Region Update: Weather conditions in the Watsonville and Salinas regions have been mixed over the past several days. While daytime conditions have generally been favorable, the area experienced spotty showers, with approximately 0.10 inches of rain recorded overnight. Rainfall was uneven across the region, with Watsonville receiving more moisture than Salinas, resulting in localized water damage concerns. Field teams also reported a minor earthquake overnight, though no operational issues resulted.
Quality: Fruit quality continues to reflect the effects of recent weather patterns. Growers are still discarding a notable amount of sunburned fruit, along with some split fruit, isolated albino berries, and typical bruising, largely driven by the exceptionally large fruit size. Despite these challenges, fruit size is expected to hold for the near term, which will continue to influence both bruising risk and sorting requirements.
Volume: Some growers are ahead of schedule, with substantial fruit on the beds, while others are two to three weeks behind. It is expected that all growers will reach good production levels within four to five weeks, with clean fruit and minimal deformity.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 12-16; Organic spring crop: 24-28.
Region Update: Santa Maria has returned to more typical weather patterns for this time of year. Over the weekend, daytime temperatures ranged from the low to mid‑70s, while nighttime lows settled into the upper 40s. Rain had been removed from the forecast, providing welcome stability following recent weather volatility. Yesterday morning began with heavy fog and damp conditions, which temporarily slowed field activity early in the day.
Temperatures are expected to rise again heading into the weekend, with daytime highs forecasted to reach the low 80s. Looking further ahead, next week appears favorable, with temperatures moderating into the low 70s, creating ideal conditions for fruit development and harvest consistency.
Quality: Conventional fruit quality continues to improve as fields clean up from the sun damage caused by the recent heat event. By the first harvest pass next week, most remaining sun blemishes are expected to be fully removed from the system. Crews are also managing overripe and misshapen fruit, culling aggressively (up to 40% of fruit) to the furrows and ensuring that only the best fruit enters the clamshell. Organic fields are following a similar recovery pattern but were impacted more heavily by the heat due to smaller plant canopies and reduced fruit protection. Some sun blemishes and soft fruit remain present, but overall cleanup has progressed well.
Volume: All varieties are cycling well for the Easter demand window, and plants continue to show strong flower and fruit loads, supporting confidence in upcoming volumes.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 10-14; Organic spring crop: 20-26.
Quality: Overall fruit quality remains strong.
Volume: Current weekly production is about at its peak.
Quality: Overall fruit quality remains strong.
Volume: Mexico’s volumes are increasing. the next 2-3 weeks before this region peaks sometime towards the end of April.
Quality: Fruit quality is reported as good, though berry size may be slightly reduced.
Volume: The market anticipates a quick peak in production, followed by a sharp decline.
Quality: Raspberries are performing more favorably compared to other commodities. The crop is showing good color, firmness, and flavor, and the majority of lots continue to pack into Premium and Fancy grades. Raspberries have held up better under the recent heat compared to blackberries, and the season continues to progress smoothly. Quality stability has remained consistent, and no major operational issues have been reported.
Volume: Peak volumes are anticipated towards the end of April and last through May.
Region Update: Weather conditions across Mexico remain hot, although temperatures today are slightly lower compared to earlier in the week. Most growing regions are experiencing persistent heat, which is beginning to affect fruit condition, particularly in blackberries. Despite the high temperatures, operations remain on schedule, and growers continue to move product through the system as forecasted.
Volume: Volumes are peaking for the region for the next two months.
April 28-30
Toronto, Canada
July 14-16
Monterey, CA
Booth #501
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.”
