The Source - January 25, 2016

Weather Update

A relatively strong high pressure ridge returns out west keeping the entire region dry from California to Northern Mexico this week, with the next storm system forecast to move into California over the weekend. Gradual warming under the building high pressure system continues through the week as temperatures in the 60s today reach the 70s to low 80s late this week in the warmer Southwestern Desert and Mexico growing regions.
Northern Florida will see another cold morning today following the very cold temperatures that impacted the region over the weekend. An approaching cold front is forecast to bring significant precipitation to the state mid-week. Areas to the north may see upwards of 2 inches of rain with up to an inch possible in the southern half of the state.

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 2.071 per gallon. A difference of $0.795 from this time last year. California prices dropped slightly as well and are now at 2.459 per gallon. Crude oil leveled out and is now at $30.28 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

Washington - red delicious are steady on 80's and larger but higher on 88s and smaller do to strong demand. Lower grade reds remain short in all sizes. Most suppliers continue to peak on 72/80/88s. Golden delicious are steady on the Wash-extra grade but higher on the lower grade fruit. Golden delicious are still peaking on Wash-Extra 100/113s. Most suppliers still don't have much larger than an 88-size Golden. 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 also limited on 125's and smaller. Galas are higher on all sizes and grades due to increased demand from the east coast. Most Gala shippers don't have much fruit larger than an 88. Fujis are also higher as eastern demand shifts out west. 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 to higher on all sizes and are still peaking on 80/88s. Most Michigan shippers are shorter on the smaller sizes. McIntosh are steady and are still heavier to 125/138s but supplies are light. Galas are higher as storage supplies start to dwindle. Golden delicious are also higher due to light supplies and they 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. Jonagolds and Red Romes are all still available.
New York - Red delicious, Macs, Cameos, Romes, Crispins, Empires, and Golden delicious are all steady. Galas and Golden delicious are available but supplies are light and both markets are higher. 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

Alerts:
Small red delicious apples are higher in Washington due to strong demand and small Galas are also up. The Galas are due to lighter eastern supplies. Expect the Galas to remain strong.

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

The asparagus market on the West Coast is now promotable with favorable prices. There are good supplies of all size Mexican Asparagus. Also 28/1# asparagus packs will start sometime this week. Peruvian Asparagus also in better shape as far as supplies and has followed the market trend of the Mexican product. Quality is excellent from Mexican and better from Peru.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Lower/Steady Excellent
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Lower/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
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bells - Supply has dropped, Quality is only fair. The market is much higher.
Red – Limited supplies will continue, New crop from Sinaloa district has started. Market is strong, supplies are limited.
Gold - Very limited supply, quality is good. Production will increase as we move into this month.
Orange- Very limited supply and demand. Market is a strong.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Sinaloa/Nayarit, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Berries (Blackberries) Alert

Limited supply as recent cool weather and rain slowed production in Central Mexico. The rain also affected quality of the blackberries that are not being grown under plastic hoops. As a result, much fruit has been rejected for packing and discarded. Several loads of blackberries on order for the US have been delayed or cancelled. Quality has been a concern with wet, leaky fruit and red cell. Availability will be light for the next several weeks as the crops recover. Weather is warming up in Central Mexico and current forecast is clear for this week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Limited supply as recent cool weather and rain slowed production in Central Mexico.

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

Steady arrivals from South America should continue over the coming weeks. Mexican production has been steady. Baja production is slowly increasing. Delays with transfers coming into coolers have been the biggest concern with both the offshore product coming on vessels and the Mexican product crossing at the border.

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

Central Mexico production has slowed down and availability will be light for the next three to five weeks. Quality issues with soft, broken fruit have been reported. The growing regions experienced heavy rains followed by a warm up that is causing more quality issues.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Central Mexico production has slowed down and availability will be light for the next three to five weeks.

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

Strawberries are extremely limited and demand is exceeding supply in all growing/loading regions. Southern California will be warmer this week and mostly clear forecasts. This could help to bring on some much needed fruit and increase production by the end of the week. FL is still cool and has thunderstorms with significant rain forecasted by mid-week. This area will remain in short supply all week. Mexican production has been steady but with some warm and clear weather in the forecast this week, we should see more strawberries being sent to the US. Overall, supplies look to remain tight throughout the Valentine's Day pull and should recover shortly after mid-February barring any more inclement weather in the growing regions.



- pa_admin

Alerts:
Strawberries are extremely limited and demand is exceeding supply in all growing/loading regions.

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

The broccoli supplies from all growing regions are finally good enough to fill the pipeline. The markets are aggressive for promotion this week. Quality is decent from most growing regions, but product from Santa Maria is still showing signs of Pin rot from the rains. This market will remain aggressive all week.

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

Brussel Sprouts this week will still be in short supply from Mexico. More and More we are seeing the demand for Brussel Sprouts increase. From new value added packs to specific sizes in the bulk 25 pound pack, they are gaining popularity around the country. The market remains strong with limited availability.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Carrots

Colder 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.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies this week look to be stable and the market remaining at current levels. There are deals made with volume behind it but vary from shipper to shipper. Quality has improved with nice white color. Although some lots have show some brown discoloration upon arrival.

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

The celery is steady. Escalated pricing continues to be in effect. Demand continue to exceed supplies. Defects on celery in the Oxnard region include pith, which are soft spots on the stock, epidermal peel bowing, and leafy tops. These defects are a direct cause of past cool temperatures and rains in the growing regions. Yuma and Florida have light production. Small sizing has the best availability. Light inventories is the story with most shippers to begin the week. Expect moderate to light Supplies throughout the week.

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

Jalapeños - Improved supplies of good quality with good size and stronger pricing.

Anaheim - Overall quality is very good with very good sizing. Better sizing and production. Market is steady.

Poblano - Quality is generally good, sizing in the medium, large range. Supplies are good.

Tomatillo - Has increased in supply. Quality is good, and are sizing medium and large.

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

Cilantro supplies are getting better from all growing regions. Better weather in Mexico, Yuma, and Oxnard have helped in the increased supplies. Although supplies have increased, quality is still fair at best. Yellowing will be in most packs and you will see some black slimy leaves.

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

All 3 growing areas are being harvested. The desert is 76% harvested and will finish much earlier this year compared to normal. The central valley crop is 35% 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 strong and with size peaking on 140s and larger fruit from all areas; 165s and smaller fruit remaining tight, but meeting demand.

- 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. 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)

California Navel growing area received good rains Friday and Saturday and has created some real issues with picking fruit. No more rains are predicted until the end of this week, but heavy fog is expected every morning, which will hold picking crews off until late morning to pick. Inventories are very low and shipper will need extended period of clearing truly build inventories back up. Demand is stronger on the 113s/138s and markets are 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
Cucumbers (Western)

Production is limited on all cucumbers due to cold weather. Slicer cucumber, Euro Cucumber and Pickles are all very short supply.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Eggplant (Western)

More product is crossing every week. Some number two product being offered. Market is steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Higher Fair
Grapes (Green) Alert

High prices are curtailing demand for green seedless grapes. Supplies, however, continue to be very light from all shippers. This market is about steady and will continue to struggle until we see a marked improvement in supplies coming in from Chile. We expect volume to increase slightly and steadily every week moving forward. We should see an easing in this market around the second week of February.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies of green grapes still tight.

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

The red seedless grape market is steady with good demand and light supplies. We are seeing a little relief this week as fruit becomes available at the port on both coasts. While still light in volume having some fruit available is an improvement over last week. Demand has dropped as the current high pricing and extreme weather around the country is slowing sales. Quality is generally good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies of red grapes slightly improved.

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

The Green Onion market has finally seen some relief. We will see better supplies of both iced and iceless green onions this week. Quality still is suspect and arrivals are still showing brown to yellow discoloration of the tops.

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

The Kale market and supplies remain stable. Excellent supplies in Yuma, Oxnard, and Santa Maria. Nice dark green color with minimal yellowing. Prices will vary from each growing region.

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

The market continues to soften on this commodity with most suppliers. No rain is expected in the Yuma region for the entire week. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 70s with lows in the high 40s to low 50s. Issues continue on quality. These issues include light color, misshapen and ribby heads, peeling epidermis, blister and growth crack. The weights are averaging 39-44 pounds. Supplies are expected to be steady for the entire week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Huron production expected the third week in March.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Lower Fair
Lettuce Leaf

This market continues to get weaker with all suppliers. Blister and peel on romaine are seen from all shippers. These defects will continue throughout the month of January. The good news is that the extent of the blister has lessened. Warmer temperatures are a direct reason for this. This being said, the quality continues to be just fair. Quality is suffering with all leafy greens, not just romaine. Butter will be light in availability throughout the month. The weights on romaine have been averaging 27-34 , while green leaf has been approximately 20-23 pounds. Expect competitive pricing throughout the week as shippers try to move product as quickly as possible due to the shorter shelf life of these commodities.

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

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 very good overall. The peak size is shifting to larger sized fruit and is currently 9ct. We are experiencing decent demand on the cantaloupes that are arriving. The current market is slightly lower on 9ct and slightly higher on what is available on 12ct and 15ct.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Choluteca, Honduras Steady/Higher Excellent
Choluteca, Honduras Lower/Steady Excellent
Melon (Honeydew)

Demand is good on all sizes. The peak size for the offshore is 6ct and the small amount of Mexican dews are peaking on 6ct . 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
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady Good
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Excellent
Melon (Watermelon)

The forecast has not changed in weeks,Seedless watermelon supplies continue to be very short with higher pricing and demand exceed supply. Production has transitioned to southern Mexico. Conditions will remain this way at least until the end of the month.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Jalisco, Mexico Higher Fair
Onions Alert

Idaho - Demand is light the start of this week due to weather that hit the East over the weekend. Markets all colors and sizes are steady. Quality is being reported as good with most shippers. There are some lots of yellow onions that are being packed currently that are showing some light transparency in the outer layers. We will start to see more of this as the season moves on. Look for the market to continue to increase as each week moves on, till Mexico gets up to speed in the next couple of weeks.
Washington - Market is steady with moderate demand. Sizing is still peaking on Jumbo's and smaller with very few colossal being packed. Quality is being reported as good.
White onions out of all growers areas are in a demand excess supply situation. This is typical as supplies wind down for the season out of the Northwest.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
White Onions are in a demand exceeds supplies situation.

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

Washington - Bartletts are higher on all sizes and the market remains strong due to light supplies. Bartlett pears are peaking on 90/100/110s and the larger sizes are still short. Washington will finish packing Bartletts in three to four weeks. Bosc pears are steady and continue to peak on US#1 90/100/110s. Fancy bosc are short on all sizes. D'anjou pears are steady on all sizes and the 110s and smaller remain firm due to strong demand. D'anjous are peaking on US#1 70/80/90s and all sizes of the fancy grade are limited. 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. The D'anjou, Bosc, and red pears have been good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Chilean Bartlett pears have been pushed to back to an approximate February 1 arrival.

Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Fair
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 Good
Heredia, Costa Rica Steady Good
Guapiles, Costa Rica Steady Good
La Cieba, Honduras Steady Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Steady Good
San Luis, Guatemala Steady Good
Potatoes

Idaho - Demand is starting out light the front part of this week due to storm that hit the East Coast over the weekend. Market is steady on all sizes and packs. Quality is being reported as good with a few lots showing some internal light pressure bruise with some misshapen potatoes showing up in some packs. Most shippers have a good mix of sizes from 40 to 120 count.
Markets should be steady for the next couple of weeks.
Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin are all starting out with light demand and steady markets on all sizes and packs. Shippers out of these areas are also packing a good mix of sizes. Quality is being reported as good.

- 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 - reds and whites are steady while golds are lower, and all are peaking on A-size. Premium and baker reds and golds remain short. The quality on all colors has been good.
Western Washington - reds and golds are steady and both continue to peak on A size. There are a few storage whites and they are steady as well. 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 - both reds and golds are slightly higher due to end-of-storage quality. Both colors are still peaking on A-size. Premium and baker reds, premium and baker golds, and gold Cs remain limited. 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 remain limited in both colors. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Florida is scheduled to pack new-crop red potatoes this week.

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 Higher Fair
Squash (Western)

Good availability in hard squash. Spaghetti , Butternut , Acorn, volume on Kabocha is being offered. Lighter supply due to cold weather. Cold weather has decreased supply on both Italian and yellow squash, Market will be high and is expected to remain high.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Stone Fruit Alert

The market on all stone fruit is about steady with limited supplies and light demand. In addition to the peaches, plums and nectarines we are now being quoted pluots. Quality is generally good with sizing still running heavily to the 50 & 60 series tray packs.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Pluots now being quoted out of Chile.

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

Rounds - The market is higher. Weather continues to hamper supplies in the east. Production and yields on the lighter side. Out west, rains also continue to lighten supplies out of Mexico. Demand still strong, with limited supplies in all areas. Quality is Good / Fair.
Roma - The market is lower. Supplies in the east still a little lighter, however, Mexico is crossing good numbers out west. Demand coming off a bit due to the additional supplies. Market may turn again, depending on weather and temps. Demand lighter. Quality is Good / Fair.
Cherry - The market is steady. Florida supplies continue to come up lighter, with production and yields off. Out west, Mexico numbers also look to be on the lighter. Demand continues to be strong in all areas. Quality is Good / Fair.
Grape - The market is steady. Supplies continue to be tight in Forida. Weather conditions continue to create production and yield issues. Mexico crossing additional supplies, however, demand continues to be strong. 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 higher. Supplies out of Mexico continue to be lighter. Production and yields continue to be a struggle in all areas. Supplies out of Florida also tight, due to weather back east. Demand still strong. Quality is Good / Fair.
Roma - The market is lower. Supplies out of Mexico getting better. Production and yields improving out west, however, the east continues to see light supplies out of Florida. Demand a bit lighter, due to supplies crossing. Quality is Good / Fair.
Cherry - The market is steady. Product continues to be a little lighter. Mexico crossing numbers, however, production and yields still a bit off. Back east, supplies continue to be lighter due to weather conditions. Demand steady. Quality is Good / Fair.
Grape - The market is steady. Supplies in the west still a bit lighter. Weather has slowed up production and yields. Back east, product continues to be tighter. Demand steady/strong in all areas. Quality is Good / Fair.


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

Things You Should Know

Apples
Small red delicious apples are higher in Washington due to strong demand and small Galas are also up. The Galas are due to lighter eastern supplies. Expect the Galas to remain strong.

Berries (Blackberries)
Limited supply as recent cool weather and rain slowed production in Central Mexico.

Berries (Raspberries)
Central Mexico production has slowed down and availability will be light for the next three to five weeks.

Berries (Strawberries)
Strawberries are extremely limited and demand is exceeding supply in all growing/loading regions.

Grapes (Green)
Supplies of green grapes still tight.

Grapes (Red)
Supplies of red grapes slightly improved.

Onions
White Onions are in a demand exceeds supplies situation.

Stone Fruit
Pluots now being quoted out of Chile.

Transitions and Temperatures

Pears
Chilean Bartlett pears have been pushed to back to an approximate February 1 arrival.

Potatoes (colored)
Florida is scheduled to pack new-crop red potatoes this week.

Lettuce Iceberg
Huron production expected the third week in March.

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