The Source - March 13, 2019

Weather Update

High pressure returns to the west coast behind the exiting storm system with dry condition and warmer temperatures expected into mid next week. Strong winds are expected across Southern California and the Southwestern Desert regions late this week as the storm system moves to the east, with gradual warming late this week. Seasonably warm temperatures look to continue across Central Mexico with gradual warming to the north behind the latest storm systems. A frontal boundary moves into Florida late Friday spreading south across the peninsula over the weekend followed by another strong system early next week.

Freight Update

California and Yuma trucks remain plentiful again this week. Washington apple trucks are ample as well. Idaho potato and onion trucks remain steady. The national average on diesel didn't change this week and is currently at 3.079 per gallon. California prices remained steady this week and are now at 3.778 per gallon. Crude oil prices also remained steady and are currently at 57.94 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Across the apple spectrum, many shippers are dealing with bigger sizes and are struggling to fill large-volume orders that call for smaller/foodservice sized fruit (125ct, 138ct, and 150ct) – especially on Granny Smiths and Golds. This, coupled with decreased production out east (demand shift to the northwest), has caused prices to firm up. We are anticipating smaller fruit to be tight for the remainder of the season and it will require some flexibility with regard to size substitution.

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

Production out of Caborca remains the same as last week. Supply continues to be steady with a slight increase as fields continue to have good yields. We are expecting decent volume over the next 7-10 days as the weather outlook continues to be good. Overall volume out of Mexico is lower this year compared to last year. The market continues to be steady this week as there is not much demand and more product is available.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Caborca, Mexico Steady Excellent
Avocado (California)

The forecast in California this week calls for clear skies and temps in the 70s. With the heavy rain this past month harvest is down drastically. Currently, California is down 87%. We will continue to see a very light harvest until the weather permits harvest crews to get going. Fruit is sizing up and we will see mostly large fruit.

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

The weather this week in the growing region of Michoacan Mexico calls for temps in the 70s-80s with a chance of showers next week. The market is steady this week and smaller fruit remains limited (60s,70s). Crossings from Mexico are up a bit from last year. There is some opportunity on #2 fruit for volume deals. Overall quality has been good.

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

Green bell pepper supply is extremely tight. Florida growers are basically between their winter and spring deals. Fields that growers are harvesting now are older and have been picked over multiple times causing them to produce smaller fruit, number 2 product, and overall fewer yields. Quality is only fair, peppers are showing signs of age with wind scar and some pitting and bruising. Due to cool, rainy conditions, the spring crop is running about 2 weeks late. Central Florida will start harvesting bell peppers late March or early April, until then supplies in the east will be very tight and with little supply coming from the west, expect escalated pricing for at least the next two weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies are extremely tight and quality is only fair.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady/Higher Fair
Indian River / Dade County, FL Steady/Higher Fair
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bell Pepper- Light volume on green bell pepper is arriving in Nogales this week. Currently low volume is being harvested in Sinaloa and Sonora. Quality on green bells from both regions is good. Supplies exceed demand on green bells. Market on Green bells is high on all sizes. Green bell peppers from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Red Bell Pepper- Only light volume of Red Bell pepper continues to be available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. The price on the red bell pepper has increased this week. Light volume on both elongated and Hot House bells in all pack styles. Low numbers on both varieties of red bells are expected through the week. Quality of red bell on both varieties is good. Red bell supplies from Mexico currently crossing through both Nogales, AZ and McAllen, TX.

Yellow Bell Pepper- Light volume of Yellow Bell pepper continues to arrive in Nogales this week. Both elongated and Hot House varieties being pack in 11lb/15lb and 1 1/9 bushel carton. Quality on both varieties is good. Currently demand exceeds supply. Market on yellow bell is strong. Yellow Hot House bells are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

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

Blackberries continue to be in good supplies as we move further into the week. The primary growing area is Mexico. Quality has been good with the occasional red cell defect showing up causing leakers. The market is steady at current pricing with availability being disrupted from time to time due to late transfer trucks. Shippers are subbing to organics when this occurs.

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

The Chilean import deal is soon coming to an end and we will see a little bump up in pricing and more limited availability next week. Mexico is still producing steady supplies of good quality fruit. Florida has started shipping locally grown blues. This should help bridge the gap in supplies we will be seeing the next few weeks. Market pricing is varied depending on the quality and shipping location. Look for the market to be steady this week with higher undertones.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Chilean imports are winding down. some Shippers are reporting two more weeks and many reporting this to be their last week

Growing Region Market Quality
Baja California, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Southern Chile Steady/Higher Good
Central Florida Steady Good
Central Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberries continue to cross in from Mexico with good numbers and quality. The market is steady with slightly higher undertones.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Baja, Mexico Steady Excellent
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

Strawberries are still in short supply in all growing areas. California quality is starting to clean up and as we are moving into an extended rain-free period it will continue to improve. The better weather should have some affect on yields later this week however we do not expect to see overly significant increases until the last week of March. Temperatures are still cool forth next few days but highs of 65 to 70 degrees are expected for the weekend. The market remains steady.
Florida Strawberries are in a slow but surely mode with limited numbers looking to trickle on through to the end of March if the weather permits. Quality is just fair as we move towards the end of the season there Market remains steady.
Mexico is all but finished with only a few crossings entering the USA. The market on what limited numbers are available is steady.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
All Strawberry production will be coming from California by the end of March.

Transitions:
Salinas and Watsonville areas will be projected to start in the next few weeks depending on weather . Some shippers say mid April , some slightly sooner than that. We will keep you posted.

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

The broccoli market has started to come off with the nicer weather in Yuma and Mexico. This warmer weather the next several days in Yuma and Mexico is helping to spur growth. Look for supplies to get a little better with the improved weather. Quality is good with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast.

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

The Brussels Sprout market continues to remain snug with supply being affected by the recent rains in Salinas and Oxnard. The quality has been affected by the rain and cold weather and sizing tend to run smaller due to this recent colder weather. Look for the Brussels Sprout market to remain tight going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Carrots

The carrot market continues to remain steady. The quality is good, and supplies are adequate to meet current demand. We see no change in the carrot market going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Cauliflower

Cauliflower has started to come off with the nicer weather in Yuma. The Yuma weather has started to spur the growth process. Overall, the quality is good with minor bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for this market to continue to adjust going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Good
Celery

This market continues to get stronger daily. Demand exceeds supplies on this commodity. Escalated pricing on value-added product as well as contracts continues. Rains are expected to subside this week but temperatures will only be in the sixties to low seventies in the growing regions of southern California, specifically Oxnard and Santa Maria. Production in Mexico and Yuma will be light all week. Some defects are being reported and include bowing, insect damage, slight pith, and leafiness. The quality is fair. Expect strong markets for the next two weeks, minimum.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Chili Peppers

Jalapenos- Better supply of Jalapeno is available this week and is available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. Growers continue to harvesting jalapeno out of the Sonora and in Northern/Southern Sinaloa. Quality out of Sonora is good. Quality out of Sinaloa is good. Mostly medium to large size is available from both growing regions. Market on jalapeno has started to decrease and should continue to decrease minimally as we end the week. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Pasilla- Good supply of Pasilla peppers are available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. Good volume continues to be seen this week and should continue through next week. Quality on Pasilla is good. Size on the pepper currently ranges from Medium to Extra Large. Market on Pasilla is currently steady. Price on Pasilla pepper is expected to decrease moving towards the end of this week. Pasilla crossing through Nogales is being harvested in the Mexican states of Sinaloa. Quality from Sinaloa is good. Pasilla from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas

Anaheim- Moderate supply of Anaheim continues to be available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. Lighter Anaheim production expected this week. Anaheim crossing through Nogales is currently being harvested in the Mexican states of Sinaloa. Quality of peppers from Sinaloa is good with mostly large size being packed. Market on Anaheim is slightly higher. 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. Supplies expected to remain moderate. The demand has decreased. Price on Serrano pepper also decreasing on a 40lb box and #10lb Pack and is expected to remain steady through the week. Light supplies of Serrano also crossing into McAllen, Texas.

Tomatillo – Husk and Peeled tomatillos are available to load in Nogales, from Mexico. Good supplies on both varieties expected to continue through the week. The tomatillo market is steady. Prices remain steady in the low teens. Quality on both varieties is currently good. Both varieties of tomatillos also available to load in McAllen, TX

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

The Cilantro market continues to stay steady in Yuma and Mexico. The cilantro quality is fair and has been affected a bit by the colder weather at the beginning of January. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay steady going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Baja, MX Steady Fair
Yuma, AZ Steady Fair
Citrus (Lemons)

District 3 (Coachella/Mecca/Yuma) is extremely limited and looking to conclude by this week. District 1&2 (Central Valley & Southern California Coastal Region) is coming along nicely and peaking on 75ct/95ct/115ct. Even with the amount of rain we’ve had it hasn’t had too much of an effect on supplies. However, the smaller size fruit 140’s and smaller are looking to tighten up for the next couple months. The rain and cold weather brought on the larger fruit and smaller fruit is staying limited on sizing and green on the trees. Current markets are looking steady, normal business on small fruit looks steady for now.

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

The market is very active this week and is expected to continue on a weekly basis. Inbounds from Mexico have been very light and demand has increased. Peak sizes remain to be 200’s & 230’s. Industry-wide, we should expect 110’s & 150’s to be light in supplies. Reports from Mexico are that March will be a very short month on quantities. We are advising customers to avoid running lime ads for March due to unpredictable quantity and lack of commitments from the growers.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Less inbounds coming from Mexico, and rain in the growing regions with high demand has driven prices up. Active prices across the board on all sizes

Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Higher Fair
Citrus (Oranges)

Navels are starting off the week with steady supplies, the Central Valley is expecting light rain Tuesday through Wednesday morning and looking to be dry the rest of the week. This helps to bring on more volume and opportunities as suppliers will be able to resume picking on a normal schedule. The small fruit supplies are starting to dwindle a bit, but there is still more to come. On Specialty Citrus we still have plenty of Delite Mandarins that are peaking on 32/28/24 followed by size 36. Plenty of Pummelos available sizing and quality look great. Cara Caras & Blood are moving along, steady supplies are available. Golden Nugget Mandarins Ojai Pixie Tangerines should be good to start picking again this week, please reach out for pricing.

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

The primary cucumber supply is still coming from Honduras with steady supplies on selects and carton 24's, super supplies are very limited as the Honduran deal is starting to wind down for the season. The first Florida cucumbers started early this week in very light volume. Florida growers got a late start planting in most of the state due to cold rainy weather. Shippers do not expect much volume before the last week of March. Honduran shippers are winding down for the season, about half the shippers will finish by this weekend. A couple of the larger ones will continue through the month but on reduced acreage. Quality is still good on the import cucumbers but number one fruit is very tight.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies will soon be switching from Honduras to Florida

Transitions:
Cucumbers are just starting the transition from Honduras to Florida as the first domestic cucumbers showed up this week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Olancho, Honduras Steady Good
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady Good
Cucumbers (Western)

Light supplies of cucumber being harvested in Sonora, Mexico. Quality out of the Sonora district is mostly fair. Light supplies of cucumbers also being harvested in the Mexican State of Sinaloa this week. Supplies have decreased as growers are still transitioning to new fields. Mostly plain and small sizes available in 1 1/9 bushel pack this week along with 24ct and 36ct pack. Few Super, Select, and large size are also available. The cucumber market has stabilized and is expected to remain steady for the remainder of the week. Quality out of Sinaloa is good.

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

Eggplant is in very short supply and quality is poor. Florida is at the end of their winter crop that was very little acreage to begin with and the spring crop is running late. Florida is not a big supplier of eggplant during the winter months, Mexico has taken that mantel. The acreage Florida shippers have been working with is coming to an end and showing it's age and results of the high winds the region is known for this time of year. The spring crop should begin in late March until then expect a sharp rise in pricing with the Mexican supply starting to wind down for the season.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very light supplies and poor quality.

Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady/Higher Fair
Indian River / Dade County, FL Steady/Higher Fair
Eggplant (Western)

Eggplant continues to be harvested in the Mexican State of Sinaloa. Good supplies of eggplant currently being harvested and have increased this week due to good weather in the growing region. Both fancy and choice grade currently being packed. Current market on eggplant is expected to remain steady through next week. Quality from Sinaloa on fancy and choice pack is mostly fair to good.

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

Green grape supplies this week are consistent. There is good availability of sizes Large to Extra Large on both the east and west coasts. Quality has been good, but we are hearing some fluctuations between shipments and lots. There may be some cheaper fruit being offered at lower quality. Overall, for good fruit, the market has leveled out in the low to mid-twenties. I do not expect much change over the next 1-2 weeks, but we can expect supplies to become lighter and prices start to climb again by the end of the month. We will see some supply challenges as we transition from Import fruit to Mexican and domestic harvest. April may be tricky.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies on green grapes will become a challenge by April.

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

Not much change this week on red grape supplies. Consistent arrivals of fruit from Chile are expected for the next several weeks. Sizes range between medium to extra large. Quality is being reported as strong. Market prices have gradually been declining; about $2 per week. I feel like the market has leveled off this week with pricing ranging in the high teens to low twenties. Depending on size and volume, we may see some spot buy opportunities come up as supplies allow. We expect steady supplies of red grapes for the remainder of the import season.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Lower Good
Green Onions

The Green Onion market continues to come off with the recent nice weather in Mexico. Currently, the weather has cooperated and we are seeing supplies increase as a result. The recent cold weather in January is causing occasional leaf minor and mechanical damage. The green onion market will continue to level off going into next week.

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

The kale market continues to come off this week as more supplies have come on with the recent nice weather in Yuma. Quality is good with full bunches, and only an occasional yellow leaf being reported.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Lower/Steady Good
Lettuce Iceberg

The market has adjusted downward with multiple suppliers. The weather in the Yuma region has been in the mid-seventies to eighties. Production has picked up. This is in sharp contrast to the cold temperatures and rain that has been in this region over the past month. Escalated pricing on value-added product is off. Some common defects being reported to include misshapen head size, puffiness, ribbing and mechanical. The weights have improved averaging 37-42 pounds. Huron is expected to begin production around the third week in March.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Huron is scheduled to have production after the third week in March.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Lower Fair
Lettuce Leaf

Due to good weather in the growing regions of Yuma, romaine, as well as all leaf items, have improved in availability. Demand is fair, however. Although the quality has picked up compared to past weeks, shippers continue to announce blister and peel as defects that exist on romaine as well as all leaf items. This continues on an industry-wide basis. Some other defects that have been reported include discoloration, mechanical and cupping on all romaine and leaf items. These defects will likely continue for the rest of the Yuma season. Huron will begin production late in March.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Production in Huron will begin in late March.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady Fair
Lettuce Tender Leaf

The Tender Leaf market is steady on spring mix, arugula, baby spinach, and cello spinach. Quality is good with minimal yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves. Look for these items to be steady going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Melon (Cantaloupe)

Weather conditions remain ideal for melon in Central America with temps of highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s with no rain. This week market is about steady with good demand. Mostly large fruit (6s,J9s,9s) this week. Very light offerings on 12ct for both east and west coast. Quality remains strong and brix/sugar levels are ranging from 8-10%.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
San Jose, Costa Rica Steady Good
Choluteca, Honduras Steady Good
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady/Higher Good
Melon (Honeydew)

Weather is ideal for melons in Central America. We are seeing very good offerings on larger fruit this week as we are in peak melon season. Smaller fruit will tighten up going into next week. Overall quality has gotten better. Brix/sugar levels are ranging from 8-10%. The market is lower/steady with moderate demand.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Choluteca, Honduras Lower/Steady Fair
Zacapa, Guatemala Lower/Steady Fair
San Jose, Costa Rica Lower/Steady Fair
Melon (Watermelon)

Good supplies of watermelon continue to be available to load in Nogales, AZ. Light volume continues to cross through Nogales, AZ as demand remains high. Few shippers receiving watermelon from Jalisco. Market on watermelon is steady and expected to remain the same through the next couple of weeks. Quality of new crop watermelon is being reported as good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Jalisco, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Onions Alert

Onion markets are rising quickly in Idaho and Washington due to lighter supplies and heavy demand. The Northwest season is winding down for the storage season. Medium sizes are limited and white onions are scarce. Many smaller shippers have finished and overall supplies in the Idaho/Washington region will decline over the next 6-8 weeks. Coupled with the seasonal decline in the Northwest is the additional demand shifting to that region due to minimal crossings of Mexican onions into South Texas. Mexico continues to command a high price tag which has led to a lack of interest in the U.S. Expect markets to continue to rise. Quality is good with some translucency showing up in the late storage onions. A reminder that the translucency must be two full rings in order to be considered a quality defect. Proper air circulation in your onion holding rooms is essential this time of year.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand active in Northwest region. Markets rising.

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

Much like the apple situation, Washington D’Anjou pears face the same challenges on smaller sizes. Shippers do have them, but not in abundance. Conversely, WA Bosc pears are plentiful and provide a substantial price reduction.

WA Bartlett pears are done (for the most part); but there are Chilean Bartletts available (through March/April), along with Argentinean imports (through June). Both are available - to load - in L.A. and Philadelphia with steady supplies and good quality. We should see Packham pears become available late April/early May.

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

Supplies continue to improve and will continue to get better each week for the next month. Demand on the crownless has increased industry-wide and suppliers are doing their best to keep up with the current demand. Crownless supplies expected to start improving in a couple of weeks. Current market prices on all sizes between $10-$12.

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

Russet potato carton markets continue to slowly rise, especially on 70 count and larger sizes. Norkotahs are winding down for the storage season with Burbanks becoming the main variety out of Idaho. Size profile is leaning heavily to 90 count and smaller. We continue to expect low volume of large size potatoes for the remainder of the Idaho storage crop. Other regions such as Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin are also struggling with larger sizes. Quality issues during late storage potatoes will include internal/external bruising, light hollow heart, external cuts, light peepers, and occasional soft rot. A reminder to place potato orders 3-4 business days in advance to cover large size potatoes at this time.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Russet 70 count and larger limited out of Idaho

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

Red potato markets are holding steady with good supply and quality. Yellow potato markets continue to increase; in particular in the smaller C size. Red and yellow potatoes are available out of Washington, Idaho, California, North Dakota, and Florida. White potatoes can be found in California and Florida and those markets are steady to slightly higher; peaking on B size. Mt. Vernon, WA is expected to finish by the end of March with new crop available again late August.

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

Squash supplies are steady coming from Homestead and Immokalee. Yellow squash is tighter than zucchini after a slight cool down last week but the sun and warmer temperatures are back and plants are responding. Pricing shot up quickly early last week and started to stabilize by the weekend. The market should be steady this week as demand has picked up in the eastern part of the country. Quality has been good on zucchini, yellow squash has had its share of typical issues with scaring and discoloration due to rain and winds over the past week. We expect steady supplies from south Florida for the next couple of weeks and the transition to central Florida should begin.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Dade / Eastern Collier County, FL Steady Good
Hillsborough / Sarasota County, FL Steady Good
Squash (Western)

Better supplies of both Yellow straight neck and Italian squash available to load in Nogales, AZ this week. Steady Supply of Italian squash continues on both #1 and #2 quality packs. Currently more #2 than #1 pack on Yellow S/N. The market has softened on both varieties as production has increased. Quality on both packs on Italian is good. Quality on yellow s/n is mostly fair to good this week.

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

No change on stone fruit supplies or price this week. Volume continues to be steady on both coasts. Demand has been moderate. Quality on all varieties is being reported as strong. Market prices have been flat with an occasional drop on tray pack fruit. Most of the volume fill fruit is sizing on the larger side and markets remain fairly steady. All varieties are currently available; peach, nectarine, and plums. We expect to see good supplies through the month of March and start to wind down as we move through April. Domestic season will get started by late April.

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

Florida has broke ground harvesting in Ruskin helping supply in a light way. Demand remains high enough to show no real change in the market this week as a result of fewer imports crossing the southern border from Mexico. Warmer weather is helping to improve round sizes with the best value to be found in 6x7, medium fruit. Roma tomatoes remain in high demand as well and hovering between $15.95 and $20.95 FOB depending on label and quality. Grape and cherry tomatoes are in good supply and with warm weather in the forecast, markets are expected to ease off the closer we get to April and new crops come into increasing supplies.

- pa_admin
Tomatoes (Western)

Mexico farms are at the end of their crops in Sinaloa resulting in a stronger national market rising prices for the US at AZ and TX crossings. Mexico farms in Culiacan have had to endure several cold rain systems amidst crops transitioning between winter and spring acreage slowing the rate of crossings into the US, resulting in an increase of $2 - $3 for vine-ripes, and nearly $5 for romas from just weeks ago. As typical for March, the small spike in pricing is expected to subside the further into March farms progress as new programs begin in Sonora. Grape tomatoes are in good production and widely available offering further value but may begin to strengthen as well as a result of farms realizing their seasonal decline. With mostly dry and warm weather conditions returning this week, markets may continue to rise in the short term and then improve the second half of the month as supply is restored through McAllen and Nogales facilities.

- pa_admin

Things You Should Know

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Supplies are extremely tight and quality is only fair.

Berries (Strawberries)
All Strawberry production will be coming from California by the end of March.

Citrus (Limes)
Less inbounds coming from Mexico, and rain in the growing regions with high demand has driven prices up. Active prices across the board on all sizes

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Supplies will soon be switching from Honduras to Florida

Eggplant (Eastern)
Very light supplies and poor quality.

Grapes (Green)
Supplies on green grapes will become a challenge by April.

Onions
Demand active in Northwest region. Markets rising.

Potatoes
Russet 70 count and larger limited out of Idaho

Transitions and Temperatures

Lettuce Leaf
Production in Huron will begin in late March.

Lettuce Iceberg
Huron is scheduled to have production after the third week in March.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are just starting the transition from Honduras to Florida as the first domestic cucumbers showed up this week.

Berries (Strawberries)
Salinas and Watsonville areas will be projected to start in the next few weeks depending on weather . Some shippers say mid April , some slightly sooner than that. We will keep you posted.

Berries (Blueberries)
Chilean imports are winding down. some Shippers are reporting two more weeks and many reporting this to be their last week

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