The Trade Buzz

CROP UPDATES

STRAWBERRIES

strawberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is fair due to warm weather with some bruised and overripe fruit. 

Volume: Production is decreasing as the season winds down. 

Pack Counts: Conventional: 24-26, 28-30 depending on ranch 

Oxnard

Region Update: The area experienced rain last week and cool weather continues to slow ripening and interrupt harvest. Clearer skies are forecasted for the next two weeks which will result in improved quality and yield. 

Quality: Quality of what is getting packed is good with 90 – 95% color and nice shape and sheen. Crews are working diligently to turn in a clean pack.  

Volume: Production will increase rapidly once dry, warmer weather is present.  

Pack Counts: Conventional: 12-16 

Santa Maria

Region Update: The area has experienced rain and cool weather that has slowed ripening and interrupted harvest.  

Quality: Conventional and organic quality is fair with some water damage, decay and/or green shoulders due to wet, cold weather. Plants are healthy and strong with plenty of green fruit and flower.  

Volume: Volumes are currently light as wet weather continues to delay ripening. Production will increase rapidly with dry, warm weather.  

Pack Counts: Conventional spring crop: 12-18-20; Organic spring crop: 12-16; Organic fall crop: 28-32 

Watsonville/
Salinas

Crop Status: Continued cold temps and wet weather has delayed the Central Coast growing regions by a few weeks. Growers are hopeful to begin harvest of fresh strawberries, in light volume, in mid-April, pending any unforeseen weather events.   

BLUEBERRIES

blueberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is great.  

Volume: Volume is increasing for both conventional and organic fruit. 

Oxnard

Quality: Quality of organic fruit is good with some underripe fruit due to cold weather. 

Volume: Volumes are below estimates as cold temperatures are slowing ripening. Dry, warm weather will allow for improved quality and rise in volume.  

Georgia

Crop Status: An early April start date is forecasted for Georgia harvests.  

RASPBERRIES

raspberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is good with some soft, overripe and/or broken fruit due to warm weather.  

Volume: Production is steady. 

BLACKBERRIES

blackberry

Mexico

Quality: Quality is good with occasional red cell and soft fruit due to recent warm weather.  

Volume: Production is steady. 

LAST CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: Now in its 5th year, the California Giant Chef Invitational is a nationwide culinary competition that calls upon chefs to think outside the box and create innovative, original dishes featuring fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries as the hero of the plate. Don’t miss your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and compete in the event for the title of California Giant Berry Farms Top Chef. Submit your recipe by 11:59 PM on 3/31/23.

For more information on how to apply to the 2023 California Giant Chef Invitational and to read the complete guidelinesclick here!

A berry nice note from a California Giant Berry Farms shopper:

“Great product! My kids love strawberries and I’ve purchased these for them and they are the best strawberries I have found in the area. Kudos to you!”

The Trade Buzz

Subscribe to The Buzz trade newsletter and receive weekly emails with the latest berry news.

The Berry Buzz logo

Subscribe the Berry Buzz Blog for the latest berry news, recipes, tips, videos and more!