The Source - December 4, 2019

Weather Update

The last in a series of strong storm systems will roll into California on Friday and into the weekend. This will be followed by dry conditions and a warming trend expected through next week. The southwestern desert regions will see near seasonal temperatures along with breezy conditions into next week. Mexico will see seasonal to slightly below normal temperatures. Florida will see dry conditions and cooler temperatures this week with gradual warming next week.

Freight Update

California and Arizona trucks look to be steady and available for the next few weeks. Washington apple trucks are tight as Christmas trees have started. Idaho onion and potato trucks are both extremely tight. The national average remained steady this week at 3.070 per gallon. California prices remained steady as well and are currently at $3.960 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $57.49 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

EASTERN REGION:

There is still plenty of fruit available between the Midwest and East Coast on assorted varieties (especially on Red Del.). With so many products in the pipeline and limited options for export due to tariffs, many shippers are monitoring contracts and holding customers to those contracted numbers. Also, with regard to food service, the amount of small fruit is more plentiful this season versus last season. Shippers continue to deal on Red Del. with a few other deals sprinkled in.

WESTERN REGION:
Washington
Smaller, foodservice sizes (125ct/138ct) remain plentiful on most varieties with some exceptions (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady). Much like Midwest/EC, Washington shippers are seeing less fruit go to export due to high tariffs, causing some to move load volumes at ‘aggressive’ prices. Quality is excellent with great shelf life.

The Cosmic Crisp craze has begun, but many shippers are already sold out and are looking to January for their next available cases. Volume will be extremely light for the entire season (approx. 2.1 million cases for the season) and available quantities will be few. Volumes are expected to increase season-to-season, with volumes expected at 21.5 million cases by 2025.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Cosmic Crisp apples have come and gone. We are looking to January for the next round of available fruit.

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

Volume from both regions in Mexico (Ciudad Obregon/Northern Baja) is unchanged from last week. Demand is still light due to the after Thanksgiving slow down. Large sizes from these 2 regions are still short. Volume continues to be heavy from both regions in Peru (Ica/Trujillo), and the larger sizes (Large/X-large/Jumbo) are still plentiful. We should see this trend through the middle of December. Markets on both coasts are slow due to better volume from both coasts and the after holiday slow down.

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

Mexico-
Forecast this week in Michoacan, Mexico calls for no rain. Growers are also reporting some lenticel spotting on fruit due to the heavy rains in the previous weeks. Lenticel spotting is cosmetic and dissolves as the fruit ripens. The market on large fruit (48's and larger) continues to strengthen. Avocado trees continue to produce an excess of small and #2 fruit. In turn, this has increased market pricing on large fruit (48's and larger). Once this market stabilizes, look for promotable volumes and pricing going into Super Bowl.

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

Green bell pepper supply is tighter with cold temperatures in the southeast. Georgia is still hanging on with a few growers still harvesting. Temperatures dipped down to the low 30's on Tuesday morning, how much damage is still to be determined. Regardless of the damage in south Georgia, supplies will remain tight, growers in the region were coming to an end of their season even though the quality was still good. Yields are getting low enough that it would not be cost-effective to continue harvesting. Florida growers are not producing a large volume of peppers yet. Most shippers are still in the beginning stages of their crops and have not gotten to full production. Temperatures in most growing sections of south Florida dipped into the 40's Tuesday morning which is going to slow production for most of the week. Quality on pepper in both Georgia and Florida is good and cooler temperatures and shorter days have made the fruit harder and darker in color.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady Good
Indian River / Dade County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

GREEN BELL
Good supplies of green bell pepper are being Harvested in Thermal and Coachella, CA. All pack styles are being packed from this district. Steady supplies of green bell pepper are expected through the week. Quality from the California growing areas is good on all sizes. Moderate supplies of Green bell peppers are being Harvested in the Mexican state of Sonora. Supplies from the Mexican growing district are expected to increase as we head towards the end of November. The Green bell pepper market remains steady in the mid-teens this week. Moderate supplies of green pepper also available to load McAllen, Texas.
RED BELL
light supplies of red bell pepper is harvested in Thermal and Coachella, CA this week. Mostly small to medium size being packed from this district. Full volume from this crop is expected to start within 10 days. The quality on product that is being harvested in this crop fair to good. Light supplies of Mexican Hot House bell pepper are also crossing through Nogales, AZ this week. The market on red bell pepper remains high this week. Few Hot House bells continue to cross through San Diego. Quality from San Diego is good. Moderate supplies of Red bell pepper also available to load in McAllen, TX.
YELLOW BELL
Light supplies of Yellow bell pepper are being in harvested in California and Mexico. The Market on yellow bell peppers has increased due to lighter supplies from both districts. Light supplies of Mexican Yellow Hot house bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Blackberries continue to be available in moderate supplies. The markets remain steady with nearly all of the fruit coming out of Central Mexico. The quality has been steadily improving out of that region. Look for the market to ease off a little as crossings improve out of that area.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberries are still available in abundance with several imported varieties to choose from. The market remains steady on the fruit coming from Mexico, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay. There are some volume deals to be had out there. The quality has been very good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Buenos Aires, Argentina Lower/Steady Good
Trujillo, Peru Lower/Steady Good
Salto, Uruguay Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberries are in excellent supplies coming out of Central Mexico through McAllen, TX and Otay Mesa AZ. Quality has been good and the market remains soft for volume orders as shippers continue to keep the numbers moving. Look for the extra volume to continue to keep the market low to through next week.

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

Demand is currently exceeding supply. The California growing regions have been receiving rain in Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Maria, and Oxnard since last Tuesday and we are still receiving rain in many of these areas today. Forecast for this week has sporadic continued rainfall. With these areas producing the largest domestic supplies the effect on availability is severe. Florida production has just begun and most shippers are now picking only a few pallets 3 to 4 days per week, so volume is still very limited. Mexico production has been underway but they are still fighting through small sizing and quality issues from rainfall and humidity during the past several weeks. The crops in Mexico are 2-4 weeks behind normal production schedules due to the rain and should catch up after the first of the year. Virtually all shippers are quoting sold out and struggling to cover contracts and program business in all areas. Open market fruit will be very scarce and fill rates are expected.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Heavy rains and cooler weather will produce quality issues and reduce yields severely. Strawberries are in extremely short supply.

Transitions:
Florida is beginning to produce limited yields

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

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

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

The brussels sprouts market continues to stay mostly steady. There is still some internal decay causing slightly lower 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 Steady/Higher Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Carrots Alert

West Coast production is still producing carrots that are on the small side causing the jumbo and cello categories to be elevated in price. The pack styles using the smaller sizes of processed carrots remain unaffected and continue to be in good supply. Mexican jumbos are steady and are providing an excellent alternative to the less available and expensive California product. Quality in all areas is being reported as good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
West Coast production on jumbo carrots is still limited with elevated pricing.

Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Coachella Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Cauliflower

The cauliflower market continues to stay steady as supplies continue to come on in Yuma. The quality is good with slight bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for the market to continue to adjust going into next week.

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

This market remains steady overall. Supplies are expected to be moderate at best for the rest of the week. Supplies continue to come out of the southern California region. Shippers are consolidating product in Yuma for a fee. There continue to be customers that are unable to pick up in Oxnard/Santa Maria. Yuma is expected to begin harvesting in 2-3 weeks pending weather. Mexico is expected to have production with this commodity as well. The quality continues to be reported above average. Weights are reported at 51-56 pounds.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Yuma is expected to have production in 2-3 weeks.

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

Jalapenos- Moderate supplies of Jalapeno are being harvested in the Sonoran and Sinaloa growing district. Good supplies are expected to continue throughout the week. Quality from both districts is good. The Jalapeno market is decreasing with better volume. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

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

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

Tomatillo – Husk tomatillos are available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. The quality of husk variety is good. Good supplies on husk tomatillos are expected to continue. The market on both peeled and husk tomatillo are steady. Both husk and peeled tomatillo are available to load in McAllen, TX

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

The cilantro market continues to stay steady as supplies continue to be plentiful. The cilantro quality is fair 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
Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Citrus (Lemons)

The D3 (desert crop) is winding down for the season, supplies out of the D1 (Central Valley) are coming along nicely. The sizing profile is peaking on 140, 115, 165 and 70/30 ratio from fancy to choice. The large sizes 75/95 continue to come out with very light supplies 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)

Heading into December the lime market is taking a turn on the large size fruit with better availability while the smaller fruit is starting to get limited. The growing region of Veracruz is lacking rain and needs more rain for supplies to turn back around. Crossings have been steady and overall the quality is consistently improving each week.

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

Navel supplies are expected to be light this week due to the rain in the Central Valley. With more rain on the way through the weekend, we could potentially run into inventory issues. Please make sure orders are placed in advance to allow our suppliers to allocate and strategize orders. The Navel demand continues to be steady and all arrivals have been received with good feedback, so our suppliers are staying focused on pushing volume. 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 have started in the Central Valley along with the Cara Cara’s. Blood oranges are about a week and a half to two weeks out depending on the weather. As we get closer we’ll make sure to keep everyone updated.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Due to the amount of rain in the Central Valley could affect supplies next week. Please be sure to place orders in advance so suppliers are able to allocate and strategize orders.

Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Riverside, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Cucumbers (Eastern) Alert

Cucumber supplies are extremely tight and most shippers are unable to fill orders. Planted acreage of cucumbers is down from the past 2 years and cold temperatures have slowed production. Cucumber production all fall in Florida has been erratic due to very hot temperatures during the growing season and then when growers did start harvesting, temperatures were not consistent. The influx of temperatures causes plants to produce less fruit and many of the cucumbers that are produced are misshaped. Quality is fair, under the circumstances with supplies as tight as they are and pricing rising sharply, growers will pack all the fruit they can get. Imports from Honduras will start showing up this coming weekend but we do not expect a lot of volume at the beginning. Storms in Mexico has really slowed production and escalated demand for east coast product. We expect tight supplies of cucumbers until the 3rd week of December.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies are very tight.

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

Good supplies of cucumbers are crossing through Nogales from Mexico. Supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week. Quality from Sonora is good on all pack styles. The market on West Coast cucumber remains steady. Moderate supplies of Mexican cucumbers are crossing through McAllen and quality from McAllen is being reported is fair.

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

Eggplant supplies are steady and pricing is slightly lower. Georgia continues to harvest. The volume is much lower but the quality is still good. Supplies in Florida have increased as more growers are starting for the season. More Mexican eggplant started crossing the border last week before all the storms hit the central Mexican coast. Now that production should drop considerably, cold weather in the southeast should end the season for Georgia growers and slow production in Florida. Demand has slowed since the Thanksgiving holiday so pricing has stayed steady but expect supplies to tighten as the week goes on.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Lower/Steady Fair
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Lower/Steady Good
Indian River / Dade County, FL Lower/Steady Good
Eggplant (Western)

Moderate supplies of Eggplant are being harvested in California. The quality of domestic eggplant is mostly fair. Moderate supplies of eggplant continue to be available to load in Nogales, AZ. Eggplant crossing through Nogales is being harvested in Sinaloa. Both 18ct and 24ct are being packed. Quality is good on eggplant crossing through Nogales.

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

Sourcing good quality California green seedless grapes is becoming increasingly challenging as overall supplies are drying up fast. Growers and shippers have set aside their remaining strongest lots for programmed business and are attempting to stretch supplies as long as possible. Autumn Kings and Autumn Crisp are the only two varieties left and the overall quality and condition are on a rapid decline. Market prices on the remaining domestic fruit are climbing quickly. With very little Peruvian fruit available, we expect to see a demand exceeds supply situation play out until the end of the year. That being said, we will have the option of sourcing Peruvian green grapes in limited volume, but market prices will be exceptionally higher for the next 3-4 weeks. We will try to transition into new import fruit as soon as possible.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Domestic supplies are very limited. Quality is rapidly declining. Markets are higher. Import fruit is just starting. Very limited and prices are very high.

Transitions:
Peruvian fruit is starting to arrive this week in limited volumes. A little on east and west coasts. Prices are very high. Supplies will improve over the next 3-4 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Higher Fair
Fresno, CA Higher Fair
Grapes (Red) Alert

California shippers are confident they will have sufficient volumes of domestic red seedless to manage their programmed business through the end of the year. Late-season varieties like Allison and Scarlotta are topping weekly shipping reports, although some growers are still packing Scarlet Royal from tubs. The industry has worked through the bulk of smaller fruit, leaving only premium X-large lots left in cold storage. Quality is holding up fine. Market prices have been slowly climbing and are expected to remain higher through transition. Very light volumes of Peruvian reds are trickling over slowly. Red import grapes will be available on the east coast first, then work their way over to the west. The little bit of fruit that is arriving will be prices at a much higher premium over the remaining domestic fruit. We expect better availability of import reds by January.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Domestic supplies are in good shape. Quality is holding up fine and markets are slowly climbing. Import fruit is just getting started in a very light way.

Transitions:
Import supplies will start to increase mid December and really improve by January.

Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno, CA Higher Good
Delano, CA Higher Good
Green Onions

The green onion market continues to stay steady with the consistent supply brought on by the warm weather. Quality is good with occasional leaf minor. The market will continue to stay steady going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mexicali, Baja Steady 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 Steady Good
Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Lettuce Iceberg Alert

The lettuce market is active. Heavy rains and cool weather this past week in all the growing regions has created lower yields with all shippers. Shortage in labor is also an issue as to why supplies for this commodity is off. Normally after Thanksgiving supplies are abundant. Expect this market to stay active for the entire week. Many customers are apprehensive to buy romaine and this has created even more demand on iceberg to fill trucks. Some suppliers began the week sold out and some will only be covering contracts. Some common defects being reported to include misshapen heads, mechanical, and riby. Weights on liner packs are averaging 36-41 pounds.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Rain ,cool weather and labor shortage causing for lower yields for lettuce

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Lettuce Leaf Alert

The market is unsettled on romaine. There continues to be apprehension among distributors to purchase good volume numbers with this commodity. The fear of what happened to end the Salinas season continues to loom over Yuma. Overall supplies are moderate at best. Some suppliers have lowered pricing to create a demand while others are holding firm. Weights on romaine are reported between 28-34 pounds in Yuma. Santa Maria has had similar weights as well. Defects include slight mildew, insect damage and mechanical. Butter, as well as green and red leaf report similar defects as romaine. Weights are reported at 18-23 pounds on green and red leaf.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Some distributors still have a fear on romaine, due to the end of Salinas season with this crop.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Lettuce Tender Leaf

Tender Leaf market continues to stay steady as supplies have stayed consistent. 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) Alert

Offshore-
Steady supplies continue to arrive from Guatemala. The fruit is showing great internal and external quality. Size curve is currently leaning to larger-sized fruit with plenty of opportunity buys in Florida, Houston, and New Jersey. Also, offshore arrivals have hit the west coast in a light way. Fruit will be tight this week but expect better availability in the coming weeks. Costa Rica and Honduras are weeks away from ramping up production. Arrivals have started on the west coast in a light way.

Mexico-
Mexico continues to struggle with the growing demand on the west coast. It has been a struggle for Mexican growers due to abnormal weather this season. With offshore arrivals hitting the west coast, they will provide relief and a more stable market in the coming weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Offshore arrivals hit the west coast providing relief on short Mexican market.

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

Light supplies of watermelon continue to be harvested in Sonora, Mexico. The seedless watermelon market continues to be steady this week. Watermelon quality from Sonora is good and mostly cartons are being packed from this district.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Sonora, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Onions

Onion markets are holding steady across the board as supplies and quality remain excellent. Over the next couple of weeks, we will see the medium size onions tighten up due to an increase in retail demand for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. Other sizes for yellow, red, and white will remain stable. Good availability out of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Colorado can be found as we are in peak storage supplies across the board.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Excellent quality and volume available in the Northwest with peak season storage supplies

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

Washington:
Bartlett prices continue to firm up. The state of Washington experienced a 30% reduction in overall Bartlett volume. Couple that with California ending their season, many WA shippers are sitting on short inventory. Some smaller shippers will be done by the end of December, with larger shippers shouldering the load through February/March. Bartlett, Anjou, and Bosc remain available with Bartlett/Bosc pears commanding higher prices over the cheaper Anjou.

Red pears – Starkrimson is no longer available with many shipping Red Anjou in ½ and full cartons. Markets are steady and quality is excellent.

Specialty varieties—such as Seckel, Forelle, Comice, and Asian—are also available. Quality is excellent.

- pa_admin
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 continues to be strong after the holiday pull. Please be sure to send orders over in a timely manner to account for heavy demand-pull for this time of year. 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 have stabilized as demand has settled after the Thanksgiving holiday. Supplies remain tight as packing sheds work to catch up from the limited production hours last week. Next week will start to see an increase in consumer demand for the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays. Larger size potatoes along with 10oz #2 grade are limited as more Burbanks hit the markets in Idaho. Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin will continue to see the shift in demand keeping markets high. Road closures and limited truck availability are creating higher freight rates into the Northwest as well. 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 remains limited. Lead time needed on all russet orders; up to 7 days advised.

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

Color potato markets are holding steady. Idaho, Washington, North Dakota, and Wisconsin continue production of red and yellow potatoes. Minnesota has a limited supply of yellow potatoes available. Mt Vernon, Washington is showing excellent quality with supplies also available to ship out of Bakersfield, CA. Markets will remain elevated through the holiday season and look to see increases as we hit the new year with North Dakota and Wisconsin expected to end their season much earlier than normal. Demand will make the shift to the Northwest regions of Idaho and Washington pushing those markets even higher sometime around February or March.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Markets remain steady but elevated.

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

Squash supplies are steady on both colors in Florida. Florida is harvesting in the central, southwest and southeast regions of the state with good quality product. Expect supplies to tighten quickly and cold temperatures to cover the entire state Tuesday morning. Production will slow down drastically as the week goes on. Storms in Mexico will slow production crossing the border into the U.S. and increase demand for eastern squash. Quality has been good with most shippers. Cooler temperatures and shorter days have given fruit better color and longer shelf life.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Expect supplies to tighten as the week goes on.

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

Moderate supplies of Italian squash is being harvested in the Mexican state of Sonora. All pack styles continue to be packed on Italian squash. Quality from Sonora is mostly Fair. Italian squash supplies from Sonora are expected to finish up earlier due to the rains in the growing regions these past two weeks. These same rains have backtracked harvest in the Sinaloa district. Market on Italian squash has slightly increased due to better demand and lighter supplies. Light supplies of Yellow S/N squash continue this week due to two reasons: new crop is not ready for harvest and rains have also pushed back start dates. Yellow S/N market is expected to remain steady/high through the week. Quality on Yellow S/N is mostly fair. 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

We are in the middle of transition. We hope to see new Chilean stone fruit arrive late next week. We expect to see limited volumes of peaches and nectarines arrive first, followed by plums later in the month. Currently, there are Chilean apricots available that are being flown over but, prices are high. As we get closer to the first container arrivals, we will have more info on availability and prices.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Waiting on import fruit to arrive.

Transitions:
We expect the first arrivals of import fruit to land late next week.

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

Higher markets are expected for the first half of December. Pricing is expected to fluctuate between the high teens and low twenties the first half of the month and then improve as we get closer to the new year when more product comes from Mexico winter programs. Florida’s Palmetto/Ruskin districts have a week left of crown pics before they begin wrapping up. Further south, the Immokalee deal is off to a good start and positioned to continue harvesting into a strong crop by January. Until then, cooler temperatures have slowed production, spreading out production schedules limiting what is available while demand strengthens with more western buyers looking east or fruit. Grape tomatoes will be the tightest items in the next few weeks until the weather improves, and availability increases in the west.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Florida Steady/Higher Good
Tomatoes (Western)

A series of storms have brought significant rainfall to Baja and Sinaloa Mexico growing regions creating a range in quality and pricing. Availability has been reduced as farms wait to pick through wet fields. Supply is expected to be light for the coming weeks until programs get back on track. Winter programs are scheduled to begin in Culiacan by Mid-month to help with supply but won’t be in full production until January.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair

Things You Should Know

Apples
Cosmic Crisp apples have come and gone. We are looking to January for the next round of available fruit.

Berries (Strawberries)
Heavy rains and cooler weather will produce quality issues and reduce yields severely. Strawberries are in extremely short supply.

Carrots
West Coast production on jumbo carrots is still limited with elevated pricing.

Citrus (Oranges)
Due to the amount of rain in the Central Valley could affect supplies next week. Please be sure to place orders in advance so suppliers are able to allocate and strategize orders.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Supplies are very tight.

Grapes (Green)
Domestic supplies are very limited. Quality is rapidly declining. Markets are higher. Import fruit is just starting. Very limited and prices are very high.

Grapes (Red)
Domestic supplies are in good shape. Quality is holding up fine and markets are slowly climbing. Import fruit is just getting started in a very light way.

Lettuce Iceberg
Rain ,cool weather and labor shortage causing for lower yields for lettuce

Lettuce Leaf
Some distributors still have a fear on romaine, due to the end of Salinas season with this crop.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
Offshore arrivals hit the west coast providing relief on short Mexican market.

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

Potatoes (colored)
Markets remain steady but elevated.

Squash (Eastern)
Expect supplies to tighten as the week goes on.

Stone Fruit
Waiting on import fruit to arrive.

Transitions and Temperatures

Grapes (Green)
Peruvian fruit is starting to arrive this week in limited volumes. A little on east and west coasts. Prices are very high. Supplies will improve over the next 3-4 weeks.

Berries (Strawberries)
Florida is beginning to produce limited yields

Celery
Yuma is expected to have production in 2-3 weeks.

Stone Fruit
We expect the first arrivals of import fruit to land late next week.

Grapes (Red)
Import supplies will start to increase mid December and really improve by January.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Onions
Excellent quality and volume available in the Northwest with peak season storage supplies

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