Strawberry and Tomato Supplies Stay Tight During Seasonal Transition

Strawberry and tomato markets remain tight as weather disruptions and the annual shift between growing regions limit supplies and keep prices elevated heading deeper into November.

California strawberry harvesting has been disrupted by rain, reducing available volume from Santa Maria and the Salinas-Watsonville region.

USDA market data cited in a Nov. 5 produce report showed conventional medium strawberries from those districts selling for $26 to $28 per flat of eight one-pound containers, while organic berries were quoted at $32 to $34.

More recent market data continued to show upward pressure on strawberries, with benchmark prices rising during the week ending Nov. 9.

Relief should begin developing as production shifts south.

Mexican strawberry shipments are expected to increase seasonally, while Florida harvesting is scheduled to begin around mid-November. Those supplies could help improve availability as California’s season winds down.

Tomatoes are dealing with a similar transition.

Supplies remain tight in several production areas, creating active trading and high prices.

Mexican vine-ripe tomatoes crossing through Texas were recently quoted at $58.95 to $60.95 per two-layer carton.

Mature-green tomatoes from western Florida and Georgia were mostly $57.35 to $59.35 per 25-pound carton for 5×5 and 5×6 sizes.

Supplies from Eastern Tennessee and Virginia’s Eastern Shore are declining as those seasonal programs wind down, while California volume also continues to decrease.

Florida production is expected to increase in the coming weeks, eventually adding more volume to the market.

Seasonal transitions frequently create short periods of volatility in produce markets because one growing region may decline before the next is producing at full volume.

Weather can magnify that problem. Rain not only interrupts harvesting but can also affect fruit quality and reduce the number of marketable cartons packed from a field. For retailers, that can mean higher acquisition costs, inconsistent availability and more difficulty maintaining promotional programs.

The current conditions are not limited to strawberries and tomatoes. Recent weather has also affected cucumbers, peppers and other vegetables moving from fall into winter production regions.

For produce managers, however, strawberries and tomatoes are particularly visible because they are high-volume items shoppers purchase throughout the year.

The good news is that additional production is on the horizon.

Increasing Mexican strawberry shipments and expanding Florida tomato and strawberry harvests should gradually improve availability.

Until those programs reach meaningful volume, buyers should expect continued market volatility and tight supplies, particularly if additional weather disrupts harvesting during the transition.

The situation is another reminder of how quickly fresh produce markets can change when weather and seasonal geography intersect.