Shippers have been enjoying a substantial drop in transportation costs this year after enduring some of the highest freight rates ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those rock-bottom prices could be short-lived, though.
Blackberries and raspberries may not top consumers’ shopping lists, but they are commodities that a good number of shoppers pick up at least occasionally.
“A very nice crop overall with good quality and sizing” is expected, said Joe Vargas, director of business intelligence for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
Strawberry grower-shippers say buyers can expect plenty of good-quality strawberries from California through summer and into fall despite an inauspicious start to the season.
Inflation is still in evidence throughout the Ohio produce industry, but fresh fruit and vegetable suppliers say some costs seem to be trending downward — though labor remains a challenge.
The second half of summer seems promising for Ohio produce growers and distributors as nearly all the state’s seasonal fruits and vegetables come into production.
The Organic Fresh Trends 2023 survey showed that 16% of consumers said they purchased organic blackberries exclusively, 15% purchased organic strawberries exclusively, and 14% purchased organic blueberries exclusively.
