The Source - April 26, 2017

Washington - reds are steady on most sizes and they continue to peak on larger fruit. Large reds are still more prevalent than the smaller. Golden delicious are steady but strong due to light supplies esp. on the smaller sizes. Goldens are still peaking on 72/80/88s. Granny-smith are steady to higher on all sizes and the demand has been strong. The fruit is still peaking on 72/80/88's so the availability of 100s and smaller is really limited! Most shippers are still subbing up in size and grade on anything smaller than a 72/80 and this will continue for the balance of the season. The Gala market is steady on all sizes. Galas are still peaking on 80/88/100/72s and they have better volume in the larger sizes. Fuji's are steady to higher on all sizes and are still peaking on 72/80/88s. Fuji supplies are starting to dwindle so expect the market to remain firm. Honeycrisp are steady to higher and they continue to peak on 80/88/100s. Expect the Honeycrisp market to remain very strong until they finish in May. The quality has been good.
Michigan--Golden delicious are steady but strong due to light supplies and strong demand. Goldens will finish at the end of this week or sometime next week. McIntosh, Galas, Jonathans, Jonagolds, and Fujis are all steady to higher and the supplies for all of them are fairly light. All will finish later this week or next week. Red Delicious are steady on all sizes and they will continue into mid to late June. The quality has been good.
New York---the Empire, McIntosh, Gala, and Red Rome markets are high and strong due to extremely light supplies. All of these variety's will finish over the next couple weeks. Red delicious are steady but strong and supplies are also light but they will go into June. Most of the remaining fruit is large. The quality has been good.

Alerts:
Small Granny-smith and small golden delicious are still in a demand exceeds supply situation in Washington. Expect this to worsen when Michigan finishes.

Transitions:
Michigan is finishing up on golden delicious and all varietals over the next 5-10 days.

Peak Seasons:
Washington is still in the peak of its red and golden delicious, Granny-smith, Fuji, and Gala seasons.

Michigan is still in the peak of its red delicious season.

The Obregon, Mexico region is wrapping up in the next 7 days due to heat in the region. Baja Mexico still has some production, but the quality is fair. California shippers are not packing everyday due to the recent cool weather in the region which is slowing down production. Market is up with less total asparagus in the market place. Washington state is starting slowly, but rain and cool weather has slowed production. Most of the production in this region is staying local. We're seeing more Peruvian asparagus every week. Their weather remains warm and the quality is fair. We should see better volume in the coming weeks with the new fields in production.

Alerts:
East Coast: Due to high temps in Northern/Southern Peru, expect higher than normal seeding and spreading in the tips.

California continues to ramp up their harvest in preparation for Cinco de Mayo pulls and increased demand. Field prices are strong as shippers compete for growers fruit in this light volume crop year. Size curve is peaking on 48s and 60s.

Mexico is expected to have a strong volume shipping week after last week low volume week and begin to fill the supply pipeline back up for Cinco de Mayo demand. Field pricing is strong and expected to stay so. Mexico's volume should start to decline in the coming weeks, as their remaining crop will become less and less through the summer.

Green bell Pepper has dropped in supply, especially on number one large sizes. prices is steady and will continue for the near future. larger sizes on number one grade are limited.

Colored Bells ( Red, Yellow and Orange) has had an increase in supply, both blocky and elongated varieties. Good quality and condition will continue, supply will remain better for the near future. market and demand are much easier. Packing 25# 15# and 11# units. Both number one and number two grade.

Unfortunately, not much change to report on the blackberry shortage. Supplies continue to be extremely limited. Mexico's yields are down and southern California is still not producing any substantial volume; leaving the industry in a continued supply shortage. Demand is still strong and market prices are higher. This will continue to be the case until we see some relief with Salinas and Watsonville harvest; scheduled to start mid to late May. Santa Maria should increase production over the next 2 weeks. Central California will start late May.

Alerts:
Blackberries supplies continue to be very limited.

Transitions:
Salinas and Watsonville areas expected to start mid to late May.

Blueberry supplies are improving rapidly. We have had consistent supplies out of Mexico, Florida and Georgia for the last couple weeks. Quality in all areas has been solid. Demand has been moderate and market prices have slowly started to decline. However, central California's harvest is scheduled to really ramp up by the beginning of next week. As we see this wave of new California fruit hit the market, we can expect to see all prices react quickly and adjust down. Quality is expected to be excellent with plenty of promotional volume available starting the front part of May and lasting 3-5 weeks.

Transitions:
Central California harvest is expected to ramp up the first wee of May.

Raspberry supplies have maintained an even flow over the last several weeks. Order fulfillment has not been an issue, but promotional volume is still not available. Mexico is still the primary production region, but California is starting to build some momentum. Although harvest is still light, we do expect to see improved supplies over the next 2 weeks. Market prices have been steady and quality has been excellent. Salinas and Watsonville areas are expected to get started mid to late May.

Transitions:
Salinas and Watsonville areas expected to start mid to late May.

The rain last week had a much bigger impact on supplies than initially expected. There was a lot of time spent cleaning up fields at the end of the week. The product that did ship late last week and arrived early this week was representative of rain soaked fruit. We did see some reports of soft and wet berries. The good news is the weather bounced back quickly and the fields have been cleaned up. Quality and supplies are expected to continue to improve in all growing regions the remainder of this week and into the Mother's Day holiday pull period. Markets have been fairly steady, but we do expect to see some opportunity buys as we look toward the weekend. Prices will firm back up as we approach Mother's Day.

The market has finally settled to competitive levels. The supplies from all growing regions are plentiful. Processors are also back up to speed filling orders. Quality is much improved with little yellowing and dehydration. We have seen increased crown size. We will see this trend into next week.

We have seen a significant decrease in the sizing of brussel sprouts due to the heat in Mexico. This has also slowed down growth and affected quality as well. The market has reacted higher due to these factors. We are seeing much smaller sizes, and we have seen yellowing, brown discoloration, to decay upon arrivals. We will see the market trend higher into next week.

Alerts:
Due to increased heat in the growing region, we have seen a significant decrease in size and supplies. The market is trending higher.

Carrot supplies of jumbo, cello and value added product are very good and look continue to be so for a while.

We have seen an increase in supplies from both the Salinas Valley and Santa Maria. The market continues to decline to lower levels. Quality is really nice with little bruising and nice white color. We will see supplies in good shape well into next week.

The celery market will continue to gain strength throughout the month. Production in Michigan and Salinas will not begin until June. This will put a lot of pressure for the Oxnard/ Santa Maria region to supply the nation with this commodity. Large sizing, twenty-four counts in particular have been the lightest in availability and this will continue throughout this week and next. Aside from some slight bowing and insect damage, the overall quality has been reported as good. Escalated pricing is in effect with this commodity.

Pablano - Excellent size and Quality will continue with improved supply.

Tomatillo-Much lighter supply and just fair quality, both peeled and husked. Sizing is only fair. Color and condition will continue to be only fair.

Jalapeno- good quality on new crop pepper, Excellent Size color and condition with huge supplies. Many number 2s are being shipped.

Anaheim- good quality, condition and size are expected to continue as supply have improved

The main issues hear is the heat in Mexico causing decreased supplies out of that growing region. Oxnard, Santa Maria, and the Salinas Valley do not have the acreage to fill demand. Thus the market has increased significantly. The current condition will last for another two weeks as we transition into another growing region in Mexico. Quality is hit and miss with the occasional yellow & brown leaves. Also we are seeing some black slimy decay upon arrival as well.

Alerts:
Due to the heat in the growing region of Mexico, we have seen a significant decrease in supply. The market is trending much higher than normal.

Size growth to the lemon groves in California have left good volume of large size fruit 115s/95s/75s and very limit supplies small fruit 140s/165s/200s. All shippers have reached demand demand exceed situation on small fruit 140s/165s/200s that will last through the summer.

Alerts:
Demand exceed supplies on 140s/165s/200s/235s all grades.

Limes continue to peak on smaller sizes such as 230's and 250's while the larger sizes remain snug. 110's through 175's are extremely tight with 110's being nearly unavailable. New crops limes are smaller in size and due to the lack of rain they look to remain peaking on the small sizes for several weeks. Quality has been excellent on the limes over the past several weeks and looks to keep this trend. Weather overall has been very cooperative which will promote good growth and quality. The market is currently lower on the smaller sizes and higher on the larger sizes.

There is still good export and domestic demand is increasing. Many of the smaller shippers will be done with Navels by May, and others are looking to finish by mid May. Size growth of the fruit has brought peak sizing up to 72/56 and the smaller sizes of 88s/113s/138s are extremely limited and we see the demand greatly outpace supply for all 88s/113s/ 138s of both fancy and choice grades. We are seeing a limited amount of Valencia oranges starting this week, but no volume expected until first to second week of May.

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supply on 88s/113s/138s.

Improved supply on cucumber coming out of Mexico, Excellent color, quality and condition on all grades, sizes and pack styles. Supply will improve for the next week.Euro cucumber is also available with very heavy supply, #1and #2 both single layer and bushel boxes.

Good quality and condition with good size are currently being shipped from Nogales, mostly 18 count followed by 24 count are available as volume drops slightly. Many number 2s being shipped showing some scarring and occasional internal discoloration. Supply from Mexico will wind down and Coachella Valley will start shipping.

Green grapes have found a plateau here at the high prices we are currently paying. Supplies are steady at the lighter volumes and demand has leveled. Problems continue to surface on a majority of the newly arriving grapes ranging from decay to nesting which has created a short and high market. Storage grapes are also showing some signs of quality problems which is causing shippers to re-pack lots that are unacceptable. Promotable volumes are not available right now on green grapes. The market is steady at the current high levels.

Transitions:
Grapes out of Mexico and Coachella will be coming in the second week or so of May.

Red grapes are in a steady market with a few deals being made due to slightly less demand. Crimsons and some of the other red varieties are very nice and are definitely worth loading. Lower quality grapes have nearly all been shipped out. Growing conditions are good for producing high quality grapes and supplies are building gradually. The market is steady.

Transitions:
Grapes out of Mexico and Coachella will be coming in the second week or so of May.

We continue to see plenty of supplies from Mexico. Quality continues to improve although we have seen signs of Thrip damage. Which is an insect that will sting / bite the plant resulting in brown spotting. The market remains flat and will trend this into next week.

The kale market from all growing regions is steady. We continue to see decent supplies thus keeping this market at current levels. Quality is excellent with minimal yellowing and full carton with nice dark green color.

Strong demand continues even though the Easter pull is over. The Mother's day pull is just weeks away. Value added items as well as contracts are escalated and this will continue throughout this week and next. Salinas production is better compared to past weeks. Lightweights have been an issue as suppliers have harvested fields earlier than scheduled to keep up with demand. The overall quality has been reported as fair with some mechanical damage, pink ribbing, growth cracks, insect damage and brittle. Santa Maria is light in production.The weights are being reported between 36-42 pounds for palletized. If retail starts to limit its purchases coupled with the break in holidays, better supplies could be seen by the end of the week. This market will continue to be tight, however throughout this week. Huron is expected to be finished in production by the end of this week.

Supplies have improved on all leaf items especially romaine. The weights are showing 33-36 pounds with 10-13 inches in length. Offers are being made for large, volume type orders by multiple shippers to close out the week. Romaine hearts have loosened up as well in availability. Green leaf supplies are still the least available of all leaf items, but demand has fallen off and the availability has picked up with a few suppliers. This could be as a result of the high escalated pricing that the market has seen. Escalated pricing is in effect on contract as well as value added items. Defects on leaf that have been seen upon arrivals include seeders, discoloration, and mechanical damage. Santa Maria will be limited in production for the week.

Cantaloupes are increasing in volume over the next week or two. Demand has been pretty good for a while now and looks to possibly increase then taper off after schools get out towards the end of May and the beginning of June. Quality continues to be 95% excellent with a few problems such as softness showing up. We are peaking on 9's and 12's. The weather has been ideal for growing in all regions and this trend looks to continue. Mexico has started packing lopes and the desert is coming in the next few weeks. Offshore supplies are past their peak now. The market is currently lower.

Transitions:
Mexico has started packing and the desert here in the states will be starting to pack the first week of May and build from there.

Honeydews are going sideways to down now. The overall supply situation has bumped up. Mexico has started with their honeydews and they are very nice too. Mexican dews are peaking on 8's which has brought down the market to promotable levels. Quality has been very nice for offshore dews with almost 99% of them arriving in excellent condition. Weather is ideal for growing honeydews in all areas. The market is lower to steady.

Transitions:
Mexico has started with their honeydews and they are very nice.

Quality and condition are much improved on conventional seedless. Personal seedless are available in limited supply peaking on smaller sizes. Sonora spring crop has started and volume has improved. Sugar has improved as weather continues to warm. Good demand on larger fruit. mostly bins available and cartons being packed to order.

Northwest Storage Onions supplies are winding down quickly (Idaho and Washington). Only a few Idaho shippers still have supplies that will finish up the first or second week of May. Washington shippers will start finishing up the middle of May. Quality is still being reported as good. Texas growers have building supplies. Quality is being reported as good. Texas should have good supplies for the next three weeks and then they will slowly wind down. Southern California onion supplies have started with moderate to good supplies of yellows and limited supplies of Reds. Red onion supplies will improve by the weekend. Quality is good. Market is steady to slightly weaker out of all areas.

Transitions:
Southern California and Texas building supplies

Washington -- D'anjou pears are steady and still heavy to US#1 80/90/100s. Small sizes remain very short and the quality has been good. Red pears are steady and they are still peaking on US#1 50-size half cartons but supplies are very light. The quality has been good.

Chile - Argentinian Bartletts are steady and remain large fruit with 100-size and larger fruit only. Chilean Packhams are steady and they are heavier to larger fruit but all sizes are available on the west coast. Chilean Forelles are steady and they are still peaking on smaller fruit. The quality for all has been good.

Alerts:
Supplies of D'anjou 120s and smaller are very limited.

Transitions:
Washington will finish with red pears over the next couple weeks.

Peak Seasons:
Washington is still in the peak of its D'anjou pear season.

We are beginning to see supplies improving, and expect to see good supplies for May and into June.

Demand on carton 40-80 count is good out of all shipping points. Market higher. Demand on bales continue to be light with a weak market. Quality out of Idaho is hit and miss. The main issue showing up is internal bruising with an occasional lot showing up with soft rot and light hollow heart. Shippers are slowing down and grading harder to keep these problems out of the box. Quality out of other areas (Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin) are being reported as good. Look for the market on the 40-80 count to continue to stay firm over the next couple of weeks.

Bakersfield California -- golds, whites, and reds are steady on all sizes and all are peaking on A size. Premium/Bakers as well as C-size remain short for all colors. The quality is good with minimal skinning. There are still some old-crop reds and golds around and they are priced slightly lower than the new-crop.
Phoenix, Arizona -- They have started packing a few red potatoes and are currently offering only A and B size cartons. The quality is good.
Idaho - old-crop red and gold potatoes are steady on all sizes but supplies are limited as a couple suppliers have finished. The quality is fair to good.
North Dakota - old-crop red and gold potatoes are steady and both colors are still peaking on A size. Most shippers will flex to compete with other areas. The quality has been good.
South Florida - reds, whites, and golds are all peaking on A size and all are producing mostly #1 product. Number one and number two red B-size are limited right now. Number two golds and whites are also limited on both sizes. Expect south Florida to finish up between this week and the second week in may depending on the supplier. The quality has been good.
North, Florida -- They have started packing all colors but mostly reds for now. Reds, golds, and whites are all peaking on A-size and the quality is good.

Alerts:
Florida is limited on #2 red Bs, and golds and whites in both sizes.

California is short on C potatoes of all colors as well as Premium/Bakers in all colors.

Transitions:
South, Florida is winding down and will finish over the next few weeks but North, Florida has started so expect a smooth transition.

Yellow Squash and Italian Squash has transitioned to Sonora. The Quality has improve and supply has improved. sizing is mostly medium followed by fancy and xfancy with some W/B being offered. Hard Squash is still being offered in good supply on Butternut followed by Spaghetti and Acorn. Very limited supply of Kabocha

The import stone fruit season is finished. Weather in California's San Joaquin Valley has been positive for good production. The wet winter and plenty of cold nights has growers expecting a great CA stone fruit season. Stone Fruit harvesting has started this week in the San Joaquin Valley. Some yellow nectarines and white peaches are being packed. Next week we will see more varieties available.

Transitions:
The San Joaquin Valley has started to pack stone fruit this week and volumes and varieties will increase over the next few weeks until we have good availability on everything.

The Ruskin/Palmetto districts have hit their stride in production this week causing the market to slide overall. Gas green tomatoes are steady to lower next week. Roma tomatoes are also steady with a majority of supply coming from Mexico crossing Arizona and Texas boarders. Grape tomato varieties are in better supply trending lower by a couple of dollars this week. There is not a tremendous supply of cherry tomatoes right now but demand is low and the market is steady. Quality is good and there are no immediate weather concerns in the forecast to cause a sudden reaction in the market.

After a brief 2 week uptick in the western market, prices are back at mandated minimums this week. Obregon, Mexico has increased production where supplies of roma tomatoes crossing into the US continue to be plentiful. Roma tomatoes continue to be heavily produced, with round and grape varieties increasing weekly. Further north to the coast, San Diego is also producing roma and grape tomatoes in limited volumes helping saturate the western marketplace. Next week markets are forcasted to be steady with plenty of fruit available until the Central Valley can begin in early July .