California's 2026 strawberry season got an early jump thanks to warm weather and the continued adoption of new varieties, with the California Strawberry Commission projecting higher marketable volumes compared to recent years. Research into soil-borne disease resistance is also progressing, which has implications for long-term yield stability in the state.
California is the engine of domestic strawberry supply, so an early, higher-volume season is good news for retailers and buyers planning spring and summer promotions. New varieties are increasingly central to the industry's ability to hit earlier windows and improve shelf life.
For buyers, this is a good moment to lean into strawberry features and lock in promotional volume while the market is flush. Monitor how quickly volume builds — early season supply can still be volatile depending on temperatures.