The Source - June 21, 2017

Weather Update

A strong high pressure ridge out west keeps the entire region well above average into the weekend. A shallow marine layer helps moderate temperatures along the coast with cooler near average temperatures expected next week. Warm temperatures continue across Central Mexico with an increase in monsoonal moisture late this week into next week. Tropical Storm Cindy currently in the Gulf of Mexico looks to make landfall near the Texas Louisiana border early Thursday. The heaviest precipitation looks to be around the New Orleans region and east towards the Florida Panhandle. The track of this system will spare most of Florida and Georgia from significant rainfall over the next few days. A cold front looks to move through Florida early next week with widespread moderate to heavy rainfall expected.

Freight Update

California trucks are steady this week but look to tighten up next week due to the 4th of July pull. WA Apple trucks remain steady. Idaho potato/onion trucks remain adequate. The National Average for diesel dropped slightly from last week and is currently at 2.484 per gallon. An increase of .063 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are currently at 2.884 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 43.23 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 peaking on 80/88s. Smaller size reds are more limited. Golden delicious are steady but strong due to light supplies especially on 113s and smaller. Golden delicious continue to peak on 72/80/88s. Granny Smith are mostly with some higher due to strong demand and light supplies. 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 just to cover business. Galas are steady to higher on all sizes. Small fruit supplies are light in the later C.A. fruit. Galas continue to peak on 72/80/88s. Fuji's are higher on all sizes due to light supplies and they continue to peak on 64/72/80/88s. Small Fujis are the tightest. The quality for all varieties has been good.
Michigan – Red Delicious are steady on all sizes and supplies are light. Some suppliers will finish at the end of this week while others will continue through the month. The quality has been good.
Chile – there are some Chilean Pink Ladys, Fujis, Galas, and Granny-smith on the east coast. The Pink Ladys and Granny's are peaking on 90s and larger while the Fujis and Galas are evenly spread between 70-110s. The quality has ranged by variety. There are also some Chilean Braeburns, Fuji's, Pink Lady's, and Granny-Smith on the west coast they are steady but peaking on 70/80s. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Small Granny-smith remain very short in Washington.

Peak Seasons:
Washington is still in the peak of its red, golden, and Granny-smith seasons.

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

Central Mexico is the strongest region in production at this time, volume is heavy, and quality is fair. California still has another 2-3 weeks left in it's season before it wraps up. Washington State has started to close some fields, and production is starting to wind down due to warmer day time temperatures. Peru has very light production due to market prices being so low for the last 2 weeks, they should be opening new fields in the next 2 weeks. Michigan is almost wrapped up with more fields closing due to seasonality.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Central Mexico is in peak production.

Peak Seasons:
Central Mexico is in peak production.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Fair
Yakima, WA Steady/Higher Fair
Gonzales, CA Steady/Higher Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Lower/Steady Fair
Michigan Lower/Steady Fair
Avocado (California)

California production is steady and at it's peak this month. We will see production start to taper off as we get into July and finish their season in August this year. Size is peaking on 48s.

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

Mexico continues with lighter, but decent volume to the states. We expect shipments to continue to drop as we move through June and into July.

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

The eastern green bell pepper market is steady. The majority of the supply is coming from the Carolinas and Georgia, all regions have quality issues to deal with. North Carolina has had some hail and severe wind damage, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina have had a lot of rain. Many of the larger eastern buyers have started loading in California since they have gotten in better supply. Georgia is winding down fast, South Carolina will continue until the second week of July with only average quality and North Carolina will harvest until the third week of July. North Carolina may have the best chance with quality, once they get past the first set of pepper the damage from wind and hail should diminish. New Jersey and Michigan are set to start the third week of July and shippers are trying to get by as well as they can until these regions begin harvesting.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
There are a lot quality issues in eastern pepper due constant rain, hail and wind through the harvest season.

Peak Seasons:
Due to quality issues and rain bell pepper is out of peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Steady Fair
Lee / Grady County, GA 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 winding down 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

Transitions:
Red Bell Pepper are transitioning from Coachella Ca.to Bakersfield CA, Extreme heat is stressing the plant.

Growing Region Market Quality
Southern San Joaquin Valley, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Berries (Blackberries) Alert

The warm weather slowed down the blackberry harvest this week, but we expect to be back on track for increased supplies over the next 2 weeks. Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria are all expected to continue to increase gradually as we move into July. Demand has been steady and quality has been strong. Market prices have firmed up slightly this week. Georgia production has been steady but light. North Carolina is starting with light harvest this week and is expecting better supplies next week. Overall we expect to see steady supplies through July.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Lighter supplies this week, but will bounce back next week.

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

Blueberry supplies have been very limited. This week will be the worse of it. As we wait to transition to the Pacific North West (expected to start June 26th), we only have limited availability of Central California fruit remaining. Because of the very warm weather over the weekend, much of the remaining crop was damaged. Yields are lower than expected and the fruit we were counting on to bridge the gap is now much more limited than anticipated. Shippers in Salinas and Watsonville will have very little fruit until middle of next week. If loading direct in the Central Valley is an option, we will have more options for order fulfillment. We expect west coast supplies to improve next week and be back on track by the first week of July. On the east coast, New Jersey started production this week and is expected to increase volume over the next 2 weeks. Michigan is expected to start by the end of June.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very limited supplies this week. Availability is expected to improve next week.

Transitions:
Pacific North West production expected to start June 26th. Michigan is expected to start by the end of June.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Higher Good
Watsonville, CA Higher Good
Central Valley, CA Higher Good
Hammonton, NJ Higher Excellent
Berries (Raspberries) Alert

The recent warm weather has slowed down production of Raspberries in all areas. Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville will all experience lower yields this week, making supplies limited through the weekend. Demand has been steady and market prices did jump up slightly this week. Quality has been strong, but with the warmer weather, we may see some occasional soft berries. We expect better supplies next week. Although some areas have past peak production, we expect to see consistent supplies through summer then an increase in supplies as we move into August.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies limited this week, more consistent next week.

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

The weather has not been kind to the strawberries recently. Last week we were recovering from a shot of rain which put us in limited supplies going into the weekend. Then temperatures shot up over the weekend and into the front part of this week. Growers have been fighting soft fruit and quality issues since. We have another week of 80s-90s in the forecast. We should see quality recovering gradually with each day we get further past the rain. However, warm days have the potential to keep fruit on the dark red / soft side. That being said, yields have been down and supplies are limited this week. Market prices have increased over the last few days and will remain firm through the week. We expect to see better supplies next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies limited this week due to weather. Quality is fair with the possibility of dark and soft fruit.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Watsonville, CA Higher Fair
Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Broccoli Alert

Supplies are driving this market as all growing areas have decreased volume due to the extreme heat. That has firmed up the market and now it looks to trend higher. There will be lighter supplies for the next two weeks as the much warmer temperatures has brought acreage forward. Quality has been really nice with decent crown size and minimal yellowing. I would suggest to switch to iced broccoli this week due to the heat. We could see dehydration upon arrival in the iceless packs.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Extremely hot temperatures in the growing regions has created decreased supplies and the market is trending higher.

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

We continue to see insect damage is most lots from Mexico. The has taken its toll on supplies as suppliers scramble to sort through the damaged commodity. The market continues to be elevated at current levels. This will trend for the next three weeks. Quality is fair at best.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Quality is a real problem as we are seeing insect damage in most packs coming from Mexico. The market remains elevated at high prices.

Transitions:
We should see a transition to the Salinas Valley in 3 weeks. We will definitely see better quality with the domestic supplies.

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

Carrot supplies continue to be very good, with good size and excellent quality.

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

The cauliflower market has seen its peak. The current price levels are hitting the top. As the heat brings on acreage, we should see a decline in the market. Although suppliers tend to keep their prices strong until the bottom falls out. Quality has been really nice even though the market has been elevated. We have seen good arrivals with minimal brown discoloration, decent weights, and clean white color.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The market has reached it's peak as supplies look to improve with the current heat in the Salinas Valley.

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

This celery market has become stronger with most shippers. The warm temperatures in the growing regions has created defects such as mechanical, dehydration, insect and some early seeder. Demand appears to be getting stronger. Salinas production as well as Santa Maria is moderate, with large sizing being less available compared to past weeks. Oxnard will be moderate in production for the entire week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
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
Southern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Cilantro

We continue to have plenty of supplies from all growing regions. This has kept the market competitive. The quality has been good with only a few arrival problems with yellow to brown leaves. But the overall quality we have seen has been full bunches, vibrant green color, and little dehydration.

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

The lemon market continues to rise. Supplies are 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.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supplies.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA 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. We have found the bottom already on the small sizes which are creeping up while the larger sizes are continuing their slow declining prices. 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 the month 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.

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

Eastern Cucumber quality is poor in the Southeast, the market is steady. Georgia and North Carolina have experienced a lot of rain and quality suffering greatly. The mid-Atlantic states have started light volume of good quality product. Volume should pick up in the region although acreage is down over the past few years. Michigan is set to start light volume this weekend with volume coming in two weeks. There is a wide range of pricing between supers and selects and cartons. Pack outs are poor due to the conditions keeping selects and cartons at reasonable prices. The crops in Virginia, New Jersey and Michigan appear to have good quality and are on time, giving buyers something to look forward too.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Eastern Cucumber Quality is poor due to excessive rain in the southeast.

Transitions:
The Transition to New Jersey and Michigan will start this weekend or next week.

Peak Seasons:
For the next week or ten days cucumbers will be out of peak availability.

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

Limited supply on cucumber coming out of Nogales Az. supply has also started 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 Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern)

Eastern Eggplant Supply is in good supply and because eggplants grow higher in the bush than the other commodities we deal with, the quality is holding up. The majority of the supply is coming from Georgia followed by South Carolina. North Carolina should start light volume this weekend. The eggplant market is steady at very reasonable levels, Shippers are in peak volume right now but look for supplies to tighten up next week. Volume will start to decline in Georgia next week and although the Carolinas will be packing, There is not a lot of acreage planted in the region. The next big growing area will be New Jersey in mid-July.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Georgia is in Peak supply of eggplant right now.

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

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

Alerts:
Eggplant out of California is very poor quality and very limited Supply. Market is very high on marginal product. Look to other production districts if possible.

Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Grapes (Green) Alert

Grapes are experiencing an extreme heat wave in the growing areas that is predicted to last until Sunday 6/25. Thankfully most growers in Mexico have already harvested and their grapes are in cold storage. California growers in the Coachella Valley have concerns about the quality and supplies they have in the heat wave. No reports have been made available as to any crop damage but we can expect sun scalding and softness in some lots. The green grape market much like the red 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 in July. Supplies are ample and quality is good. The market is currently steady.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
An extreme heat wave is happening in the grape growing region and is predicted to last until 6/25. Quality and availability will be affected. We can expect sun scalding and softness in some lots.

Transitions:
Grapes are set to start in the San Joaquin valley around the first of July.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Grapes (Red) Alert

Grapes are experiencing an extreme heat wave in the growing areas that is predicted to last until Sunday 6/25. Thankfully most growers in Mexico have already harvested and their grapes are in cold storage. California growers in the Coachella Valley have concerns about the quality and supplies they have in the heat wave. No reports have been made available as to any crop damage but we can expect sun scalding and softness in some lots. The red grape market much like the green grape market and is at the bottom with an opportunity to move up. The growers up in the San Joaquin Valley are gearing up for production in July. Supplies are ample and quality is very good. The market is currently steady.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
An extreme heat wave is happening in the grape growing region and is predicted to last until 6/25. Quality and availability will be affected. We can expect sun scalding and softness in some lots.

Transitions:
Grapes are set to start in the San Joaquin valley around the first of July.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Green Onions Alert

The next ten days in the growing regions of Mexico will produce extremely hit temperatures. This will definitely put a damper on quality and supplies. When temperature hit that hot we see the growth rate slow down tremendously. We will see smaller sized green onions and increased brown to yellow tops. Demand will definitely pick up and the market will increase well into next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Extremely hot temperatures in the growing regions of Mexico will affect quality, supplies, and the market.

Growing Region Market Quality
Mexicali, Baja Higher Fair
Kale

The kale market is competitive as suppliers have plenty of supplies. Quality has been excellent with minimal yellowing or dehydration. We have seen arrivals with dark green color and good weights.

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

This market has remained unchanged with most suppliers. Although temperatures have been very high this past week, the quality has been good. Slight mechanical and insects have been reported, but only lightly. The weights are good averaging 43-47 pounds. The availability in Santa Maria has picked up and Salinas is strong. The Salinas valley has had sporadic winds throughout the valley and time will tell on how it effects the quality of this commodity. Demand continues to be fair. Most suppliers are listening to offers.

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

The market has picked up on all leaf items, romaine in particular. High heats in all the growing regions has caused for lower yields with all shippers. Tip and fringe burn along with insect damage is being reported by many growers. Green and red leaf as well as butter are moderate in availability but with schools out, demand has been erratic. Defects are the same as romaine with all other leaf items. Yields are likely to get worse as temperatures are expected to soar by the end of the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Melon (Cantaloupe) Alert

Cantaloupes are in the exact same situation the honeydews are in. Lopes are in the first few days of an intense heat wave that is predicted to last through Sunday 6/25. Temperatures are expected to be from 112 - 120. The intense heat is affecting the quality of melons and we should look for sun scalding and softness. Supplies are being hampered by the extreme heat due to crop loss and the fact that crews are being pulled from the fields for their own safety from the heat. Not harvesting causes the melons to be destroyed by the heat. We can expect quality problems and rising prices through the middle of July. The market is higher.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
An extreme heat wave is hitting the growing region and will last until Sunday 6/25. Quality and availability is being affected in a negative way.

Transitions:
The West Side is set to start during the first week of July.

Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Higher Fair
El Centro, CA Higher Fair
Melon (Honeydew) Alert

Honeydews are in the first few days of an intense heat wave that is predicted to last through Sunday 6/25. Temperatures are expected to be from 112 - 120. The intense heat is affecting the quality of melons and we should look for sun scalding and softness. Supplies are being hampered by the extreme heat due to crop loss and the fact that crews are being pulled from the fields for their own safety from the heat. Not harvesting causes the melons to be destroyed by the heat. We can expect quality problems and rising prices through the middle of July. Mexico has very light volume crossing into the states. The market is higher.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
An extreme heat wave is hitting the growing region and will last until Sunday 6/25. Quality and availability is being affected in a negative way.

Transitions:
the West Side is set to start during the first week of July.

Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Higher Fair
El Centro, CA Higher Fair
Melon (Watermelon) Alert

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

- pa_admin

Alerts:
California crop is damaged due to heat, look for alternative production areas, Georgia or West Texas

Growing Region Market Quality
Central California Steady/Higher Fair
Onions Alert

Onions markets out of both California and New Mexico are slightly firmer this week due to slightly better demand from the 4th of July holiday coming up. Temperatures in New Mexico onion growing area have been above 100 degrees for the past 10 days. Once the temperatures get above 100 degrees the onions will stop growing. This could make supplies of Colossal and larger very limited out of this growing area. Only time will tell. The forecast is calling Temperatures to hit 110 by Thursday/Friday followed by a cooling trend going into the front part of next week. Quality is still being reported as good. Temperatures in the California have been 105 or higher the last couple of days. A slight cooling trend is forecasted going into the weekend. Quality is still being reported as good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Extremely hot temperatures in both Onion growing areas this week with New Mexico hitting 110 degrees later this week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Ontario, OR to Nampa, ID Steady/Higher Good
Las Cruces, NM Steady/Higher Good
Pears

Washington – D'anjou pears are steady to slightly higher on all sizes and they continue to peak on US#1 80/90s. Smaller size fruit remains limited. The quality has been good.

Chile – Chilean Packhams are steady on all sizes and they still have a fairly even size spread from 70-120s but numbers are limited. Argentinian Packhams are also steady and are still heavier to 100s and larger. The quality for both has been good. Both Argentinian and Chilean Bosc pears are steady and heavy to 100 size and larger. Chilean fruit is limited as the season is close to the end. The quality for both has been good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
California will start packing Bartlett pears and red pears the week of July 10.

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

We are beginning to see supplies from the tropic's lighten. 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 Alert

The availability of Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin 40-70 count is way down and orders with larger quantities of these sizes are taking extra days to be made. Market is very active and climbing each week. Small potatoes look to be the trend for the balance of the storage crop out of all areas. New crop Idaho Norkotah will start around the first week of August which should give us relief on the 40 - 70 count potatoes. Washington and Nebraska should start approximately the end of July. Colorado and Wisconsin mid August. I am recommending to stay ahead on ordering 70 count and larger. Orders could be pushed back and shipping times will be lengthened as we work through this shortage. The quality and size profile of Idaho's storage crop hasn't been the best since we switched to Burbanks. Issues have included internal and external bruising, light hollow heart, external cuts and occasional soft rot. These issues will continue through the balance of the storage crop. Shippers are grading harder to get most of these defects out of their packs.

Alerts:

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Large cartons (80 count and larger) are in a demand exceeds supply situation

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

Bakersfield, California – Red A and B size are up a couple dollars. The market for all other reds, golds, and whites are steady. The quality is good.
Phoenix, Arizona – red and gold potatoes are up slightly on all cartons due to lighter availability. Both colors are still peaking on A size. Gold supplies remain relatively short. The quality is good.
North Carolina – all colors are available now and the market is steady on everything except red As and Bs which are a couple dollars higher. Number-twos are limited in all colors. The quality is good.
Virginia --- they are just starting to pack reds but are having some skinning issues.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Bakersfield is in the peak of its colored potato season for all colors

Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Phoenix, AZ Steady/Higher Good
Elizabeth City/Camden, NC Steady Good
Hallwood/Horntown/Cape Charles, VA Steady Fair
Squash (Eastern)

The Eastern Green and Yellow Squash Market is split, with green squash pricing coming down and yellow squash staying strong. The squash supply is spread out from Georgia to New Jersey and west to Michigan. Summertime local deals are getting started all around the eastern half of the country. Michigan has just started with light volume, most shippers are still a week from starting. Georgia and the Carolinas are still harvesting squash but quality has been diminished from all the rain and weather the region has received over the past three weeks. The quality in the mid-Atlantic and mid-West is much better but since the volume is light logistics are somewhat of an issue.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Squash is transitioning to Michigan and the Mid-Atlantic states. The southeast is still harvesting light volume but with the rain and weather they have suffered through quality

Peak Seasons:
Michigan will move into peak availability next week on squash

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee/Grady/Echols County, GA Steady Fair
Henderson / Bucomb County, NC Steady Fair
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI 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 Lower/Steady Excellent
Stone Fruit Alert

Cherries have started in Washington. Rain over the past weekend slowed harvest but supplies should increase as we move into the week. Quality is good and market is $34-$40. Stone fruit in the Central Valley has not hit full production yet. Smaller sizes of peaches and nectarines are still the more difficult sizes to find. Many shippers are out this week on all sizes of peaches but we should still be able to cover orders. Market on peaches is $23-$30. Nectarines are facing the same challenges but supplies are a little better than on peaches. Market is $23-$30. Plums are in good supply with good quality. Deals can be found on the larger sizes. High heat is predicted for the remainder of the week which will slow harvests.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
High heat is predicted for the remainder of the week in the Central Valley. This will limit the time harvest crews can be in the field and affect packouts and supplies.

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

Northern Florida is past their peak and wrapping up production while South Carolina continues to turn out a majority of fruit for the region. Overall quality is holding up considering the amount of rain and tropical weather the east has endured. As a result shelf life should be a concern with an effort to keep inventory tight. The Roma tomato market jumped a few dollars again this week with little crossing into Texas and California getting a delayed start on their roma crop. Roma are forested to be limited in availability through the rest of the month next week. Grape tomatoes are widely available and cherry tomatoes are firm.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Charleston, SC Lower/Steady Good
Northern Florida Lower/Steady Good
Tomatoes (Western)

California has stared shipping tomatoes helping overall volume but quality is an issue. Excessive heat is showing signs of tenderness, bruising and sunburn in the crops and quality is mixed between initial picks and newer fruit. Roma tomatoes remain very limited in availability and look to be the only variety forecasted to be tight through the rest of the month. Volume has decreased out of Mexico and California will not have any in the market until Next week when prices are expected to soften as supply is restored. Grape tomatoes are widely available in abundance and at suspension agreement minimums. Cherry prices are stable despite the reduced acreage in the west. More heat is expected in the forecast for California going into next week which may set off a bloom kill about 45 days from now reducing yields early to mid August. In the immediate future there should be a flush of fruit as sunshine continues to bring out color on the vines.

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

Things You Should Know

Apples
Small Granny-smith remain very short in Washington.

Asparagus
Central Mexico is in peak production.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
There are a lot quality issues in eastern pepper due constant rain, hail and wind through the harvest season.

Berries (Blackberries)
Lighter supplies this week, but will bounce back next week.

Berries (Blueberries)
Very limited supplies this week. Availability is expected to improve next week.

Berries (Raspberries)
Supplies limited this week, more consistent next week.

Berries (Strawberries)
Supplies limited this week due to weather. Quality is fair with the possibility of dark and soft fruit.

Broccoli
Extremely hot temperatures in the growing regions has created decreased supplies and the market is trending higher.

Brussels Sprouts
Quality is a real problem as we are seeing insect damage in most packs coming from Mexico. The market remains elevated at high prices.

Cauliflower
The market has reached it's peak as supplies look to improve with the current heat in the Salinas Valley.

Citrus (Lemons)
Demand exceeds supplies.

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

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Eastern Cucumber Quality is poor due to excessive rain in the southeast.

Eggplant (Western)
Eggplant out of California is very poor quality and very limited Supply. Market is very high on marginal product. Look to other production districts if possible.

Grapes (Green)
An extreme heat wave is happening in the grape growing region and is predicted to last until 6/25. Quality and availability will be affected. We can expect sun scalding and softness in some lots.

Grapes (Red)
An extreme heat wave is happening in the grape growing region and is predicted to last until 6/25. Quality and availability will be affected. We can expect sun scalding and softness in some lots.

Green Onions
Extremely hot temperatures in the growing regions of Mexico will affect quality, supplies, and the market.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
An extreme heat wave is hitting the growing region and will last until Sunday 6/25. Quality and availability is being affected in a negative way.

Melon (Honeydew)
An extreme heat wave is hitting the growing region and will last until Sunday 6/25. Quality and availability is being affected in a negative way.

Melon (Watermelon)
California crop is damaged due to heat, look for alternative production areas, Georgia or West Texas

Onions
Extremely hot temperatures in both Onion growing areas this week with New Mexico hitting 110 degrees later this week.

Potatoes
Large cartons (80 count and larger) are in a demand exceeds supply situation

Stone Fruit
High heat is predicted for the remainder of the week in the Central Valley. This will limit the time harvest crews can be in the field and affect packouts and supplies.

Transitions and Temperatures

Pears
California will start packing Bartlett pears and red pears the week of July 10.

Brussels Sprouts
We should see a transition to the Salinas Valley in 3 weeks. We will definitely see better quality with the domestic supplies.

Bell Peppers (Western)
Red Bell Pepper are transitioning from Coachella Ca.to Bakersfield CA, Extreme heat is stressing the plant.

Grapes (Red)
Grapes are set to start in the San Joaquin valley around the first of July.

Grapes (Green)
Grapes are set to start in the San Joaquin valley around the first of July.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
The Transition to New Jersey and Michigan will start this weekend or next week.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
The West Side is set to start during the first week of July.

Melon (Honeydew)
the West Side is set to start during the first week of July.

Berries (Blueberries)
Pacific North West production expected to start June 26th. Michigan is expected to start by the end of June.

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is transitioning to Michigan and the Mid-Atlantic states. The southeast is still harvesting light volume but with the rain and weather they have suffered through quality

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Asparagus
Central Mexico is in peak production.

Apples
Washington is still in the peak of its red, golden, and Granny-smith seasons.

Potatoes (colored)
Bakersfield is in the peak of its colored potato season for all colors

Eggplant (Eastern)
Georgia is in Peak supply of eggplant right now.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
For the next week or ten days cucumbers will be out of peak availability.

Squash (Eastern)
Michigan will move into peak availability next week on squash

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Due to quality issues and rain bell pepper is out of peak availability.

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