RaboResearch report: Healthy demand for strawberries will stay strong
According to a March 2021 report by RaboResearch Food & Agribusiness, organic strawberry shipments and average prices increased on an annual basis, suggesting demand growth in the category amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The planted area for the current marketing year will reach a multi-year high in California, with planted area in Florida and Mexico estimated to expand as well.
“While we expect lower price volatility in 2021, a healthy demand for strawberries will help prices remain at profitable levels for growers,” according to David Magaña, senior analyst – fresh produce and tree nuts.
Although transparency and food safety continue to be imperative, factors such as sustainability and social responsibility will be increasingly relevant differentiators in a more competitive environment, the report summary indicated.