The Source - February 11, 2016

Weather Update

The high pressure system that was off the west coast has weakened. Thus dropping temperatures in California to the 60's and 70's for the weekend. And then quite the opposite for Northern Mexico. Temperatures in the 80's to low 90's through the weekend and into next week. Meanwhile in Florida a cold air mass will continue to provide min temperatures as cold as the upper 20’s - mid 30’s north of Tampa Bay for the next two mornings. A Freeze Warning is posted from Ocala northward this morning, warning of freezing temperatures.

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 2.008 per gallon. A difference of $0.827 from this time last year. California prices dropped slightly as well and are now at 2.369 per gallon. Crude oil dropped again and is now at $27.30 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Washington - red delicious are steady on all sizes but 88s and smaller remain firm. Lower grade reds remain limited in all sizes and most shippers are subbing up in grade to cover orders. Most suppliers continue to peak on 72/80/88 reds. Golden delicious are steady on all sizes and grades but the lower grade fruit remains firm. Golden delicious are still peaking on Wash-Extra 100/113s and most shippers 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 but are short on 125's and smaller as well. 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 on all sizes. 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 steady to slightly higher due to light supplies. Golden delicious are steady but strong also because of lighter supplies and they continue to peak 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 for small fruit 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 finishing up and Braeburn supplies are getting light.
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 firm. Red Rome volume is good and some shippers will flex for volume on the smaller sizes. Empire volume is hit and miss. The quality has been good on all varieties.

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

Even with the colder weather that they had last week in the Caborca growing region, the market did not react. Supplies are still above normal. Although there were some delays this weekend crossing the border. Quality is really nice from Mexico. Peruvian asparagus is in limited supplies and looks to gap until Mid March.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Steady Excellent
Avocado (Mexican)

Good supplies are crossing into the US even with the cut back most shippers have done for the post Super Bowl demand. The size curve 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 still causing supplies issues on 48s/60s/70s, but there are signs of some normality returning.

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

Demand is moderate to good but supply continues to be a challenge as weather over the recent weeks in Mexico slowed production and also increased quality issues. Transfers from Mexico continue to be delayed and arrivals into coolers are often changed or delayed as well. There is more fruit arriving into McAllen and we are seeing more on the west coast by end of week. Transfers from Mexico and availability in the US should increase in the coming week(s.)

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

As production in Chile and Mexico increase and more shipments are arriving into the US, adequate supplies have been available and should continue through the coming weeks. Quality has improved with the new shipments and is good overall. Demand has been moderate but is increasing for higher quality fruit. Some split pricing as blueberries via air shipments are arriving on the west coast from Chile. These are being sold at a premium price. Chile is in peak production!

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Chile is in peak production!

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

Demand is good and supply is limited due to disrupted production and delays with transfers coming from Mexico. Overall, quality has improved over recent weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Higher Good
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

The highest demand period of the 2016 Valentine's Day strawberry pull has now passed. Current availability is still limited but we should begin to see increased availability as we move forward with Southern CA and Central Mexican supplies. Weather has cleared up in both regions and more favorable temperatures are in the forecasts with warm days and moderately cool overnights. Crops are expected to gap some as most all ranches have packed any available ripe fruit over the past two weeks, almost stripping the plants. FL is still dealing with cool weather with a possibility of freezing overnight Wednesday into Thursday morning. If they have to run water to prevent a hard freeze on the fruit, it will delay or lead to a cancelled harvest on Thursday. There are mixed forecasts but some ranches have already called off labor for tomorrow. The weekend and next week's weather looks much more favorable with warmer days and overnight temperatures and minimal chance of rain early in the week. Some quality issues to look out for are light color (salmon,) white shoulders, bruising, green/white tips and water damage (especially in FL fruit.)




- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies remain limited but demand has also backed off some as we've moved through the heaviest pull period for Valentine's Day.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard, CA Lower/Steady Good
Central Florida Lower/Steady Good
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
These strawberries inspected in Oxnard, CA.
Broccoli

Supplies remain abundant from all growing regions and prices are still very competitive. Excellent quality as well with nice green color and tight beads. Several growing regions are currently harvesting broccoli. Salinas has also started production as well.

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

Increased supplies from Mexico and lack of demand have caused a decline in the market. Sizing is still small to medium. Jumbo size is still in limited quantities. Quality has also improved. And the processors with new packs of shredded to whole product are readily available.

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

Cooler weather in growing area has really slowed growth on the new crop coming out of the Coachella and Imperial Valleys of California. Carrots are very small and yields are extremely light on Jumbo size carrots. Weather is warming, but it will take 3 to 4 week for size to come. Supplies of medium size and baby peeled carrots are is good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Jumbo size carrots from California are extremely limited in availability. Look to be this way for 3 to 4 weeks.

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

The Cauliflower market is active with limited supplies going into this weekend. Look for the market to increase all of next week as well. Supply gaps in Yuma have created this volatile market. Quality remains nice with clean white color and little spreading of the heads.

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

The celery market is firm in Florida. The quality continues to be favorable. The celery in the Oxnard and Yuma region continues to have issues. These issues include bowing, leafy tops, and pith. Warm temperatures are expected in all the growing regions throughout the week. Large sizing is much more readily available in Yuma and Oxnard. Smaller sizing has been better compared to past weeks.

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

The cilantro market is steady with good supplies for the front side of this week. Quality remains the same with some lots showing yellowing to black slimy leaves.

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

The desert crop is done for their season. The central valley crop is 42% harvested and the Ventura crop has just begun. With the desert done, this will create greater demand on these other 2 areas. Demand remains very strong.

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

The lime market is much higher right now on all sizes. Demand is good on all sizes across the board. The peak sizes are 110's and 150's currently with fewer small sized limes being harvested. This is the time of year where supplies are low and will remain at lower levels until the first or second week of May. The upward market trend will likely continue with the lower supplies through to first part of May. Quality is excellent overvall.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Normal seasonal low supplies are creating a jumping lime market which will last until the first week or two of May.

Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Higher Excellent
Citrus (Oranges)

After some much needed rains in the California Navel growing area, picking has began once again for most growers. No more rains are predicted for 10 days. Inventories will are building on 72's and larger. but with we are seeing fruit size up, and a dropping in percentage of small size fruit 113s/138s. Demand is stronger on the 113s/138s and markets are firming and beginning to be very active on these sizes.

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

The green seedless grape market has remained relatively steady. There was a slight decline in the front part of the week, but then leveled off. Supplies continue to be light and expected to remain this way for the next few weeks until we start the new growing region toward the beginning of March. Quality has been reported as good with sizing staying mostly in the large range.

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

The red seedless grape market has dropped this week. We saw a slight decrease in price again mid week. Supplies continue to improve both on the East Coast and West Coast. Demand has remained light as the last of the more expensive fruit moves through the pipeline. We expect fruit to remain in good supplies and demand to slightly increase as we move toward the end of February. Quality has been reported as good and sizes stay in the medium to large ranges.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The red grape market continues to drop as demand is still light.

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

The green onion market has stabilized. Though supplies on jumbo iced & iceless green onions are limited. Quality is also improving with better weather from Mexico. Quality remains sporadic with some arrival issues with yellow to brown discoloration of the tops.

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

Kale supplies continue to be short and demand has picked up. This has created a slight increase to the market. Quality is still excellent with nice dark green color with little dehydration.

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

The market continues to gain strength in the marketplace. The desert region will have higher temps for the next two weeks. No rain is in the forecast. Defects on lettuce continue. These defects include light color, misshapen and ribby heads, peeling epidermis, blister and growth crack. The weights are averaging 39-43 pounds. Expect pricing to get stronger throughout the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Lettuce Leaf

This market has remained unchanged. There continues to be a pricing gap in the industry amongst the different shippers. Warm temperatures will exist throughout the week in Yuma and Southern California. Blister and peel will continue on romaine. These defects will continue through February at a minimum. Quality is suffering with all leafy greens as well. Blister and peel has been reported. Although this issue is not as extensive as romaine, it is still out there. The weights on romaine have been averaging 26-32 pounds , while green leaf has been approximately 20-23 pounds.

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

Overall cantaloupe supplies are lightening up and look to do so for the next two weeks due to the transitioning of growing regions. The quality is good overall with some lots being exceptionally nice. The peak size is currently 9ct with 6ct sized lopes being packed. We are experiencing decent demand on the cantaloupes that are arriving. The current market is higher on 9ct and higher on what is available on 12ct and 15ct. There are very few 15ct lopes being packed and zero 18ct being packed.

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

Demand is good on all sizes and supplies are good also. The peak size for the offshore is 5ct and the small amount of Mexican dews are peaking on 6ct. The small sizes are becoming less available. Honduran grown honeydews have been arriving for several weeks 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 light. The Mexican dews are very nice also. The market is steady across the board for now.

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

Onion demand out of all areas has leveled off over the last couple of weeks. Pricing has softened on most sizes and colors except white onions where the opposite is happening. Quality is still being reported as good. Supplies of white onions are winding down quickly out of the Northwest, combined with strong export demand has made the white onions limited with a strong market. Mexico has started shipping yellow and white onions in a light way. Mexican red onions should start crossing in a light way late next week. It will be a couple weeks before we see good supplies of Mexico onions coming into the U.S..

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

Washington - D'anjous pears are peaking on US#1 70/80s now. Limited pack-time and the larger fruit isn't helping satisfy the strong demand for 110s and smaller, so supplies are really short. Bosc pears are steady and continue to peak on US#1 90/100/110s. Fancy grade bosc are also short. Bartletts are steady on all sizes but the market remains high and strong due to light supplies. Bartletts are still available but supplies are light, most shippers will finish them next week. 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.
Chile - Bartlett pears are available on the west coast and are peaking on the smaller sizes. The market is steady.

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

Pineapple supplies 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 Higher Good
Heredia, Costa Rica Higher Good
Guapiles, Costa Rica Higher Good
La Cieba, Honduras Higher Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Higher Good
San Luis, Guatemala Higher Good
Potatoes

Demand and pricing has seen very little change the last couple weeks out of all areas (Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin). Quality is still being reported as good. I do not see the market changing much the balance of this month.
Peepers could start to appear as we get into Spring-time. As the temperatures warm up the potatoes coming from storages will start to change. The tubers are dormant while in storages and the respiration rate slows way down. As the temperatures begin to warm the potatoes will start to come back to life and begin to grow again, in the form of peepers.
To inhibit peepers our suppliers take a few steps: Firstly they apply sprout inhibitors while in storage and secondly they apply them again during packing. The second application is what retards the growth the most as the peepers has to break the surface of the skin to be effective. When that happens the inhibitor will retard the growth of the peepers and it will not elongate. If the inhibitor is working the peeper will have the appearance of a head of Cauliflower with a black dot in the center.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID 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/baker reds and golds supplies have improved and both are available in both colors. The quality has been good.
Western Washington - reds and golds are steady and both continue to peak on A size. The quality has been good on all sizes and both colors.
Idaho - reds and golds are steady but supplies are lighter and some suppliers have holes in their manifest. Both colors are speaking 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. Reds and golds are peaking on A-size. Premium and baker reds, premium and baker golds, and gold Cs still are not available. The quality has been good.
North Dakota - Golds are steady on all sizes while reds are steady to lower with some volume deals. Both are peaking on size A but have only limited availability in the premium and baker sizes. The quality has been good.
S. Florida - all colors are steady but remain relatively high due to generally light supplies. The reds and golds are peaking on A-size while the whites are heavier to B's.

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

Rounds - The market is steady. Weather continues to lighten up yields in the east. Sizes on smaller tomatoes are tighter than the larger sizes, causing an inverse market. Supplies out of Florida look to be tighter until around end of March, early April. Mexico is crossing decent supplies. Quality is Good.
Roma - The market is steady. Weather continues to effect yields in Florida. Supplies are still tight in the East. However, Mexico is crossing better numbers, similar to the rounds. Quality is Good.
Cherry - The market is higher. Supplies continue to tighten up on the cherry's. Weather effecting both production and yields in all areas. Look for the market to continue to be stronger. Quality is Good / Fair.
Grape - The market is higher. Supplies also continue to be tight on the grapes. Demand continues to be strong. Mexico is also looking lighter, keeping the market high. 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 out of Mexico continues to be a little better. However, available sizes have created an inverse market, with smaller sizes higher. Back east continues to be tight, and pulling from the west. Quality is Good.
Roma - The market is steady / lower. Supplies also looking better out of Mexico. However, Florida continues to be a bit lighter due to weather conditions. Look for Mexico to continue to see better numbers. Quality is Good.
Cherry - The market is higher. Supplies continue to be extremely short in all areas. Florida continues to be very tight, due to weather conditions. Look for demand to continue to be stronger, due to lack of supplies. Quality is Good / Fair.
Grape - The market is higher. Supplies also continue to be tight in the west and east. Weather conditions continue to hamper yields, with the cooler temps. Look for the market to continue to be stronger. Quality is Good.


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

Things You Should Know

Berries (Strawberries)
Supplies remain limited but demand has also backed off some as we've moved through the heaviest pull period for Valentine's Day.

Carrots
Jumbo size carrots from California are extremely limited in availability. Look to be this way for 3 to 4 weeks.

Citrus (Limes)
Normal seasonal low supplies are creating a jumping lime market which will last until the first week or two of May.

Grapes (Red)
The red grape market continues to drop as demand is still light.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Berries (Blueberries)
Chile is in peak production!

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