California strawberry growers are harvesting more fruit in the first quarter of 2026 according to the California Strawberry Commission.From January through March, growers have picked 27,500 cartons compared to 17,000 at this time in 2025 and 18,000 cartons in the first 3 months of 2024.
The Santa Maria district is enjoying a particularly bountiful year- double the volume- with over 10 thousand crates picked already this year vs 4800 in the same period in 2025 and 4500 in the same three months of 2024. Of course, the busiest harvest season is ahead of us when California harvests about 240 million crates on an annual basis. The juicy berry crop is the top crop money maker for Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties.
Unseasonably warm temperatures are accelerating crop growth prompting this early start to the strawberry season, say industry sources.
One major company, California Giant Berry Farms, is forecasting “a bountiful harvest” of California strawberries, signaling a season of high quality and promotable volumes. “With production hitting its stride in key growing regions, the berry purveyor is prepared to meet surging consumer demand with a steady supply of both conventional and organic” says a news release.
“The Santa Maria region is currently delivering strong production, characterized by strawberries with great flavor and vibrant color. Retailers should prepare for a significant volume surge as the region reaches its conventional peak between Week 14 and Week 19 (April). Notably, the organic harvest in Santa Maria is forecasted to hit its peak during Weeks 16 and 20, aligning with the conventional peak.”
“”We are seeing a strong influx of volume as Santa Maria reaches its full potential,” said Brad Peterson, Director of Business Development at California Giant Berry Farms. “With production hitting its stride and yields coming in strong, we are prepared to meet large-scale demand with a very robust and consistent high-quality supply of fresh strawberries.”
In the San Joaquin Valley UC Farm Advisor Michaeil Ynaf says this season is “like three weeks ahead.”