Agronometrics in Charts: Berry supply under siege as Florida cold snap hits growers

Each week, the series ‘Agronometrics In Charts’ looks at a different horticultural commodity, focusing on a specific origin or topic, and visualizing trade market factors that are driving change. Check out our entire archive.

A rare and prolonged cold snap across Florida is disrupting winter berry production, raising concerns about near-term availability in the United States market. Temperatures in key growing regions dropped into the low 20s°F, triggering multiple freeze events during a critical stage of the season.

Strawberries appear to be the most immediately affected. Growers report fruit losses near harvest, along with damage to blossoms supporting upcoming production. In some fields, repeated freeze nights have compounded stress on plants, increasing the risk of sustained yield reductions rather than isolated losses. Cold snap damage is also expected to slow ripening and reduce berry size, limiting weekly volumes during what is typically a peak winter supply period.

Blueberry fields are facing more uncertain but potentially longer-lasting impacts. While some damage to current fruit has been observed, growers are increasingly concerned about injury to buds and new growth, which could weigh on yields beyond the immediate harvest window. In areas where temperatures remained below freezing for extended periods, recovery may be slower than usual.

Because Florida is a key winter supplier of berries, particularly ahead of production ramps in California and Mexico, any sustained losses are likely to tighten supplies. As a result, the cold snap is expected to add upward pressure to winter berry prices in the weeks ahead.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics. (Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics. (Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

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