Region Update: Santa Maria is transitioning into cooler fall weather, with daytime temperatures holding in the low 70s and nighttime lows dipping into the low 50s and upper 40s. Foggy mornings persist, typically burning off around 11 a.m., and the cooler mornings are becoming more noticeable. However, a significant weather system is forecasted to arrive Monday night into Tuesday, bringing up to an inch or more of rain, with lingering showers possible through Wednesday.
This incoming rain is expected to disrupt harvest schedules, and some growers are considering picking ahead on Sunday and Monday to mitigate potential damage.
Quality: Conventional fruit quality is holding steady. Fruit size is improving, though pin rot remains a concern, particularly in areas where it’s difficult to detect in packed fruit. Crews are moving slowly and culling aggressively (some areas are still dropping 50% or more fruit into the furrows) to maintain clean packs. Organics are showing similar trends.
Volume: Production is trending downward overall, with early-planted acreage entering post-peak patterns. Later-planted blocks are still cycling through peak, supported by strong green fruit sets. The cooler temperatures are expected to improve fruit firmness and may trigger a rebound in flower sets.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 22-28; Organic: 26-28, 30-32;
Region Update: Watsonville is experiencing a mix of fog and cloud cover, with temperatures dropping 5–6 degrees compared to last week. Daytime highs are currently in the upper 60s, and nighttime lows are settling in the low 50s. This cooler trend is expected to continue in the coming days. However, a significant rain system is forecasted for Tuesday through Friday, with projections ranging from one to one and a half inches of rainfall. If this forecast holds, it could have a major impact on harvest operations in the region.
Quality: Fruit quality remains consistent with previous weeks. Pin rot, small sizing, and some soft fruit continue to be present.
Volume: Production estimates for next week are uncertain due to the weather. A preliminary estimate of 15,000 pounds is based solely on Monday’s expected harvest. If the rain arrives as forecasted, it’s likely that Tuesday through Friday will be unharvestable, and growers will reassess field conditions to see if they will continue for the season. Some may resume harvest later in the week if conditions improve, but others may choose to wrap up their season entirely.
Pack Counts: Conventional: 24-28; Organic: 30-32;
Region Update: The Pacific Northwest has reached the end of its harvest season.
Region Update: Production is significantly ahead of last year’s pace, with total volume for the season currently double that of the same period in 2024. While much of this fruit is being exported to Asia and Europe, shipments to the U.S. are up 40%, making Peru the key driver of fall supply. Organic supply remains limited. No organic shipments are expected until later in the week. One organic bulk container arrived on Monday, and a consistent pace of one container per week is planned for the remainder of the year. The container received on Monday was packed all in 12-18oz for committed business, so open market availability will be very limited week-to-week.
Quality: Hurricane Presidia passed through the southern part of Mexico, leaving behind a trail of tropical storms and heavy rainfall. These weather conditions have affected various regions, with midday storms becoming common. Overall, the weather has been unfavorable, negatively impacting crop conditions and harvest operations.
Volume: Even with the weather challenges, raspberry production is expected to continue increasing in the coming weeks. Approximately 60–65% of the total volume will originate from Jalisco, with the remaining supply evenly distributed between Michoacán and Guanajuato. Organic raspberry production is also projected to grow steadily week by week, although volumes will remain modest.
Quality: Quality challenges continue this week due to the weather challenges, with fruit showing signs of softness.
Volume: Raspberry production is steadily winding down, with current weekly volume down 10%-20% compared to the recent peak production a few weeks back. This trend is expected to continue for another three to four weeks. However, there is a possibility that the season may wrap up earlier than initially forecasted, potentially concluding within four weeks.
Quality: Overall, the weather has been unfavorable, negatively impacting crop conditions and harvest operations.
Volume: Blackberry production is reaching its seasonal peak this week and is expected to remain high into the following week before beginning to decline for the rest of the season.
Quality: Some minor quality issues have been observed.
Volume: Blackberry production is in their late-season crops, which is helping to maintain quality and volume. Weekly production is projected to remain consistent at 12,000 to 16,000 crates over the next two weeks.
“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.”
