GLOBAL MARKET REVIEW WITH DR GODWIN OYEFESO (STRAWBERRIES)
Belgium: Spring peak in volumes causes slight drop in Prices
“We’re now seeing volumes increase, and since last week we’ve really entered the spring peak in supply. On Friday, for the first time, we exceeded 300 tons in deliveries. This is mainly due to the weather in recent weeks and the warm days last week, which have brought open-field cultivation systems into production as well,” says a Belgian trader.
“The higher volumes align nicely with consumer demand and the shift in trade from Spanish to Belgian/Dutch fruit. So far, we’re not seeing the market struggle to absorb these volumes. Still, during a week with public holidays, like last week, we always have to be cautious about how prices will react. Prices did drop slightly, partly due to the increased volumes. However, prices are expected to hold up in the coming weeks. Mother’s Day is coming up. On top of that, there’s strong demand from market vendors, the foodservice sector, and export markets. And since the overall quality is good, strawberries tend to sell themselves.”
England: Optimism for strawberry season with favorable weather
Favorable weather conditions, with a mix of warm days and cool nights, are benefiting strawberry quality. Growers are optimistic about the season, citing a mild winter and spring. Volumes are expected to be strong, although there are concerns about a potential oversupply in July. However, growers hope to avoid the sharp production peaks seen last year.
Demand for imported strawberries was strong during the winter, providing a positive foundation for the domestic season. Growers are hopeful that consistent quality and favorable conditions will support steady sales as the season progresses.
Scotland: Strawberry season begins with optimism
In Scotland, growers are also optimistic as the season begins, with favorable light levels supporting fruit quality. North America expects a strong strawberry supply for the summer holidays, with high volumes from Santa Maria, Baja, and Salinas.
In Scotland, where the strawberry season starts slightly later than in England, growers are just beginning to harvest the first fruits. Scottish growers are cautiously optimistic about a successful season. Light levels have been favorable, and plants are showing abundant fruit and flowers, indicating good production potential.
North America: Strong strawberry supply expected for summer holidays
Strawberry supply from California remains strong, with Santa Maria significantly increasing its production last week. This region is expected to maintain high production levels and good quality for at least the next eight weeks. Although the production schedule is similar to last year, it may be slightly delayed due to mild temperatures.
In addition to Santa Maria, northern Baja is supplying good strawberry volumes, while Oxnard continues production through other suppliers. However, Oxnard’s supply is expected to decline over the next four to eight weeks. Meanwhile, Salinas is just beginning its strawberry season, with peak volumes anticipated from mid-May to July. The outlook for Santa Maria, Baja, and Salinas remains positive.
Demand for strawberries has been strong, supported by the Easter holiday, which fell later this year. This timing allowed the industry to supply a larger volume of berries for the holiday. Demand for Mother’s Day is also strong, and high demand is expected to continue through Memorial Weekend and into the early summer weeks.
Overall, the North American strawberry market is well-positioned for a successful summer, with steady production from key regions and sustained consumer demand.