The strawberry fresh market in California shipped over 6 million trays last week according to the USDA. In 2007 California had only two weeks in which it shipped more than 6 million trays to the fresh market (April 5 and May 24). In 2006 there was only one week with over 6 million trays (May 17). It seems that the peak of the fresh season is here. Prices per pound paid to shippers reflected the increase in volume. USDA is reporting that pricing has increased a little at the beginning of the current week over the low prices paid last week.