California strawberry production in 2020 was not as strong as expected. This happened as a result of some heat waves that rolled through the state in the spring and summer. Fresh market volumes shipped were higher than in 2019, but below levels of 2018. Fresh market pricing remained strong throughout the summer. This is the first time that this has happened in many years. Many strawberry growers had a good year financially as a result of this. Volumes of fruit going to processing markets were affected by this trend as well. Much lower volumes than expected, and much higher field prices, were the result of this trend. This left processing markets short for the second year in a row. Currently prices being paid for fruit going to processing channels remains high.
