The Source - July 19, 2017

Weather Update

High pressure out west will keep the inland regions hot with a continuing marine layer influence moderating the coastal growing regions. Slight cooling into the weekend with an approaching weak low pressure system from the north. Monsoonal flow continues across much of Mexico producing scattered light to moderate showers throughout the region. Extended outlook keeps the monsoonal flow across the entire region as we begin to watch the tropical activity in the warm Pacific waters. Florida will continue to see moderate rain and thunderstorms as a number of weak frontal systems move through the region through next week.

Freight Update

California trucks are steady this week. WA Apple trucks remain steady as well. Idaho potato trucks remain adequate. The National Average for diesel remained steady from last week and is currently at 2.491 per gallon. An increase of .089 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are currently at 2.865 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 46.24 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

California - they have started packing a few early Galas in Kingsburg, California. The fruit has excellent color and is peaking on 88/100 size. The market is starting high due to the situation in Washington and the current limited availability. The quality is reported as good.

Washington – Red delicious are steady on all sizes but pricing is trending upward and demand is increasing esp. now that the early school business is coming back and other varieties are finishing. Most red shippers are peaking on 80/88s. Golden delicious are higher on all sizes and the demand exceeds supplies now due to light storage supplies and strong demand. The few remaining Golden delicious are still peaking on 72/80/88s. Goldens are so short that most suppliers will probably gap, some have already finished for the season. We expect new-crop Earli/Ginger golds between early and mid August. Granny Smith are higher again and the market continues to rise due to light supplies and strong demand. The fruit is still peaking on 72/80/88s. The availability of 88s and smaller is still very light and most suppliers continue to sub up in size and grade. Galas are higher on most sizes and the demand now exceeds supplies on them also due to low storage supplies. Most Gala shippers are peaking on 72/80/88s. The suppliers that have more Gala volume in storage are rationing them out so they last for the entire summer. Fuji's are steady to higher on all sizes but supplies are very light especially on 100 size and smaller. The fruit is still peaking on 64/72/80/88s. The quality for all varieties has been good.

Michigan – Red delicious are steady on all sizes but supplies are very low. Reds are in fewer hands but should last until the end of July, possibly a bit longer. The quality has been good.

Chile – Eastern Chilean Pink Ladys, Fujis, Galas, Braeburns, and Granny-smith are all steady in New Jersey. All variety's are peaking on 70/80 size with very few 90s. The quality has been good. Western Chilean Braeburns, Fuji's, Pink Lady's, and Granny-Smiths are steady but peaking on 70s and then 80s. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Washington Granny-Smith demand still exceeds supplies and the market continues to rise. Granny 88s and smaller are extremely short. Golden delicious are now in the same situation but supplies are so low that some suppliers may gap, in fact some shippers have already finished for the season. Gala apples in Washington are now also in a demand exceeds supply situation especially in the smaller sizes.

Transitions:
California is just starting to pack a few early Gala apples and they are peaking on 88/100s. More suppliers will start in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Peak Seasons:
Washington is still in the peak of its red delicious apple season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Chile Steady Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Coopersville/Belding/Sparta, MI Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Good
Asparagus Alert

Central Mexico is still experiencing rain, and will continue to see rain for the next 7 days. The rain coupled with cooler night time temperatures is still hurting production. Baja Mexico (Ensenada) has started with production, and will start to have more volume in the next 7 days. Peru is still in transition from the North (Trujillo) to the South (ICA), we should see more volume in the next 7-10 days. Overall market is short, especially on the larger sizes.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Central Mexico is still experiencing rain, and will continue to see rain for the next 7 days. The rain coupled with cooler night time temperatures is still hurting production.

Transitions:
ICA , Peru

Growing Region Market Quality
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Higher Fair
Central Mexico Higher Fair
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Higher Good
Avocado (California)

Quality is very good, fruit is ripening evenly and tasting great. The crop continues to peak on 48s and larger, with limited amounts of 60s and smaller fruit. Harvest continues to drop slowly and expect light supplies in August.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady Excellent
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady Excellent
Avocado (Mexican)

Mexico continues to harvest small volume of the old crop, with size peaking on 48s and larger fruit. This crop has high maturity, so keep supplies tight. The new summer crop has started and better supplies beginning to arrive to the states. This new summer crop will peak on 60s and 70s. This new crop fruit has a lower maturity level and will take longer to ripen.

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

Bell pepper supplies are very tight in the eastern half of the country and with California in limited supply the market is at escalated levels. North Carolina is winding down fast and the quality is suffering from heat and storms that affected the crop during the growing season. New Jersey has started light volume that should continue to increase this week as some of the larger growers start their season. Ohio has just started very light volume with Michigan starting this weekend, weather permitting. There will not be much volume in the mid-west until next week. The forecast is calling for thunderstorms through the weekend that could further complicate issues. Look for the market to stay strong well into next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very tight supplies

Peak Seasons:
Bell pepper is out of peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Duplin County, NC Higher Fair
Seneca / Summit County, OH Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bell Pepper remain limited out of Fresno, CA. Should see more availability mid-next week when Gilroy starts to kick in production.

Red bell Pepper are more available . Better demand on choice grade followed by #1 25lb and 15lb, Yellow bells are very limited on field grown in California.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Blackberry supplies remain consistent this week. Although we do expect to see harvest trend down over the next 2 weeks, shippers are not expecting any major disruption in supplies. Yields are better than expected and current supplies should carry us into the next cycle of planting expected to start in August. Once we start California fall crop production, shippers are anticipating good volume as blackberries will reach their peak by mid to late August. Quality has been very strong and markets have been steady.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
New California fall crop will start in August.

Peak Seasons:
California fall crop will reach peak production by mid to late August.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Excellent
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Excellent
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberries have sprung back into action in a big way this week. Oregon and British Columbia have come on strong with high volume production. Quality is excellent with good color, firm berries and great flavor. Oregon will peak in production this week and start to gradually slow down. BC will be in peak harvest next week through the end of the month. Washington will pick up harvest next week, but volume is expected to remain light. Market prices on the Pacific Northwest have been active. As the volume has come on swiftly, supplies are now readily available and markets are starting to decline. If loading direct is an option, we will see very aggressive opportunities on volume. Salinas / Watsonville prices will be slightly higher as addition freight is necessary to transfer product. We expect good supplies for the next 3 weeks.

On the east coast, NJ is still producing very light numbers as labor is a major issue. Michigan is now in full production and will hit peak harvest later this week and it will last through the end of the month, then we will see production gradually decline as we move through August. Quality is being reported as excellent. Market prices have been steady.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
We will be in peak production in the Pacific Northwest and Michigan for the next 2 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oregon Lower Excellent
Pitt Meadows, BC Lower Excellent
New Jersey Steady Good
Grand Junction, MI Steady Excellent
Berries (Raspberries) Alert

Raspberry availability is getting light. Supplies will continue to decrease through the month of July. Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville growing regions have all past their peaks and production is on the down trend until the next cycle of plantings begin in August. Availability will increasingly become a challenge as we move later in the month. I expect market prices to increase as supplies become lighter. Advance orders are recommended.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Raspberries will continue to decrease in production through the month of July. Availability will be limited and prices will increase.

Transitions:
New California harvest expected to start in August.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Higher Good
Watsonville, CA Higher Good
Santa Maria, CA Higher Good
Berries (Strawberries)

Strawberry supplies are excellent. The weather in all growing regions has been incredible and the strawberries are thriving. Quality overall has been strong with sizes ranging between 16-20 count. Production numbers have been climbing and are expected to remain consistent all trough next week. Market prices dropped at the front part of the week and we expect to see another slight decrease for the tail end of the week. We have ample opportunities for volume buys this week!

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Lower Good
Watsonville, CA Lower Good
Santa Maria, CA Lower Good
Broccoli

The broccoli market this week varies depending on the growing region. In the Salinas Valley the market is much stronger as supplies are not abundant to warrant competitive prices. Your value will be out of Santa Maria and Mexico. Quality, even though we have had previous heat, has been really good. We have seen minimal yellowing, decent crown size, and vibrant green color.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
McAllen, TX Steady Good
Brussels Sprouts

The market continues to hold firm at much higher than normal prices. Quality out of Oxnard and Mexico has put a strain on supplies out of Salinas. Demand is extremely strong which has caused the current market to be active. We have seen heat damage which has caused yellow and burn in supplies out of Oxnard. Mexico is still battling insect damage. Quality from Salinas is really good as we start this season.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Carrots

The hotter than normal weather in the California growing area has slowed the growth of the carrots. This combined with good demand for the jumbo sized carrot, we are seeing the jumbo market tighten up and markets are firming. We currently don't expect and shortages or quality issues as we move forward. Supplies on value added and baby peeled are still good.

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

We continue to see plentiful supplies of cauliflower. This has kept the market relatively competitive. Prices this week look to remain steady with some suppliers offering volume deals to move excess supplies. The overall quality has remained consistent with minimal bruising, which is brown to black spotting of the cauliflower, and white in color.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Celery

Supplies have picked up in the growing regions. Santa Maria has the best availability and this is where the best offers are being given for volume type orders. Seeder has been an issue with most growers in Salinas and Santa Maria. Although yields are not good with some suppliers, others are fine. Salinas production is moderate. There is a pricing gap in the industry that is significant so please be aware. Heavier supplies exists on thirty counts. Michigan has been shipping clean product and this has eased up demand on California product.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Fair
Michigan Steady Good
Cherries Alert

Cherry volume will start to end over the next 2-3 weeks. Prices have fallen since the 4th of July holiday and good deals can be found from shippers. Quality remains excellent.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Cherry season will start to end in the Northwest over the next 2-3 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yakima, WA Lower/Steady Excellent
Chili Peppers

Pablano – Seeing better quality and condition with new crop in Baja California. California growers have started harvesting this week good quality, condition, and size.

Tomatillo – much lighter supply and just fair quality, both peeled and husked. Sizing is only fair. Color and condition will continue to be only fair.

Jalapeño – fair to good quality on new crop pepper. Good size, color, and condition with supply increasing. Baja and Fresno volume increasing.

Anaheim – Good quality, condition, and size coming out of Baja California and growers now Harvesting in Fresno.

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

The previous heat in the growing regions continues to take its toll on quality. We have seen more yellowing to black slimy decay in the bunches. Harvesting crews are trying to sort through these deficiencies while packing but it has been a challenge. The market is also trending higher. We will continue to see this trend well through next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Quality has really taken a turn in the growing regions due to previous weather related issues. The market will trend higher.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Higher Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Citrus (Lemons)

The lemon supplies continue to be limited and demand is very strong. We are seeing demand exceed supplies on all sizes and grades of fruit that looks to last into the early fall. We are beginning to see a little relief as Chilean lemons start arriving in better volume. Mexico is trying to start, but has been hindered by rains and start up has been slow. Even with the imports, over all supplies will remain short.

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

The larger 110's and 150's are now priced a little lower than all of the other sizes which are the same across the board. Quality isn't as nice as it has been previously due to some recent rains. Some styler is showing up but other than a few lots here and there the limes are really good. The market is coming up due to lower supplies which is a fairly normal pattern. The market is higher.

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

Demand for California Valencia orange remains very strong and doesn't look to weaken any time soon. Short supplies look to continue to be an issue for entire Valencia crop season. With this year's lighter crop, we are seeing packers moderate their pack weekly to make the crop last through September. We are seeing demand exceed supplies on all size and grades of fruit.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies on all sizes and grades.

Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Steady/Higher Good
Riverside, CA Steady/Higher Good
Cucumbers (Eastern)

With good supplies from multiple regions the Eastern cucumber market is steady. Michigan and Ohio are in good supplies of good quality product. The mid-Atlantic states are still shipping but are starting the back half of their season on less acreage planted this year. The Northeast has good supplies in New Jersey and Connecticut, with New York state set to start this week. Weather for the most part has been good with a few thunderstorms moving from the mid-west across to the Atlantic coast but has caused no damage. Quality through out the northern tier of the country has been good. We expect the market to stay steady through the weekend.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Cucumbers are in Peak Availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady Good
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Steady Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Steady supply on cucumber crossing in Baja California. Excellent color, quality and condition on all grades, sizes and pack styles. Peaking on Super Select.
Started to get better supply of cartons, heavy to 42s volume will decline as temperatures continue to rise.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern) Alert

Tight supplies of eggplant will remain for at least another week until new regions get started. The Carolinas are winding down quickly and Michigan and Ohio will not start until later this week. New Jersey has started in very light volume and the region is known for eggplant but don't expect any volume until the middle of next week. Michigan has good acreage planted but it will be another 10 days until they get steady production. Early reports of a good quality crop are encouraging with the Carolinas showing quality issues on the older fields. Expect a strong market through the weekend.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Tight supplies on eggplant

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant is not in peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady/Higher Fair
Eggplant (Western)

Eggplant is currently being shipped from Fresno Ca, Very limited supply. Quality is improving from the recent heat wave. Look for supply and condition to improve as we move into the month.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno, CA Steady Good
Grapes (Green)

Green grapes are being harvested in the San Joaquin Valley now. Volumes are currently getting better as more growers increase production. Demand has picked up a bit over last week. Quality on the new crop is excellent with nice size grapes and good uniformity on the current lots being packed. The market is lower to steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Delano, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Grapes (Red)

Red grapes are being harvested only in California now. Supplies are ramping up while demand is good but not enough to keep the new crop higher priced grapes from slowly adjusting downwards. Quality is excellent with many of the lots being large and uniform. We have smaller sized grapes for value buys and XL for high end customers. The market is lower to steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Delano, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Green Onions

We are seeing a decrease in supplies due to rain and heat in the growing regions. Also we are seeing tip burn on the tops of the green onions. This is causing suppliers to trim more of the tops. Which will in turn affect the sizing of the long top packs. The market looks to trend higher as we move into next week.

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

We continue to have plenty of supplies of kale in all three growing regions. The market is also steady. Quality is excellent with full bunches as well as boxes, minimal yellowing & dehydration.

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

Better supplies due to light demand has softened the market. Warm temperatures has accelerated growth as well. Gaps in production are expected in approximately three weeks. There is a definite gap in pricing with a few suppliers. The overall quality has been good. Weights reported are 40-46 pounds on palletized with minimal mechanical and insect damage. The availability in Southern California has become stronger as well. Expect good availability throughout this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Good
Salinas Valley, CA Lower Good
Lettuce Leaf

Romaine as well as all leaf items are steady in the marketplace. Shippers are flexing on all leaf items. The quality continues to be strong despite high heat in past weeks. Although there has been some reports of mechanical, and insect damage, the degree of defects has been minimal. The weights on romaine are being reported at 35-40 pounds. A few shippers are flexing on romaine hearts as well. Green and red leaf as well as butter continue to have good availability and quality . Expect steady supplies available in Santa Maria as well as the Salinas valley throughout this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Melon (Cantaloupe)

Cantaloupes are being harvested in the San Joaquin Valley. Supplies are increasing as growers increase their production. Demand is not very high right now but will increase in a couple of weeks as schools across the nation start back up. The quality on the new crop lopes is excellent and looks to continue to be that way for a while. The market is lower.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Mendota, CA Lower Excellent
Firebaugh, CA Lower Excellent
Melon (Honeydew)

Honeydews are being harvested in the San Joaquin Valley now. The desert and Mexico are finished for the season. Honeydew volume is picking up as more growers ramp up production. Demand is a steady right now and should increase in a couple of weeks as schools start across the nation. Quality is excellent and the market is lower right now.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Firebaugh, CA Lower Excellent
Mendota, CA Lower Excellent
Melon (Watermelon)

Seedless Watermelon in the west is in very short supply and only fair quality due to the heat . Bakersfield is shipping in a limited way with only fair quality and size peaking on 45s mostly bins and some cartons. some personals being offered peaking on 6s.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central California Steady Fair
Onions

Yellow onion market is steady out of both California and New Mexico the middle of this week with moderate demand. Quality is still being reported as good. Sizing is reported to switch to jumbos and smaller over the next couple of weeks. Red onion market is active with lighter supplies and good demand. Look for the red onion market to stay at higher levels till the middle of August when Washington come into the market place. Yellow onions market should stay fairly steady through the middle to end of August. Wall Walla Sweet onions have started is a light way this week.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Yellow onions are in peak production out of California and New Mexico

Growing Region Market Quality
Huron/Metler, CA Steady Good
Las Cruces, NM Steady Good
Pears

Stockton, California - Bartlett pears and red pears have started. The Bartletts are peaking on 100/110/120s and reds are in the 50/55 range. The quality is good for both colors and the Bartlett market is steady on 90s and larger while 100s and smaller are steady to slightly lower. Red pears are steady on all sizes.

Washington – D'anjou pears are steady on all sizes and are still peaking on US#1 80/90s. The quality has been good. D'anjou's are expected to last through July.

Chile – Both Argentinian and Chilean Bosc are steady and heavy to 90 size and larger but supplies are very light, most shippers are finishing up with their inventory. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
California will start packing Bosc pears in approximately 2 weeks.

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

Supplies from the tropic's are light and looks to be so through August as this is a planed lighter production period. Shippers do this as to not compete with the domestic summer time stone fruit and melon production.

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

Over the next couple of weeks we are approaching the end of the 2016/2017 potato storage season. Markets are steady with moderate demand on most sizes of Cartons. Retail bags have good demand with a firming market. The size profile of these late season storages have switch to peaking on 70/60 count with fewer 80 count and smaller. We aren't that far away from new crop potatoes: Washington New Crop harvest should start packing between July 24th - August 7th, Nebraska/Colorado will begin between late July front part of August, Idaho and Wisconsin will start around August 7th. The smaller to medium size sheds are starting to finish packing for the season. A few sheds in Washington, Colorado and Idaho will gap before their new crop is ready to harvest. This will put more pressure on the larger sheds. Markets should not change much as we transition into new crop other than Number-two's availability will drop way down since Norkotahs don't yield many. As we transition from old-crop to new we will start to see a few minor quality issues: Skinning, white-mold, wet potatoes (wet boxes), and soft potatoes are the main ones.

Next week and half will most likely be the biggest scramble for Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin as supplies of storage crop wind down quickly and new crop starts up slowly. We will have all areas going with New Crop by the middle of August.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
We are approaching the end of the 2016/2017 potato storage season

Peak Seasons:
Storage supplies are winding down quickly

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

Bakersfield, California – all colors are steady but the Bakersfield season is nearly over. Most shippers will pack through this week and maybe a couple days into next. The quality has been good.
Stockton, California --the market is steady for all colors. They have good availability other than on Premiums/Bakers in any color. The have good quality and maturity.
West Texas -- Reds and Golds are steady on all sizes and they still have better availability of cartons than bags. The quality has been good.
Alabama -- red potatoes are steady to lower and they are still peaking on A size with only bags, no cartons. The quality has been good.
North Carolina – finished for the season
Virginia ---the markets for all colors is steady. The availability of reds and golds is good and will last for another couple weeks while whites are limited and they will finish early. The quality is good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Wisconsin will start packing a few new-crop red potatoes next week.

Minnesota is scheduled to start packing red potatoes the week of July 28 followed by Gold potatoes the week of August 10.

Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Stockton, CA Steady Good
Muleshoe, TX Steady Good
Ider, AL Lower/Steady Good
Hallwood/Horntown/Cape Charles, VA Steady Good
Squash (Eastern)

With many regions in production there is good supply of squash in the market place. Michigan, Ohio Pennsylvania, New Jersey along with a host of other smaller regions are in the mist of their seasons giving buyers a few options on where to load. Western North Carolina has started their summertime deal which primarily stays in the south. Quality has been good in all regions on both colors for most shipments. Weather in the mid-west has been below average temperatures slowing production but keeping quality good. The northeast experienced some very hot weather last week increasing production, both have gotten back to more normal temperatures but are expecting a few storms late this week. Look for the market to stay steady through the week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Transitioning to all northern tier regions of the country.

Peak Seasons:
Squash is in peak supply.

Growing Region Market Quality
Seneca / Summit County, OH Steady Good
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady Good
Squash (Western)

Yellow Squash and Italian Squash are being harvested in Santa Maria and Fresno. Good Supply on medium followed by fancy and xfancy with very few W/B being offered. Hard Squash is still being offered from the central valley in California, Butternut and Kabocha are good supply, Acorn and Spaghetti are very limited.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Yellow peaches and nectarines are a little tighter in supply this week. Some shippers have raised prices on these varieties. White peaches and nectarines are a little more available than the yellow. Plums are showing a little more action with slightly higher prices. Small size plums and utility plums are where the better pricing is at right now. Pluots are starting to be harvested in volume. Apple pears are also coming in. Look to promote these for your back to school ads.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Madera south to Arvin, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Tomatoes (Eastern)

Virginia has began production this week with decent volume considering the weather that has been endured during the growing cycle. Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama are having a slow start creating a demand exceeds supply situation pressing prices upward. Roma volumes are improving from recent weeks but the lion share of tomatoes are out west where California will boast most of the national supply over the next 3 months. Rain has kept picking to a minimum tightening up the grape and cherry supply firming up FOBs however more supply is expected to come to market with Virginia beginning operations this week helping prices to ease off again. Up until this point supply has been minimal and staying toward regional markets in the east.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Exmore, VA Steady/Higher Good
Tomatoes (Western)

California continues to battle sweltering heat in the valley were temperatures well exceed the 100 degree mark halting picking operations. As a result, there is more fruit turning red on the vine before it can be picked shortening supply of the mature green market. In addition the range of quality and age in fruit can be observed by the spread in pricing. Quality is varied and supply is less than expected for now providing the environment for a slight supply gap through the first week of August. The National supply in Mexico is also strong and there is less volume coming across the border. FOB shipping points have increased by 2+ dollars this week. Similarly roma tomato supplies have also tightened sending pricing upward. Rain in eastern Mexico has slowed production and less is available in the U.S. with most staying in Mexico. Grape and cherry tomatoes have also slowed crossing the border and supply has tightened out of baja edging prices upward. The market may remain on an upward trend through the rest of the month until inventories are replenished in the next 7 to 10 days.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Northern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Northern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady/Higher Good

Things You Should Know

Apples
Washington Granny-Smith demand still exceeds supplies and the market continues to rise. Granny 88s and smaller are extremely short. Golden delicious are now in the same situation but supplies are so low that some suppliers may gap, in fact some shippers have already finished for the season. Gala apples in Washington are now also in a demand exceeds supply situation especially in the smaller sizes.

Asparagus
Central Mexico is still experiencing rain, and will continue to see rain for the next 7 days. The rain coupled with cooler night time temperatures is still hurting production.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Very tight supplies

Berries (Raspberries)
Raspberries will continue to decrease in production through the month of July. Availability will be limited and prices will increase.

Cherries
Cherry season will start to end in the Northwest over the next 2-3 weeks.

Cilantro
Quality has really taken a turn in the growing regions due to previous weather related issues. The market will trend higher.

Citrus (Oranges)
Demand exceeds supplies on all sizes and grades.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Tight supplies on eggplant

Transitions and Temperatures

Berries (Blackberries)
New California fall crop will start in August.

Berries (Raspberries)
New California harvest expected to start in August.

Pears
California will start packing Bosc pears in approximately 2 weeks.

Apples
California is just starting to pack a few early Gala apples and they are peaking on 88/100s. More suppliers will start in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Asparagus
ICA , Peru

Potatoes (colored)
Wisconsin will start packing a few new-crop red potatoes next week.

Minnesota is scheduled to start packing red potatoes the week of July 28 followed by Gold potatoes the week of August 10.

Squash (Eastern)
Transitioning to all northern tier regions of the country.

Potatoes
We are approaching the end of the 2016/2017 potato storage season

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Berries (Blackberries)
California fall crop will reach peak production by mid to late August.

Berries (Blueberries)
We will be in peak production in the Pacific Northwest and Michigan for the next 2 weeks.

Apples
Washington is still in the peak of its red delicious apple season.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is not in peak season.

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is in peak supply.

Onions
Yellow onions are in peak production out of California and New Mexico

Potatoes
Storage supplies are winding down quickly

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper is out of peak availability.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are in Peak Availability.

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