The Source - January 15, 2020

EASTERN REGION:

Markets remain steady with smaller, regional shippers closing their doors for the season. In a very light way, we are seeing demand slowly shift to bigger shippers who have began packing CA fruit. With plenty of others varieties available, Gala apple prices have firmed up with less volume in circulation, but there are other reds commanding aggressive prices (Cortlands, Macs, etc.). Quality remains excellent.

WESTERN REGION:

Washington

A definite uptick in demand this week. Fortunately, this year’s overall harvest is yielding greater amounts of smaller fruit (vs. last year), which explains the price ease on most varieties. Conversely, retail sizes (56ct-72ct) are commanding higher prices due to unavailability. We should have no issues with availability. Quality remains excellent with more than sufficient shelf-life.

Alerts:
Be advised that due to severe winter storms in the Northwest, some Interstate highways have experienced mandatory road closures which have prevented trucks from making timely delivery. In an effort to mitigate late deliveries, please adjust load dates accordingly.

San Luis, Mexico production is still very slow due to cooler temperatures in the region. We should see more volume from this region in 7-10 days. Caborca, Mexico has started to burn fern, but cold weather has not allowed production to start. All sizes remain tight from Mexico. Volume continues to decrease from both regions in Peru (Ica/Trujillo). Their season should be wrapped up in 2-3 weeks. We’re still seeing good volume in the bigger sizes from Peru. Markets on both coasts are still very active, and should remain this way for the next 7-10 days due to production being down from all regions.

California harvest estimate is currently 365 million pounds for this season. Almost double from last years’ total harvest. Ideally, an avocado tree should produce a similar crop each year, but avocado trees have a tendency to adopt an alternate bearing cycle- an on crop/off-crop cycle across two years that result in a large crop of fruit one year, and a small crop the following year. This year is an on year and growers are seeing a solid amount of fruit in the groves. With the Mexican market on the rise, suppliers are aggressively pushing growers to start production in California sooner than anticipated. There is no actual start date to the season, but expect to see fruit in the pipeline by mid-February.
Early season fruit takes a lot longer to ripen, and has a different flavor profile (not as creamy) due to low dry matter. As the season progresses, the dry matter/oil content will increase and get that flavor profile just right.

With Mexican growers not harvesting during the holidays, it created a shortage due to the growing demand and limited availability. The industry came out of the holidays leaner than anticipated. Inventories have dwindled as there is limited opportunity for spot buys. Open market fruit is holding at a premium, especially 48’s and 60’s. There was an abundance of #2 fruit in the pipeline last month. All that extra #2 grade fruit seems to have cleaned up as we are seeing increases on #2 fruit as well. It will take some time to get the inventories back to pre-holiday levels. Transportation has also been a challenge. Trucks have been extremely limited, but they seem to be getting back on track. Market pricing has increased by 20% over the past week, and it looks like it will continue to increase with the upcoming Super Bowl pulls. Overall, the growers are harvesting, but it is not fast enough to feed the demand in the US. There is plenty of volume on trees, and we will see an increase on production moving forward.

Alerts:
Field prices in Mexico are increasing gradually as we lead into the biggest avocado day of the year. We expect to see huge retail promotions as we head into Super Bowl, and with that comes higher prices.

Bell Pepper supply is very tight in South Florida. Growers are gaping between early and mid-season crops and cooler temperatures have slowed growth and production. Weather in Florida is getting better with warmer temperatures, but wind has been persistent, keeping plants from pollinating at a normal level and lowering production. Quality has remained good in most locations, but there have been a few issues with bruising. Light supply crossing into the USA from Mexico has increased pressure on Eastern growers to fill orders. With light Mexican supply for at least two more weeks, expect pricing in the East to stay elevated.

Alerts:
Supply is very tight.

GREEN BELL
Light to moderate supplies of Green bell peppers are currently crossing through Nogales, AZ. Green bell pepper supplies are slowly increasing this week and are expected to continue as we go through the month of January. The green pepper market has been steady over the past couple of weeks and is expected to start decreasing. Quality on green bell peppers has also been mostly fair and starting to raise to good. Light supplies of green pepper are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

RED BELL
Red bell peppers continue to be harvested in the Coachella valley in California and in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. The red bell pepper quality from California is fair at best. Red Hot House supplies from Sinaloa continue to be steady this week. Quality from the Sinaloa crop remains good. The red bell pepper market has started to increase lightly. Light supplies of Red bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

YELLOW BELL
Lighter supplies of Yellow bell peppers are being harvested in Mexico from Sinaloa this week. The Market on yellow bell peppers has begun to increase this week due to supplies decreasing. Quality on yellow bell peppers crossing through Nogales from Mexico is good. All pack styles currently being packed from the Mexican growing district. Light supplies of Yellow bell peppers are also crossing through McAllen, Texas.

Blackberries are very similar to Raspberries at this point coming primarily out of Central Mexico. After a serious glut and lack of demand last week shippers have gotten a handle on production curves and are moving product more efficiently. We are still seeing some leakers and red cell in many lots. Expect the market to remain steady with higher trends towards next week.

Alerts:
more manageable yields may lead to higher pricing.

Blueberries are hitting peak volumes out of Mexico and Peru. We expect big volume through this week and will continue through January. Chilean production has been disrupted somewhat by rain in the growing regions but volume is still cumbersome. The market will remain flat as shippers are struggling to move the abundance of volume. Quality has been very good out of all regions.

Alerts:
Big volumes will continue through the month of January

Raspberries are still remaining in good supplies coming out of the Central Mexico region. Quality has been fairly good with some older lots showing problems. The market should remain firm through this week as we see better overall demand with schools back in the mix.

California: Although it is only the middle of January, thus far this season we have not experienced any extensive back to back storm fronts in any of the California growing areas, seriously affecting yields or quality as we saw in the winter of 2019. Oxnard and Santa Maria are expecting up to an inch of rain coming Thursday of this week. The extended forecast calls for dry weather with slightly warmer temps the last week in January. The market remains steady with higher under tones. We have seen a big improvement on quality out of all areas. With the current projected weather forecasts this improvement should continue into the end of this month.

Florida: Has been seeing moderate sporadic showers with some cooler than normal temperatures which have lightened yields. Temps are expected to warm this week with an extended dry period lasting through the weekend. This market has tightened up and will remain so through the weekend.

Mexico: Central Mexico forecasts call for dry weather with cooler than seasonal early morning lows. This is not expected to affect yields at this point. Baja Mexico is expecting dry weather through next week with only slight chances of rain in the higher elevations. The market has firmed up out of that area as well and is expected to remain that way into next week.

Alerts:
VALENTINES DAY PULL FOR 8/1 lb AND STEM STRAWBERRIES
The holiday pull is set to begin roughly Feb. 4th or 5th. place your orders early.

The Broccoli market continues to increase with the cold and wet weather causing lower yields across all growing regions. All shippers continue to struggle to cover regular business. This cold weather is going to continue through this week. Quality continues to have slight purpling caused by the cold weather, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for Broccoli to stay steady going into next week with the cold weather this week in Yuma.

Alerts:
The cold weather in all growing areas is stunting the growth of Broccoli. This cold weather is causing low yields industry wide.

The brussels sprouts market has started to turn upward as the cold weather in Mexico and Yuma is slowing growth. Quality is fair with occasional internal decay. Look for the Brussels sprouts market to continue to climb going into next week.

The carrot market remains a steady go as production keeps pace with the back to school business. East coast storage carrots are expected to wind down completely by the end of January. Mexican jumbo production is still going steady out of the Texas border areas.

The cauliflower market continues to move upward due to lower yields caused by wet and cold weather in Yuma. The quality is fair 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 upward going into next week with the cold weather this week.

Alerts:
The freezing mornings and cold days is causing slow growth. This cold weather is also wreaking havoc on the supplies of Cauliflower Florets.

Good supplies will be available all week with this commodity. Santa Maria/Oxnard continues to have strong availability as well as good quality. Production in Yuma is moderate. Southern California continues to be the ideal location for purchasing this commodity. The savings is significant so please be aware when scheduling trucks. Mexico has average production as well. The cool weather has not slowed this crop down like others. Demand, it should be noted, is down from the previous year. All sizing is available. Weights on average are 53-58 pounds. The overall quality continues to be good in all the growing regions.

Jalapeno- Moderate supplies of Jalapenos are crossing through Nogales, AZ this week. Good supplies are expected to resume next week. Jalapeno quality from Mexico is good. The Jalapeno market is steady. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Pasilla- Moderate supplies of Pasilla are crossing through Nogales, AZ this week. Better supplies are expected to resume next week. Pasilla quality from Mexico is good. The Pasilla market is steady this week. Pasilla from Mexico is also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Anaheim- Moderate 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 is steady. Anaheim from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

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

Tomatillo – Light supplies of Husk tomatillos are available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. Sinaloa crop is expected to start within a week. Better supplies of peeled are expected through the week due to fair quality on husk variety. Market on peeled tomatillo has decreased and is steady, while market on husk continues steady/high as quality remains mostly fair on husk. Light supplies of husk and moderate supplies of peeled tomatillo are expected through the week.

The cilantro market continues to pick due to wet and cold weather in Yuma, Mexico and Southern California. The cilantro quality is fair with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to adjust higher going into next week with the cold weather we are having this week.

New crop out of District 1 fruit is also looking really nice on supplies and quality. This is a perfect time to quote any promotional lids. The 95’s and larger are snug but we’re looking good on the 115’s and smaller. There is District 3 fruit still lingering around, suppliers are trying to clean it up with deals out there. We continue to have optimal growing weather and the fruit will continue to be exceptional as long as we have this weather. Markets are steady across the board, please reach out for any advance pricing.

With harvest crews back to normal packing schedules we can expect supplies to improve weekly, all month. Current markets have started to come off and the overall the quality has been solid. We have opportunities to load FOB Texas and California as well as delivered options. Please reach out if you have any interest.

Navel supplies are peaking on 88’s and larger while the small sizes 113’s/138’s will be tight this week. We asked that you place orders for small sizes in advance to allow suppliers to strategize inventories for coverage. Markets are steady on the large sizes and the small size market is staying firm and looking to climb. Current weather patterns show rain mid week so suppliers are doing what they can to pack ahead but have experienced some morning fog that’s been delaying harvest. We’re seeing very good natural color and gas hours are falling off. We’ll continue to see very high quality, high color, great tasting Navels. Brix levels have been consistent between 12-13% with good quality. On Specialty citrus keep pushing mandarins, as quality has been looking solid and markets have been steady. We have Grapefruit opportunities out of Texas and California, so please reach out if you have any interest. The Cara Cara’s and bloods supplies continue to get better weekly with excellent quality. The Minneola Tangelos are looking good on the small sizes, while the large sizes are limited. More shippers are expected to have them by the week of the 20th and we should have better supplies.

Alerts:
Small size Navels expected to be limited the remainder of the month. Please send orders in advance for better coverage.

Honduras is in peak supply of cucumbers. Demand for Honduras cucumbers has been good for the last few weeks with Mexico in light supply. Cucumber pricing has leveled out after a sharp rise two weeks ago and appear to be at the peak now. Supplies should remain steady through the week. Quality on import cucumbers is not as good as customers usually expect this time of year. Rain and slow transit times have decreased shelf-life significantly and some cucumbers are arriving with decay. The quality issues have been sporadic in most cases and the problem should decrease as weather clears in Central America.

Peak Seasons:
Honduras is in peak supply.

Light supplies of cucumbers continue to cross through Nogales from Mexico this week. Light supplies are expected to continue through the remainder of the month. The light supplies of cucumbers are the result of the three cycles of heavy rain that passed through the Sonora and Sinaloa growing districts on November 15th, 25th and January 1st. Quality on cucumber crossing through Nogales are fair at best. The current cucumber market is high/steady and should remain the same through the month of January. Light supplies of Mexican cucumbers are also crossing through McAllen.

Eggplant supplies are steady with increased demand because of lighter supply from Mexico. Pricing has risen with demand this week and may continue to rise slightly as the week goes on. Supply is being harvested on both the east and west coast of Florida with steady supplies and good quality. Eggplant production has slowed slightly due to cooler temperatures but the plants are hardy and hold up to wind and adverse weather better than most vegetable plants. Quality of the fruit has remained pretty good.

Eggplant supplies have started to decrease on volume crossing through Nogales. Eggplant crossing through Nogales, AZ continue to be harvested in Sinaloa. Supplies from Sinaloa are being packed in all pack styles and in all sizes this week. Quality on eggplant crossing through Nogales varies from Fair to good. The eggplant market has started to increase due to ranges on quality.

West Coast – Supplies have been extremely limited on the west coast. Last week was a struggle to cover contract demand, but we executed without any major disruption. With the arrivals of fruit that landed this weekend, we planned ahead for contract coverage this week, so we do not expect any issues. However, with the next big arrival of fruit on the west expected on 1/26, we may see limited supplies of open market green grapes. Additionally, the industry is seeing stronger demand across the board, so we do not expect to see any major swings in market prices. Quality is being reported as excellent and sizes are ranging between Extra Large to Jumbo. We anticipate to see better volume and promotional opportunities by the end of the month.

East Coast – Green grape supplies have been good on the east coast. With a delayed arrival this week, we may hear some talk about lighter supplies, but I do not anticipate any major issues. Quality has been solid with several varieties and sizes available. Market prices have very slowly been coming down. Demand has been strong with a lot of fruit being utilized for retail ad commitments. Better supplies are expect as we move forward and we should see prices trickle down as we approach the end of the month.

Alerts:
Supplies may slow down between container arrivals. We do not expect any major disruptions. Markets are steady.

Transitions:
We expect Chile to increase production over the next 2-3 weeks.

West Coast- Supplies have been consistent, but can fluctuate quickly depending on arrival delays. This weekend, the west coast received several containers of fruit, but the next large arrival is not expected again until 1/26. With the increased demand due to schools being back in, as well as pre-committed contracts and retail ads, we expect a large portion of this fruit to already be spoken for. As a result, we will see a slight increase in open market availability this week, then taper off quickly as we wait for the next arrival. Additionally, the fruit that is arriving is primarily sizes Large to Extra Large, leaving a very limited amount of value priced smaller grapes. Taking all this into consideration, we expect supplies and market prices of red grapes to remain fairly steady on the west coast. Quality is being reported as very strong with several varieties available. We expect to see better availability and promotional opportunities toward the end of the month.

East Coast - The east coast has had stronger availability due to more arrivals of containers. However, this week seems to be a bit more snug due to a delayed arrival that was expected early this week. The updated arrival date is now Friday 1/17, so we are expecting to see a bit more activity in regard to market prices this week. The severity of the situation varies greatly between one shipper and the next. Reading between the lines, I expect to have limited but consistent supplies this week with firm pricing. Quality has been strong and we have a little more range in size on the east. Several varieties are being offered from Chile and Peru. We expect to see better supplies by next week.

Alerts:
Supplies will remain limited until Chile ramps up harvest. Prices are higher and firm. Better availability expected by the end of the month.

Transitions:
Chile will gradually increase harvest over the next 2 weeks.

The green onion market continues to increase and supplies remain extremely tight as the continuous cold weather is slowing growth. Quality is fair with occasional leaf minor caused by the recent colder weather. The market will continue to stay strong going into next week.

Alerts:
Green Onions continue to be in a supply shortage. The freezing nights and cold days are stunting the growth causing lower yields.

The kale market continues to pick up with the recent and continuous cold weather in Yuma. Baby Kale seems to be hit the hardest with the freezing mornings. Quality is fair at best with full bunches and some yellow leaves being reported. Depending on the severity of this cold weather, look for the market to continue to strengthen this week. The anticipated warmer weather next week in Yuma will hopefully spur on growth and help supplies.

Cold weather in the growing regions continues to be the story with this commodity. Ice delays continue daily. The frigid temperatures are causing lightweights, bottom rot, misshapen heads, mildew and slight sclerotinia that is being reported by suppliers. Needless to say, the quality is average at best. Industry wide, demand exceeds supplies and this will continue for the entire week. Escalated pricing is in effect on all value added items that has this commodity in it. There is no rain in the forecast for the entire week. Temperatures will continue to be in the low to mid- thirties. Weights are varying industry wide, ranging from 30-38 pounds on liner product.

Alerts:
Freezing temperatures in the growing regions are causing havoc on the growth of this commodity.

The cool weather in the growing regions has slowed production on romaine as well as all leaf items. Although romaine is stronger in the marketplace, the availability is much better than the other leaf items. Demand is still off due to past issues with this commodity. Although no rain is in the forecast in Yuma this week, the cool, low temperatures will continue. This will cause ice delays to occur for all shippers. Common defects being reported on romaine include mildew, tip burn, blister, epidermal peel and slow growth. These issues will follow with green and red leaf as well. The weights on romaine are averaging 27-34 pounds depending on the supplier. The green and red leaf items will be 16-22 pounds. Expect this market to get stronger throughout the week.

Alerts:
Very cold temperatures in all the growing regions continues to effect the quality of romaine and all leaf items, industry wide.

The Tender Leaf market continues to increase due to lower yields caused by the wet and cold weather in Yuma. The wet weather and the continuous cold temperatures have certainly damaged the quality and lowered yields on Arugula and Spinach. Quality is fair with occasional yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves.

Alerts:
Arugula yields have drastically reduced with the freezing nights and cooler days. Shippers are finding it hard to keep up with demand.

Arrivals into the US are up 60% year over year. There is some overlap with Guatemala, Honduras and now Costa Rica going. The industry is seeing good demand and availability on the east and west coast. Quality has been consistent as we are in peak offshore melon season. Plenty of opportunities available on all sizes.

Arrivals in to the US are down year over year by 6%. Supplies remain tight this week. With little to no fruit in the pipeline, inventories are very lean and suppliers are struggling to cover contracted business. Offshore arrivals take almost a week to hit the US by vessel but, there are other setbacks we are facing: long wait times at the port, transportation has been limited, awaiting USDA inspections and unloading containers one at a time. Taking all of this into consideration, open market fruit will continue to be a challenge. This will be the trend for the month of January.

Alerts:
Honeydews continue to be a challenge. Demand has outpaced the harvest.

Watermelon supplies crossing through Nogales, AZ continue to be harvested in Colima, MX. Watermelon supplies from Colima are expected to stay steady through the week. Good growing weather is expected to continue this week. Quality from this district is good. The watermelon market is expected to remain steady for the remainder of the week. Both cartons and bins are currently being packed.

Yellow and white onion markets remain active due to increasing demand. Red onion markets are slightly higher but continue to show good supply. Storage supplies are available in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Colorado. Issues of translucency (pictures attached) have been appearing in some lots. This is a typical quality issue to arise in the middle of the storage season as translucency is a natural process of the onion converting internal sugars and starting the process of internal re-growth. During this conversion that same translucency on portions of the outer ring will be soft and make them susceptible to pressure bruising, in particular at the bottom of storage bins. These issues will begin to clear up as we hit the tail end of the storage season in March and April with the European seed varieties used for late plantings. The reason those seed varieties are not used for the entire crop is that they are limited in supply and are costly. A reminder that translucency is not a score able defect until it shows three full layers (rings) deep. Air circulation is highly recommended as we hit the downward slide on the Northwest storage onion season.

Alerts:
Markets rising on yellow and white onions. Some lots will show translucency. Air circulation is highly recommended.

Transitions:
Mexico will begin mid February.

Washington:

With Bartlett pears done for the season, many shippers are only shipping Bosc or D’Anjou. Bosc will be available through February with Anjous available through the summer months. Quality and shelf-life are excellent.

Red Anjou is the variety available on red pears and are packed in ½ (20#) and full cartons (40#). Markets are steady and quality is excellent.

Alerts:
Be advised that due to severe winter storms in the Northwest, some Interstate highways have experienced mandatory road closures which have prevented trucks from making timely delivery. In an effort to mitigate late deliveries, please adjust load dates accordingly.

Pineapple supplies out of the east coast are looking light on 5ct & 6ct again this week. We can expect subs to fulfill orders in full. This is the time of year when supplies are lighter coming out of the tropics due to limited harvest schedules. We should see better coverage the last week of January. On the west coast supplies are steady. Markets remain fair, and demand is looking to pick up for the start of the year. Quality has been consistent and looking good!

Russet potato markets continue to rise on larger size 40 count through 80ct as well as 10oz #2 grade due to limited supplies. Demand remains active in Idaho along with other regions such as Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin. This week had extra challenges with heavy snow and winds creating road closures and snow drifts making it difficult to transfer product from cellars to packing sheds as well as shipping product already on the floor. We expect markets to continue to rise on the larger counts as the size profile remains toward the smaller size 90 count through 120 count. We strongly recommend 7 business day lead time prior to date of ship to ensure proper coverage and on-time deliveries.

Alerts:
Demand very active in all regions. Markets climbing on large sizes and 10oz #2 grade. 40 count through 80ct limited in supplies.

Color potato markets remain elevated in all regions. Wisconsin continues to ship out very limited supplies of red and yellow with expectations to finish mid-to-late February. North Dakota markets remain high with slow sales. Red and yellow potatoes are expected to last until March pending on demand. Idaho and Washington continue to see the most demand with active markets across the board, particularly on red potatoes. Mt Vernon, Washington has high color reds that are also getting transferred into Bakersfield, CA to supplement those orders. Red #2 grade is very scarce in Mt Vernon and California due to the excellent quality. Markets will continue to be active through the month of January. Florida is expected to start early-to-mid February and forecast to have good supplies and quality to start the season.

Alerts:
Markets rising on red potatoes. #2 grade loading in California very limited.

Transitions:
Southern Florida expected to start early-to-mid February

Squash supplies are extremely tight in South Florida. Most of the supply is coming from Homestead and Immokalee, with some light supplies in Belle Glade. Cooler temperatures two weeks ago started the decrease in production, and now as the temperatures are rising, the region has experienced sustained winds that are keeping the plants from pollinating adequately. Production has been extremely light for the last two weeks and supplies from Mexico coming into the USA have slowed tremendously over the same period of time, compounding the situation. The forecast for the rest of the week is clear, warmer and calmer and many shippers are crossing their fingers that production will increase by the weekend. Quality has remained fairly good despite the wind but a few scaring issues should be expected until supplies start to increase.

Alerts:
Squash supplies are very tight.

Extremely light supplies on both Italian and yellow s/n to start the week and supplies are expected to remain extremely light through the next couple of weeks in January. Supplies are light due to the three cycles of heavy rain that passed through the Sonora and Sinaloa growing districts on November 15th, 25th and January 1st. Then followed by colder temperatures. Quality on all squash is Fair at best. The soft squash market is currently high and expected to remain high through the remainder of the month. Very Light supplies of soft squash also crossing through McAllen, TX.

We have consistent arrivals of Chilean stone fruit landing on the east and west coasts. Although specific sizes are still limited, we do have the whole program available. White and yellow peaches and nectarines as well as red plums. Again, sizes are limited, but both tray pack and volume fill is being offered. Quality is being reported as very strong. Market prices have remained level. We expect better supplies as we look toward February.

Alerts:
All varieties are available, but sizes remain limited. Markets are steady.

Florida tomatoes are showing signs of improvement this week. Favorable weather in the forecast will help supply pickup over the course of the next 10 days. The size profile is expected to improve as harvest gets into new fruit sets, but the overall increase in volume will be gradual going into February. Florida does not have much acreage devoted to romas where the market may dip into the low teens and then jump up again the first part of February. Grape tomatoes are widely available and have recovered from adverse weather weeks ago. Cherry tomatoes remain tight with less acreage devoted to the crop and delayed volumes crossing in the west.

Alerts:
Demand Exceeds Supply. Availability is limited but improving this week. Elevated Markets expected through most of January

Mexican imports are very light and have been considerably higher than Florida FOBs but starting to even out as volume slowly improves. Sinaloa has had a delayed start working to get back on track from flooded programs in early December. Culiacan is not expected to get started for another 2 weeks which will give the market a much-needed boost in supply. Roma tomato volumes in Mexico are beginning to increase and the market has begun to turn downward for the short term with the potential to firm up again the first part of February as farms continue to feel the effects of flood waters that affected growing operations in December. Grape tomatoes are widely available and affordable. Cherry tomatoes are crossing in very light numbers and expected to improve by February when Culiacan gets rolling. With the newly appointed Suspension Agreement’s inspection Provisions, and delays resulting from the USDA’s phytosanitary controls to prevent the spread of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, many shippers speculate tight supply until the week pf January 26 when volume overall picks up at the farm level and the law of large numbers yields higher availability in the market.

Alerts:
Demand Exceeds Supply. Availability is limited. Elevated Markets expected through most of January