The Source - January 16, 2019

Weather Update

The last in a series of storm systems is set to roll into California late Wednesday into Thursday with powerful winds and heavy precipitation. A dry offshore flow behind the system brings cooler morning temperatures into the rest of the week. Generally, dry conditions with just a slight chance of light showers are forecast across Mexico as a dry offshore flow continues. A chance of light showers is forecasted for the southwestern desert regions as the storm track remains to the north. Cooler temperatures into next week behind the system as the storm track remain north of the region. High pressure will provide dry conditions across Florida this week. A cold front brings rain and cooler temperatures early next week with minimum temperatures in the freeze warning range early next week. Another system looks to impact the region mid-week.

Freight Update

California and Yuma trucks are both remain steady this week. Washington apple trucks are steady as well. Idaho potato and onion trucks remain extremely tight. Colorado trucks are also extremely tight. The national average on diesel dropped slightly this week and is currently at 2.976 per gallon, .052 lower than this week last year. California prices dropped as well and are now at 3.742 per gallon. Crude oil prices remained steady and are currently at 52.02 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Granny Smith and Gold Delicious 100-138 are in a demand exceeds supply situation which will continue into the end of their season. Shippers are only packing these varieties once a week to extend supplies. Export demand has increased on Red varieties (Reds, Fuji and Galas) which has stabilized the market. Supplies are good on most sizes and Grades. Quality is good.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Most varieties of Apples are in Peak season

Asparagus

Weather is warmer this week in Caborca Mexico, but yields are still lower that projected due to the cold weather the last 2 weeks. We should see better volume at the end of next week, and should steadily increase from there. Volume from both regions in Peru (Trujillo/Ica) continue to decline due to seasonality, and warmer weather. The demand, and the market continue to be very good with slow production in Mexico, and Peru wrapping up their season.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Higher Excellent
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Higher Fair
Avocado (Mexican)

Weather in the growing region of Michoacán Mexico calls for temps in the 80s with no rain this week. Market is steady/higher this week as we are seeing the Super Bowl pull. Expect higher prices going in to next week. There seems to be very good volume on #2 fruit and there is some opportunity on volume deals. Fruit is cutting good and eats well. California fruit will be available mid to late February starting off with light volume.

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

Green Bell pepper is in very tight supply on the east coast. Supplies are coming completely from south Florida which has had a string of bad weather over the past month. We do not think the pepper supply will get much better for a few weeks, tropical storm force winds went through the region blowing many blossoms off plants. Fruit that was on the plant at the time survived but is now being harvested and showing wind scare and pitting from sand and dirt blowing through fields. Most shippers are doing a good job getting pitted pepper out of number 1 grade product, Choice pepper is showing some scaring and pitting and this will likely be the case for a few weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies of Green Bell pepper continues to be very tight.

Transitions:
Bell Pepper is not in Transition.

Peak Seasons:
Bell pepper is not in peak season

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

Green Bell Pepper- Moderate volume on green bell pepper arriving in Nogales this week. Currently, consistent volume is being harvested in Sinaloa and Sonora. Quality on green bells from both regions is good. Currently supplies meet demand on green bells. Market on Green bells is steady and expected to remain steady going in to next week. Green bell pepper from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Red Bell Pepper- Better volume of Red Bell pepper available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. The price on the red bell pepper has started to drop down as better numbers have started to cross through Nogales from Sinaloa. Good volume of Elongated and Hot House bells are being packed in all pack styles. Consistent numbers of red bells are expected to continue as we make our way through the month of January. Quality of red bell on both varieties is good. Red bell supplies from Mexico currently crossing through Nogales, AZ and McAllen, TX.

Yellow Bell Pepper- Better volume of Yellow Bell pepper arriving in Nogales this week. Good weather in the growing region has increased the yellow bell pepper production. Both elongated and Hot House varieties being pack in 11lb/15lb and 1 1/9 bushel carton. Quality on both varieties being reported as good. Currently supply meets demand. Market on yellow bell is steady. Yellow Hot House bells are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

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

The bulk of supplies of blackberries will continue to come out of Mexico for the most part with light offerings of imported fruit coming in from Guatemala via ocean containers. Quality is generally good out of both countries. The Guatemalan fruit is generally showing up in the Los Angeles and Miami areas and is being distributed from there. The Mexican fruit, like its raspberry and blueberry counterparts, are generally loading in McAllen Tx, or San Diego and distributed to Oxnard Ca. and Yuma Az. for mainline shipping with strawberries. The market is fairly steady with definite lower tones, particularly on generic off labels.

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

Blueberries continue to be in good supply with a full range of pack styles and two countries of origin to choose from. Mexico is producing nice fruit right now and it is usually offered with all the other berry varieties at select points of entry In McAllen Texas and San Diego California. The product is then distributed to Santa Maria Ca ,Oxnard Ca and Yuma Az for mainline shipping. There are also import offerings coming in via ocean containers from Chile , Quality is good as long as good rotation is practiced and optimum temperatures are maintained. Prices are remaining steady with a lower trend due to multiple loading options and quality levels to choose from. The Chilean product is generally available in Los Angeles Ca ,Miami Fl. and Philadelphia PA.

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

Raspberries continue to be a hit and miss commodity although supplies should be strengthened with the arrival of small numbers of Honduran fruit being imported. These are in addition to the Mexican fruit which has been crossing into the U.S. regularly in previous weeks . The market remains relatively steady on this commodity with some mid week fluctuations due to temporary shortages . The berries are being distributed out of McAllen Tx , Miami Fl, Los Angeles Ca. and Philadelphia Pa. The quality has been very good out of all locations .

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

California strawberry shippers continue to contend with adverse weather being forecast throughout the week. Although some areas will be hit harder than other many growers are opting to get into the fields and harvest what they can when they can in between the rains. Yields will be low on California fruit through the end of the week. Much of the demand is being met by the transfer of Mexican product into Oxnard, Yuma, and even Florida distribution areas. Quality is fair out of Oxnard considering the weather conditions. These are new crop berries and they are more resilient than the later offerings that came out of Santa Maria are just a few weeks ago. That being said, we can still expect to see some rain-related issues in the berries. The market should continue to remain firm through the end of the week.
Mexico strawberry shippers continue to produce good quality fruit in slowly increasing numbers. Texas is the loading area of choice for a higher probability of product quality and actual quantities being available. This increase in volume through Texas has come at a most opportune time as it is sorely needed to help fill orders in districts affected by the weather. Volume deals are few and far between but there are the occasional shippers looking to move product to reduce storage and handling costs charged by the custom cross docks and freight forwarders. The market will remain firm through the week in this area as well.
Florida berries are still moving steadily forward with continued mediocre yields. New bloom fruit is looking good for late this week and the next. Shippers are looking forward to the possibility of having modestly improved quality and volume by the time the Valentines Day pull begins. As with the other areas, quantities will remain tight and prices will continue to remain firm. Remember to get your Valentines Day commitments into us as soon as you can to ensure full coverage in these tight markets.





- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard, CA Steady Fair
Central Mexico Steady Good
Central Florida Steady Fair
Broccoli

The broccoli market continues to be tight with recent cold and wet weather. Supply has really tightened up with all suppliers. Quality is fair with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for supplies to continue to be tight going into next week.

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

The Brussels Sprouts market continues to be tight with supply being affected by the recent rain. The quality has been affected by the rain and cold weather and sizing tend to run smaller due to this colder weather. Look for the Brussels Sprout market to remain tight going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Higher Good
Carrots

The carrot market continues to remain steady. Quality is good, and supplies are adequate to meet current demand. We see no change in the carrot market going into next week.

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

Cauliflower market continues to be in a demand exceeds situation. Supply has really affected by the freeze and now rain in Yuma. Overall, the quality is fair with minor bruising and some yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for this market to continue to stay strong going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Celery

This market continues to gain strength in both southern California as well as Yuma. Escalated pricing is in effect with all suppliers. Production in Yuma is light and southern California is moderate at best. Overall, demand exceeds supplies. The best deals continue to be out of the Oxnard /Santa Maria growing regions. The best sizing is very random as some shippers are heavier to small sizing while others are better on large packs. Common defects to this commodity include bowing, leafy tops, mechanical and insect damage. Rain as hit all the growing regions and coupled with past freezing temperatures has caused yields on this product to be down, overall with all suppliers.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Cherries

Import cherry supplies have started to taper off. Not as many sizes are available and shippers are not pushing as hard as before. Prices have started to firm up a bit. We are expecting another few arrivals, but demand has been minimal. Quality is good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Higher Good
Chili Peppers

Jalapenos- Very light supplies of Jalapenos continue to be available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. Few growers continue to harvesting jalapeno out of the Sonora and Sinaloa. Quality out of Sinaloa being reported as good. Mostly medium to large size available Market on jalapeno is high and expected to remain high through the week. Price on #1 jalapeno is currently holding in the 40’s. Jalapenos from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Pasilla- Good volume of pasilla currently crossing through Nogales from Mexico. Good pasiila production expected to move into next week. Pasilla crossing through Nogales is being harvested in the Mexican states of Sinaloa. Quality from Sinaloa being reported as good. Market on pasilla is steady along with pricing. Pasilla from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas

Anaheim- Good Anaheim volume currently crossing through Nogales from Mexico. Good Anaheim production expected to continue through the week. Anaheim crossing through Nogales is currently being harvested in the Mexican states of Sinaloa. Quality of peppers from Sinaloa being reported as good. Market on Anaheim is steady along with pricing. Anaheim from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas

Serrano – Very limited supplies of Serrano peppers continue to be available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. Supplies expected to remain light possibly through January. The demand and market are high along with pricing. Price on Serrano pepper is currently priced at $70.00 on a 40lb box of serrano and expected to remain steady through the week. Light supplies of Serrano also crossing into McAllen, Texas.

Tomatillo – Husk and Dehusked tomatillos are available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. Good supplies on both varieties expected to continue through the week. The tomatillo market is steady. Prices remain steady in the mid-teens. Quality on both varieties being reported as fair to good. Both varieties of tomatillos also available to load in McAllen, TX.

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

The Cilantro market continues to be tight colder weather and rain in Yuma and Mexico. The cilantro quality is fair and will be affected by this colder weather. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay strong going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Baja, MX Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Citrus (Lemons)

Supplies are looking steady this week despite the rain in most the growing regions. Most suppliers got ahead of the rain and harvested to help with any shortages. Depending on the rain we could see some prices firm up and see tighter supplies. Currently harvesting out of all three districts with the majority coming out of District 3 (Desert crop). Suppliers are holding off on promotable opportunities until the storm passes, for now covering normal business volume. All regions have a good run on sizes and expected to continue to improve as weather permits.

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

Lime supplies are tight, market prices are active and climbing weekly. Most suppliers are thinking this could continue until April/May. With the current rain, cooler weather in the growing regions in Mexico, and limited inbound of trucks crossing from Mexico this is collectively causing the high market prices. This is an industry wide issue and we'll continue to monitor this closely with updates. Current market prices on 10# is $8-$10, and looking to go as high as $14 in the next few months. The 40# current market prices are $16 - $20, and looking to go as high as $40 in the next few months.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Higher Fair
Citrus (Oranges)

Steady supplies available this week on 88's and smaller. The forecast shows rain in the Valley for the entire week. Most suppliers are harvesting fruit the entire weekend in anticipation of the rain, but the rain could potentially keep suppliers out of the field all of next week. If that is the case, we could start seeing supply shortages mid to late next week. We will stay ahead of the weather forecast and communicate any supply issues. Demand continues to feel strong as we start hit the mid-way point of January. Suppliers are harvesting good numbers and moving through inventory weekly. With the good movement, the bigger harvest numbers are welcomed. Navel pricing feels steady and could firm a touch if the weather starts to hurt supplies. The natural color and maturity of the fruit is excellent at this time with plenty of cool nights over the last couple weeks. Continue to push CA Navels with confidence – This is the best time of the year for great quality and we will continue to see great quality moving forward. Most pack has been majority fancy grade with limited choice grade availability. Brix averages will get better through January as we get into some of our best varieties of the season. We will keep a close eye on weather, supplies, and market as we work through the week.

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

There is a steady supply of cucumbers coming into South Florida from Honduras. Light supplies crossing into the U.S. from Mexico is causing more demand for import cucumbers loading in Florida keeping markets strong. Quality has been good with all shippers, this is not peak season in terms of volume, that is coming in the next 2 weeks but this a peak quality time of year for Honduran cucumbers. Moderate temperatures in the afternoons and cool morning give fruit better color and longer shelf life. This is not always the case early in the season or at the end of the season.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Steady supplies of import cucumbers.

Transitions:
Cucumbers are not in Transition

Peak Seasons:
Cucumbers are not in peak season but it is coming soon.

Growing Region Market Quality
Olancho, Honduras Steady/Higher Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Light supplies of cucumber being harvested in Sonora, Mexico. Few growers out of this district are finishing up harvest and should start up again in March. Quality out of the Sonora district is mostly fair. Light supplies of cucumbers also being harvested in the Mexican State of Sinaloa and the volume expected to increase in the coming weeks. The cucumber market is steady and expected to remain steady through the week. Quality out of Sinaloa is good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Eggplant (Eastern) Alert

Eggplant supplies are very tight and most shippers are finished for the season. Florida growers have steadily cut back on eggplant acreage during the winter months over the past few years for a number of reasons, mainly because of poor yields. There are still small farms that produce through the winter and larger shippers bring in Mexican product to supplement their business. Quality is split with the newer, smaller fields producing good quality and the older fields producing lesser quality, that is being packed as a choice label. The market on number one product has jumped considerably over the past 10 days, choice product has lagged behind but will catch up by this coming weekend.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very tight supplies on eggplant and most Florida shippers are finished for the season.

Transitions:
Eggplant is not in transition.

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant is not in peak season.

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

Eggplant- Eggplant continues to be harvested in the Mexican State of Sinaloa. A moderate volume of eggplant expected to continue through the week. Both fancy and choice grade currently being packed. Market on eggplant is steady and is expected to remain steady through the end of the week. Quality from Sinaloa currently is fair to good.

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

Supplies continue to be extremely limited on green grapes. Peru and Chile are sending much more red grapes in comparison to green. This combined with increased demand, no domestic availability and delays at the port are leading to a major supply gap on green grapes. The total volume of green grapes that arrived over the weekend was not nearly enough to fill the industry demand. Shippers have been cutting, returning orders and simply declining any new business. With new vessels not expected to arrive until mid next week and the little fruit that is being released already sold, we can expect to see some challenges on order coverage and on time loading. Quality is good and market prices are firm with possible increases.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies remain very limited. Markets are higher.

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

Red grapes are not nearly as limited as green, but still snug. Due to the volume of red grapes being sent over in comparison to green, we are seeing better availability on both coasts. However, delays are causing fruit to not be available at the specific times needed. The good news is the volume of reds being released is expected to be sufficient enough to meet demand. We do have some limited open fruit being offered to us on both coasts. Quality is good and the market remains firm.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Delays at port continue to effect availability. Markets are firm.

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

The Green Onion market continues to be really tight with the recent freeze and rain in Mexico. This cold weather has been causing occasional leaf minor and mechanical damage. The green onion market will continue to be very tight going into next week.

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

The kale market continues to stay strong with the rain and cooler weather in Yuma. Quality is fair with full bunches, and only an occasional yellow leaf being reported.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady/Higher Fair
Lettuce Iceberg

Supplies are moderate to light with this commodity. This will continue for the rest of the week. The weather has been warmer and rain has come into play in the Yuma region. Expect to see puffiness, mechanical, blister and peel and some mildew upon arrivals. All lettuce items will have shorter shelf lives on the value added front. The quality will be fair at best. The aftermath of all the freezing temperatures still has growers concerned as to the quality of product that will exist over the next two to three weeks. Shippers continue to have labor issues that look to exist throughout the rest of the Yuma season. Weights on palletized will be 35-42 pounds on average.

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

The market has flattened out on romaine and romaine hearts. Green and red leaf, as well as butter, is firm in the marketplace. The weather in Yuma has seen rain this week and coupled with past freezing temperatures, suppliers are reporting multiple defects. Expect to see blister and peel, mildew, mechanical and twisting. The weather has been a huge obstacle to overcome and at this point, the quality looks to be marginal through the month of January, minimum. Yields continue to be down. The defects mentioned earlier is industry-wide, so please be aware. All value-added product with romaine or lettuce will see shorter shelf lives due to the weakness of the raw material.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Fair
Lettuce Tender Leaf

The Tender Leaf market continues to be strong on spring mix, arugula, baby spinach, and cello spinach with the rain and colder weather in Yuma. Quality issues are fair with minimal yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves. Look for these items to continue to remain strong going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady/Higher Fair
Melon (Cantaloupe)

New production has started from secondary regions of Guatemala and Honduras. We anticipate sizing for cantaloupes to continue being mainly 12's with some 9's. Quality has been very good to date and we anticipate stronger internal quality once growers get into these new fields. Production should get back closer to normal around the first week or two in February. But the main issues have been with the terminals not getting the vessels unloaded on time. So not only are we having less production due to whitefly, but now our vessels are sitting at anchor in the port for a week waiting to get unloaded. Hopefully, they can get back on schedule. We anticipate over the next couple weeks things to continue to be very tight. We will continue to have fruit available but it’s all subject to when it gets unloaded. The market remains steady.

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

Honeydew production has also significantly decreased, which has again created a demand exceeds supply situation. Honduran honeydew production is late in starting and new Guatemala fields are not yet ready for harvest. We anticipate this shortage to continue another 10-14 days. Sizing is mostly in the 5/6ct range with very few jumbos currently hitting the market. Dew production should pick up around the first/second week in February as well. The market this week remains steady/higher.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady/Higher Good
Choluteca, Honduras Steady/Higher Good
Melon (Watermelon)

Light supplies of watermelon continue to be available to load in Nogales, AZ. Light volume continues to cross through Nogales, AZ as demand remains high. Few shippers are receiving watermelon from Jalisco. New crop mini watermelon also available to load in Nogales from Colima. Market on watermelon being reported as high and expected to remain the same through the week. Quality on new crop watermelon being reported as good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Jalisco, Mexico Higher Good
Onions

Yellow onion demand is good on all sizes with a higher market. This trend could continue into the end of January. February is typically the slowest month of the year, so we should see the market become steady. Quality is very nice. Red onion demand is fair with a steady market. Quality is good. White onion market is in a demand exceed demand situation out of all shipping points. This will continue until Mexico gets going the front part of February. Transportation is good.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Onions will be in peak season into the middle of April

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

Pear demand is moderate with slightly better pricing on most sizes of D'Anjou. Sizing is peaking on 70/80/90 with a good mix of US# 1 and Fancy. Quality is good. Bartlett pears are peaking on US #1 80-100 count with few fancy's. Quality is good but only order what you need as they will not hold up. The market is fair. Bosc is peaking 90 count and smaller. Quality is good. The market is weak.

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

Current supplies are gradually improving as we head into the first quarter of the New Year. Shippers continue to step up their selection process for packing to ensure the best quality arrives, hence causing lower volumes being imported. As we move into the upcoming months suppliers are thinking we show be back to normal volumes moving forward. All normal business orders have been covered in full, but we always ask for customers to send orders in advance to help strategize orders for fulfilment. Current markets prices on all conventional sizes are between $10-$12, and $15 organic.

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

Russet carton market is higher on 80 count and larger with moderate to good demand. Retail Bales demand is very light which has some shippers only running limited hours. Burbank's are the main variety which is currently peaking on 80 count and smaller. This looks to be the trend into the start of February. Quality is still very nice with little to no reports of issues. The weather has been limiting supplies being transferred from the storage to the packing houses which is also causing limited run times. Temperatures need to be above 15 to 20 degrees to haul potatoes otherwise they will have freeze damage. The forecast is for calling for a slight warming trend into the front part of next week then we could see single digit temperatures late next week. Transportation is good for most lanes.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Russet potatoes will be in Peak season into late April

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

Supplies are steady with moderate demand out of all shipping points (Washington, Idaho, California, Wisconsin, North Dakota). Quality overall is good with very little issues being reported upon arrival. All areas have good supplies of Red, White and Gold A's with moderate supplies B's and C's. Markets are steady. Look for these market conditions to continue into February.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Red and Gold potatoes are in Peak season out of all growing areas

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

Squash is in very tight supply, yellow is tighter than green. Squash plants got damaged in the high winds that passed through Florida in the last few weeks and they will need time to bounce back. Squash runs in cycles and plants are on a downward cycle on top of suffering through bad weather situations. Quality has been mostly good with some issues in yellow squash due to scaring and discoloration from high winds. Supplies should start to rebound over the next 2 weeks but it's going to be a slower process with colder temperature in the forecast early next week. Supplies are concentrated in the southern most portions of Florida on both the east and west coast.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very tight supplies on both colors of squash.

Transitions:
Squash is not in transition

Peak Seasons:
Squash is not in peak season.

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

Italian and Yellow S/N- Light supplies of Italian and Yellow S/N continue to cross through Nogales from Mexico this week. Supplies are expected to remain light through the week, with some growers expecting better volume next week. Both #1 and #2 quality continue to be packed on Italian squash. More #2 label than #1 Label being currently being packed on Yellow S/N. Quality on Italian squash and Yellow S/N is being reported as fair to good. Demand currently exceeds supplies on both varieties.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Stone Fruit Alert

This week we have seen slight improvements in plum supplies, but nectarines and peaches remain limited. This is directly related to the delayed arrivals and prolonged release times at the port. I expect to see more plums become available this week (red and black) and the other stone fruit increase in availability next week as more vessels are expected to arrive. Thus far, markets have been firm due to limited availability. Quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Import arrivals remain limited, better availability expected next week.

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

The Naples/Immokalee growing districts of Florida have become the main eastern growing region where cool weather and rain is restricting the size and maturity of fruit, providing the landscape for a relatively unchanged market this week. The weather damper is occurring as crops transition from Ruskin to Homestead preventing an abundance of fruit coming into the supply. Harvests remain lighter than expected with no change in the Round tomatoes market again this week. As farms move into 3rd picks and cold weather with scattered rain showers loom, sizing is expected to trend down, further separating the already $7 spread in price between XL and Med sizes. Roma tomato availability remains light with limited acreage planted due to the number of imports expected from Mexico this time of year. Grape and Cherry tomatoes are in good supply with some surplus buys available to help keep inventory moving.

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

Mexico operations have finished in Baja and Eastern Mexico, shifting all western demand to farms growing in mainland Mexico where farmers continue to battle the effects of cool weather which have slowed the start of their season. Weather forecasts show a warm trend through next week helping to bring a boost in production to Mexico farms. Markets have begun improving on all items. Roma tomatoes have been crossing in increasing volumes but color has been light. Grape tomatoes are also improving with a small decrease in pricing this week as volume continues to ramp up.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Lower Good

Things You Should Know

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Supplies of Green Bell pepper continues to be very tight.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Steady supplies of import cucumbers.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Very tight supplies on eggplant and most Florida shippers are finished for the season.

Grapes (Green)
Supplies remain very limited. Markets are higher.

Grapes (Red)
Delays at port continue to effect availability. Markets are firm.

Squash (Eastern)
Very tight supplies on both colors of squash.

Stone Fruit
Import arrivals remain limited, better availability expected next week.

Transitions and Temperatures

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is not in transition

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is not in transition.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are not in Transition

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell Pepper is not in Transition.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is not in peak season.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is not in peak season.

Apples
Most varieties of Apples are in Peak season

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are not in peak season but it is coming soon.

Onions
Onions will be in peak season into the middle of April

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper is not in peak season

Potatoes
Russet potatoes will be in Peak season into late April

Potatoes (colored)
Red and Gold potatoes are in Peak season out of all growing areas

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