The Source - July 6, 2017

Weather Update

High pressure out west brings a typical summer weather pattern with warm inland temperatures and coastal regions near normal with the marine layer moderating the temperature. This pattern looks to continue through the week across the entire western region. Central Mexico will see an influx of monsoonal moisture and slightly cooler temperatures through the week. Florida will see scattered showers and thunderstorms and seasonal temperatures into the weekend.

Freight Update

California trucks are back to steady after the 4th of July holiday. WA Apple trucks remain steady. Idaho potato/onion trucks remain adequate. The National Average for diesel remained steady from last week and is currently at 2.472 per gallon. An increase of .049 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are currently at 2.866 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 45.42 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

Washington – Red Delicious are steady on all sizes and the fruit remains large with a peak size on 80/88s. Smaller size reds are more limited. Golden delicious are steady on all sizes and the market remains strong due to light supplies especially in 113s and smaller. Golden delicious continue to peak on 72/80/88s. Granny Smith are steady to higher 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 market is very strong due to light storage supplies. The later C.A. rooms are really short of 100 size and smaller. Galas continue to peak on 72/80/88s. Fuji's are steady on all sizes but supplies are 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 and supplies are light. Some suppliers are finished so supplies are in few hands but the remaining suppliers should have fruit for a couple more weeks. 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 have plenty of 70/80 size with a few 90s. The quality has been good. Western Chilean Braeburns, Fuji's, Pink Lady's, and Granny-Smiths are steady but peaking on 70/80s. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Washington is very short on Granny-smith apples of all sizes and grades now.

Peak Seasons:
Washington is still in the peak of its red and Golden delicious seasons.

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

Central Mexico is experiencing a combination of heavy rains, and extended lower than normal night time temperatures which has reduced production by nearly 75%. California is almost wrapped up with production due to seasonality. Peru is still light in volume due to field transition, and will not have better volume until the 3rd/4th week in July.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Central Mexico is experiencing a combination of heavy rains, and extended lower than normal night time temperatures which has reduced production by nearly 75%

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

California continues with a steady harvest. Currently the crop is peaking on 48s, with limited amounts of 60s and smaller fruit. Crop is 75% harvested and will see volumes fall off as we move through the month.

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

Mexico continues harvesting old crop fruit with fair volumes arriving weekly. Quality is good, but this fruit is high in maturity, so keep inventories tight. Size is peaking on 48s and larger with limited volume on 60s and smaller. We will begin seeing the new summer crop (Flor Loca crop) beginning over the next couple of weeks. Once this new crop begins, we will see 48s and larger supplies drop, 60s and 70s supplies improve. The maturity levels on the new crop will be lower and ripening will take longer.

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

The bell pepper transition is in progress. The Market is steady with a slightly weaker undertone. Georgia is all but done, the Carolinas are starting to wind down, still having decent volume but the crops were hurt due to weather and there are only a few shippers involved in the deal. New Jersey is just beginning with more volume coming later this week. Michigan and Ohio are still 2 weeks away. Quality in Georgia is poor and only fair in the Carolinas due to heavy rains and winds right as the season began. Quality in New Jersey appears to be good and crop reports from Michigan are very encouraging. Expect the market to stay steady at strong numbers for the next week or two until Michigan and Ohio get started. The central valley in California is not in their normal production for this time of year keeping supplies much tighter.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
The bell pepper supply is transitioning up the east coast to New Jersey

Peak Seasons:
Bell pepper is not in peak availability, there is supply coming from a few areas but none of them has a lot of supply this week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady Fair
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Steady Fair
Duplin County, NC Steady Fair
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bell Pepper are finishing in Coachella and production in Bakersfield is improving, very good quality currently, peaking and large, XLarge and Jumbo sizes. Number 2 choice will become more available as heat starts to effect the quality

Red bell Pepper are becoming much more limited as Coachella is finished early due to heat and Bakersfield has limited production. 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
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Higher Fair
Berries (Blackberries)

Blackberry supplies continue to be steady with good availability in Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria. North Carolina and Georgia production have been more limited. Pacific North West production will start at the end of July. Quality is expected to remain solid with good color, size and flavor. Market prices have been steady. We expect to have good availability through the month of Jul with another peak in production in August.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Alma, GA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Blueberries) Alert

Blueberry supplies have been very limited for the last 3 weeks as we have been waiting on the Pacific North West to begin harvest. Shippers finally broke harvest last week and we had our first arrival in Salinas / Watsonville toward the end of the week. Unfortunately, production has not ramped up as quickly as we would have liked and we are still facing challenges this week with order fulfillment. Better supplies are available if you load direct in Oregon, however, Salinas / Watsonville will continue to be limited this week. All shippers are anticipating better production next week. Quality has been reported as very good on the new harvest. Market prices remain escalated and firm.

On the east coast, New Jersey supplies have been light as weather and labor have been major issues with the crop production. Michigan started harvest last week and we expect volume to continue to increase moving forward. Quality is being reported as excellent. Price have been firm.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies remain limited this week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Michigan Steady/Higher Excellent
New Jersey Steady/Higher Good
Oregon Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Raspberries) Alert

Unfortunately, raspberry supplies will be getting snug again. We expect to see availability become increasingly limited over the next 3 weeks. Shippers were hoping for better availability this week, but harvest estimates have been decreasing as peak season has past and production is now down trending. We do not anticipate any major disruption in order fulfillment, but supplies will be snug. The new cycle of raspberries are expected to come into peak in August. Quality should remain consistent and demand has been strong. Market prices are expected to increase slightly this week and remain firm next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies will become lighter over the next 3 weeks.

Transitions:
New crops 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 production is finally improving after a rough patch due to weather. Salinas / Watsonville growing regions are expected to be consistent for the next 3-4 weeks. The weather is forecasted to be mild with highs in the 70's and cool morning fog. Quality is improving and we should have a good range of sizes depending on variety. Market prices have been escalated due to limited supplies, but they will decline slowly as the week moves forward. Next week should bring some promotable volumes and spot buy opportunities. Santa Maria harvest is declining and quality is fair.

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

We are looking at a supply gap out of Mexico which is causing pressure out of California. But supplies this week out of California have decreased and we will see an upward trend to the market. Quality remains really good with minimal yellowing, decent crown size, and consistent bunch size as well. We will see this trend into next week.

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

As supplies ramp up over the next few weeks out of Salinas, we should see the market trend lower. Supplies are decreasing out of Mexico as that season is about to finish. Quality out of California is excellent with all sizes available and vibrant green color. Quality out of Mexico remains fair at best with insect damage.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
We have transitioned into Salinas as Oxnard & Mexico continue supplies as well.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Oxnard, CA Lower/Steady Excellent
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower/Steady Fair
Carrots

Carrot supplies are very good, with good size and excellent quality.

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

We are seeing really ample supplies of cauliflower this week. Some shippers have offered volume price deals. Quality is really nice with little bruising (brown to black spotting). The market although has a wide range from shipper to shipper.

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

Overall business is off. Production in Oxnard is finished. Salinas and Santa Maria have decent supplies available. This market is steady with a few suppliers slightly flexing. Larger sizing has caught up with production to the smaller sizing as warm, ideal temperatures are hitting all the growing regions. Aside from some slight insect, and seeder issues, the overall quality has been good. Production looks to be moderate at best throughout the week.

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

Cherries are in full swing in the Northwest now. Quality has been very nice. Expect to see some lower prices after the 4th of July is over.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yakima, WA Steady Excellent
Chili Peppers

Pablano – Fair quality will continue with new crop in Baja California. Heat has made availability more limited

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 – good quality on new crop pepper. Excellent size, color, and condition with supply dropping. Some number 2s are being shipped.

Anaheim – good quality, condition, and size are expected to continue as supply are lighter than last week.

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

The cilantro market remains steady with ample supplies from Salinas, Oxnard, and Santa Maria. We are however seeing some smaller bunches in some packs. Quality is nice but the typical yellow to brown leaves have shown up upon arrival.

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

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 will begin to see a little relief as Chilean lemons start arriving in better volume over the next couple of weeks, but over all supplies will remain short.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies.

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

Limes are in a trend that is evening out price and availability on all sizes from 110's to 230's. The peak volume is split now between 200's and 230's. Quality has remained good and the weather has turned towards favorable for growth. Previous months had very little rainfall which was below normal and the limes suffered suppressed growth. Demand has remained pretty steady and the market has been on a slow downtrend which has found it's overall bottom. Quality is good with very few problems being reported. The overall market is steady.

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

Demand for California Valencia orange is very strong and doesn't look to weaken any time soon. Short supplies look to continue to be an issue for entire Valencia season. With this year's lighter crop, we are seeing some packers take time off packing and others 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 of fruit.

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

Tight supplies on eastern cucumber are keeping market steady at high prices. Georgia and Carolina are all but done and Virginia is not much of a factor. New Jersey is in production but demand is exceeding supply. The temperature in Michigan have been below average putting them behind schedule. The forecast for Michigan and the Ohio valley clear and sunny with warmer temperatures for the next week to 10 days, this should bring production up to normal levels. Quality is good in the mid-Atlantic and mid-west, that should remain to be the case with the weather forecast. Expect markets to stay steady through the week, early next week may see some weakness in all sizes.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
the transition to Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey is underway.

Peak Seasons:
Cucumber are coming into peak availability next week.

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

Limited supply on cucumber coming out of Nogales Az. supply has also started increased 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
Southern Baja California Sur, Mexico Higher Good
Eggplant (Eastern)

Eastern eggplant supplies are steady and movement is good, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina comprise almost all the supply at the moment. Volume in Georgia will drop off after this weekend and there is not a lot of acreage in the Carolinas. New Jersey is the next bid producing area and they will start in about 10 days. Quality has held up in spite of the weather and with very tight supplies in California, the eastern market has been very steady. Expect supplies to tighten next week as Georgia winds down and production out of the Carolinas will be less.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Eggplants are moving out of peak supply after this week.

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

Eggplant is currently being shipped from Fresno Ca, Very limited supply and very poor quality and condition. Heat has damaged the plants and the product is very poor, look to other regions fore good quality Eggplant.

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

The green grape market is at the bottom with an opportunity to move up. The growers up in the San Joaquin Valley are gearing up for production and a few have started with very light volumes. Supplies are ample and overall quality is good. The market is currently steady for greens grapes with deals still being cut to move excess volume in Nogales.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Deals are being made on lesser quality lots in Nogales.

Transitions:
Green grapes are being harvested in a very small way in the San Joaquin Valley.

Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Steady Excellent
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Grapes (Red) Alert

The red grape market is near the bottom with a chance to go up. Deals are being made on excess inventory. The growers up in the San Joaquin Valley have started last week and are gearing up for increased production in July. Supplies are good and quality is very good. The market is currently steady.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Deals are being made on lesser quality grapes in Nogales. Quality and size are excellent on new crop grapes in the San Joaquin Valley.

Transitions:
San Joaquin Valley started production earlier last week and is steadily increasing.

Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Steady Excellent
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Green Onions

We continue to see steady supplies from Mexico. The only limited pack would be jumbo size green onions. The quality has been really nice with little claims of yellow to brown tops. The market is steady and this trend will continue into next week.

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

Kale supplies remain abundant with growing regions benefiting from typical seasonal weather. The quality has been excellent with full bunches, dark green color, and minimal yellowing. The market remains steady at current levels.

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

This market is flat and multiple shippers are looking for business. The dog days of summer are setting in and with ideal weather conditions, supplies have picked up. Demand is off. The overall quality is being reported by inspectors as good with most suppliers. Slight mechanical, minimal ribbing and insects have been reported, but again, minimally. The weights are averaging 42-46 pounds. The availability in Santa Maria is moderate. Salinas production is expected to be strong throughout the week.

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

Light demand and ideal weather conditions has created an abundance of romaine as well as all leaf items. The market overall is flat and this will likely continue throughout the week. Defects continue to be reported, but much less it should be noted. These defects are a direct link to the temperatures that were experienced in past weeks. Light tip and fringe burn along with insect damage continue to be the main complaints of romaine. Green and red leaf as well as butter are having very similar issues. Expect good 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 Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Fair
Melon (Cantaloupe) Alert

Cantaloupes are coming out of the exact same adverse situation the honeydews are in. Lopes went through an intense and damaging heat wave a few weeks ago where temperatures were from 112 - 121 for over a week. The intense heat affected the quality of melons and we should look for sun scalding and softness. Supplies are recovering from the extreme heat and crop losses thankfully because of increasing production in the San Joaquin Valley. The market is steady right now.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Quality out of the desert is not very good.

Transitions:
San Joaquin Valley started packing late last week and is increasing in production.

Growing Region Market Quality
Firebaugh, CA Steady Excellent
Maricopa, AZ Steady Fair
Melon (Honeydew) Alert

Honeydews are coming out of the exact same adverse situation the cantaloupes are in. Dews went through an intense and damaging heat wave a few weeks ago where temperatures were from 112 - 121 for over a week. The intense heat affected the quality of melons and we should look for sun scalding and softness. Supplies are recovering slowly from the extreme heat and crop losses thankfully because of increasing production in the San Joaquin Valley. The market is steady right now.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Quality out of the desert is fair at best.

Transitions:
production has barely started in the San Joaquin Valley.

Growing Region Market Quality
Firebaugh, CA Steady Excellent
Maricopa, AZ Steady Fair
Melon (Watermelon)

Seedless Watermelon in the west is very short and only fair quality due to the heat, western Arizona is done shipping along with Coachella. Bakersfield is shipping in a limited way with only fair quality and size

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central California Steady Fair
Onions

Onion market is very active with good demand on all sizes and colors out of both California and New Mexico. Red onions being the most active due to lighter supplies out of both growing areas. The size profile out of both shipping areas has been on the large sizes peaking on Colossal with limited supplies of Mediums. This profile is starting to change to the smaller side peaking on jumbo and smaller. Variety change is the main reason for the size change. We should see the size profile change again in the next 10 days to peaking on jumbo's with a good mix of sizes on either side. Quality has been hit and miss but looks to be improving. Look for the markets to be active though July. Washington has a few sheds running yellow with limited supplies of Jumbo and mediums. Quality is being reported as fair.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Huron/Metler, CA Higher Fair
Las Cruces, NM Higher Good
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Fair
Pears Alert

Washington – D'anjou pears are steady on all sizes and they are still peaking on US#1 80/90s. Smaller size fruit remains relatively short. The quality has been good.

Chile – Chilean & Argentinian Packham pears are finished for the season. Both Argentinian and Chilean Bosc are steady and heavy to 100 size and larger but supplies are light as the end of the season is close. The quality for both has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Chilean and Argentinian Packham pears are finished for the season.

Transitions:
California will start packing new-crop Bartlett pears the week of July 10.

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

Supplies from the tropic's are lightening. Look for lighter supplies to run through July and 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

Potato market on large cartons (70 count and larger) for the first time in many weeks came out steady with moderate supplies. 90 count and smaller continue steady at lower levels. Quality is fair with a few good lots being packed. Cracks, light internal and external bruising, and occasional soft rot are showing up in some of the packs. Look for the market to stay fairly steady at these levels for the next couple of weeks. New crop potatoes are about a month away. Still a little early to tell what the size profile is going to look like as the last two weeks is usually is when the potatoes really bulk up. All reports are saying that the russet are coming along nicely out of all growing areas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID Steady Fair
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Fair
Monte Vista, CO Steady Fair
Plover/Bancroft, WI Steady Fair
Potatoes (colored) Alert

Bakersfield, California – the heat has had an affect on red quality and the market is slightly higher. Golds and whites are steady to higher depending on the supplier. The quality has been mostly good but there have been a few problem lots.
Phoenix, Arizona – they have finished for the season.
West Texas -- Reds are steady and the market remains strong due to generally light supplies and strong demand. They only carton number ones there, no bags. The quality is reported as good.
Alabama -- reds are available and heavy A size but they only have bags, no cartons. The quality is reported as good.
North Carolina – reds and whites are steady on all sizes but the availability is still low since they haven't caught up from the rain delay from two weeks ago. The strong and continuous demand is keeping supplies cleaned up. Number-twos are limited in all colors. The quality is good.
Virginia ---reds, golds, and whites are steady on all sizes but the availability is still low since they haven't caught up from the rain delay from two weeks ago. The strong and continuous demand is keeping supplies cleaned up. Number-twos are limited in all colors. The quality is good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The heat on in California last week has had some effects on the quality of the Bakersfield colored potato crop and could bring an end to their season a couple days earlier than originally anticipated.

Transitions:
Big Lake, Minnesota is scheduled to start packing reds the week of July 24.

Peak Seasons:
North Carolina and Virginia are in the peak of their colored potato seasons.

Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady/Higher Good
Ider, AL Steady Good
Elizabeth City/Camden, NC Steady Good
Hallwood/Horntown/Cape Charles, VA Steady Good
Muleshoe, TX Steady Good
Squash (Eastern)

Green and Yellow squash are in better supply in the mid-west and northeast. After two weeks of temperatures well below normal in the mid-west, Michigan and the Ohio Valley are getting sun and warmer weather bringing production to levels back to normal for this time of year. New Jersey, Connecticut and new York are all starting there summer deals. The mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee are also starting their summer deals. Quality in all the new producing areas is good to very good and weather during the growing period has been conducive for average to above average yields. The squash market has been at high levels for the last two months, expect it to ease next week to more normal levels for this time of year.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
squash is transitioning to Michigan, Ohio and the Northeast.

Peak Seasons:
Green and Yellow Squash are coming into peak supply this week.

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

Yellow Squash and Italian Squash are finished in all districts and production in Santa Maria has improved due to warm weather. Sizing is mostly 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 Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Stone fruit sizing continues to be a difficult on smaller sized fruit. As mentioned last week this will continue to be the trend all season long. The market continues to be strong and steady. Flexibility on choosing between yellow and white fruit will be helpful in getting orders covered fully. Plums are in good supply with shippers making deals.

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

South Carolina is wrapping up gas green round production and just about finished for the season. Alabama will have better supply going into next week when Maryland also helps supply in the eastern US. Roma tomatoes have found better supply this week with Alabama and Tennessee harvesting but demand is still strong so the market hasn't moved much, coming down a dollar or two. With more harvesting out of the west weekly this downward trend is expected to continue into next week. Grape and cherry tomato supplies have contracted with field operations transitioning up to the Virginia and Maryland area where markets will improve by mid month. California is finding their stride and will carry the brunt of national demand into the Fall.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Charleston, SC Steady Good
Southeast Arkansas Steady Good
Tomatoes (Western)

After a delayed start to the season, California is now in full production of tomatoes harvests. The market is slightly easier this week and with extreme temperatures in the valley affecting quality, ranging from fair to good. Central California is improving their volume of roma tomatoes and Baja crossings have improved as well. However, demand is still strong so the market has only gradually subsided versus a sharp decline in price. Grape tomatoes are more available in the west currently with quality varying out of Mexico. Cherry tomatoes remain short in the west. The market should improve with new operations beginning in the east by mid month. The current quality is mixed amongst available lots. Better quality will come at a premium.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Good

Things You Should Know

Apples
Washington is very short on Granny-smith apples of all sizes and grades now.

Asparagus
Central Mexico is experiencing a combination of heavy rains, and extended lower than normal night time temperatures which has reduced production by nearly 75%

Berries (Blueberries)
Supplies remain limited this week.

Berries (Raspberries)
Supplies will become lighter over the next 3 weeks.

Citrus (Lemons)
Demand exceeds supplies.

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

Grapes (Green)
Deals are being made on lesser quality lots in Nogales.

Grapes (Red)
Deals are being made on lesser quality grapes in Nogales. Quality and size are excellent on new crop grapes in the San Joaquin Valley.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
Quality out of the desert is not very good.

Melon (Honeydew)
Quality out of the desert is fair at best.

Pears
Chilean and Argentinian Packham pears are finished for the season.

Potatoes (colored)
The heat on in California last week has had some effects on the quality of the Bakersfield colored potato crop and could bring an end to their season a couple days earlier than originally anticipated.

Transitions and Temperatures

Brussels Sprouts
We have transitioned into Salinas as Oxnard & Mexico continue supplies as well.

Berries (Raspberries)
New crops expected to start in August.

Pears
California will start packing new-crop Bartlett pears the week of July 10.

Potatoes (colored)
Big Lake, Minnesota is scheduled to start packing reds the week of July 24.

Squash (Eastern)
squash is transitioning to Michigan, Ohio and the Northeast.

Grapes (Red)
San Joaquin Valley started production earlier last week and is steadily increasing.

Grapes (Green)
Green grapes are being harvested in a very small way in the San Joaquin Valley.

Melon (Honeydew)
production has barely started in the San Joaquin Valley.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
San Joaquin Valley started packing late last week and is increasing in production.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
the transition to Michigan, Ohio and New Jersey is underway.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Potatoes (colored)
North Carolina and Virginia are in the peak of their colored potato seasons.

Apples
Washington is still in the peak of its red and Golden delicious seasons.

Squash (Eastern)
Green and Yellow Squash are coming into peak supply this week.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplants are moving out of peak supply after this week.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumber are coming into peak availability next week.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper is not in peak availability, there is supply coming from a few areas but none of them has a lot of supply this week.

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