The Trade Buzz

CROP UPDATES

STRAWBERRIES

strawberry

Santa Maria

Quality: Conventional fruit quality is holding up well so far this week, although many weather-related challenges persist. Warmer temperatures have led to instances of bruising, soft fruit, albino fruit, and field-level decay. Organic fruit is seeing a similar trend, while also producing smaller fruit.

Volume: Production volumes are increasing steadily.

Pack Counts: Conventional 18-22; Organic spring crop 28-30; Organic fall crop 14-18.

Watsonville/Salinas

Quality: Overall fruit quality is fair and beginning to size down. 

Volume: A gradual decline is anticipated over the next two to three weeks.

Pack Counts: Conventional: 22-24; Organic: 26-28;

 

BLUEBERRIES

blueberry

Pacific Northwest

Quality: Quality is good.

Volume: The PNW season is winding down quickly.

Peru

Region Update: Conventional blueberries from Peru have already begun arriving, ensuring strong continuity in supply for the next two to three months. Quality is great.

Volumes are rapidly increasing.

RASPBERRIES

raspberry

Mexico

Quality: Overall, fruit quality is improving with occurrences of overripe and soft fruit due to humid weather and rains.

Volume: Production is steadily increasing.

Watsonville

Quality: Quality is fair.

Volume: Production is steadily winding down.

BLACKBERRIES

blackberry

Mexico

Quality: Blackberry quality is fair with leaky berries due to lingering humidity.

Volume: An increase in production is projected.

Watsonville

Quality: Quality is good, with some defects such as leaky berries.

Volume: Volumes are declining.

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SEPC Southern Exposure

Feb. 26 – Mar. 1
Orlando, Florida
Booth #728

CPMA

April 28-30
Toronto, Canada

Organic Produce Summit

July 14-16
Monterey, CA

IFPA Foodservice Conference

July 23-24
Monterey, CA
Booth #102

SEPC Southern Innovations

September 9-12
Nashville, TN

IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show

October 14-16
Orlando, FL

New York Produce Show

December 1-3
New York City, NY

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

“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.”

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