Strawberry and raspberry supply is at peak quality and volume across California's Central Coast, with Watsonville and Salinas leading production. According to grower Paola Martin, this season started earlier than usual as warmer winter temperatures accelerated crop development across multiple growing regions.
For buyers, this is a window of strong availability and favorable quality across two high-demand berry categories simultaneously. An earlier-than-usual start means the peak window could also shift earlier, potentially compressing the high-volume period before summer heat stress sets in.
With the Cyclospora outbreak creating broad consumer anxiety around fresh produce, strong supply visibility and clean food safety records could be a real differentiator for California Central Coast shippers right now. Worth leaning into promotional activity while quality is at its best.