Heres the latest update on the frozen berry supply situation in the United States, courtesy of Imperial Frozen Foods.Blackberries: Cold storage numbers indicate sufficient supply, however domestic blackberries are in short supply because of steady demand from the fast food industry.
Blueberries: Cultivated blueberry supply is still ample. Total blueberry stores are 34% ahead of last year. That doesn't count what is in Canada. The wild blueberry market is not as weak as cultivated.
There are only around two weeks left of the Chilean blueberry harvest now, as the Southern region winds down. Remaining weekly volumes will be low.
Raspberries: Raspberries stocks of all qualities are lower than last year. Supply is particularly low on IQF red raspberries: 14.6 million pound as of February 28, 2013 compared to 17.5 million Feb 29, 2012. A very nervous market with a lot of upside pressure from Chile.
There is a growing interest in raspberry crops in Mexico. In the last seven years Mexico has become, as a producer of berries, a major player in the world, especially in the US market.
Strawberries: There are enough strawberries to go around. Demand is in balance with supply. The new crop is around the corner. Fresh market demand is strong which will delay freezer berries for a week or two.
Cherries: Tart cherry supply is very low due to a disastrous 2012 crop in Michigan. Dark sweet cherry supply appears to be ample, however they are hard to find.
