California rain to limit strawberry volume

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this strawberry crop update January 5, 2026:

Strawberry growers will strip fields and assess damage from recent storms during the first part of this week. Production is scheduled to begin later in the week; expect extremely low yields due to recurring rain.

Santa Maria/Oxnard

• During this period, packer label will be substituted as needed
• Strawberries shipping out of California will be brought from Mexico to fill orders; Mexican consolidated berries will have 48 to 72 hours of reduced shelf-life due to transfer times from Mexico to California
• California-grown strawberries will include decay, pin rot, as well as light color
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Markon DCs are advised to load out of South Texas or Florida, if possible,
• Expect strong demand and elevated markets through the next two weeks

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Volume will increase through mid-January
• Size is small-medium (19 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality continues to improve weekly as peak season nears
• Expect elevated pricing and tight stocks as Mexico helps fill orders from California

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Volume is rising
• Quality is improving; concerns include white shoulders and green tips
• Size is small-medium (17 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Expect pricing to inch up as Florida supplements California shortages

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.