The Source - December 18, 2019

Weather Update

A couple of low-pressure systems move into California today and over the weekend with cold temperatures and moderate rain for much of the state. As these systems move east, cold air entrained in these systems will bring widespread freezing temperatures to the Southwestern Desert regions into the weekend. Another system looks to bring rain to the region early next week. Seasonal temperatures continue across Central Mexico with cooler temperatures across Sonora due to storm systems passing to the north. Florida will see cooler temperatures behind an exiting storm system with breezy conditions into the weekend. Another system brings widespread moderate to heavy showers to the state over the weekend with gradual warming next week.

Freight Update

California and Arizona trucks will be tighter than normal through the end of the year as drivers shut it down for the holidays. Washington apple trucks remain tight. Idaho onion and potato trucks are both extremely tight. The national average remained steady this week at 3.046 per gallon. California prices dropped slightly and are currently at $3.882 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $60.51 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

EASTERN REGION:

There has been a definite lull in movement due to the holidays and schools out for winter break. Also, we are seeing a few regional shippers begin to close their doors for the season and this trend should continue on the EC and in the Midwest as we make our way to January. With this in mind, we should continue to see smaller shippers aggressively move inventory in an attempt to clear their floors, with larger shippers dipping into their CA (controlled atmosphere) inventories which should carry them to the Spring.

WESTERN REGION:
Washington
Smaller foodservice sizes (125ct/138ct) remain plentiful on most varieties with some exceptions (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady). Washington shippers are exporting smaller fruit at a higher rate and we are seeing prices begin to ‘firm up’ on certain varieties (Gala, Red Delicious). With that said, the aggressive deals (single-digit prices) are quickly disappearing. This trend should continue; especially once the New Year is here and schools return from winter break. Quality is excellent and with great shelf-life.

Cosmic Crisps were gone before they were available. Even though most WA shippers are approved to grow/sell the new variety, not all of them had it to sell. Some shippers are waiting until next season before entering the market, while others had a minimal amount of bins to pack. Initial estimates called for approximately 2.1 million cases statewide, but that amount was quickly scaled back to approximately 324,000 cases (collectively) for the month of December, with the majority going to retail chains at dollar amounts far exceeding Honeycrisp prices. January 2020 will bring the next round of availability, but expectations MUST be tempered as availability will mirror December.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Cosmic Crisp will return in January. Please submit pre-book orders, but please keep expectations tempered as availability will be limited to case/pallet quantities.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hudson/Pleasant Valley/Red Hook, NY Lower/Steady Good
Marlboro, NY Lower/Steady Good
Milton, NY Lower/Steady Good
Peru, NY Lower/Steady Good
Aspers/Gardners, PA Lower/Steady Good
Coopersville/Belding/Sparta, MI Steady Excellent
Caldwell, ID Lower/Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Excellent
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady/Higher Excellent
Asparagus

Volume from both regions in Mexico (Ciudad Obregon/Northern Baja) has dropped due to cold weather in both regions and seasonality. Sonora should start with some production in about 7-10 days. All sizes are tight due to the weather and seasonality. Volume has started to decrease from both regions in Peru (Ica/Trujillo). Markets on both coasts are much higher this week with production being down from all regions.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Higher Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Higher Good
Cuidad Obregon, Mexico Higher Good
Avocado (Mexican)

Weather for the state of Michoacan is showing no rain in the forecast this week. Temperatures call for lows in the 40's and highs in the 70's. Currently, field prices remain under pressure for 48's and larger. Any hiccups in harvest will be a result of holidays. Strong harvest in the last two weeks should help mitigate any gaps in harvest in the coming weeks. There is plenty of fruit in the trees but pricing will slightly increase on smaller fruit due to the decrease in volume. Larger fruit will decrease in pricing due to the increase in volume. Mexico will continue to harvest good volume for the next few weeks barring any issues.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Eastern)

Green bell pepper supplies are very good throughout south Florida. The middle of December is when we typically see all the major shippers from south Florida in full production. Quality has been good with most shippers, unseasonably warm temperatures have sped up production as the fruit is ripening sooner than expected. There is a line of thunderstorms moving across the east coast this week that could impact harvest. Rain accumulation should not be bad but high winds could hurt plants and slow harvest for a day or two. Green bell pepper pricing has been steady at reasonable levels, expect that to continue through the end of the year. Demand has been sporadic throughout the east coast since the Thanksgiving holiday and most like will stay flat through the end of the year.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Green Bell Pepper is in peak season in South Florida.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady Good
Indian River / Dade County, FL Steady Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

GREEN BELL
Green bell peppers continue to be harvested in three different growing regions. Regions include the Coachella Valley in California and the Mexican states of Sonora and Sinaloa. Supplies on domestic bell pepper from California are decreasing with cooler weather. Quality on green bell pepper has improved this week to good from both regions. The market on green bell pepper from all districts remains steady. Moderate supplies of green pepper also available to load McAllen, Texas.
RED BELL
Red bell peppers continue to be harvested in the Coachella Valley in California and in the Mexican state of Sinaloa this week. Red bell supplies are moderate from both districts. Quality from both crops is good. The red bell pepper market is currently steady on both varieties. Hot House supplies from Sinaloa have increased this week. Open field variety from Coachella California is expected to finish by the end of December. Light supplies of Red bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.
YELLOW BELL
Good supplies of Yellow bell pepper are being in harvested in Mexico from Sinaloa. Light supplies of yellow bell pepper continue to be harvested in the Coachella Valley. The market on Mexican yellow bell pepper has decreased due to better supplies. The market on domestic yellow bell pepper remains higher/steady due to light supplies. Quality from both districts is good. Light supplies of Yellow bell pepper are also crossing through McAllen, Texas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Fair
Berries (Blackberries)

Blackberries are in abundant supplies coming primarily out of Mexico and Central Coast California. Quality has been fair and we are still seeing some red cell defects in much of the offerings. Look for the market to remain flat as shippers push to move out inflated volumes.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard, CA Lower/Steady Good
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Fair
Berries (Blueberries) Alert

Blueberries are readily available with promotable volume out of Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Chile. Quality has been excellent on the fresher fruit. Look for this market to also trend lower as we see shippers struggle to move increasing volume in a sluggish market.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Over production will cause flat markets moving into the weekend

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Salta, Argentina Lower/Steady Good
Trujillo, Peru Lower/Steady Good
Southern Chile Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberries continue to be in good supply. Quality has been good in most lots. All raspberries are coming from Mexico at this point. Look for the market to remain steady with lower undertones as shippers begin to feel the pre-holiday lull in demand.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Baja, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

Strawberries are still in short supply out West but there is an expected lull in demand over the next few days which should allow fields time to catch up on color and sizing. We are moving through the recent rain issues rather nicely. However, some of the last of the product with issues just hit receivers over the last 2 days. We are about 2 weeks away from entering new crop fields out of the Oxnard area. There will be marked improvement in quality and quantity in that area barring any weather events.
Mexico is producing steady numbers and quality has been slowly improving out of that area. Look for numbers to continue to build moving forward out of this area.
Florida fruit is steadily building numbers as well. Quality out of this area is good enjoying near optimum weather conditions. Look for the markets to loosen up a bit as all three areas converge simultaneously to create an uptick in yields.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Good weather conditions should start to increase yields slowly over the next few days moving into the weekend

Transitions:
New crop Oxnard product is right around the corner with many shippers projecting start dates at the beginning of the new year

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard, CA Steady Fair
Santa Maria, CA Steady Fair
Central Mexico Steady Good
Central Florida Steady Good
Broccoli

The Broccoli market continues to stay steady as supplies have stayed steady in Yuma as well as Santa Maria and Oxnard. Quality has slightly improved with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for Broccoli to continue to stay steady going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Celaya Guanjuato Mexico Steady Good
Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Brussels Sprouts

The brussels sprouts market continues to stay steady and has recently started to come off. Quality has improved causing better yields. Look for the Brussels sprouts market to continue to remain the same going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard, CA Lower/Steady Good
Carrots

The carrot market remains steady out of California with the jumbo market remaining elevated due to the smaller sizing of our current harvest. Look for this situation to remedy itself on the front end of January. Canadian storage carrots are still plugging along at very reasonable prices. This volume should run dry by mid-January. Mexican jumbo carrots are crossing into the U.S through Texas with regularity. The market will remain flat for the next few weeks out of that area. Quality overall has been good out of all Districts.

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

The cauliflower market continues to stay mostly steady as supplies are consistent out of Yuma as well as Santa Maria and Oxnard. The quality is good with slight bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Some suppliers may need to sub sizing to fill orders. Look for the market to continue to adjust going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Yuma, AZ Steady/Higher Good
Celery

This market is steady. Demand is moderate at best. All sizing is available. A few shippers were flexing at the beginning of the week for large volume type orders while others held firm to pricing. Oxnard/Santa Maria continues to be the main growing region for this commodity. Mexico will continue to have production on all sizing. Shippers will transfer from southern California to Yuma for a fee if desired. Yuma is expected to begin harvesting in a few weeks. The quality continues to be reported above averages. Weights are 52-57 pounds. Slight bowing and leafy tops are being reported, but minimally.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Yuma will start production late December.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Chili Peppers

Jalapenos- Good supplies of Jalapeno continue to be harvested in the Sonora and Sinaloa growing district. Good supplies are expected throughout the week. Quality from both districts is good. The Jalapeno market is steady. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Pasilla- Good supplies of pasilla crossing through Nogales. Quality on pasilla crossing through Nogales is good. Size on the pepper is mostly medium to large. The pasilla market is steady this week with better supplies. Pasilla from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Anaheim- Good supplies of Anaheim crossing through Nogales this week. Quality on Anaheim crossing through Nogales is good. Size on the pepper is mostly medium to large. The Anaheim market has decreased with better supplies. Anaheim from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Serrano – Good supplies of Serrano peppers available to load in Nogales, Mexico. Good supplies are expected throughout the week. Supplies currently meet demand. Serrano supplies also crossing through McAllen, Texas.

Tomatillo – Moderate supplies of Husk tomatillos are available to load in Nogales, Mexico. Crop from Sonora is finishing up. Quality from Sonora is currently fair. Sinaloa crop is expected to start within 10 days. Better supplies of peeled this week due to fair quality on husk variety. The market on peeled tomatillo has decreased and is steady. While the market on husk has increased due to quality. Both husk and peeled tomatillo are available to load in McAllen, TX

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady Good
Cilantro

The cilantro market continues to stay steady as supplies continue to be plentiful. The cilantro quality is good with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay steady going into next week.

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

The district 3 (desert crop) is winding down for the season, with good supplies out of the District 1 (Central Valley area) are coming along nicely. The sizing profile is peaking on 115’s and smaller with a 70/30 ratio from fancy to choice grade. The large sizes of 75/95 are still snug but are projected to be more readily available after the New Year. We can continue to expect good supplies with steady markets and good quality through the month of December.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella, CA / Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Merced/Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady Good
Citrus (Limes) Alert

Limes supplies are expected to get snug over the next few weeks due to limited harvest schedules for the upcoming holidays. The growing region of Veracruz continues to lack rain and needs more rain for supplies to turn back around. Overall, the quality has been consistent. We expect pricing to be active for the remainder of December.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Expect lighter volumes for next few weeks due to the upcoming holidays. Harvest schedules and crews will be limited until the New year. Please send orders in advance.

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

Navel supplies are looking good this week in the Central Valley. The cool overnight and morning temperatures are providing us with excellent natural color and bringing gas hours down. Demand continues to be excellent and prices are settling in as we see better availability and all arrivals have been received with good feedback. Sizing profile is peaking on 88’s and smaller. Brix levels have been consistent between 11.5% – 12.5% with good quality. On Specialty citrus keep pushing mandarins, quality has been looking solid and markets have been steady. Grapefruit supplies are steady with stable markets. The Cara Cara’s and bloods should be in better shape this week. The Minneola Tangelos have started this week, expect supplies to be light to start but should gradually increase over the next couple of weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Steady Excellent
Cucumbers (Eastern)

Cucumber supplies have been very tight for the past week, and over the last few days more supply has been showing up from Honduras. Florida growers are still shipping supplies of good cucumbers and production has been low for the past few weeks and will continue to be light until the end of the year when the domestic supply should end for the season. Not all Honduran shippers have started for the season but supplies are picking up with the few shippers that have started, the rest of the growers in Honduras will start next week with light supplies. Quality on the first imports is good but it is early in the season for Honduras and color will darken as the season gets closer to the peak. It has gotten easier to fill orders over the last few days and pricing has stayed steady but should come down to more reasonable levels by early next week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Cucumbers are starting the transition to Honduras.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Olancho, Honduras Steady Good
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Moderate supplies of cucumbers continue to cross through Nogales from Mexico this week. Cucumber supplies are steady along with the cucumber market this week. Cucumber supplies continue to be harvested in Sonora and Sinaloa, Mexico. Quality on cucumbers crossing through Nogales is good. Moderate supplies of Mexican cucumbers are also crossing through McAllen. Quality from McAllen is being reported is fair.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern)

Eggplant supplies are at their peak in South Florida. Eggplant is being harvested on both the east and west coast of south Florida in heavy volume. Quality is very good for most shippers in the region. Unseasonably warm temperatures are helping plants produce top quality fruit. The weather has been conducive for production, as eggplant responds well to hot humid temperatures. Pricing remains steady at very reasonable levels. Expect supplies and pricing to remain steady through the end of the year. There are thunderstorms moving across the east coast that could slow harvest for the next few days.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant is in peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Lower/Steady Good
Indian River / Dade County, FL Lower/Steady Good
Eggplant (Western)

Good supplies of eggplant continue to be available to load in Nogales, AZ. Eggplant supplies crossing through Nogales continue to be harvested in Sinaloa. Good supplies of eggplant expected through the week with good weather in the growing areas. All sizes currently being packed this week. Good quality on eggplant crossing through Nogales.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady Good
Grapes (Green) Alert

Domestic green grapes are still being shipped on the west coast. The quality is fair and market prices have remained steady, but firm. Peruvian green grape arrivals are increasing weekly. Quality on the new fruit is excellent. Market prices continue to be high, which can be a deterrent, but the quality difference is well worth it (pictures attached). I suggest making the switch as soon as possible. We have availability of import green grapes on both the east and west coasts. With more Peruvian fruit arriving and Chilean harvest starting in early January, we expect to see market prices adjust down as we move forward.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Domestic fruit is still available on the west coast. Quality is fair. New import fruit is available on both coasts. Prices on import fruit are higher, but quality is much better.

Transitions:
Peruvian grapes available now. Chile is expected to start early January.

Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Higher Excellent
Grapes (Red) Alert

Arrivals of Peruvian red grapes have been very limited. New fruit is only available on the east coast at this time and supplies are light. Market prices on the new fruit are higher and firm. Domestic fruit is still in good supplies and quality seems to be holding. Market prices on domestic reds have remained steady over the last week. At this time, this is our only option for any orders loading on the west coast. We expect better availability of import fruit after the first of the year. Taking into consideration the price difference between domestic and import red grapes at this time, I suggest staying with domestic as long as possible. As Peruvian arrivals increase and Chile gets started in January, we expect to see better prices and more options on both coasts.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Domestic red grapes are our only option on the west coast at this time. Very limited supplies of Peruvian fruit are available on the east coast. Prices on import fruit are much higher. We expect better supplies and prices by January.

Transitions:
Chilean harvest is expected to start in early January.

Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Steady Good
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Higher Excellent
Green Onions

The green onion market has started to pick up as there has been a recent labor shortage in Mexico. Crews in Mexico tend to take this time of the year off causing lower supplies. Quality is good with occasional leaf minor. The market will continue to adjust going into next week.

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

The kale market remains steady as supplies continue to stay plentiful. Quality is good with full bunches and an occasional yellow leaf being reported due to the recent warm weather.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Good
Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Good
Lettuce Iceberg

Good supplies with this commodity are expected for the rest of the week in Yuma. Santa Maria will have moderate availability. The Christmas holiday is not a big holiday for lettuce. Some shippers are flexing to start the week in anticipation of slow sales, with Schools out for the holiday, offers are available. This is a perfect time to promote this item. The quality continues to be above average with weights on liner being reported at 40-44 pounds from multiple suppliers. Some slight defects being reported to include slight growth crack, misshapen heads and mechanical. There are reports of ice in the Yuma as the weather is changing. For now, quality is still strong.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Good
Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Good
Lettuce Leaf

The romaine market is flat overall. Shippers are flexing and looking to move some volume. This crop in Yuma is completely different than in Salinas so please let the customers be aware of. The quality has been good with weights averaging 32-37 pounds, and 11-13 inches in length from multiple shippers. Supplies are expected to be ample to fill all needs for the week, so promote this item as much as possible. Some common defects being reported on romaine to include slight insect damage and mechanical and mildew. Green and red leaf are being reported to have similar defects as well. Weights are reported at 19-23 pounds on green and red leaf.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Good
Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Good
Lettuce Tender Leaf

The Tender Leaf market continues to stay steady with consistent supplies. Curly parsley, spinach, and arugula are now at a steady supply going into next week. Quality is good with occasional yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves.

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

Offshore-
Arrivals into the US from Guatemala continue to gain momentum. There is good availability in the pipeline for both the east and west coasts. The overall quality is great with solid external netting and color. Brix/sugar levels are ranging from 12%-16% and showing great shelf life. Plenty of opportunity buys on all sizes. Production in Costa Rica and Honduras is expected to start up in January.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Higher Fair
Hermosillo, Mexico Higher Good
Melon (Honeydew) Alert

Offshore-
Guatemalan growers are facing production issues on honeydews. Currently, harvest crews are packing mostly small fruit as it just does not seem to be sizing up. Growers are currently researching to see what is causing this drastic decrease in production. Some growers seem to think it may be the seed varieties. Yields out of Guatemala will remain low until Honduras gets going in January. Availability will remain limited on both the east and west for the next few weeks.

Mexico-
Honeydews remain limited on the west coast. Very low yields crossing into the US as Mexico is transitioning into new growing regions. There is new crop fruit out of Guerrero starting up in a light way. Sizing is leaning heavily towards larger-sized fruit (5's & 6's) with good sugars (14% brix). Supplies will remain limited for the remainder of the month.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Guatemalan growers facing production issues. Honeydews will be limited until Honduras gets going in January.

Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Higher Good
Hermosillo, Mexico Higher Fair
Melon (Watermelon)

Supplies of watermelon are currently being harvested in the Mexican state of Colima. Watermelon supplies from Colima are expected to be steady throughout the week. Weather will be in the mid 80’s throughout the remainder of the week. Watermelon quality from this district is good. The market on watermelon is steady and expected to remain steady through the week. Both cartons and bins being packed.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Sinaloa/Nayarit, Mexico Steady Good
Onions Alert

Onion supplies remain good in all areas. Quality is great and markets are holding steady with the exception of white onions and medium-size yellow and red from the added holiday retail demand. Idaho and Oregon are producing excellent quality. Other regions producing are Washington, Utah, and Colorado. Currently in peak season for storage onions and look to be in great shape as we finish up 2019.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Medium sizes moving higher with holiday retail demand.

Peak Seasons:
Storage onions are in peak season with excellent supply and quality!

Growing Region Market Quality
Ontario, OR to Nampa, ID Steady/Higher Excellent
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Good
Pears Alert

Washington:
December will bring an end to the Bartlett pear availability for most smaller shippers, leaving larger shippers to fill orders from customers who demand this particular variety. Currently, all three flavors (Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc) remain available, with Bartlett/Bosc pears commanding the higher price over the cheaper—and with longer shelf-life—D’Anjou pear.
Red Anjou is the variety currently available and is packed in ½ (20#) and full cartons (40#). Markets are steady and quality is excellent.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The season for Bartlett pears is coming to an end for most shippers. Please know that shelf-life will be reduced and will require quick turnaround once received.

Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Excellent
Pineapples

Pineapple supplies continue to be steady out of both coasts. Markets remain fair, and demand seems to be light for the last week of December. Quality has been consistent and looking good!

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Heredia, Costa Rica Steady Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Steady Good
La Virgen, Costa Rica Steady Good
Potatoes Alert

Russet potato markets continue to inch up on the larger size 40 count through 70 count as well as 10oz #2's. More suppliers are moving into the Burbank variety and the size profile is leaning towards the 80 count and smaller. Markets will continue to rise as demand is active for the upcoming holidays and larger size potatoes will be scarce. Quality on the Burbanks is showing overall good quality with lots with showing the occasional shoulder bruise and peepers (picture attached) due to the lack of sprout inhibitor used in these short term cellars. We highly recommend 5-7 business days lead time prior to ship date to ensure proper coverage and on-time deliveries.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Larger sizes and #2 grade remain limited. Lead time needed on all russet orders; up to 7 days advised.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID Steady/Higher Good
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady/Higher Good
Wray, CO Steady/Higher Good
Plover/Bancroft, WI Steady/Higher Good
Potatoes (colored) Alert

Color potato markets are steady on yellow but showing some slight increase in the red potatoes due to holiday demand. Production continues in Idaho, Washington, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Mt Vernon, Washington is exhibiting the best quality with high color reds and yellow. Bakersfield, California continues to source Mt Vernon color potatoes to load in the valley and supplement West Coast mixer orders. Expect to see slight increases on red potatoes as we move through the holiday push.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Holiday demand heavy towards red potatoes; markets moving higher.

Growing Region Market Quality
Mount Vernon, WA Steady Excellent
Pasco/Tri-Cities, WA Steady Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady/Higher Good
Red River Valley, ND Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady/Higher Good
Squash (Eastern)

Squash supplies on both green and yellow straight-neck have been very good for the past week. Demand has been picking up for the last few days and there are signs that supplies may tighten up by the weekend. Squash plants tend to produce in cycles and the "upcycle" appeared last week, so expect production to slow down over the next few days. Thunderstorms crossing through south Florida the next couple of days will bring much cooler weather to squash producing regions which will slow production even more. Immokalee and Homestead, Florida are producing most of the squash volume in the east, thunderstorms should not produce much rain or damaging winds in these areas but the temperature will drop from the unseasonable temperatures south Florida has experienced the past 10 days.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Sarasota County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Dade / Eastern Collier County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Squash (Western)

Good supplies of Italian squash and moderate supplies yellow s/n are crossing through Nogales this week with better quality than last week. Moderate supplies of Italian squash continue to be harvested in Sonora, Mexico with good quality. Moderate supplies of Yellow S/N is being harvested in Sinaloa, Mexico and the quality is good. Cool temperatures in the mid 70’s expected this week in the Sonora growing areas. Soft squash Crop from Sonora is expected to finish in the coming two weeks. Temperatures will be in the mid 80’s in Sinaloa. Full soft squash production from Sinaloa is expected to start in the front part of January. The market on both yellow and Italian squash are steady this week. Light supplies of soft squash continue to cross through McAllen, TX.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Stone Fruit Alert

New Chilean stone fruit is finally starting to arrive this week. Varieties, sizing, and loading options are limited, but we do have some Peaches and Nectarines available now on the east and west coats. We expect plums to become available by early next week. Quality on the peaches and nectarines is being reported as very strong. Market prices are high, which is typical for the first arrivals. We expect to see supplies improve week over week and market prices start to decline as supplies increase. I have included a picture of some of the new Chilean "Sweet Diamond" variety. Please reach out if interested in promotional opportunities for the new year.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
New Chilean fruit is finally arriving. Quality is excellent and prices are firm. Better availability is expected as we move forward.

Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo, Valaparaiso, Santiago and Rancagua, Chile Higher Excellent
Tomatoes (Eastern) Alert

Florida tomato production is spreading out amidst transition with some growers finishing this week in Palmetto/Ruskin with others get underway further South in Naples/Immokalee. Yields are down significantly putting volumes near half of last week pushing the round tomato market upward above the $30 mark this week. Similarly, Roma tomatoes have reached the $30 mark and remain extremely limited with less acreage devoted to the crop. Volume will improve slightly over the next couple of weeks, but not by enough to meet demand. A cold weather system is coming into south Florida growing regions where new fields are harvesting which may slow production, further impacting grape tomatoes. Bulk Grapes are so few that FOB's are approaching $40 this week. Similarly, cherry tomatoes are also rising to meet demand as buyers look for an alternative to grape tomatoes. The next 7 to 10 days are expected to be very tight markets until Mexico begins winter programs crossing Nogales near January.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand Exceeds Supply. Availability is limited. Markets going higher into next week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Florida Steady Good
Tomatoes (Western) Alert

Devastating rains in Mexico have ended operations early for some farms and delaying the start of others causing a supply gap as farms work to recover operations and assess storm damage. Chihuahua, Sonora, Baja, and Sinaloa where a state of emergency has been declared and all have been affected. As Mexico works to get back on track, crossings are extremely light. Flood damage has wiped out field production and damaged shade houses where the lasting effects of precipitation will affect quality for weeks to come. Western demand has shifted to Florida where supply is also light casing the market to move up quickly. National demand exceeds supply. Growers have asked for leniency when evaluating quality considering the amount of volume coming across. Prorates can be expected as harvests and markets adjust through the Holiday season. Some forecasts estimate that Culiacan will be late their usual January 15 start date postponing a Mexico recovery until the end of January.
This week, Round tomatoes continue to soar breaching the $40 FOB mark. Quality is less than desirable; however, the product continues to sell out daily. Similarly, Roma tomato FOB’s continuing to adjust to meet very strong demand. Shippers continue to push FOB's upward testing the limit of the market, selling out to prior bookings and previous commitments. Likewise, grape tomatoes have not yet found a price limit in the market with much of what is available limited from the storm and delayed harvests in new crops. With more cold weather in the forecast, it is estimated grape volumes will remain depressed until mid-January. Cherry tomatoes are in a critical state and with very little availability.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The recent storms in Mexico were significant weather systems that have devastated multiple areas of Mexico. Western Supply Extremely Short. Demand exceeds Supply.

Things You Should Know

Apples
Cosmic Crisp will return in January. Please submit pre-book orders, but please keep expectations tempered as availability will be limited to case/pallet quantities.

Berries (Blueberries)
Over production will cause flat markets moving into the weekend

Berries (Strawberries)
Good weather conditions should start to increase yields slowly over the next few days moving into the weekend

Citrus (Limes)
Expect lighter volumes for next few weeks due to the upcoming holidays. Harvest schedules and crews will be limited until the New year. Please send orders in advance.

Grapes (Green)
Domestic fruit is still available on the west coast. Quality is fair. New import fruit is available on both coasts. Prices on import fruit are higher, but quality is much better.

Grapes (Red)
Domestic red grapes are our only option on the west coast at this time. Very limited supplies of Peruvian fruit are available on the east coast. Prices on import fruit are much higher. We expect better supplies and prices by January.

Melon (Honeydew)
Guatemalan growers facing production issues. Honeydews will be limited until Honduras gets going in January.

Onions
Medium sizes moving higher with holiday retail demand.

Pears
The season for Bartlett pears is coming to an end for most shippers. Please know that shelf-life will be reduced and will require quick turnaround once received.

Potatoes
Larger sizes and #2 grade remain limited. Lead time needed on all russet orders; up to 7 days advised.

Potatoes (colored)
Holiday demand heavy towards red potatoes; markets moving higher.

Stone Fruit
New Chilean fruit is finally arriving. Quality is excellent and prices are firm. Better availability is expected as we move forward.

Tomatoes (Eastern)
Demand Exceeds Supply. Availability is limited. Markets going higher into next week.

Tomatoes (Western)
The recent storms in Mexico were significant weather systems that have devastated multiple areas of Mexico. Western Supply Extremely Short. Demand exceeds Supply.

Transitions and Temperatures

Celery
Yuma will start production late December.

Berries (Strawberries)
New crop Oxnard product is right around the corner with many shippers projecting start dates at the beginning of the new year

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are starting the transition to Honduras.

Grapes (Red)
Chilean harvest is expected to start in early January.

Grapes (Green)
Peruvian grapes available now. Chile is expected to start early January.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is in peak season.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green Bell Pepper is in peak season in South Florida.

Onions
Storage onions are in peak season with excellent supply and quality!

Want to receive our most recent market reports by email as soon as they're released?
Click here to sign up
Back to Top