CALIFORNIA & MEXICO - Gather ‘round, industry friends, as I deliver the latest strawberry update straight from the fields of Bobalu. Following the hurricane and tropical storm that hit Southern California, Bobalu reports that its California growing regions were spared other than a couple of inches of rain in Oxnard. In Santa Maria, the fields stayed dry.

“Our weekly volume is still holding steady as we came off that mid-summer gap earlier this month, and the quality remains strong as we continue through the rest of this month,” the grower stated in its report about the Santa Maria crops. “At the same time, we are beginning to see our fall planted crop come into season. We expect to see promotable volume of our fall crop by mid-September.”

With favorable summer weather in this growing region, Bobalu has expectations for mild conditions, excellent fruit, and a promotable fall season.

“The timing for [Oxnard and Mexico] coming into fall season has not changed from our last forecast, so we expect to begin in October,” the report continued. “As we get closer to the start of the harvest in both regions, we will let you know and send photos.”

On a statewide level, Bobalu reported that according to the Strawberry Commission Pink Sheet, the industry is still somewhat behind overall volume compared to 2022. However, Santa Maria is very close to the volume compared to this time period in 2021. Retailers can expect promotable volume for fall holidays, back-to-school promotions, and more.

Keep reading ANUK as we bring you the latest crop updates.

Bobalu