The Insider | Spring 2024

Dear Growers, 

It is with gratitude that we enter this abundant 2024 season and to celebrate we’re “breaking bread”, or rather BBQ, and gathering for a series of appreciation lunches for our California grower community. As always, Index Fresh strives to curate social gatherings, agronomist consulting, seminars and newsletters that serve as a source of education and insights on our dynamic industry.

Taking a quick pulse on how this season is stacking up, I’m pleased to see that pricing is averaging almost $.50 above last year, which hovered between $1.10 – $1.15/lb. at the end of April 2023. From a volume perspective California has produced 68M lbs. as of last week (4/29/24), thus far we are seeing volumes very similar to 2023. Following the Cinco de Mayo push we anticipate smaller sized fruit will have a building inventory, however, by Memorial Day Weekend this trend will likely course correct and given the tight Mexican supply, California should continue to experience elevated pricing. We’re seeing a very strong bloom coming on right now, and if our spring weather continues to cooperate, we’ll be set for a promising crop in 2025.

A special thanks to this edition of The Insider’s contributors: Gerardo Aldunate for his agronomy O&A, integrated pest management SME Tom Roberts for his intel on Thrips and Lisa Strickland for continuing to keep us informed on the latest in food safety audits.

With appreciation, 
Keith Blanchard