 70s with minimal precipitation risk, enabling the region to stay on estimate for Weeks 9–12. Quality and packouts remain strong, with 85–90% packout efficiency reported from Homegrown.
Region Update: Mexico’s volumes are expected to run lighter in Weeks 8 through 10, followed by a more robust and extended peak in Weeks 12 through 17. Early projections suggest weekly production during the peak may reach approximately 20 loads a week, though field teams are still refining these estimates.
Quality: Raspberry quality remains strong overall. Fruit is showing consistent color, size, and flavor, with only minimal defects such as isolated green or overripe berries.
Volume: Conventional raspberry production is steady.
Region Update: Blackberry quality is stable, though some early signs of regression are beginning to appear due to rising temperatures. Soft fruit is appearing intermittently but is not widespread, and overall pack appearance remains clean with medium sizing dominant across the board.
Volume: Conventional blackberry production is steady.
April 28-30
Toronto, Canada
July 14-16
Monterey, CA
July 23-24
Monterey, CA
Booth #102
September 9-12
Nashville, TN
October 14-16
Orlando, FL
December 1-3
New York City, NY
“I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate the care and quality that goes into every berry you grow. Whether it’s strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, your fruit is always vibrant, flavorful, and fresh—something that really stands out in today’s market. As someone who values clean, wholesome food, your berries have become a regular staple in my kitchen. It’s also inspiring to see your commitment to sustainability and community. From field to table, it’s clear that you prioritize doing things the right way, and it makes a difference. I love supporting companies that care not just about great products, but about the people and planet too.”
