The USDA estimated the U.S. national cranberry crop for 2023 at 7.62 million, down 5% from the 2022 crop year.
Cranberry growers experienced cold temperatures, with below-normal precipitation and above-normal snowfall during the winter months.
In Wisconsin and Massachusetts, the winter freeze and early snow affected plant dormancy and froze out buds.
In the spring and early summer months, numerous frosts and hailstorms occurred during the growing season.
Due to the droughts in Wisconsin this year growers our concerned if they will have sufficient water to harvest their fields.
Growers in some areas reported severe frost damage, resulting in reduced crop growth and yield loss, according to the USDA.
In Oregon, the crop faced threats from the intensive heat and extreme weather in late June and mid to late July, and growers are concerned about fruit size. With good management practices, cranberry growers expect a good to average season despite the challenging weather during the bloom period.
Last year the cranberry market had carryover of Juice Concentrate and Sweet 'n Dried coming into the 2022 season. This excess has cleaned up in the Juice Concentrate during 2023, with pricing increase dramatically. With estimated smaller crop for 2023, we expect demand will remain strong and no relief in current pricing.
We recommend booking your Juice Concentrate needs now as it is possible that pricing moves higher and product being sold out.