California is currently experiencing some of the largest volumes on record for strawberry production in the state. The weekly volume of fresh market fruit is at an all time high, and processing volumes are also going to approach record weekly volume numbers for the month of May. In the past two weeks the fresh market has shipped more than 9.5 million boxes of strawberry per week, and the current week looks to be similar. California has rarely shipped more than 8 million boxes in a single week before. The record volume is a result of the crop in the northern areas of the state being hit with frost in late winter, higher producing varieties being planted, and excellent weather patterns recently that have allowed the fruit to size up. The excess volumes have put a strain on the logistics of moving it all, and pricing for fresh market fruit is very low currently. The current oversupply of fruit looks to continue for at least a few more weeks.
