January 16, 2017

As we work our way through January and look ahead to February, we are still dancing around weather disruptions in various growing districts. We will do our best to provide you with updates on each region based on what we are seeing in the fields and hearing from our QA teams. Be sure to stay in contact with us so we can work together on supply and keep our consumers happy with quality product on the shelf.

For more information, including crop and weather reports, please scroll below.

Florida: Weather is expected to improve this week with daytime temps staying the 80’s and night time lows in the 60’s. However, there is a good chance for rain again following the weekend of the 20th. Despite potential weather disruptions, we still expect the volume to continue to increase each week as the plants enter their peak in early February. Fruit size and quality is great with counts ranging from 8-12, and 14-18 based on varietal differences. We are gearing up for stems in this region in anticipation of Valentine’s Day demand.

Mexico: Generally, the quality is good, but we are still seeing some green tips on the Albion and some white shoulders. The volume is still low due to weather, but expected to improve slightly. Highs are in the low 80’s but night time temps are in the low 40’s. Counts range by variety and region within Mexico anywhere from 16-28. Expecting weather to cooperate for expected demand on stems at the end of the month. Blackberries in Los Reyes are improving due to better weather conditions with highs close to 80 degrees and night time lows in the low 50’s.  

Oxnard: This region had more rain last week than expected last week and more is forecasted later this week. In fact, the rain total last week was 1/3 of the total Oxnard received for the entire year in 2016. The clear weather in-between rain events is helping to keep the fields moving forward with harvesting fresh as well as some juice to keep the fields clean. The fruit is large and flavorful and the new short day varieties seem to be holding up well in the rain. We are hoping for fewer rain events as time moves forward into the season.   

Santa Maria: This region still not close to getting into production but has had quite a bit of rain to date. They received about 3 inches last week and more storms are lined up for later this month. Growers are focused on keeping the fields well drained and plants clean so harvesting can begin in this district by mid-February. We will keep you up to date on progress here.

Blueberries: Harvesting is progressing on schedule in the various growing districts within Chile. We did see some rain in the southern region that disrupted harvesting and packing and there is some weather forecasted, but we anticipate continued volume and arrivals for the next several weeks. Pack sizes available include both pints and 18 oz.   

For up-to-date weather conditions in all of our growing regions, click on the region below. Wunderground.com is our go-to weather resource for fast and reliable weather updates. 

Santa Maria

Florida

Oxnard

Watsonville - Salinas

Mexico

Central Valley