It’s not just market growers: U.S. strawberry processing volumes limited, too
Meanwhile, tight supplies and higher production costs continue to support frozen strawberry prices.
Fresh demand is continuing to limit the volume of strawberries available for processing in the U.S., according to a recent market report from Mintec/Expana published by FreshPlaza.
Strong competition from the fresh market is said to be keeping supplies tight and supporting prices for frozen strawberries, even as California production volumes increase.
The report noted that weather conditions in California’s Salinas-Watsonville region have affected fruit quality, creating some additional movement into frozen berry channels. However, robust fresh-market demand continues to absorb a significant share of available fruit before it reaches processors.
Of course, higher freight and fuel costs also are contributing to firm pricing across the sector. Imports have provided limited relief, as Egypt’s strawberry season has ended and available IQF supplies remain constrained.