The Source - March 11, 2020

Weather Update

A cut-off low-pressure system off the California coast will bring rain from north3n California to Northern Mexico mid-week. Heaviest precipitation looks to be across the southern half of the state and Northern Baja before clearing out by Friday. The Southwestern Desert regions are likely to be impacted with up to 1/2 inch of rain as this system rolls through. slightly above normal temperatures and isolated showers look to continue across Mexico into next week. A high-pressure ridge will keep Florida dry and gradual warming into the weekend. Slight cooling expected over the weekend due to a dry cold front passing by. The ridge rebuilds next week with a warm and dry pattern through next week.

Freight Update

California and Arizona trucks continue to be plentiful and look to stay that way until we transition up to Salinas at the end of the month. Washington apple trucks remain steady. Idaho onion and potato trucks both remain a little snug. Potato trucks are available but trying to take advantage of rates. The national average dropped slightly and is currently at 2.814 per gallon. California prices remained steady and are at $3.705 per gallon. Crude oil fell sharply this week and is currently at $33.91 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

MIDWESTERN / EASTERN REGION:

It seems that fears of a potential Coronavirus pandemic have significantly impacted the apple market. The travel industry (cruise lines, airlines) has experienced a severe reduction in the number of travelers. Restaurants and many other brick and mortar establishments have seen a vacancy in customer visits, along with businesses that have required their employees to work from home to minimize possible exposure.

On top of that, schools have begun their spring break closures, which will continue through April. All variable equates to low market demand with no end in sight. Fortunately, many smaller, regional shippers are wrapping up for the season, and demand is slowly shifting to the Northwest.


WESTERN REGION:

Washington

Pandemic fears have spread nationwide, and Washington state shippers are feeling the effects—from a foodservice standpoint. Much like the Midwest and East Coast, the western region has seen an extreme drop in foodservice-apple consumption. Some big, Seattle tech firms have advised their employees to work from home to minimize the possibility of contracting the virus. Restaurants, cruise lines/airlines, brick, and mortar have all been affected in some form or fashion.

It’s that time of year where schools begin closing for spring break, which will further impact foodservice demand.

However, retail volumes have remained steady (and spiked at times), along with export volumes to Mexico. This has helped shippers manage inventories and keep fruit moving.

PROCESSED APPLES (SLICED, DICED, ETC.) - ASK YOUR PRO*ACT SOURCING SPECIALIST ABOUT LOADING OPPORTUNITIES.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Hudson/Pleasant Valley/Red Hook, NY Lower/Steady Good
Milton, NY Lower/Steady Good
Aspers/Gardners, PA Lower/Steady Good
Coopersville/Belding/Sparta, MI Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Excellent
Asparagus

Production remains heavy from both regions in Mexico (San Luis/Caborca), this trend should continue for the next 2-3 weeks. Quality also remains good and should remain this way until the weather warms up. Markets on both coasts are less active with the heavy production.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
San Luis, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Avocado (California) Alert

Rain is expected to hit Ventura County this week. If the rain is significant, it may delay or set back the harvest. California harvest is well underway and on target to increase production over the next couple weeks. With strong market conditions, harvest has definitely increased weekly. The majority of the volume is staying out west and providing some relief. Harvest crews are seeing mostly 60’s and smaller in the pack-outs. Eating quality is excellent but ripening time is taking a bit longer as the crop is in its early phase. According to the USDA Daily Movement Report, Year over year shipments are up 430%.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Rain expected in Ventura County. Depending on the rain fall, harvest may be delayed or cause setbacks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Higher Good
Avocado (Mexican) Alert

Over the last several weeks, the industry as a whole faced extreme market conditions. Currently, demand has softened and the market has come off slightly due to higher retails and less ad activity. This will be short-lived as we anticipate this market to remain active. And just as inventories were being reloaded and replenished, we are seeing the inventory pipeline start to decrease. Mexican growers continue to pace the harvest in an effort to prevent any future shortages in the coming months. 48’s and larger remain limited as the current size curve is leaning to 60’s and smaller. Small and #2 grade fruit continue to dominate the pack out and field prices remain under pressure. Market conditions are to remain elevated for the month of March.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Large fruit (48's and larger) will remain limited through the month of March.

Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bell Peppers- Better supplies of Green bell pepper are crossing through Nogales this week. Mostly choice grade continues to be packed. Green bell quality continues to be fair at best. The market on green bell ranges depending on quality. Green bell pepper supplies are expected to remain light.

Red Bell Pepper-supplies crossing through Nogales continue to be steady on both Hot House and LA rouge varieties. Red bell supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week. Quality on Mexican red bell pepper on both varieties and in all sizes and pack styles are currently fair. The red bell pepper market is steady this week and expected to remain steady. Light supplies of Red bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Yellow Bell Peppers- Better supplies of yellow bell pepper continue to be harvested in Mexico. The market on yellow bell pepper has decreased slightly this week. Quality on yellow bell pepper crossing through Nogales is fair to good. Light supplies of Yellow bell pepper are also crossing through McAllen, Texas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Supplies are still spotty for this item coming out of Mexico. The quality has been just fair. Look for the market to remain firm through the end of the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Fair
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberries continue to be in light supplies coming out of Mexico and Chile. We have begun seeing modest harvests out of the Florida area which is the first domestic offerings of this season. Georgia received a good amount of rain and those crops will begin yielding after the fields dry out over the next few weeks. Quality on fresh fruit has been good. Look for the market to remain firm through this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Good
Central Florida Lower/Steady Good
Georgia Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberry production out of Mexico is light as growers deal with cooler weather and rain in those areas. Look for the market to stay on the firm side through the end of this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

The strawberry market is in very short supply out of all areas. Rain events in California, Central Mexico, and the Baja Peninsula have combined to worsen an already light yield situation. Quality out West is good overall however we will start to see some water-related issues after this week's rain events subside. Mexico is still producing moderate numbers and are expected to decrease over the next few weeks as we move into April . Florida crops will continue until the rising heat takes effect on the berry quality and growers to pull the plug. Look for the market to stay firm with higher undertones as we move into next week in all areas

- pa_admin

Alerts:
We are experiencing rain events in California and Baja Mexico this will affect availability and quality moving forward

Peak Seasons:
Central Mexico and Florida production are both on the downhill trend.

Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Baja, Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Central Florida Steady/Higher Fair
Broccoli

The broccoli market has started to pick as we move through transition. Quality continues to have slight purpling caused by the recent cold weather, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for Broccoli to stay active going into next week with supplies decreasing in Yuma and increasing in Salinas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Celaya Guanjuato Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Yuma, AZ Steady/Higher Good
Brussels Sprouts

The brussels sprouts market continues to be aggressive as more supply is in the pipeline. Currently, quality is good with occasional internal decay. Look for the Brussels sprouts market to continue to stay steady going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Good
Oxnard, CA Steady Good
Carrots

Carrot production is steady out of Coachella and Central Mexico. Sizing is good and availability on all items is plentiful. There is a substantial freight savings for Eastern destinations on jumbo carrots out of the Texas area crossing in from Mexico.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Excellent
Cauliflower Alert

The cauliflower market continues to be very active. Yields continue to be low with most shippers given the changes in weather the last couple weeks and with coming to an end in Yuma. Cauliflower harvest has started slowly in the Salinas Valley. Lower supplies are not keeping up with demand. The quality is good with slight bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for the market to continue to adjust going into next week as we move through transition.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supply is not keeping up with demand as we move through Transition. With Yuma winding down and the Salinas Valley trying to get going all Shippers are watching their #'s.

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

Demand in the marketplace has picked up compared to the previous weeks. Finally, this market is up. Southern California and Yuma is having rain issues which has slowed production in the growing regions. Oxnard and Santa Maria continues to be the area with the best quality and sharpest pricing. The overall quality continues to be strong. Leafiness and slight mildew and mechanical has been reported but minimally. Availability continues in Yuma as well. Mexico production will be moderate this week. Weights are expected to average 54-60 pounds in all the growing areas.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Good
Yuma, AZ Higher Good
Chili Peppers

Jalapeno- Good supplies of Jalapeno continue to cross through Nogales, AZ this week. Good supplies are expected throughout the week. Jalapeno quality from Mexico is mostly fair. The Jalapeno market is steady this week. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Pasilla- Good supplies of Pasilla continue to cross through Nogales, AZ. Good supplies are expected to continue this week. Pasilla's quality from Mexico crossing through Nogales is mostly good. Pasilla from Mexico is also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Anaheim- Light supplies of Anaheim crossing through Nogales this week. Quality on Anaheim crossing through Nogales is good. Size on the pepper is mostly medium. The Anaheim market remains high due to light supplies. Anaheim from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Serrano – Moderate supplies of Serrano peppers continue to be available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. Serrano supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week. Moderate serrano supplies are also crossing through McAllen, Texas.

Tomatillo – Light Supplies on both husk and peeled tomatillo. Both Husk and Peeled are being harvested in Sonora. Quality is good on both varieties. The market on both varieties is high this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady Good
Cilantro

The cilantro market continues to be leveled off as there is plenty of supplies with the warmer weather recently in Yuma, Mexico, and Southern California. The cilantro quality is good with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to adjust going into next week with the warmer weather we are having this week.

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

Lemon supplies out of the Central Valley are looking really nice on supplies and quality. This is a perfect time to quote any promotional lids for the month of March with supplies peaking on 115/140’s. The small sizes are starting to get snug on 200/230’s and markets are holding firm. The Coastal Region supplies are packing out heavier numbers and peaking on 115/140/165’s. Out of the CA Desert/AZ Desert Region supplies are winding down with another month to go depending on quality and availability. We continue to have optimal growing weather and the fruit will continue to be exceptional as long as we have this weather. Please reach out for any advance pricing.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella, CA / Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Fair
Merced/Bakersfield, CA Lower/Steady Good
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Lower/Steady Good
Citrus (Limes)

Limes are at the tail end of the harvest season, growers expect a new harvest in about 15-20 days. Currently, we are seeing the majority in large sizes, 110’s and 150’s. This is expected to shift in about 15-20 days when we expect a majority of volume to be in 230’s and 250’s. The growing regions have also had consistent rain which is limiting harvesting and supply. Markets have started to react and we can expect prices to gradually increase weekly. We can expect firm markets until mid-April, then we should see the market to start coming off. In a tight market let us know what we can do to help service your lime needs. We have opportunities to load FOB Texas and California as well as delivered options. Please reach out if you have any interest.

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

As the second week of March is upon us, we continue to have a good supply on California Navels. Supplies are the best they have been all season with plenty of high-quality navels to push and promote. Fruit quality remains great and markets continue to provide prices that allow volume movement. The overall size structure is peaking on 72/88/113. Choice grade fruit is showing the best availability and there is plenty of volume to promote for any upcoming ads or lids. Run all opportunities by us on the choice grade product. 138’s continue to be a struggle with light pack-outs, please continue to place orders for small sizes in advance to allow suppliers to strategize inventories for coverage. Brix levels have been consistent between 12-14%. On specialty citrus keep pushing Mandarins, Cara’s, Bloods, and Minneola’s we’re in peak season and have plenty of lids to promote for the month of March. Gold Nuggets supplies are increasing weekly. Please keep in mind we have Grapefruit opportunities out of Texas and California, please reach out if you have any interest.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Riverside, CA Steady Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Light supplies of cucumber continue to cross through Nogales, AZ. Supplies from both the Sinaloa and Sonora districts remain steady. Mostly Selects, Plains, 36ct continue to be packed. The cucumber market continues steady this week. Quality on cucumbers from both districts continues to be fair to good. Cucumber demand continues to exceed supplies. Supplies are expected to increase from the Sonoran district within two weeks.

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

Eggplant supplies remain steady this week. Eggplant crossing through Nogales, AZ continues to be harvested in Sinaloa. Supplies from Sinaloa continue to be packed in all pack styles and in all sizes. Quality on eggplant crossing through Nogales varies from fair to good. The eggplant market is steady this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Grapes (Green) Alert

Green grape supplies are becoming lighter as we move forward. This week, availability seems consistent, but we expect that to change quickly. Shippers are expecting a sharp drop in supplies and markets to react rapidly over the next 2 weeks. As they prepare for the Mexican transition in April, shippers are taking their stronger fruit and putting it into storage. They will hold this fruit to help bridge the possible gap between growing regions and slow movement by raising prices. Again, we have some decent pricing this week on M/L and Large green grapes on the west and east coasts. I suggest buying now if you can store some fruit. Supplies will become a challenge and market prices will climb as we move forward. We expect to start Mexican harvest by early April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Green grape supplies will get tight soon. We expect supplies to fall off and markets to climb over the next 2 weeks. We may see a possible gap between Chile and Mexico come late March.

Transitions:
We expect Mexican production to start early April with limited supplies until then.

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

Red grapes are in good supply on both the east and west coasts. Market prices have leveled off and a lot of the cheap old fruit deals have passed. Quality on the new arrivals is being reported as strong. Sizes are heavy on the L – XL range with limited availability of M/L fruit. Shippers expect to have good supplies for the next 2-3 weeks. This week we are still seeing some promotional pricing from a couple of shippers looking to move through some volume. We expect these prices to fade away and markets to remain flat as we move forward. Shippers will look to slow down movement as we get closer to the end of the month in an effort to prepare for the transition to Mexican harvest come April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Plenty of supplies for the next 2-3 weeks. Aggressive prices available.

Transitions:
Chilean and Peruvian fruit will be coming to an end by early April and we will transition into Mexican harvest. We do not expect any major issues between transition.

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

The green onion market continues to stay steady with good supplies brought on by the warmer weather we've had in Mexico. Quality is good with occasional leaf minor caused by the recent colder weather. The market will continue to stay steady going into next week.

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

The kale market continues to stay steady. Quality has started to improve with full bunches and some yellow leaves being reported. We're hoping this week's warmer weather going into the weekend continues to help the quality, supplies, and spur growth.

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

This market has been active this week. Rain in the growing regions, coupled with the fact that Yuma is winding down has been factors contributing to smaller supplies compared to past weeks. The plants are getting tired in Yuma, and yields are slowing down with multiple suppliers. Shippers were reluctant to flex on volume type orders and a few sold out early in the week. Discoloration, miss-shapen heads, mildew, and mechanical have been reported upon arrivals. Weights are ranging from 40-43 pounds on liner lettuce. Huron production will begin next week. Salinas plans to begin harvesting in early April with a few shippers.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Huron will begin production next week. Salinas will begin production in early April.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Lettuce Leaf

Demand has picked up on romaine as well as all leaf items. Rain in Yuma and Santa Maria has slowed production with these commodities. Plants are yielding fewer quantities as well in the Yuma region. Overall, demand is moderate at best. Shippers to begin the week were less interested in flexing compared to previous weeks. Green and red leaf, as well as butter, are also stronger in the marketplace. Defects being reported include mildew, tip burn, blister and mechanical. These defects are on romaine as well as all leaf items. The weights are being reported between 32-36 pounds on romaine while the green and red leaf has been 19 -23 pounds. Huron is expected to begin harvesting next week while Salinas should begin production in early April.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Huron will start to have production on leaf next week. Salinas will begin in early April.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Lettuce Tender Leaf

The Tender Leaf supplies continue to stay steady this week. Since this last rain, we anticipate warmer weather in the next couple of days to help supplies, quality, and growth. Quality is good with occasional yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves.

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

Overall quality has been excellent and consistent on offshore arrivals. Current market has been flat but we do anticipate market increases by the back end of the week. Strong retail ads coming into play these next few weeks which will drive this market to react with price increases on all sizes. Currently, year over year arrivals from Central America into the US are up 34%.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
San Jose, Costa Rica Steady Excellent
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady Excellent
San Lorenzo, Honduras Steady Excellent
Melon (Honeydew)

Supplies and overall quality have been consistent. As of this week, the industry is seeing less offerings on smaller fruit. Expect 8ct fruit to be limited this week with less offerings in the pipeline. Strong retail ads have come into play causing the market to react with price increases on all sizes. Demand on the east and west has been steady for the front half of March. Arrivals from Central America into the US are up year over year by 5%.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady Good
San Lorenzo, Honduras Steady Good
San Jose, Costa Rica Steady Good
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Melon (Watermelon)

Watermelon supplies crossing through Nogales, AZ continue to be harvested in Nayarit, MX. Watermelon supplies from Nayarit are steady. Moderate supplies on both bins and cartons are being packed due to demand. Quality from this district is currently fair. Few supplies of seedless watermelon are also being harvested in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. Quality from Sinaloa is also fair to good. The watermelon market is currently steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Good
Onions

Onion markets remain on the bottom as supplies are plentiful and quality is good across the board. Northwest storage will continue of the next 4-6 weeks with low pricing as they make the push to the end of the season. Mexico also continues to cross good supplies of all three colors with Utah and Colorado also producing. We expect great supply and quality over the next several weeks. California desert and domestic Texas supplies will start up mid-to-late April.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
California Valley and domestic Texas to begin mid-to-late April.

Peak Seasons:
Plentiful supplies of onions as we finish up the Northwest storage season

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

Washington:

Currently, Anjou and Bosc varieties are the only pears available—Bartletts are done for the season. We are estimating Bosc ending by the first week of April.

The state of Washington has experienced a 30% drop in state-wide volume (vs. last season) on Bosc/Anjous, and we see the market firm up on 110-135ct sizes due to most shippers peaking on larger fruit (70-90ct). To this point, we have been dependent upon Oregon’s better volume on low-grade, cheaper Anjous, but that well is drying up quickly. Over the next couple of weeks, shippers will slowly move into pre-packed, CA fruit, which has been known NOT to yield a lot of low-grade fruit. Adding insult to injury is the amount of export volume being imported, by Mexico, from Washington.

Rest assured, we have communicated—to all of our vendor partners—the need for constant, detailed communication along with increased efforts to keep Pro*Act in the sizes/grades we need. As we make our way into April, the low-grade, cheaper fruit will become non-existent, and shippers will only have US#1 graded fruit to ship.

Red Anjous remain steady with good availability and strong quality.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady/Higher Excellent
Pineapples

Pineapple supplies are looking good out of all loading locations. Demand continues to remain strong with steady markets. Quality remains excellent with minimal arrival issues. Keep the orders coming, we’ll make sure to get you covered.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Heredia, Costa Rica Steady Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Steady Good
La Virgen, Costa Rica Steady Good
Potatoes Alert

Markets continue to rise on larger size 40 count through 70 count and 10oz #2 grade potatoes. Norkotahs in Idaho are finishing up with the Burbank variety becoming more dominant. Burbanks in Idaho are showing a much smaller size profile and leaning heavily to 80 count and smaller. As we continue to proceed over the next 4-5 months, larger size potatoes will be scarce; in particular 40 count through 60 count and 10oz #2 grade. Other regions such as Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin are also struggling on russets due to shifting demand and outside sourcing from Idaho suppliers (mainly Washington) to cover for mixer orders. Plantings will being in Idaho this week with the anticipation for new crop to be available by August barring any unforeseen weather events. Until that time large size potatoes will be scarce with continued rising prices. It is highly recommended to provide at least 7 business day lead time on all russet potato orders to make every attempt at full coverage and on-time shipments. Some shipments may require 2+ picks to cover all of your potato needs. Quality is overall good with some lots exhibiting peepers, internal bruising, slight mold and soft rot.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies limited on large 40 count through 70 count and 10oz #2 grade. Markets rising.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hamer/Rupert, ID Steady/Higher Good
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady/Higher Good
Wray, CO Steady/Higher Good
Plover/Bancroft, WI Steady/Higher Fair
Potatoes (colored) Alert

Color potato markets continue to rise with lighter supplies. Red B size and #2 grade along with A size yellow and white are seeing the heaviest demand and most active markets. Washington supplies are winding down as well as North Dakota. Idaho will continue to produce over the next couple of months along with Southern Florida on red and yellow potatoes. California is producing yellow and white and continue to source Mt Vernon reds until they start up in Bakersfield mid-to-late April. Demand is active across the board with volatile markets.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Markets active especially B size and #2 grade reds along with A size yellow and white.

Growing Region Market Quality
Mount Vernon, WA Steady/Higher Excellent
Pasco/Tri-Cities, WA Steady/Higher Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady/Higher Good
Red River Valley, ND Steady/Higher Good
Imokollee/Palm City/Punta Gorda, FL Steady/Higher Excellent
Squash (Western)

Better supplies of Italian squash crossing through Nogales. The Italian squash market remains steady this week. All pack styles are being packed with quality remaining fair to good. Italian squash continues to be harvested from both the Sinaloa and Sonoran growing district. Supplies of Yellow S/N continue to be light this week. The Yellow S/N market continues high as light supplies continue. Quality on yellow squash remains fair. Supplies on both Italian and Yellow S/N are expected to increase with the Sonoran district expected to start within 10 days.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Stone Fruit

No change this week on stone fruit supplies or market prices. Availability is consistent with good volumes on larger sized yellow peaches and nectarines. Tray Pack (50ct or bigger) are the heaviest volumes with limited supplies of Volume Fill (60ct and 50ct). White peaches and nectarines are becoming lighter in volume. Red and black plums have been light, but we did get an arrival last week with some availability of larger size Volume Fill packs. Quality has been strong on all varieties and prices have been flat. We expect supplies to remain consistent for the next 2 weeks before tapering off by late March.

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

As predicted, cool weather last week has slowed field production of tomatoes, but markets continue to settle since imports come from Mexico improved and consumers focus more on dry goods to avoid shopping. Round tomatoes have adjusted down a couple of dollars from last week and are mostly even between sizes. New fields scheduled for spring are beginning harvests and first picks of the season are entering the market moving the size profile up going into next week. Similarly, roma tomato FOBs are following the same trend coming down by a couple of dollars this week. Quality is good and Florida’s volume will improve over the next couple of weeks, but Mexico remains the driving factor in the market as the main supplier of romas to the country. Grape and cherry tomatoes are improving as operations begin to transition to the Palmetto/Ruskin District. Favorable weather in the forecast is expected to help improve transition between growing regions in the weeks ahead.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Florida Lower Good
Tomatoes (Western)

Warm and dry weather conditions continue in Mexico helping to speed recovery from farming operations that suffered extreme losses following days of rain just several weeks ago. New harvests are helping move the size profile up across the board. Round and Roma tomatoes have improved greatly in volume and quality but there is still some weather challenged fruit in the pipeline. Volume is expected to continue improving as more farms begin harvesting for the Spring season. Weather-related challenges still exist but the quality is improving the further farms get away from weather affected crops. Grape and cherry tomatoes are also rebounding this week helping to settle the market for bite-size tomatoes as well. Potential delays occurring from both the newly appointed Suspension Agreement’s inspection provisions set to be enforced at 100% by April 1, and the USDA’s phytosanitary controls to prevent the spread of the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus, may affect markets for some time to come. Traditional market indicators must now consider these trade agreements and preventative measures against disease that may cause an influx in the market for months ahead or more.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Lower/Steady Good

Things You Should Know

Avocado (California)
Rain expected in Ventura County. Depending on the rain fall, harvest may be delayed or cause setbacks.

Avocado (Mexican)
Large fruit (48's and larger) will remain limited through the month of March.

Berries (Strawberries)
We are experiencing rain events in California and Baja Mexico this will affect availability and quality moving forward

Cauliflower
Supply is not keeping up with demand as we move through Transition. With Yuma winding down and the Salinas Valley trying to get going all Shippers are watching their #'s.

Grapes (Green)
Green grape supplies will get tight soon. We expect supplies to fall off and markets to climb over the next 2 weeks. We may see a possible gap between Chile and Mexico come late March.

Grapes (Red)
Plenty of supplies for the next 2-3 weeks. Aggressive prices available.

Potatoes
Supplies limited on large 40 count through 70 count and 10oz #2 grade. Markets rising.

Potatoes (colored)
Markets active especially B size and #2 grade reds along with A size yellow and white.

Transitions and Temperatures

Lettuce Leaf
Huron will start to have production on leaf next week. Salinas will begin in early April.

Lettuce Iceberg
Huron will begin production next week. Salinas will begin production in early April.

Grapes (Green)
We expect Mexican production to start early April with limited supplies until then.

Grapes (Red)
Chilean and Peruvian fruit will be coming to an end by early April and we will transition into Mexican harvest. We do not expect any major issues between transition.

Onions
California Valley and domestic Texas to begin mid-to-late April.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Berries (Strawberries)
Central Mexico and Florida production are both on the downhill trend.

Onions
Plentiful supplies of onions as we finish up the Northwest storage season

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