Quebec strawberry producers are facing market constraints, leading to higher prices at the start of the season. Despite the early harvest due to a sunny spring, local strawberries are being sold at a premium compared to cheaper imports from the United States.
At Montreal’s Esposito grocery store, Quebec’s FraiseBec strawberries were priced at $6.99, while strawberries from California were available for $3.99. Jasmine Sauvé, director general of the Strawberry and Raspberry Growers Association of Quebec, expressed concern over this price disparity, which is exacerbated by foreign producers flooding the market with surplus strawberries, sometimes selling at a loss.
Pier-Luc Deschamps, operations director at FraiseBec, highlighted the challenges local producers face, including higher production costs due to higher minimum wages, labor laws, and environmental standards. Despite these challenges, Deschamps emphasized the superior quality and freshness of Quebec strawberries, often picked the same day they are sold.
Efforts are being made to address the price discrepancy, and prices are expected to drop as more Quebec strawberries become available. Producers are hopeful that favorable weather conditions will continue, ensuring a successful strawberry season.
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