Current status of the strawberry market in the United States

In this installment of the Agronometrics in Charts series, we look at the state of the U.S. strawberry market. Each week, the series examines a different commodity, focusing on a particular origin or theme, and visualizing the market factors driving change. Although California strawberry supplies are currently plentiful, quality issues have arisen due to rising temperatures. The region experienced an unusually warm period from Sept. 27 to Oct. 8; in the Salinas-Watsonville area, high temperatures resulted in smaller, less robust berries. "Most of the berries are not good," says Steve Johnston of G.W. Palmer & Co. Inc., emphasizing the toll the heat has taken on the fruit. In contrast, the Santa Maria and Oxnard regions, where summer-planted fruit is thriving, are showing stronger production. However, many shippers are choosing to harvest earlier, as allowing the fruit to fully ripen would result in softer berries. Demand for strawberries appears to be lower at the moment. Weather ...