The Source - February 1, 2016

Weather Update

A potent cold front moving through Southwestern California today will bring some rain today and very strong winds (25-45mph) to the region into mid week with a very cold air mass trailing behind this system. The cold air mass will produce widespread moderate to severe lettuce ice in the Desert regions into Friday. High temperatures 10-15 degrees below average are forecast into mid week with gradual, slight warming of daytime highs through the end of the week.
Northern Mexico and Baja will see cooler temperatures light rain and strong winds with morning lows reaching the mid 30s into mid week as the strong system passes to the north. gradual warming of daytime highs begins behind this system.
High pressure over Central Mexico keeps seasonal temperatures in the region into mid week. A cold front pushing into the Gulf of Mexico will bring a cold air mass and a drastic cool down to the region the latter part of the week. Subfreezing morning temperatures are forecast to impact this region Friday into the weekend
Showers in Southern Florida move out today with above average temperatures expected into mid week. A fairly strong cold front moves into Florida Wednesday with rain and thunderstorms expected across the state. Cold air behind this system brings possible subfreezing morning temperatures to Northern Florida Thursday into the weekend.

Freight Update

California and Arizona trucks look to be steady for the week. Washington and Idaho potato trucks are steady as well. Idaho onion trucks remain tighter than normal. The National Average Dropped again this week and is now at 2.031 per gallon. A difference of $0.800 from this time last year. California prices dropped slightly as well and are now at 2.399 per gallon. Crude oil leveled out and is now at $31.40 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Washington - red delicious are steady on all sizes but 88s and smaller are firm due to strong demand. The lower grade reds remain limited in all sizes and most shippers are subbing up in grade esp. on larger orders of smaller fruit. Most suppliers continue to peak on 72/80/88 reds. Golden delicious are steady on all sizes and grades but the market for lower grade fruit is firm. Golden delicious are still peaking on Wash-Extra 100/113s. Most suppliers still don't have much larger than an 88-size. The Granny-smith market is steady on all sizes and they are still peaking on 88/100/113s. Most Granny shippers still don't have much larger than an 88 and are still short on 125's and smaller. Galas are steady on all sizes and grades but the market is strong due to increased demand. Most Gala shippers don't have much fruit larger than an 88. Fujis are also steady but strong due a demand shift from the east coast. Washington Fujis continue to peak on extra-fancy 80/88/100's. Honeycrisp are mostly steady and the market remains high and strong due to light supplies. Jonagolds and Braeburns are still available but supplies are limited. The quality for all varieties has been good.
Michigan - Red delicious are steady on all sizes and continue to peak on 80/88s. Most Michigan shippers have less small fruit than they do large. McIntosh are steady and are still heavier to 125/138s but supplies are light. Galas are higher as storage supplies are starting to dry up. Golden delicious are steady but strong due to lighter supplies. Golden delicious are still peaking on 125/138s. Jonathans are steady on all sizes and they are still peaking on 150/138/125s. Jonathans are still the low-price leader in Michigan. Fujis are steady and they are peaking on 125/138s. Red Romes are steady but most shippers will deal on volume orders. Jonagolds are all still available but supplies are limited.
New York - Red delicious, Macs, Cameos, Romes, Crispins, and Empires are all steady. Gala and Golden delicious supplies are light and both markets are steady to higher and strong. Empire and Red Rome volume is good and some shippers will flex for volume on the smaller sizes. The quality has been good on all varieties.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coopersville/Belding/Sparta, MI Steady Good
Hudson/Pleasant Valley/Red Hook, NY Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Good
Asparagus

Supplies are abundant on both Mexican and Peruvian Asparagus. The market is flat and there are offers to promote. Shippers are packing 28/1# Mexican Asparagus currently as well. Quality is excellent on product from Mexico. Peruvian quality has improved.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
We are currently in Peak Season for the Caborca growing region.

Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Steady Excellent
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Steady Good
Avocado (Mexican)

The size curve coming from the groves continues to be a real mismatch for the demand and has shippers upside down. The size curve which is running heavy to the 32s/36s/40s is causing supplies issues on 48s/60s/70s which. There are very limited availability on the smaller sizes of 60s/70s and as customers move up to 48s, we are see 48s becoming very tight and a real issue for shippers.

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

Supplies remain very limited. A combination of delayed inbound arrivals and cool weather in Mexico (different growing area than the Strawberries) have lead to a continued shortage of fruit. This week's supply looks to be very similar to last week. Slowed production and increased demand will result in sporadic availability all week. Orders will be filled accordingly. In addition, the quality of the fruit is fair due to the severe weather patterns in Mexico.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supply will continue to be a challenge this week. Limited production and delayed arrivals.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Berries (Blueberries)

Although still limited in the front part of the week, Blueberry supplies are expected to improve slightly as we move forward. Chilean fruit arrivals are expected to increase later this week and production in Baja is ramping up. Fruit will available to load all regions. Market have remained steady and quality is good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Chile Steady Good
Central Mexico Steady Good
Baja California, Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries) Alert

Raspberry volumes continue to be very light. Central Mexico will have limited production this week and arrivals will be sporadic. Quality will remain a concern as the berries have endured some cold weather. Soft and broken fruit is still being reported upon arrival. Orders are subject to daily availability.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supply shortages are expected all week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

All growing regions continue to be very limited in production. Southern California was hit with some rain this weekend (.75" - 1.25") delaying early week harvest. Weather is expected to remain cool all week and production numbers will remain extremely limited. Central Mexico production has been light, but warmer weather is expected this week. Hopefully this will help ripen fruit and bump up volume for mid to late week orders loading in McAllen. Florida continues to struggle with the recent rains and cold weather. Production will continue to be very limited. Unfortunately, the supply situation does not look to be improving during the holiday pull. Orders are subject to that day's availability.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supply will remain extremely limited in all growing regions.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Central Florida Steady/Higher Good
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Broccoli

Broccoli Supplies are abundant and prices are extremely aggressive. there are several growing regions currently harvesting. And now to add to the mix, Salinas has started harvesting in limited quantities. Quality is really nice from all growing regions. Look for supplies and markets to remain the same for the week.

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

Brussel Sprout supplies are slowly getting better. The market remains firm but looks to loosen up by the end of the week. Sizing is still in the small to medium range. Quality has improved as well. Large to Jumbo sizes are extremely limited.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Good
Carrots

Cooler weather continues to hamper size growth in the carrot crop. Jumbo size carrots coming out of fields remain at a very low percent, and demand is very good on them. Supplies of medium size and value added is good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Cauliflower

Steady supplies of cauliflower is still the theme here. Prices also remain steady with offers on different sizes. Quality is also nice. But there has been some arrivals with spreading and some yellow cast to the cauliflower.

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

The celery market is softer. Better supplies exists in Yuma and Florida compared to past weeks. The quality has been reported as good out of the Florida region. Defects on celery continue in the Oxnard region. Some of these issues are bowing and soft spots but reports have been less. With the cold temperatures forecasted in Yuma and Oxnard this week, increased defects are likely to occur. Large sizing is much more readily available in Yuma and Oxnard.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Belle Glade, FL Lower Good
Yuma, AZ Lower Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Fair
Cilantro

The Cilantro Market has finally settled to a normal level. Good supplies will be available all week. Also with that being said quality has improved with nice green color and minimal yellowing.

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

All 3 growing areas are being harvested. The desert is 88% harvested and will finish much earlier this year compared to normal. The central valley crop is 37% and both areas are heavy to 140s and larger fruit. The harvest of the Ventura crop has just begun, and it too is looking to be peaking on 140s and larger fruit. Lemon demand is very good.

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

The lime market is lower right now on the smaller sizes and slightly lower on the large sizes such as 110ct and 150ct. Demand is decent and supplies are increasing right now on the large sizes. The peak sizes are 110's and 150's currently with fewer small sized limes being harvested. Quality is excellent overvall.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Lower Excellent
Citrus (Oranges) Alert

California Navel growing area received some very heavy Saturday and Sunday, and picking will be fairly slow for the next few days. No more rains are predicted until the end of this week. Inventories are very low and shippers will need extended period of clearing truly build inventories back up. Shippers are also starting to see fruit size up, with plenty of large sizes and a dropping in small sizes. Demand is stronger on the 113s/138s and markets are beginning to be very active on these sizes.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Rains, wet groves and fruit sizing up is making smaller size fruit tight in supply.

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

The green seedless grape market remains strong although we are seeing a little easing due to a drop off in demand. Supplies are slightly improved but continue to be light. This situation looks to be unchanged through most of February. We should see an improvement in supplies around the third week of this month. Quality is generally reported as good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Steady Good
Grapes (Red) Alert

The red seedless grape market is easing off as supplies improve. This is especially true for the smaller 300 and 500 code grapes. Sizing is running predominantly to the smaller sizes and thus creating a split in the market. We are seeing very small fruit being promoted at extreme discounts to the larger fruit. This scenario is likely to continue until volumes arriving out of Chile are sufficient to meet demand for the larger 700 and 900 codes.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Red grape market easing on small fruit.

Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Lower/Steady Good
Green Onions

The market has finally returned to a normal level. The only problem we have now is with the iceless green onion supplies still with crossings from the border being difficult. The iced green onion supplies are plentiful. Quality is still fair with arrivals showing brown to yellow discoloration of the tops.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mexicali, Baja Lower/Steady Fair
Kale

As we all know the demand for this super food has created growers to plant an abundance of acres. The result is a stable market with good supplies. Quality is excellent as well with nice dark green color.

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

The market is steady to start the week. Low temperatures in the Yuma region will hit in mid 30s to low 40s with highs only in the low 60s throughout the week. Ground temperatures will obviously drop. Expect harvesting delays throughout the week. Rain is not expected in the Yuma region for the entire week. Expect defects to this commodity to be accelerated due to the cold temperatures. These defects include light color, misshapen and ribby heads, peeling epidermis, blister and growth crack. The weights are averaging 39-44 pounds. Expect pricing to get stronger later in the week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Cold frigid temperatures throughout the week in Yuma will effect quality of lettuce.

Transitions:
Huron is still projected to begin approximately the third week in March

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady Fair
Lettuce Leaf Alert

This market is steady for now. Cold temperatures in Southern California as well as Yuma are expected through the week. The low temperatures in Yuma will be in the mid 30s to low 40s. Ice is inevitable and delays in harvesting are expected. Blister and peel will be accelerated throughout the week on romaine. These defects will continue throughout the month of January. Quality is suffering with all leafy greens, not just romaine. The weights on romaine have been averaging 26-33 pounds , while green leaf has been approximately 20-23 pounds. Expect pricing to get stronger later in the week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Cold temps expected throughout this week in all growing areas will increase blister and peel to all leaf items.

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

Overall cantaloupe supplies are steady at current levels. West coast supplies continue to build slowly and with the increase in supplies we are seeing better availability. The quality is good overall with some arrivals being bad lately as growers finish up arrivals of the Zacapa region of Guatemala. The peak size shifted to larger sized fruit and is currently 9ct. We are experiencing decent demand on the cantaloupes that are arriving. The current market is steady on 9ct and higher on what is available on 12ct and 15ct.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Choluteca, Honduras Steady Excellent
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady Poor
Mita, Guatemala Steady Good
Melon (Honeydew)

Demand is good on all sizes. The peak size for the offshore is 5ct and the small amount of Mexican dews are peaking on 6ct. The small sizes are getting scarce. Honduran grown honeydews are arriving in Florida and the west coast and their quality is really good. Mexican dews continue to ship out of Nogales AZ and the volume is very light. The Mexican dews are very nice also. The market remains steady on all dews.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Choluteca, Honduras Steady Excellent
Mita, Guatemala Steady Good
Caborca, Mexico Steady Excellent
Onions

Onion market out of all growing areas is steady on all color and sizes the start of this week. Mexico has started crossing Yellow and White onions it a very light way which will continue to build volume as each week moves on. Mexico Red onions will start crossing the middle of this month. Quality out of Idaho, Washington and Colorado is being reported as good. Demand is light to moderate out of all growing areas on most sizes and packs of onions.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Mexico has started crossing light volumes of White and Yellow sweet onions

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

Washington - D'anjou pears are steady on all sizes but the 110-size and smaller market is strong due to increased demand. D'anjous are still peaking on US#1 70/80/90s and all sizes of the fancy grade are limited. Bosc pears are steady and continue to peak on US#1 90/100/110s. Fancy bosc are short on all sizes. Bartletts are steady on all sizes but the market remains high and strong due to light supplies. Bartletts continue to peak on 90/100/110s and the larger sizes remain limited. Washington will finish packing Bartletts in two to three weeks. Red pears are steady on all sizes and are still producing mostly half carton 45/50s and full carton 90/100s. The quality on Bartlett pears has varied while the D'anjou, Bosc, and red pears have been good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Good
Pineapples

We are in a light, but steady supply period that is expected to go through Easter.

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

Idaho - Demand is light on most packs and sizes. Market is softening slightly. Quality is still being reported as good. There is an occasional lot that is showing some light internal bruising. Look for the market to be steady to slightly weaker through the middle of this month.
Washington - Demand is moderate on 80 count and smaller with light demand on 70 count and larger. Market is steady on small cartons with deals being made on the larger cartons. Quality is being reported as good.
Colorado/Wisconsin - Demand is good on all sizes of Cartons with limited availability. This is mainly due to very light retail demand on Non-A potatoes. Quality is good with a steady market.

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

Bakersfield, California - all colors are steady and continue to peak on A-size. Premium and baker reds and golds remain short. The quality has been good.
Western Washington - reds and golds are steady and both continue to peak on A size. Whites have finished for the season. The quality has been good on all sizes and colors.
Idaho - reds and golds are steady. All colors continue to peak on A-size and the quality has been good.
Wisconsin - reds and golds are both steady but the market is firm as the shippers battle storage quality. Both colors are still peaking on A-size. Premium and baker reds, premium and baker golds, and gold Cs aren't available. The quality has been good.
North Dakota - Reds and golds are steady on all sizes. Both colors continue to peak on size A and premium and baker size potatoes are limited in both colors. The quality has been good.
S. Florida - reds are steady but relatively high due to light supplies. A few whites and golds will get packed tomorrow or Wednesday.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Mount Vernon, WA Steady Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady Good
Red River Valley, ND Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady Good
Imokollee/Palm City/Punta Gorda, FL Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Shipments of Chilean stone fruit continue to be light. We have limited availability of peaches, plums, nectarines and pluots. The market is steady with adequate demand to clean up current supplies weekly. We should see more promotable volumes coming into the ports by the end of February. Sizing is constant with volume running heavily to the 50 and 60 series. Quality is generally reported as good.

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

Rounds - The market is steady. Weather in Florida continue to hamper supplies. Rain and winds have slowed up production and yields. Supplies in the east will continue to be on the lighter side for the coming weeks. Mexico may see a slight increase in supplies, however, additional rains and colder temps could effect that. Demand continues to be active. Quality is Good / Fair.
Roma - The market is steady. Weather in the east continues to slow up product. Supplies continue to be light, and should continue to be light in for the coming weeks. Mexico is also looking to be lighter, due to weather and with demand higher for west coast product. Demand continues to be strong. Quality is Good / Fair.
Cherry - The market is steady/higher. Rains and colder weather continue to hamper production and yields. Out west, supplies are also tighter due to weather conditions. Look for product to continue to be lighter. Demand strong in all areas. Quality is Good / Fair.
Grape - The market is steady/higher. Supplies continue to be lighter in all areas. Weather has hampered production and yields. Demand continues to be stronger. Quality is Good / Fair.

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

Rounds - The market is steady. Supplies in the west looking a bit better, however, the bulk of the crop is still behind. Back east, product continues to be tight, and should continue for the coming weeks. Demand is consistent in all areas. Quality is Good / fair.
Roma - The market is steady. Product continues to be a bit lighter, due to weather. Back east, look for supplies to continue to be lighter. Demand is steady in all areas. Quality is Good / fair.
Cherry - The market is steady/higher. Supplies looking to continue to be short in all areas. Weather has hampered production and yields. Market continues to be strong. Quaity is Good / Fair.
Grape - The market is steady/higher. Supplies still on the lighter side, despite two growing regions. Weather has slowed up production and yields. Demand still strong in all regions. Quality is Good / Fair.

Weather conditions continue to create havoc in the west. Rains and cooler temps shortening production and yields. Back east, rains in Florida also hurting supplies. Demand stronger in all areas, and should continue through the week. Quality is Good / Fair.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Northern Sonora, Mexico Steady/Higher Good

Things You Should Know

Berries (Blackberries)
Supply will continue to be a challenge this week. Limited production and delayed arrivals.

Berries (Raspberries)
Supply shortages are expected all week.

Berries (Strawberries)
Supply will remain extremely limited in all growing regions.

Citrus (Oranges)
Rains, wet groves and fruit sizing up is making smaller size fruit tight in supply.

Grapes (Red)
Red grape market easing on small fruit.

Lettuce Iceberg
Cold frigid temperatures throughout the week in Yuma will effect quality of lettuce.

Lettuce Leaf
Cold temps expected throughout this week in all growing areas will increase blister and peel to all leaf items.

Transitions and Temperatures

Onions
Mexico has started crossing light volumes of White and Yellow sweet onions

Lettuce Iceberg
Huron is still projected to begin approximately the third week in March

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Asparagus
We are currently in Peak Season for the Caborca growing region.

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