The Source - August 2, 2017

Weather Update

A typical summertime weather pattern continues out west as high and low pressure systems interact. The interior regions will remain hot with the continuous marine layer keeping the coastal growing regions near seasonal averages. The hot temperatures will continue to entrain monsoonal moisture into Central Mexico and the Southwestern desert regions for the near term. In the wake of Tropical Strom Emily, Florida will see moderate showers and thunderstorms mainly to the north and near average temperatures into next week.

Freight Update

California trucks remain steady again this week. WA Apple trucks remain steady as well. Idaho potato trucks remain adequate. The National Average for diesel is up slightly from last week and is currently at 2.531 per gallon. An increase of .183 from this time last year. California prices are up as well and are currently at 2.907 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 48.76 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

California - Gala apples are available and peaking on 100/113s with some great color and some light color. The market is still strong but will adjust down as the volume builds. The quality has been good.

Washington – Red delicious are mostly steady on all sizes but some suppliers are higher. Most red packers are still peaking on 80/88s. Golden delicious are higher on all sizes but are so short that most shippers are no longer quoting them. The few remaining Golden delicious are peaking on 72/80/88s. The two larger shippers in Washington have a shift of Golden delicious left before they finish for the season. We still expect Earli/Ginger golds to begin between August 9-17. Granny Smith are steady to higher and the market remains strong due to light supplies. The remaining C.A. Granny-smith apples are smaller so that's good for food-service. Galas are higher on most sizes and the demand continues to exceed the supplies. Most shippers are close to being over. Fuji's are higher on all sizes but the season is basically done with the exception of very large fruit. The quality for all varieties has been good.

Michigan – they are essentially finished for the season.

Chile – Chilean Pink Ladys, Fujis, Galas, and Braeburns are all steady but supplies are light. All variety's are peaking on 70/80 size with very few 90s. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Washington C.A. Fujis, Galas, Granny-smith, and Golden delicious demand still far exceeds the available supplies.

Transitions:
Washington is expecting to start packing new-crop Earli-golds and Gingergolds in the next 2 weeks. Galas will be the week following.

Peak Seasons:
Washington is still in the peak of its red delicious apple season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady/Higher Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Chile Steady Good
Asparagus

Weather in Central Mexico has improved over the past week, which has helped production. The rain over the past 2 weeks has scarred/stained some of the asparagus from this region. Northern Baja is in their production peak for the next couple of weeks. Quality has been good, and production should remain the same with the good weather. Peruvian production has also increased with better weather in both regions. We will see an increase in production with more fields in the South (ICA) scheduled to open in the next 10 days. Overall market is lower with good weather in all 3 regions. Large sizes are still limited, but we should see better volumes on these in the next 3 weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower Fair
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Lower Good
Avocado (California) Alert

California harvest continues to decline. Supplies very tight with great demand. Market is very active and driving upward. Packers are only packing a few days a week with limited supplies through August to the crops seasonal end. Size peaking on 48s with limited supplies of 60 and smaller. Quality is good and fruit is ripening evenly.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies and market very active.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Higher Excellent
Temecula/Escondido, CA Higher Excellent
Avocado (Mexican) Alert

Mexico's summer crop is harvest is slowing down and the Mexican growers have raised field prices and look to continue to do so. Supplies are short, demand is great and the market is pushing upward quickly. This looks to be the trend over the next few weeks, possibly through all of August until their main crop starts (forecasting early September). Size is peaking on 60s and smaller with very limited amounts of 48s and larger and very little #2 fruit. This new summer crop fruit has a lower maturity level and will take longer to ripen.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies and market very active.

Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Eastern)

We are getting relief on green bell pepper supplies with Michigan and Ohio harvesting good volume. New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are also in good supplies. The market has come down considerably over the past week with more supply than we have seen in over a month. Quality good in all growing regions with temperatures being normal for the season in the mid-west and warmer than normal in the northeast. High prices have slowed demand over the past month forcing shippers to lower FOB pricing to attract buyers.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Bell Pepper is moving the mid-west and northeast

Peak Seasons:
Green Bell Pepper is in peak availability this week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Lower/Steady Good
Seneca / Summit County, OH Lower/Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Lower/Steady Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bell Pepper supply has improved peaking on large #1 followed by choice grade out of Fresno, Ca. We will see more availability as we move into the week.

Red bell Pepper is shorter supply this week due to cooler weather in the central valley . Better demand on choice grade followed by #1 25lb and 15lb, Yellow bells are very limited on field grown in California.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Blackberry harvest has been somewhat unpredictable over the last several weeks. Last week we saw an increase in yields and production at the front part of the week that fell off quickly by the weekend. This week looks to be fairly steady, then we will see another increase in production as we approach the peak of new California harvest over the next 2 weeks. Overall quality has been strong and markets have remained flat. We expected to have promotable volumes and lower markets by mid August, then gradually taper off as we get into September.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
New California harvest is expected to peak over the next 2 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Berries (Blueberries) Alert

The Pacific Northwest is expecting some very hot weather this week. The forecast is calling for temperatures to reach well over 100 degrees in Oregon and high 90's in Canada (BC). This could be detrimental to the blueberry crops in these regions. This is similar to the weather pattern that ended the Central Valley (CA) production weeks earlier than expected this year. Depending on the severity of the heat and berry variety, we may see the some supply shortages in the coming weeks. We will need to watch this situation carefully. Markets have firmed up slightly this week, but may change quickly if supply is effected.

Michigan continues to be steady in production. Quality has been strong and markets have been steady. We expect to see consistent volume for the next 2 weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Hot temperatures in the Pacific Northwest may have sever effects on upcoming supply.

Growing Region Market Quality
Michigan Steady Good
Oregon Steady/Higher Good
Pitt Meadows, BC Steady/Higher Good
Mossyrock, WA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberry supplies are improving. Most shippers are past their low spots in production and are now up-trending. Supplies moving forward shouldn’t be an issue. However, it will be a gradual increase. This week will be steady without a lot of promotable volume, but we expect to see a peak in production in 2-3 weeks. Market prices have been firm and will remain so this week. Again, as we get further into the month of August and supplies improve, we will see promotional opportunities and lower market prices.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
New California crop is starting and will gradually improve as we move forward. Peak production is expected in 2-3 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Berries (Strawberries)

Strawberry supplies will remain steady this week. The weather in Salinas and Watsonville continues to be warm and sunny. Quality has improved this week, with much of the darker fruit already cleaned out of the fields. However, sizing has been inconsistent with occasional white shoulder (see picture below). Markets will remain fairly steady with the bottom starting to firm up a little bit. It looks like the very aggressive volume deals we have seen over the last 2 weeks will not be as readily available this week. We expect to have consistent volume and quality over the next 2-4 weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Lower/Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Lower/Steady Good
Broccoli

All the growing regions have optimal growing conditions for broccoli. We are seeing decent supplies as well. The market isn't extremely competitive but it is holding steady at current price levels. Quality is really good with vibrant green color, minimal yellowing, and little dehydration.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
McAllen, TX Steady Good
Brussels Sprouts Alert

We are still experiencing extremely limited supplies. The market is extremely strong as well. The size profile has been heavily weighted to small and medium. Jumbo sized brussels sprouts are non existent. The quality is good even with the limited supplies. We have minimal yellowing or insect damage. We will continue to see this trend for the next 2 weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Brussels Sprouts remain limited in supplies as well as the market is extremely volatile.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Northern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Carrots

The hotter than normal weather in the California growing area has slowed the growth of the carrots. This combined with good demand for the jumbo sized carrot, we are seeing the jumbo supplies tighten. We currently don't expect and shortages or quality issues as we move forward. Supplies on value added and baby peeled are still good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Cauliflower

We are seeing abundant supplies this week for cauliflower. The market is competitive with multiple shippers offering price breaks. Quality is excellent with bright white color, minimal brown to black spotting, and weights in the 27 to 29 pounds.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Excellent
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Excellent
Celery

Supplies have picked up with most suppliers and this has created a surplus of product in the marketplace. Santa Maria continues to have strong production and this will continue throughout the week. This region is where the best deals are being offered for volume type orders. Seeder is still an issue. The warm evenings have not allowed this commodity to stop growing and this will likely continue into next week. Salinas production is moderate to good. The best availability are twenty four and thirty counts. Michigan is steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Lower Fair
Michigan Steady Good
Cherries

Pacific Northwest will be wrapping up their season in the next 7-10 days. Quality remains good. Market is in the $24-30 range depending on size.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Cherry season will be ending in the next 7-10 days.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yakima, WA Lower/Steady Excellent
Chili Peppers

Pablano – Seeing better quality and condition with new crop in Baja California. California growers have started harvesting this week with very limited supply, good quality and condition.

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.

Jalapeño – fair to good quality on new crop pepper. Good size, color, and condition with supply limited Baja and Santa Maria volume improving some.

Anaheim – Good quality, condition, and size coming out of Baja California and growers now Harvesting in Fresno and Santa Maria

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Fair
Cilantro Alert

The cilantro market is still active as suppliers struggle to find the right quality to pack. We are still experiencing the same quality issues like brown to black spotting, yellow leaves, and slimy decay. We will continue to see this trend for the next 3 weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The cilantro quality has not improved and the markets are still extremely active.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Citrus (Lemons)

The domestic lemon supplies continue to be limited and demand is very strong. We are beginning to see a little relief as Chilean lemons are arriving in better volume. Mexico has start, and seeing better supplies crossing into the states.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady Good
Citrus (Limes)

Limes are going through a phase in the market where they are trying to stabilize. Shippers ran the market up too fast for the existing demand so it has softened up a bit from previous levels. Larger sizes have become more plentiful than smaller ones at this time. We have had a setback in quality lately due to rains and hot weather in the growing regions. Some styler is showing up on lots so our shippers are taking extra care to ship quality limes by running them more than normal prior to shipping. The market is lower to steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Citrus (Oranges) Alert

Demand for California Valencia oranges remains very strong and is getting stronger. School demand has started for some and will just increase as we move forward. School demand paired with the retail juice demand, will cause shortages on small size fruit through the Valencia season. Even with packers moderating their pack weekly to stretch the crop, many expect to see their crop finish sometime in September.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies and all sizes and grades

Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Higher Good
Riverside, CA Higher Good
Cucumbers (Eastern)

There are strong supplies on cucumbers giving buyers many options from the mountains in western North Carolina north to the New York State summer deal that is just starting. Ohio, Michigan and Indiana are also going strong. Quality is good on most product, there are some issue starting to arise on older fields. Expect good supplies through the week but as grower start to quit older fields next week the market could start to tighten.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
cucumber are transitioning to the northeast and New York State.

Peak Seasons:
cucumbers are in peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Steady Good
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Improved supply on cucumber crossing in Baja California. Excellent color, quality and condition on all grades, sizes and pack styles. Peaking on Super Select.
Started to get better supply of cartons, heavy to 42s volume will increase as temperatures continue to drop.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern)

We are finally getting some relief on eggplant with the supplies in the mid-west increasing in volume over the past week. The eggplant supply has been very short over the past month with quality only fair to poor. Now with newer fields starting in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana we are seeing much better quality, supply and lower pricing. New Jersey continues with good supply as a major producer of eggplant. All these regions should continue with good supplies for at least the next week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Eggplant is transitioning to Michigan and Ohio.

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant will move into peak availability this weekend.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Lower/Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Lower/Steady Good
Eggplant (Western)

Eggplant is currently being shipped from Fresno Ca, Very limited supply. Quality is improving after the recent heat wave. Look for supply and condition to improve as we move into the month.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno, CA Steady Fair
Grapes (Green)

Green grapes are growing really well and we have a number of different varieties to choose from. Quality is really nice and they eat very well with good sugar content along with a good crunch to them. We have excellent large sized grapes with some jumbo lots available also. The market is lower to steady due to a lack of enough demand to hold the market up.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Arvin, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Grapes (Red)

Red grapes are looking very nice right now. We have everything to offer from a small sized value grape to a humungous grape and they all are eating super good with excellent sugar and snappy crunches. There have been some acres skipped due to the lack of color caused by hot temperatures but all in all we have plenty of supplies for our current demand. The market is steady to ever so slightly lower in some cases.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Steady Excellent
Delano, CA Steady Excellent
Green Onions

We are seeing better supplies this week. We had s small supply gap over the weekend but that was only due to delayed transfer trucks from Mexico. The market will be steady this week. Quality has improved as we have seen little to no claims for yellow to brown tops.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mexicali, Baja Steady Good
Kale

We continue to see plenty of supplies for Kale. The processors have forced growers in all locations to have enough acreage to cover all their existing and new salad blends. This has definitely led to abundant supplies and competitive markets. The quality has been excellent with dark green color, full bunches, and minimal dehydration & yellowing.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Excellent
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Excellent
Lettuce Iceberg

Strong supplies continue throughout the industry with this commodity. Pricing is very competitive and flexing is abundant with volume type orders. Expect this to continue throughout the week. Whether in Salinas or Santa Maria expect good quality. Weights continue to be reported at 42-47 pounds on palletized with minimal mechanical and insect damage. With the availability in Santa Maria getting stronger, expect soft markets likely next week as well.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Lettuce Leaf

The market has continued to stay flat with romaine as well as all leaf items. Weights on romaine have been reported at 37-42 pounds with little to no defects. Aside from minimal mechanical and insects, strong quality continues with many shippers. Green and red leaf as well as butter continue to have strong quality as well. Good weather conditions in the growing areas has been a big factor in the growth of these commodities. Supplies and quality will be strong throughout this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Melon (Cantaloupe)

Cantaloupes are peaking on larger sizes like 9's and jumbo 9's. We do have some 12's and 15's but nearly zero 18's to offer. Quality has been very nice and looks to continue this trend. Weather in the Valley has been favorable for good quality and production. The market is slightly lower to steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mendota, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Firebaugh, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Melon (Honeydew)

Honeydews are extremely nice right now with great looking skins, good sugar and longevity. Weather has been helpful for nice dews. The trend looks to stay within the current market range. The market is steady right now.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Firebaugh, CA Steady Excellent
Mendota, CA Steady Excellent
Melon (Watermelon)

Seedless Watermelon in the west have improved supply and only fair quality due to the heat . Bakersfield is shipping in a limited way with only fair quality and size peaking on 45s mostly bins and some cartons. some personals being offered peaking on 6s and 8s with better supply and lower pricing.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central California Lower/Steady Fair
Onions Alert

Yellow and Red onion market out of both Central California and New Mexico remain steady with moderate demand. White onion markets higher with light supplies out of both growing areas. Quality is still be reported as fair to good. New Mexico has limited supplies of Colossal Yellow and larger which looks to be the case for the balance of their season. Thundershowers over the New Mexico growing area have dropped anywhere from trace to over 2 inches of rain on Monday/Tuesday with more on the way Friday. So far the only issues caused by the rain is light staining showing up in some of the packs. The onion market is expected to remain fairly steady with building supplies out of Washington and Idaho will begin shipping additional supplies by the middle of this month. Growing conditions have been good in these new areas. Temperatures in Central California and in Idaho are in the 100's with cooling starting this weekend. Heat wave is hitting the Washington growing areas with temperatures in the low 100's which forecasted into the middle of next week. Only time will tell what damage this heat will do to the Washington onion crop.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Thunder showers hitting New Mexico Growing areas.
Heat wave hitting the Northwest growing areas.

Transitions:
Washington has started with light volumes of yellow onions

Growing Region Market Quality
Calipatria/El Centro, CA Steady Fair
Las Cruces, NM Steady Fair
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Good
Pears

Stockton, California - Bartlett pears remain steady on the larger sizes while volume deals remain on the 110s and smaller. The Bartletts are still peaking on 100/110/120s. Red pears are steady on all sizes and continue to peak on 50/55s. The quality is good for both reds and Bartletts.

Washington – D'anjou pears are steady on all sizes and are still peaking on US#1 80/90s. The quality has been good. D'anjou's are expected to last through the month.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Bosc should start this weekend in California.

Peak Seasons:
California is in the peak of its Bartlett pear season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Stockton, CA Lower/Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Good
Pineapples

Supplies from the tropic's remain light and looks to be so through August.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
La Virgen, Costa Rica Higher Good
Heredia, Costa Rica Higher Good
Guapiles, Costa Rica Higher Good
La Cieba, Honduras Higher Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Higher Good
San Luis, Guatemala Higher Good
Potatoes Alert

2017 russet storage crop is declining quickly out of Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin. Quality on the storage crop is fair. Carton market is steady with good to moderate demand. Look for the storage crop market to firm as it gets into fewer hands. This will be short lived as supplies of New Crop build out of all areas. Demand on retail bales exceeds offerings. Limited supplies of New Crop russet potatoes are available out of Washington, New Mexico and Nebraska. Idaho will start up in a light way with a few shipper next week. Look for all areas to have moderate supplies of New crop by the middle of August. Market on new crop is firm at high pricing which will slowing weaken over the next couple of weeks as more supplies come on line. Quality on the New Crop is being reported as good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The end of the 2017 storage crop quality is fair. New Crop is being reported to be good.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID Steady/Higher Fair
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Higher Good
Eastern Colorado Higher Fair
Plover/Bancroft, WI Steady/Higher Fair
Potatoes (colored)

Eastern Washington -- red and gold potatoes are steady and they are peaking on A size. The quality has been good with minimal skinning.
Stockton, California -- the red/white/gold potato markets are steady to higher depending on the size. They have good availability on all sizes and colors with the exception of Premiums/Bakers in any color. The quality is good.
West Texas -- Reds and Golds are steady on all sizes but the season is winding down.
Wisconsin -- They are into smaller red potatoes are getting light supplies of A size now but are still peaking on Bs. The quality has been good.
Minnesota -- red and gold potatoes are steady and both are heavier to size A. The quality ahs been good.
Delaware--they are steady on all sizes and they have whites, reds, and golds available. All colors are heavier to A size and the quality has been good. They expect to pack for another 3-4 weeks.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Western Washington will start packing in 3-5 weeks.

Peak Seasons:
Stockton is in the peak of its colored potato season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Stockton, CA Steady/Higher Good
Pasco/Tri-Cities, WA Steady Good
Muleshoe, TX Steady Good
Big Lake Minnesota Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady Good
Squash (Eastern) Alert

The squash market is split with yellow getting tighter after quality issues started showing up causing yields to go down and pricing to increase. Green squash is not as delicate and the high winds that some of the growing regions have experienced did not cause scaring issues as it did in the yellow squash. There are many regions producing squash this time of year so buyers do have options. The mountains on western North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and Michigan are harvesting squash. Expect green squash to stay steady through the week but yellow could continue to tighten.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Yellow squash will remain tight through the weekend.

Peak Seasons:
Green squash is in good availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady/Higher Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady/Higher Good
Henderson / Bucomb County, NC Steady/Higher Good
Squash (Western)

Yellow Squash and Italian Squash are being harvested in Santa Maria and Fresno. Good Supply on medium followed by fancy and xfancy with very few W/B being offered. Hard Squash is still being offered from the central valley in California, Butternut and Kabocha are in fair supply, Acorn and Spaghetti are very limited.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Stone Fruit

Yellow peaches and nectarines are more available this week. Please try to be flexible to using both yellow and white if you have a large order. Quality on peaches, nectarines and plums is very good. Keep in mind we have fruit in Pennsylvania as well as the Pacific Northwest. Check into using pluots and apple pears also.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Madera south to Arvin, CA Steady Good
Tomatoes (Eastern)

The majority of supply is west coast driven with eastern operations supplying regional markets close to home. North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Michigan are all in operation. Of all varieties, roma tomatoes have the least supply. Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina have had little production getting their crop going because of a lot of rain, heat, and overcast skies. Tennessee has been stalled by weather but is up and running now, however they do not have enough volume to take any pressure off of the market. The Alabama crop has been severely hurt by weather and is not really going to materialize at all. Michigan has began this week helping to alleviate the supply shortage. It is not a huge crop and will probably not impact the market prices at all. Grape tomato yields have been reduced from heavy harvest brought on by heat leaving less available on the vine. Supply is short with staggered planting harvested all at once and demand remains strong.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Eastern North Carolina Lower/Steady Good
Cedarville/Hammonton, VA Steady Good
Benton Harbor/Byron Center, MI Steady Good
Tomatoes (Western)

Round tomatoes are steady from last week with more heat in the weather forcast for this week. Roma tomatoes in Central California started to gap recently due to excessive heat which has caused a bloom drop. In addition, there are some shippers in a rain gap that were forced to delay plantings due to excessive rain back at the end of May which has also contribute to lower supplies for the next few weeks. There are a combination of factors contributing to very little crossing through McAllen Texas as well. Imports from mainland Mexico crossing are very low and what makes it across the border is priced high with buyers waiting to gather what is available. Most shippers are not sending product to the U.S. because of poor quality of Romas that have been hurt by the monsoons occurring in many of the growing areas. As a result of the lower yields, the Mexican national market is high with fewer loads sent to the Texas border. Those that are crossing the border are being sold quickly with larger sized fruit at a premium. Baja, Mexico naturally backs off of production this time of year. There are currently two major shippers in a planned gap for the last couple of weeks in July before they come back in. Overall, we expect higher markets and short supplies for the next 2 weeks. Grape and cherry tomatoes are also steady with fair demand. By mid August as more trucks begin to come back into the states from Mexico prices will continue to gradually easy off.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Fair
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Lower/Steady Fair

Things You Should Know

Apples
Washington C.A. Fujis, Galas, Granny-smith, and Golden delicious demand still far exceeds the available supplies.

Avocado (California)
Demand exceeds supplies and market very active.

Avocado (Mexican)
Demand exceeds supplies and market very active.

Berries (Blueberries)
Hot temperatures in the Pacific Northwest may have sever effects on upcoming supply.

Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts remain limited in supplies as well as the market is extremely volatile.

Cilantro
The cilantro quality has not improved and the markets are still extremely active.

Citrus (Oranges)
Demand exceeds supplies and all sizes and grades

Onions
Thunder showers hitting New Mexico Growing areas.
Heat wave hitting the Northwest growing areas.

Potatoes
The end of the 2017 storage crop quality is fair. New Crop is being reported to be good.

Squash (Eastern)
Yellow squash will remain tight through the weekend.

Transitions and Temperatures

Onions
Washington has started with light volumes of yellow onions

Pears
Bosc should start this weekend in California.

Apples
Washington is expecting to start packing new-crop Earli-golds and Gingergolds in the next 2 weeks. Galas will be the week following.

Potatoes (colored)
Western Washington will start packing in 3-5 weeks.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is transitioning to Michigan and Ohio.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
cucumber are transitioning to the northeast and New York State.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell Pepper is moving the mid-west and northeast

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Pears
California is in the peak of its Bartlett pear season.

Apples
Washington is still in the peak of its red delicious apple season.

Berries (Blackberries)
New California harvest is expected to peak over the next 2 weeks.

Potatoes (colored)
Stockton is in the peak of its colored potato season.

Berries (Raspberries)
New California crop is starting and will gradually improve as we move forward. Peak production is expected in 2-3 weeks.

Squash (Eastern)
Green squash is in good availability.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant will move into peak availability this weekend.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
cucumbers are in peak availability.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green Bell Pepper is in peak availability this week.

Cherries
Cherry season will be ending in the next 7-10 days.

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