Suppliers of fresh, perishable produce are struggling to keep up with demand that has been increasing as the pandemic slowly, erratically winds down.
Growers and processors of produce with short shelf life, like strawberries, have it especially tough, the Wall Street Journal reports. Strawberry growers like Driscoll’s Inc. have to predict demand patterns roughly two years in advance. Driscoll’s bet that demand would fall in the early stages of the pandemic proved wrong, as interest in fresh berries exploded among consumers stuck at home.
Driscoll’s now looks to be short on strawberries as foodservice demand is picking back up. Wholesale strawberry prices have roughly doubled from a year ago. According to the Journal, Driscoll wants to take care of that business while not forgetting the grocers who sustained it through the pandemic.
Other fruit and vegetable growers are struggling with the same issues, along with a lack of labor and supply shortages. Farmers find themselves competing for temporary labor with newly active home construction sites.
