Cold weather affects strawberry production

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 reported on January 21 that strawberry maturation will be delayed, resulting in smaller berry sizes due to cold weather.

Expect elevated prices heading into the Valentine’s Day holiday.

Santa Maria, California

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
• The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is falling
• Size ranges from small to small-medium (20-28 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; white shoulders and light bruising are issues
• The spring season is getting started; fruit size is large (9-12 berries per 1-pound clamshell)

Oxnard, California

• Winter seasonal volume has passed its peak; the spring crop will get underway soon
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (20-24 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; white shoulders and light bruising are issues

Mexico (into South Texas)

• The season is at its peak; yields are high
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (22-26 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, white shoulders, and misshapen berries have been reported

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available
• More cold weather will delay berry maturation
• Supply levels have decreased due to the unseasonably low temperatures
• Berries range from small-medium to medium in size (24-28 per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, light colored fruit, and misshapen berries have been reported