The Source - June 28, 2017

Weather Update

A typical summer weather pattern takes shape out west this week with seasonal temperatures and the coastal marine layer moderating the coastal fields across the region. Gradual cooling across Central Mexico this week as tropical moisture brings moderate to heavy afternoon showers to the region. Heaviest rain across the west-central states as Hurricane Dora moves off to the northwest. Warmer temperatures to the north as high pressure remains in charge. Florida will see scattered showers and thunderstorms with seasonal temperatures and light winds into next week.

Freight Update

California trucks have tightened up 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 2.465 per gallon. An increase of .039 from this time last year. California prices remained steady and are currently at 2.863 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 43.77 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 the size peaking on 80/88s. Smaller size reds are more limited. Golden delicious are steady and remain strong due to light supplies especially on 113s and smaller. Golden delicious continue to peak on 72/80/88s. Granny Smith are mostly with steady 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. Galas are steady to higher on all sizes. Supplies of the smaller sizes are light in these later C.A. rooms. 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 have finished while others will continue through June. The quality has been good.
Chile – Eastern Chilean Pink Ladys, Fujis, Galas, and Granny-smith are all steady in New Jersey. 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. 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:
Small Granny-smith remain very short in Washington.

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

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

California is finishing up quickly due to seasonality. We should see asparagus from this region for another week to 10 days. Central Mexico will see rain for the next week which will slow production, and should help strengthen the market. Peru still has light volume due to market conditions the last 2 weeks, and field transition. We should see more Peruvian production in the next 2 weeks with more fields opening up.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Central Mexico will see rain for the next 7 days. The Michigan, and Washington growing regions have wrapped up their production for the season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Guanajuato, Mexico Higher Fair
Gonzales, CA Higher Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Steady/Higher Fair
Avocado (California)

California production is steady and sizing is heavier to 48s and larger with fewer 60s and smaller. We will see production start to taper off as we get into July and finish their season in August this year.

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

Mexico continues to harvest old crop fruit with lighter, but decent volume to the states. Sizing is heavier to 48s and larger and lighter volume on 60s and smaller. We expect shipments to continue to drop as we move into July. The summer crop looks to begin in a light way by mid July.

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

We are experiencing a Tight Bell Pepper market in the east and it will get tighter over the next week. Georgia is winding down early due to the weather issues, this is at least 10 day early. North and South Carolina are in the middle of their seasons but there is not a lot of acreage in that region. Next up is New Jersey which is expecting to start the second week of July followed by Ohio and Michigan the third week of July. The supply in California has been hurt by extreme heat so there is no good supply nation wide at the moment. It will be two to three weeks until any new supply has any volume so expect a tight pepper market through most of July.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Poor quality in Georgia and tight supplies across the east

Peak Seasons:
Bell Pepper is moving out of peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Higher Poor
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Higher 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:
Field grown Red Bell Pepper is transitioning from Coachella Valley to Fresno Ca

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

Blackberry supplies and quality have improved this week. All growing regions are reporting yields. Moving forward we expect to have excellent supplies of blackberries with promotional opportunities available. Quality is being reported as good with some occasional soft berries due to last week's heat. However, crops are expected to recovery quickly and be back on track by the weekend. Fruit will be readily available in Salinas, Watsonville and Georgia for the next 2 weeks.

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

Unfortunately, the blueberry supply situation has not improved this week. The weather in the California growing regions continues to be very warm and the berries are being baked. In addition, labor continues to be an issue as crews refuse to work in the heat. California is OUT of blueberries currently. Shippers are hoping to get into the last of the remaining younger fruit by Thursday of this week, so we may see some slightly improved availability for the weekend. The Oregon crop just broke harvest this week, but volume is very limited. We expect supplies to slightly improve next week, but full recovery will be gradual over the next 2 weeks.

On the east coast, New Jersey continues to struggle with rain and thunderstorms. Harvest has been limited with light volume available. Supplies are expected to improve next week. Michigan is trying to start harvest this week, again very light volume, but will improve next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Blueberries will remain extremely limited this week. Supplies expected to improve slightly next week.

Transitions:
The Pacific North West and Michigan growing areas are expected to increase production next week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Valley, CA Higher Fair
Oregon Higher Excellent
Hammonton, NJ Higher Good
Michigan Higher Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberry supplies have improved slightly this week. After the decrease in production last week due to heat, shippers were able to recover a little this week with better yields and increased volume. Quality has been good. Again, due to last week's heat, we can expect to see some occasional soft fruit. Demand has been strong and market prices have remained steady. Next week, we will see better quality and production.

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

Strawberries are still recovering from last week's heat wave. Supplies have improved, but with the July 4th demand increase, availability is still limited. Quality overall has been good, but as expected with the heat, we have seen some darker fruit and occasional soft berry. Market prices spiked up last week and have remained steady since. I do not expect to see any market changes until after the holiday. Next week, we can expect to see a increased supplies and possible aggressive spot buy opportunities.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Strawberries are still recovering from the heat last week. Occasional dark and soft berries.

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

We have much better supplies this week from all growing regions. Shippers will be looking to offer volume deals. The quality has improved this week as the weather patterns have returned to normal. The heat did bring on more yellowing but we should see that improve this week. The markets will vary from shipper to shipper and loading location.

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

We have seen an increase in supplies as new growing regions get underway. Oxnard have ramped up supplies and the Salinas Valley will start in a light way this week. The market is trending lower as more supplies come on. The quality is excellent from Oxnard and Salinas. Although we are still seeing worm damage from supplies coming out of Mexico.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
We are currently transitioning into the Salinas Valley this week. Although supplies will be minimal, we will see supplies ramp up over the next few weeks.

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

The cauliflower market will vary on the shipper as well as the growing region. The supplies look to be steady this week and suppliers will be offering spot deals for volume orders. Quality has improved with little yellow to cream color, weights ranging 23 to 29 pounds, and minimal brown spotting.

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

This market is very active. Most suppliers will be finished up loading by the end of this week in Oxnard. The celery will be then coming from Santa Maria and Salinas, with Michigan production just around the corner. Production will begin in Oxnard again in November. Some shippers will be transferring product from Santa Maria to Oxnard. Some defects reported include mechanical, dehydration, insect and some seeder. Large sizing is the tightest in availability.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Oxnard will finish production by the end of this week with most if not all suppliers.

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
Northern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Cilantro

There has been a steady flow of supplies from Oxnard and Salinas. Although the heat did take its toll on quality in both growing regions. There have been arrivals with yellow to brown leaves and black slimy decay. But we should see improvements this week in quality as the weather returns to normal. We have see shorter bunches than usual as well. The market will be steady this week but will vary depending on the shipper.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas, CA Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA 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 on all sizes and grades.

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 and in a single digit market. 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 Excellent
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)

We are experiencing a supply gap in the east on cucumbers. With the excessive rain and powerful storms in the south, Georgia and North Carolina are all but done. Virginia and New Jersey are harvesting some early supplies but are not up to full speed. Michigan has started very lightly, a cold snap this week has really slowed production. The mid-Atlantic states do not plant a lot of acreage so they will have little effect on the market this week. Michigan should be in better supplies, if it wasn't for cooler than normal temperatures. Look for Ohio and Michigan to get in better supplies this weekend or early next week. Other small pockets that normally take care of local business will start to pop up over the next week. The cucumber market should stay strong for the next week to 10 days.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
cucumbers are transitioning to Michigan and New Jersey over the next week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Higher Poor
Henderson / Buncomb County, NC Higher Fair
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Higher 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 Steady/Higher Good
Eggplant (Eastern)

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 Higher Poor
Eggplant (Eastern)

The eggplant market is very steady in the east. Georgia and South Carolina have been in very good production and the quality has been good through all the weather. California has had very little supply and the east has filled in keeping their market steady for the past week. Production in Georgia and South Carolina is slowing down, the season will continue for another two weeks but volume will be down. North Carolina has started in very light volume and does not have a lot of acreage planted. New Jersey will start in mid-July and then Michigan the last week of July. Expect the market to stay on steady pace and increase as mid-July approaches.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Eggplants are moving out of peak availability.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady/Higher Good
Grapes (Green)

Grapes experienced an extreme heat wave in their growing areas. 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 had 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 for greens grapes with deals still being cut to move excess volume in Nogales.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Green grapes will be harvested in the San Joaquin Valley in July.

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

Grapes experienced an extreme heat wave in their growing areas last week. Thankfully most growers in Mexico have already harvested and their grapes are in cold storage. California growers in the Coachella Valley are also working out of their cold storage since they packed in anticipation of the heat wave. 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 this 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

Transitions:
Grapes have started in Arvin and Bakersfield. Mexico has finished packing and is shipping out of cold storage. Coachella is nearly done packing.

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

Last week there were talks about the market trending higher. There were also some delivery delays out of Mexico, but that did not adjust the market at all. Supplies this week look to be steady as well as the market. Overall quality is nice with green tops and minimal yellowing.

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

Kale supplies are keeping that steady pace with little disruption. This has the market at competitive levels. Quality is excellent with little yellowing, full cartons and decent size for each bunch in the cartons.

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

This market is stronger with all shippers. High temperatures in the growing regions these past weeks has produced smaller yields with all growers. Slight mechanical, russet spotting and insects have been reported, but minimal. The quality overall is good. The weights are averaging 42-46 pounds. The availability in Santa Maria is moderate at best. Salinas continues to have moderate production with some growers while others are stronger. A few shippers are flexing based on volume type orders. Demand is stronger.

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

The market is steady with romaine . Lower yields are being reported due to growing conditions in past weeks. Demand is off, possibly due to product defects being reported. These defects include tip and fringe burn along with insect damage. Green and red leaf as well as butter are steady in the marketplace with light demand. Similar defects are also being reported on these commodities just like romaine. The loss of school business seems to be a bigger problem for leaf items compared to lettuce.

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

Cantaloupes are in the exact same adverse situation the honeydews are in. Lopes went through an intense and damaging heat wave. 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 were extremely hampered by the extreme heat and crop losses happened. The fact that crews were being pulled from the fields for their own safety from the heat led to very low harvesting and fruit was destroyed by the heat. We can expect quality problems and rising prices through the middle of July. The West Side starts the first week of July. The market is much higher.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Heat damage and extreme shortages due to crop losses.

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

Honeydews have been adversely affected by last weeks heat wave. Crop losses were heavy and quality has been hit hard. Dews are not doing well and will struggle until we have production in July out of the San Joaquin Valley. Soft spots, sun scald and sugar spots are prevalent in almost all of the fields. The market is higher.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Honeydew quality is very poor and will remain bad until new crop dews are harvested in July out of the San Joaquin Valley.

Transitions:
San Joaquin Valley dews will be harvested in July. Very small volumes of dews are being packed there now.

Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Higher Poor
El Centro, CA Higher Poor
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/Higher Fair
Onions

California and New Mexico onion shippers are in the middle of transitioning from overwinter onions into transplants/spring seeded onions. This has shipper very light to moderate on supplies of all colors and sizes.
Demand is moderate to good which have the markets active. The mixed bag of quality last week seems to have improved this week with the temperatures cooling down slightly. Look for the size profile to flip-flop from Jumbo's and larger to Jumbo and smaller as we get into the spring seed onions over the next two weeks. Trucks are limited due to the 4th of July holiday coming up next week. The main shipping points are still California and New Mexico. A few Washington shippers have started shipping some yellow onions this week with very limited supplies.

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

Washington – D'anjou pears are steady 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 supplies are light as the end of the season is near. Argentinian Packhams are also steady and are still heavier to 100s and larger but their season end is also close. 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 well as the season is close to the end. The quality for both has been good.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
California is scheduled to start packing new-crop Bartlett and red pears the week of July 10.

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

We are seeing 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

Idaho -- the growers remain bullish on the larger counts as we approach the end of the storage season and supplies are limited. 80 count availability increases quite a bit and they are much more reasonable, with 90 count and smaller remaining very reasonably priced with good availability. The quality has ranged with some good and some with internal black and hollow-heart showing up.
Washington -- the current norkotah storage potatoes are peaking on 70/80 size and the market is steady on all sizes. They are highest on the 70 count and larger, slightly less on 80's, and the 90 count and smaller are the cheapest. The quality has been good. They will pack storage product through the third week in July and then transition right into new-crop.
Colorado -- the market is up on larger counts and steady on the others but all counts are limited due to low storage supplies. Also most shippers are running consumer bags due to the small size-profile. The quality has been good. They will pack storage potatoes through the end of July before transitioning into new-crop and they do not anticipate a gap.
Wisconsin -- they are also into smaller potatoes and so their larger counts are double the price of the 90/100s. Like Colorado all counts are limited especially new business but the quality has been good. They expect to pack storage Wisconsin potatoes through early to mid July before transitioning to new-crop Kansas/Nebraska spuds.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Idaho is still in the peak of its Burbank potato season.

Washington is still in the peak of its norkotah potato season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID Steady Fair
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Good
Monte Vista, CO Steady/Higher Good
Plover/Bancroft, WI Steady Good
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 – red and gold potatoes are steady but supplies are limited as the end of the season is approaching. Both colors are still peaking on A size. The quality is good.
North Carolina – reds and whites are steady on all sizes but the availability is low due the strong demand created by last weeks rain. 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 low due the strong demand created by last weeks rain. The strong and continuous demand is keeping supplies cleaned up. Number-twos are limited in all colors. The quality is good.
Alabama -- they have had to hold off on packing because of rain but they are going to try to pack tomorrow.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Bakersfield potatoes have been affected by the heat-wave hitting the west and there are some quality issues out there. It could cut some time off of their season but we'll have to wait and see.

Eastern supplies are short and as hard as the shippers are running demand hasn't been able to catch up.

Peak Seasons:
Bakersfield, California and N.C. are in the peak of their colored potato seasons.

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

Squash supplies are spread out across the east. Georgia is just about done, North Carolina is winding down. Virginia has lite supplies mainly due to low acreage, New Jersey and Michigan are coming into steady supplies. There will be small local deals popping up around the northern tier of the country. The supply on green squash is much better than yellow and that trend will continue but overall supply should get better next week. Quality in the southern states has been poor the past 2 weeks, the newer product in the mid-Atlantis and north is much better. Expect the squash market to be steady with a stronger undertone as business picks up this week. Better supplies should start next week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Squash supplies are transitioning from the south to mid-Atlantic, northeast and mid-west.

Peak Seasons:
squash will move into peak availability next week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee/Grady/Echols County, GA Steady Poor
Ottawa / Kent / Berrien County, MI Steady Good
Seneca / Summit County, OH 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 market continues to be strong in pricing and lighter supplies again this week and for the foreseeable future. We were able to visit some of our stone fruit shippers earlier this week and most had the same comments. This year's crop is much less compared to the last two seasons. The last two seasons were both bumper crop years. This year's crop had a much lighter fruit set due mainly to rain at various times of the winter. Chill hours were also a contributing factor to this. Sizing will continue be the bigger sizes for the most part with smaller fruit being the more difficult to cover for orders. All shippers we visited with expect this to be a season long trend. The Southeast regions output will also be impacted due to a late season freeze. This will put more pressure on California shippers to cover what they are short. Our shippers we spoke to said they will not be able to cover what other regions are short.

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

The market is down slightly from last week. The Florida crop in Quincy has finished up for the season, however he South Carolina deal continues to crank out tomatoes. Tomatoes will start moving farther north up the Eastern coast. Arkansas is in full production but is nearing the end of the season. Alabama and Tennessee will be starting by the middle of July. The roma tomato market is steady and forested to be limited in availability through the rest of the month. Grape tomatoes are widely available and cherry tomatoes are steady as well. There has been a lot of rain and tropical weather in the East and quality is reported as being better than expected.

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

California has stared shipping tomatoes helping overall volume but quality remains a concern. Excessive heat is showing signs of tenderness, bruising and sunburn in the crops and quality is mixed between initial picks and newer fruit. Another heat wave is expected over the valley this week though not as extreme and volumes are expected to improve further. Roma tomatoes remain very limited in availability and look to be the only variety forecasted to be tight through the rest of the month. Northern California will begin picking new roma crops this week so prices will begin to ease off as more supply is injected into the market. Grape tomatoes are widely available in abundance and at suspension agreement minimums. Cherry prices are stable despite the reduced acreage in the west.

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

Things You Should Know

Apples
Small Granny-smith remain very short in Washington.

Asparagus
Central Mexico will see rain for the next 7 days. The Michigan, and Washington growing regions have wrapped up their production for the season.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Poor quality in Georgia and tight supplies across the east

Berries (Blueberries)
Blueberries will remain extremely limited this week. Supplies expected to improve slightly next week.

Berries (Strawberries)
Strawberries are still recovering from the heat last week. Occasional dark and soft berries.

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

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

Melon (Cantaloupe)
Heat damage and extreme shortages due to crop losses.

Melon (Honeydew)
Honeydew quality is very poor and will remain bad until new crop dews are harvested in July out of the San Joaquin Valley.

Potatoes (colored)
Bakersfield potatoes have been affected by the heat-wave hitting the west and there are some quality issues out there. It could cut some time off of their season but we'll have to wait and see.

Eastern supplies are short and as hard as the shippers are running demand hasn't been able to catch up.

Transitions and Temperatures

Celery
Oxnard will finish production by the end of this week with most if not all suppliers.

Grapes (Green)
Green grapes will be harvested in the San Joaquin Valley in July.

Grapes (Red)
Grapes have started in Arvin and Bakersfield. Mexico has finished packing and is shipping out of cold storage. Coachella is nearly done packing.

Squash (Eastern)
Squash supplies are transitioning from the south to mid-Atlantic, northeast and mid-west.

Bell Peppers (Western)
Field grown Red Bell Pepper is transitioning from Coachella Valley to Fresno Ca

Pears
California is scheduled to start packing new-crop Bartlett and red pears the week of July 10.

Brussels Sprouts
We are currently transitioning into the Salinas Valley this week. Although supplies will be minimal, we will see supplies ramp up over the next few weeks.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
cucumbers are transitioning to Michigan and New Jersey over the next week.

Melon (Honeydew)
San Joaquin Valley dews will be harvested in July. Very small volumes of dews are being packed there now.

Berries (Blueberries)
The Pacific North West and Michigan growing areas are expected to increase production next week.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

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

Potatoes (colored)
Bakersfield, California and N.C. are in the peak of their colored potato seasons.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplants are moving out of peak availability.

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

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell Pepper is moving out of peak availability.

Potatoes
Idaho is still in the peak of its Burbank potato season.

Washington is still in the peak of its norkotah potato season.

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