Strawberry Update

Tues, August 11th, 2026

Dear Ole Tyme Customers:

Supply Outlook
- Strawberry supplies are expected to tighten over the next 3 to 4 weeks as California growing regions transition between production cycles.
- The reduction in availability follows an extended period of elevated temperatures throughout July.
Impact of Recent Weather
- Prolonged heat accelerated fruit development, causing a larger portion of the crop to be harvested earlier than normal.
- While overall quality remains relatively good, the accelerated harvest schedule has created supply challenges heading into August.
Current Harvest Conditions
- Harvest crews are spending more time identifying and selecting fruit that meets market standards.
- Smaller berry sizes are reducing field yields and overall case production.
- Increased occurrences of misshapen fruit and bruising are lowering pack-out percentages and reducing marketable volume.
Market Impact
- The combination of early harvesting, smaller fruit size, and quality-related losses is significantly limiting available supplies.
- Industry-wide availability could decline by up to 50% over the next several weeks.
- Customers may experience tighter supplies and occasional fulfillment challenges as the market works through this production gap.
Expected Recovery
- Supply conditions are expected to improve during the first half of September.
- New production from Santa Maria, California, and Baja California, Mexico, is anticipated to begin contributing additional volume.
- Current crop conditions in these regions are favorable, and production is expected to increase steadily.
Outlook
- As new growing areas ramp up, supply levels should gradually return to more typical seasonal volumes.
- We will continue to monitor crop conditions, quality, and availability and provide updates as market conditions evolve.