November 30, 2020

Strawberries

Oxnard: 

Harvest: Growers are starting to see a good bloom set and occasional green fruit throughout the fields. They will start walking the fields in a few more weeks with harvest expected to begin at the beginning of the year in light volumes.

Santa Maria:

Quality: Conventional and organic fruit quality is good with nice shape, color and taste. Seeing minimal pinpoint rot.

Volume: Steady volume.

Pack Counts: Conventional: 18-20 / Organic: 20-24

Salinas:

Quality: Fruit is firm due to the cool weather, with overall good quality and very little decay.

Volume: Favorable weather is presenting the ability for growers to continue harvesting into December.

Pack Counts: Conventional: 20-24 / Organic: 28-32

Mexico:

Quality: Quality is good with minor bruising and some green shoulders.

Volume: Volume is increasing over the next several weeks.

Florida:

Quality: Besides extra small fruit, the berries are firm, have great color and flavor. Seeing occasional decay and pinpoint rot under the calyx.

Volume: Slow and steady light volume to start the season. Production is expected to pick up by mid-December.

Pack Count: Conventional: 28-35

Blueberries

Mexico

Quality: Good quality with good bloom and good size. Small amounts of overripe fruit.

Volume: Total volume is gradually increasing.

South America:

Quality: Great quality with high bloom, firmness and good taste.

Volume: The first container to the U.S. is due ship this week.

Raspberries

Mexico:

Quality: Growers are seeing some uneven ripening and some broken fruit, but crews are working hard to keep this out of the packs.

Volume: Steady production for the next few weeks.

Blackberries 

Mexico:

Quality: Seeing some red cell and wind damage, but overall quality is good.