The Source - August 6, 2015

Summary

Blueberries:
This market is very active and availability is becoming increasingly lighter as we move further into August.

Weather Update

Slight cool down expected out west late this week as an approaching cold front brings a return of the marine layer to coastal California Saturday. Coastal temperatures remain in the 70s with 80s to mid 90s in the interior valley. A deepening marine layer will bring drizzle to the coastal regions as overnight temperatures remain will above normal through the week. Monsoonal moisture will being a chance of showers as warm humid overnight temperatures continue to push crops ahead of schedule.
Excessive heat continues in the Southwestern deserts stretching into Baja and Northern Mexico with showers possible as tropical moisture from the Pacific Ocean increases. A low pressure system passing to the north will bring slight cooling and a coastal marine layer over the weekend.
In the Southeast region scattered showers continue as a tropical system moves off the the east today. Another frontal system will bring rain heavy at times, and thunderstorms to the northern half of Florida into North Carolina over the weekend. Temperatures look to remain in the mid to upper 90s thru the week.

Freight Update

Supply is adequate in CA, WA, and ID. Rates are staying steady and fuel is dropping. This week’s fuel is $2.66 per gallon. Schools are starting to back up, expect trucks to tighten up in the next few weeks.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

California galas are steady to slightly lower and are still peaking on 100/113s but remain short on 80s and larger. The early Gala varieties are high in color.
Washington Red Delicious are steady on most sizes and the market remains firm. Most shippers are still peaking on 88s and larger in the higher grades. Small red supplies remain short. Golden Delicious are steady to slightly higher on all sizes due mostly lighter supplies as they are nearly finished for the season. Earligolds & Gingergolds are the early golden varieties that are transitioning in. They are steady on all sizes and grades. Granny-Smith are mostly steady but the market remains firm due to light supplies and strong demand. The fruit is still peaking on 72s and larger while 100s and smaller supplies are limited. Fujis and Galas are cleaning up quickly and supplies are extremely short, in fact many suppliers are finished with their CA fruit. The markets for both varieties are active and will remain so until the CA fruit cleans up.

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

The market on this commodity is firm. Production out of Peru is moderate to light. Jumbo packs continue to be extremely tight in availability in all of the growing regions. Supplies are better on standard and large packs. Production out of Mexico has fallen off. This product can be loaded in Salinas or LA. This market has a good chance at getting stronger by the end of the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Higher Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Steady Good
Avocado (California)

California harvest is declining and is expected to continue to decrease gently through August to season end. The Southern region is already wrapping up its harvest. Peak sizing is on 40s and 48s with very little smaller fruit. Very good demand is keeping supplies on all sizes tight. Quality and flavor are both excellent.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady Excellent
Avocado (Mexican)

Mexico's Flora Loca crop harvest is going well, with good volume coming in on 40s and 48s followed by 60s. Limited volume on #2 fruit as quality is very good. Expect Flora Loca to have less maturity than the old crop with lower oil, brighter green color and will be slower to break. Ripe fruit could still be green in color as the skin isn't mature enough for it to darken. Color is not an indication of ripeness, pressure is.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Availability has improved this week and we are seeing better volumes of fruit coming on. Some supply gaps are still affecting day to day availability as a few shippers are reporting being in between fields and subsequent harvests. Quality has been good overall. Peak season and volume are just around the corner and should hit by mid August.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Peak season and volume are just around the corner and should hit by mid August.

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

Overall volume has begun to decrease sharply. Larger packs such as 18oz, pints and bulk packs are all becoming very scarce to non-existent. Shippers will continue to pack into smaller clamshells as the volume continues to decrease. Many of the regional areas are finishing or are packing storage fruit from their middle and late season varieties. Some reports of disease and insect pressure coming out of the Pacific Northwest regions. Weather has also been a factor in decreasing volume. Rain followed by heat and humidity decreased available fruit. Labor has also been an issue as pickers try to beat the declining crop and move to regions with more work. Availability will become even more challenging as we move further into August. Demand is requiring both storage and fresh product to supply current orders. Some shippers are now reporting a major historic production gap to hit by mid-late August. They are expecting failure in service by late August. We will continue to monitor and update on this situation.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Market is very active and availability is becoming increasingly lighter as we move further into August.

Growing Region Market Quality
Grand Junction, MI Higher Good
Mossyrock, WA Higher Good
Salem, OR Higher Good
Pitt Meadows, BC Higher Good
Berries (Raspberries)

We have good availability and overall good quality in raspberries. This is an excellent time to promote fresh California raspberries as the current crop is in peak season!

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
We are in peak volume season in CA! Promotional pricing, volume and quality available!

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

Market is very active, demand exceeds supply. We have passed the peak of the spring/summer season and we're expecting the volume to now continually decrease in this area until season's end. Warm and humid weather continues, most notable are the warm overnight temperatures in the Salinas/Watsonville strawberry growing regions and quality continues to suffer. Bruised, soft and full-red to overripe berries are prevalent in all labels, industry wide. Fruit is very small and more susceptible to bruising occurring as it is harvested and packed or while in transit. Bruising will lead to early decay. Mildew has also been reported with the ongoing high humidity. Mold may occur if the berries are exposed to warm temperatures, so it is of utmost importance to maintain the cold chain and keep the fruit between 32-34* at all times. Strawberry shippers are quoting quality issues at loading and they're increasingly more particular about where they will ship their fruit. Expectations must be adjusted to the current quality available as shippers are putting the best available fruit into the fresh packs. Shelf life expectations must be adjusted at this time as fruit will not last as long as you are used to. Order for very quick turns. There are no other available loading locations or different growing regions to go to that will offer better quality at this time. Santa Maria's new fall crop is still several weeks away, possibly mid-September before we see good volume from that area.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Market is very active and demand is exceeding supply.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Watsonville, CA Higher Fair
Broccoli

This market is steady. Some suppliers are attempting to take this market up slightly while others are holding firm. Although the temperatures have been high in the growing regions, the quality is good, overall. The main production on this commodity continues to be out of the Salinas Valley. The Southern California region will have light production all week. Production out of Mexico is light to moderate. Texas is in production as well.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Celaya Guanjuato Mexico Steady/Higher Good
McAllen, TX Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Carrots

Bakersfield crop is in full summertime production. Size in the fields is dropping some and the percentage of Jumbo size carrots is falling off a little. With good demand for Jumbo size and this fall off in size, look for the market to firm up. Quality is good.

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

This market continues to be steady. Expect demand to be light for the rest of the week. There are still good offers on nine counts if needed. The quality overall is good with this commodity. The Santa Maria region as well as Salinas has good production. This market is expected to get stronger by the middle of next week.

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

This market continues to gain strength. Production in Michigan continues to be moderate at best on this commodity. Santa Maria continues to have production, if needed in the Southern California region. The Salinas Valley has lighter supplies compared to past weeks. The large sizing, twenty four counts specifically are highest in demand. Expect good quality from all the regions. This market is likely to gain strength daily.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Michigan Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Good
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Good
Cilantro

This commodity is in a severe demand exceeds supply situation. With the fiasco in Puebla-Central Mexico, coupled with harvesting gaps, supplies are not meeting demand. The Baja region of Mexico cannot supply enough product for the marketplace and domestically, harvesting is moderate to light. The shortage of product will continue for two weeks minimum. As shippers harvest ahead of schedule to meet demand, the sizing of bunches may become smaller. For now, this is not an issue.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Baja, MX Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Good
Salinas, CA Higher Good
Citrus (Lemons)

Crop is peaking on 140s and smaller. Demand is exceeding supplies on 140s and larger and on all grades of fruit. Very good demand and drought conditions in growing areas means less production of fruit and no size growth. These are the major factors for the demand exceeds supply conditions on California Fruit. Chilean imports have arrived and are helping out supplies and easing the market prices.

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

The lime market has jumped up on all sizes. Growers are harvesting less than before and demand has passed the balance that had been going for several weeks. The old crop and new crop limes are going to be in light harvests through the month of August. The overall quality is good on the crop that is being harvested. Growers are getting into old crop limes and we may see thinner skin with lighter color in some lots.

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

California Valencia oranges are going with good volume on 72s, 113s and 138s. Demand is improving on 88s/113s/138s and seeing prices firm up for some shippers as well as slowing the pace of packing fruit to begin stretching out this year's lighter volume crop. Quality on Valencias is very good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Riverside, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Grapes (Green)

The green seedless grapes are about steady with good supplies of Thompsons and Princess grapes. The quality overall is reported as excellent on all, with better color and size on the Princess. The Princess are commanding a premium on price as compared to the Thompsons.

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

The red seedless grape market is much stronger in the face of lighter supplies. The industry is currently transitioning out of Flames and into Crimsons and Scarlet Royals. The smaller medium large fruit is impacted the most as these varieties are coming in larger than the Flame Seedless have been. This strengthening should be temporary as supplies are projected to improve industry wide over the next 2 weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Delano, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Madera, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Fresno, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Green Onions

This market is steady with most suppliers. Demand is minimal. Good weather in the Mexico growing regions has allowed production to be abundant. Good supplies are expected all week. Supplies will continue to exceed demand. All sizing is available, with the heavier availability coming in small and medium packs.

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

Excellent supplies and good quality are associated with this commodity. The Baja region as well as domestic product is plentiful and clean. Shippers are listening to offers. Expect strong quality and availability throughout this week as well as next in all the growing regions.

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

This market is active with all suppliers. Yields are down due to warm temperatures. Growers are passing on certain acreage due to internal burn. Puffiness and insect damage are also issues with this commodity. The heat in all the growing regions have been strong. Night time temperatures continue to be in the mid to high 50s. The weights on palletized are averaging 42-47 pounds. Salinas and Santa Maria are the two main growing areas at this time. Production in Santa Maria is moderate. Markets will climb daily.

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

The romaine market is stronger. High temperatures in the growing regions continue to exist and these high temperatures will continue for the entire week. Yields are being affected with all growers. Fringe burn, insects, dehydration and internal burn will be seen upon arrival. The weights on romaine cartons continue to average 31-36 pounds. Chopped romaine as well as romaine hearts continues to show pinking upon arrival. Green and red leaf are active as well. Fringe burn, mildew damage and insect pressure are defects associated with red and green leaf as well.

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

The West Side is producing good volumes of lope 9ct, 12ct and 15ct right now. The peak size is 9ct and 12ct. The size curve continues towards even larger sizes and further away from smaller sizes which is leaving the 18ct in a very low supply situation. The West Side has very good quality and acceptable sugar content. The current market is slightly higher on 9ct and 12ct but steady on 15ct and 18ct. We are currently experiencing decent demand for cantaloupes.

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

The peak size is currently 5ct and is continuing to shift towards even larger sizes. Honeydew 8ct are very scarce right now. The quality and sugar contents are really good for dews right now and this trend looks to continue. The market is heading upwards on dews. We are experiencing good demand on honeydews right now which is causing their price to climb upwards given the shorter supplies we have right now.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Firebaugh, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Mendota, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Onions

Yellow Onion pricing has softened slightly out of California and New Mexico. This is mainly due to Washington and Idaho slowing adding product to the market place. Demand is good on Red onions which has this market steady at higher levels. This should start to weaken in the next couple of weeks as the Pacific Northwest start to harvest red onions. Quality is being reported as good out of all areas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Huron/Metler, CA Steady Good
Las Cruces, NM Steady Good
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Good
Ontario, OR to Nampa, ID Steady Good
Pears

California Bartlett pears continue to peak on US #1 80-100s and the market is steady on all sizes but there is some price flexibility on certain sizes. The demand is steady. Stark Crimson pears are peaking on 35-55 count half cartons and they are also steady. Bosc pears are available in California and they are peaking on smaller fruit. The quality has been good for all varieties.
Washington Bartlett pears are steady to lower and they are peaking on smaller fruit. 90-count and larger are steady while the 100s and smaller are lower.
Washington D'anjou pears are still available but the supplies are light and they are cleaning up. Most packers are limited on US #1 110s and smaller. The D'anjou market is steady on all sizes.
Chilean pears are available in certain sizes but are cleaning up.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Lower/Steady Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Chile Lower/Steady Good
Potatoes

New Crop potatoes are here. Russet new crop potatoes are being harvested in Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Idaho is down to handful of shippers with storage Burbank potatoes which will finish up next week. Quality is fair on the Burbanks and good on the new crop Norkotah potatoes. Pricing for large sized cartons remains strong. The #2 potatoes will be short with strong pricing for the next couple months out of all growing areas.

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

Bakersfield, California is still shipping orders but they will finish packing reds and golds this Thursday. The markets are steady on all sizes and colors except gold As which are finished. The quality has been good.
Stockton, California continues to pack reds, whites and golds. All three are peaking A-size and the markets are mostly steady. Premium and baker golds are limited along with #2 reds. The quality has been good on all colors.
Western and Central Idaho reds and golds are steady and both are peaking on A-size.
Virginia is still packing a few reds, golds and whites and all are heavy to A-size. The markets are steady and the quality has been good.
Wisconsin reds and golds are peaking on A size but they good volume on B reds as well. The markets for both colors are steady but there is volume-flex on large Red orders. The quality is good.
Minnesota reds and golds are steady to lower and are also peaking on A-size. The quality has been good. Gold supplies are light this week but will improve as time goes on.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady Good
Big Lake Minnesota Lower/Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady Good
Hallwood/Horntown/Cape Charles, VA Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Peaches and nectarines continue to tighten up on the small volume fill sizes. Availability is skewed heavily to the tray pack 40s and 48s. Pricing on the large sizes has come off as the quotes on the smaller fruit has risen. Demand is increasing (for the smaller fruit) as the schools around the country start up. The plum market is strengthening. Demand is improving as supplies tighten up. Here too, the smaller fruit has dried up; with better availability on the larger 50s to 30s.

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

Rounds - The market continues to be strong in the east. Better supplies on the bigger tomatoes than the small. Michigan, Tennessee and Alabama all have volume and are helping with this years lighter yields. With availability just meeting demand pricing this week will remain steady. Quality is good.

Roma - The market on Romas will remain steady with a slight decrease toward the end of the week. Tennessee and Michigan are coming in with decent volumes and with California struggling pricing may come down a bit in the east. Quality is good with some color issues.

Cherry/Grape - Cherry market remains tight with limited supplies in both regions. Look to continue with high pricing for at least another couple of weeks. Quality is Fair/Good. Grape market is steady with some availability in Virginia/Maryland. This is not enough volume to ease the pain for east region and may see a price increase toward the end of the week. Quality in the north east is good, otherwise Fair.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Benton Harbor/Byron Center, MI Steady Good
Exmore, VA Steady Good
Tomatoes (Western)

Rounds - The California volume is still short with more large fruit than small. This will continue through next week. The west will find some relief with small shippers coming on in a couple weeks. Quality is good.

Romas - market on Romas will remain steady this week. There is enough volume to meet demand and the quality is good in both Mexico and California regions. Mexico volume is a little better but California is improving.

Cherry/Grapes - Cherry market continues to be strong. East coast will rely on the west through the summer. Pricing will continue to increase which should cause demand to fall. This should allow for availability for those who want to pay from them. Grape market is on the rise as of late due to poor quality and a planting gap. Mexico is also nearing a transition. Quality will remain an issue for another couple of weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Fair

Things You Should Know

Berries (Blueberries)
Market is very active and availability is becoming increasingly lighter as we move further into August.

Berries (Strawberries)
Market is very active and demand is exceeding supply.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Berries (Blackberries)
Peak season and volume are just around the corner and should hit by mid August.

Berries (Raspberries)
We are in peak volume season in CA! Promotional pricing, volume and quality available!

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