CROP UPDATES

Quality: Overall fruit quality remains strong.

Volume: Oxnard organics significantly outperformed the weekly estimate for this past week. The actuals finished about 30%-40% higher than anticipated, driven primarily by carryover fruit from the prior week and heavier-than-expected production late in the week. This overage strengthens near-term organic availability.

Quality: Field conditions in Mexico remain hot, with midday temperatures approaching 100°F, but quality has not shown meaningful deterioration as of the latest update and crews are doing a good job on turning in clean packs.

Volume: Mexico’s blueberry above our initial estimates for the week. With an increase of about 10% compared to the initial forecast. Production is still tracking well overall; however, one area is experiencing harvest labor instability and staffing changes that may reduce volumes by an estimated 5–7% versus expectations in the coming days.

Region Update: In the Central Valley, the beginning-season fruit is starting off strong, with our organic production finishing well above forecast. Though overall volume is light, the final production about doubled, reflecting stronger-than-anticipated output. Current activity remains concentrated in Snow Chaser blocks, including Columbine production.

Operationally, Columbine is packing 10 pallets of organic 12x18s today. A new grower is contributing a smaller start, with half a pallet today and one full pallet of 12x18s expected tomorrow and Friday. Central Valley conventional timing remains unchanged, with meaningful volume still expected to begin around the first week of May, as cooler temperatures this week are slowing development.

Conventional volume out of the Central Valley won’t start until the first weeks of May.

Region Update: The Southeast is experiencing a delayed start to the season, with Florida and Georgia expected to begin harvests at roughly the same time due to earlier weather events. Some early varieties were lost to freeze damage, pushing back the start of the season. Florida volume was not originally included in the last week’s forecast, but a small amount of production was packed over the weekend, with another half load expected to be packed this Friday. H&A is packing to order, so far focusing on 6oz and pints packs. Recent rain in Florida is beginning to clear, and fields are drying out, positioning the region to return to more consistent packing volumes late in the week.

In the broader Southeast, recent rain has temporarily limited activity, but conditions are drying and should support improved packing late tomorrow and Friday. Georgia is beginning to ramp. Food safety signoffs are underway at the ranch level, and packing is planned at OBC this season. Early field looks in Georgia indicate strong crop load and good quality, supported by favorable near-term weather. Georgia volume is expected to begin increasing by early next-next week, with more meaningful fruit arriving the following week (in 3 weeks and later). Additionally, H&A’s Florida operation is expected to begin bringing fruit down from Georgia starting next week, improving pack flexibility and supply continuity.