The Source - March 25, 2020

Weather Update

Yuma will experience a Pacific NW low-pressure system that will pass over the region late-week. The low-pressure system will bring strong gusty winds up to 40 mph with an isolated chance for rain Thursday or Friday and cooler temps. There will be gradual warming over the weekend with max temps close to seasonal averages. As for the central coast, a cold, unstable air mass covers it producing scattered light showers Wednesday, through Thursday afternoon, followed by dry conditions through the weekend. Frost or light freeze expected in the usual small inland valley vineyards both days.

Freight Update

California and Arizona trucks are steady but look to be tightening up toward the end of the week due to the continuing high retail demand. Washington apple trucks are tighter than normal. Idaho onion and potato trucks both remain a little snug but are available with a little notice. The national average dropped again this week and is currently at 2.659 per gallon. California prices dropped as well and are at $3.552 per gallon. Crude oil fell again this week and is currently at $23.80 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

Retail continues to surge while foodservice has slowed to a crawl. Advisories have many across the nation staying indoors, while restaurants, bars, hotels, schools, etc. close their doors to deter possible transmission of the virus.

Some smaller retail stores are dealing with empty shelves and are having a difficult time receiving timely products. Many have begun to reduce the amount of SKU’s (no pears or organics) due to a lack of labor (employees staying home). Shippers continue to ship apples at a rapid pace; taking smaller, foodservice sizes (113-138ct) and packing them into 12/3# bags for retail orders and/or to export. Naturally, we are seeing price increases across the board and this may continue until this pandemic comes to pass.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand is heavily outweighing supply. Not that there aren't apples, but shippers cannot pack them fast enough in a 7-day work week. The apple market is reacting to the sudden retail surge stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, shippers are increasing their prices on all varieties and grades.

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

Production remains the same this week, and should remain this way for about another 2 weeks from both regions in Mexico (San Luis/Caborca). Quality also remains good and should remain this way. The retail market remains very active, but should slow down this week. The Food Service market is very slow with businesses not opening to the public.

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

The rain has tapered off for this week and production is up and going. Being rained out last week, growers are eager to get back into the coves. With Mexico demanding higher field prices for their fruit and pacing the harvest, suppliers will start to lean on California pumping more California fruit into the pipeline. The trend for the remainder of the month is an active market and gradual price increases.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Market remains active. Higher market due to strong retail demand.

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

Mexican growers continue to demand a higher field price and still pacing the harvest. We are just weeks away from Holy Week and there will be no harvest the week of April 5th. Keep in mind retailers that plan on promoting Cinco De Mayo will already have strong Ads locked up. With all that said, we are expecting a higher and more challenging market for the coming weeks. Retail continues to grow and gain momentum fueling this higher market. Suppliers are having a hard time keeping up with demand. With Mexico demanding higher field prices, suppliers will start to lean on California for supply. The overall quality has been solid and consistent.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Although food service has come to a halt, retail keeping this market alive and active.

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

Green Bell Peppers- Moderate supplies of Green bell pepper are crossing through Nogales. Mostly choice grade being packed. Green bell quality continues to range from fair to good depending on the district. The market on green bells also ranges depending on quality. Green bell pepper supplies are expected to increase as the new crop from Sonora is expected to start.

Red Bell Peppers- Red bell pepper supplies crossing through Nogales continues steadily 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 ranges from fair to good. The red bell pepper market is steady this week. Light supplies of Red bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Yellow Bell Peppers- Better supplies of Yellow bell pepper are currently being harvested from Mexico this week. The market on yellow bell pepper has stabilized to steady 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
Berries (Blackberries) Alert

Blackberries still continue to be in limited supply. Although production is adequate we have received heavy retail ordering which has kept open market availability at a minimum. Quality is good. As retail orders subside we should see better availability moving into next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
this commodity is in short supply

Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Blueberries) Alert

Blueberries are steadily becoming more available with Oxnard varieties slowly beginning to produce more fruit, Santa Maria CA is being held back due to cooler temperatures and a heavier share of rain than their Southern California counterparts. Baja volumes are expected to increase. Jalisco MX is also beginning to come on in numbers. Florida production is steadily climbing and is resulting in a significant amount of fruit becoming available through the next few weeks. Look for the markets to remain steady with a lower undertone as we see more options in production. There is still some air freighted and offshore fruit arriving from Chile. Quality has been good in all areas.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
With production on the rise in many areas we look for availability to increase on this commodity

Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Good
Southern Chile Lower/Steady Good
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Baja California, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Central Florida Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries) Alert

Raspberries are improving in volume out of the Oxnard areas with Baja and Central Mexico continuing to uptrend causing the overall market to ease up with volume deals being offered. Quality has been good, look for this downward trend to continue into next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Look for the market to ease up on this item with heavy promotional volume becoming available .

Growing Region Market Quality
Baja, Mexico Lower Good
Oxnard, CA Lower Good
Central Mexico Lower Good
Berries (Strawberries)

Recent heavy retail demand has helped keep the markets tight in the Oxnard and Santa Maria growing areas. Intermittent rains over the weekend mildly curtailed harvesting but most shippers were able to pick around these rain events bringing in adequate numbers to their facilities to cover orders for the front end of the week. There will be water-related issues present in the product to some extent. Pricing is expected to ease off moving into the weekend as retail demand wanes and we experience reduced numbers of foodservice orders due to our current National quarantine situation. Mexico is trending downward with production and is expected to continue to do so through this week and the next putting more pressure on the West Coast areas. Production in Florida is over for the most part by this weekend. There is a small amount of local production coming out of the Georgia area but this will be short-lived as their season is very limited. Look for the overall market to stabilize with a noticeable downward trend as we see more availability out West next week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Florida and Mexico are nearly finished

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

The broccoli market continues to adjust lower as we move through transition from Yuma to the Salinas Valley. Quality continues to have slight purpling caused by the recent cold weather, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for Broccoli to continue to adjust as supplies pick up in the Salinas Valley.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Broccoli continues to pick up in the Salinas Valley. Supplies are winding down in Yuma.

Growing Region Market Quality
McAllen, TX Lower Good
Yuma, AZ Lower Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Good
Salinas Valley, CA Lower Good
Brussels Sprouts

The brussels sprouts market continues to stay strong but steady due to the wet and cold weather we've had recently. Currently, quality is good with occasional internal decay. Look for the Brussels sprouts market to continue to adjust going into next week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
This week is the start of harvest in the Salinas Valley. Brussels will now be loading in both Salinas Valley and Yuma.

Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Carrots Alert

Heavy store demand over the last week has put most retail pack styles in very short supplies as shoppers look for products that are healthy with good shelf life. These items fit the bill and are very light in heavy demand. Regular tabletop carrots along with the jumbo carrot products are moving well but in better supply than their processed counterparts. Quality has been good out of all areas.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Processed retail packs are in extremely short supply

Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady/Higher Excellent
Cauliflower

The cauliflower market continues to be very active in Yuma and Salinas. 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 make our way through transition.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Harvest in Salinas continues as it has the last couple of weeks. Cauliflower continues to being harvested in the Salinas Valley, Yuma and Santa Maria.

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

This market is active once again. Yuma production is winding down. Oxnard/Santa Maria is the main growing region. Production in Mexico continues as well. Retail continues to be strong with this commodity while foodservice is minimal. The heavy rains this past week did not hurt the quality of this commodity, but slowed production due to the heavy muds workers were having to deal with. Production was severely slowed down. Mildew and leafiness have been lightly reported. Weights are averaging 57-60 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- Moderate supplies of Jalapeno continue to cross through Nogales, AZ this week. Moderate 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- Moderate supplies of pasilla available through Nogales. Moderate supplies are expected to continue this week. Pasilla's quality from Mexico crossing through Nogales is mostly good. The Pasilla market remains continues this week. Pasilla's 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 for both varieties. The market on both varieties are high this week.

- pa_admin
Cilantro

The cilantro market continues to be leveled off as there have been plenty of supplies. The cilantro quality is good with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to adjust going into next week with the rainy weather we are having this week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Cilantro will slowly start transitioning to the Salinas Valley next week.

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

Lemons out of the Central Valley continue to look really nice on supplies and quality. The small sizes are starting to get snug on 200/230’s and markets are holding firm. The 165’s and larger markets are staying steady this week. The Coastal Region supplies are packing out heavier numbers and peaking on 115/140/165’s. Out of the CA Desert/AZ Desert Region, Yuma has concluded for the season. Supplies are winding down out of the Mecca/Thermal area until the end of the month. Please reach out for any advance pricing.

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

Lime supplies are snug as we are at the tail end of the harvest season; growers expect new harvest in about a week. We see the majority in large sizes 110’s and 150’s. However, we should see a shift towards the end of the month when we expect a majority of volume to be in 230s and 250s. We can expect firm markets until mid-April, and 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) Alert

Orange demand this week is very active, with many suppliers trying to keep up with heavy orders on the retail side. Consistent rain over the weekend in the growing region is putting citrus suppliers in a tight harvesting situation with the demand exceeding supply. Rain is expected to continue through Thursday this week. Most suppliers have harvested ahead to get in front of the storm system, but depending on the amount of rain and how muddy the fields are could affect supplies towards the end of the week and into early next week. Fruit quality remains great and is traveling well with minimal arrival issues. Specialty citrus demand has significantly increased as well, with Mandarins being a preference in choice. Continue pushing Cara’s, Bloods, and Gold Nuggets. Texas grapefruit is winding down for the season, and California is ramping up, we’re seeing nice quality and steady supplies.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Due to high demand and the rain supplies are limited, Please continue to put orders in advance for better coverage.

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

Good supplies of cucumber crossing through Nogales from Sonora, Mexico. Mostly selects, plains, 36ct are being packed. The cucumber market started high to start the week but has dropped. Quality on cucumbers from this growing district is good. Cucumber demand has also decreased this week. Supplies from this district are expected to continue steadily.

- pa_admin
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 this week is stronger.

- pa_admin
Grapes (Green) Alert

As expected, green grape supplies are becoming increasingly limited. This is especially true on the west coast. East Coast supplies are slightly better but still light. As we near the end of the import season, shippers are relying on storage fruit to help fill demand until we start Mexico harvest in mid-April. With the increased retail demand, there is simply not enough supplies to keep up. Market prices have reacted quickly over the last week and we have seen some major spikes. Additionally, size selections are limited. Most of the XL fruit is being bought up by retailers leaving mostly smaller fruit as the only option. As we move forward and wait for Mexico to start, we expect the market to remain escalated and it may change daily. Also, we need to be aware of possible quality issues. The storage fruit is showing some amber color and this could lead to soft berries before long. Again, we anticipate Mexico to get going by mid-April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
As we finish the import season, green grape supplies are becoming very light. Market prices are climbing quickly and quality is fair.

Transitions:
We will be anxiously awaiting the start of new Mexican harvest by mid April. Supplies will be a challenge until then.

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

As a whole, arrivals of new fruit have slowed down as we approach the end of the import season. That being said, red grape supplies remain fairly steady on both coasts. Even with the increased retail demand, shippers have good supplies of storage fruit. We do not expect any major disruptions in order fulfillment between now and when Mexico starts; mid-April. However, quality may become an issue as we move forward. We are seeing reports of soft berries and early signs of decay. We do expect another arrival of grapes later this week which should have some stronger quality to help replenish storage fruit inventories. Market prices have started to climb slowly, but we do not expect to see any drastic spikes. From the information we have gathered at this point, Mexico is on schedule to start with a light harvest by mid-April. Domestic harvest will get started in June.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
We are near the end of the import season. Supplies are fine, quality is fair and markets are slowly climbing.

Transitions:
We are expecting Mexico to start harvest by mid April. We should have plenty of fruit to make the transition.

Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Higher Fair
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 cold and wet 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 continues to improve with full bunches and some yellow leaves being reported. We're hoping this week's warmer weather after these rains, continue to help the quality, supplies, and spur growth.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Kale will slowly be transitioning to the Salinas Valley next week.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Salinas, CA Steady Good
Lettuce Iceberg

Demand has softened in the marketplace with this commodity. Retailers continue to dominate the sales in this industry as schools and restaurants continue to be shut down across the nation, crippling foodservice business. Rain was present in Yuma and Santa Maria this past week, but expect warmer temperatures this week. Expect good availability and some flexing amongst suppliers as shippers try to create sharp pricing for the foodservice sector of this country. The overall quality is fair. Mildew, mechanical, misshapen heads, and pink ribbing are issues customers are seeing upon arrivals. Huron production with the rain had been limited but supplies are expected to be better this week. Salinas is expected to begin harvest the first to the second week in April.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Lower Fair
Huron, CA Lower Fair
Lettuce Leaf

Demand on foodservice business continues to suffer from the loss of school business and restaurants being shut down across our nation. Last week retail was strong but this business has slowed down considerably. Shippers are seeing excess supplies available. Some shippers have finished production in Yuma and are harvesting only in Huron and Salinas. Heavy rains this past week slowed production and caused some problems to the plants. Some common defects being reported to include blister, mildew, and mechanical. These defects are being reported on romaine as well as all leaf items. The weights are being reported between 27-33 pounds on romaine while the green and red leaf has been 18-21 pounds. Huron has begun production but it has been limited. Salinas will begin production in early April.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Huron, CA Lower Fair
Yuma, AZ Lower Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Fair
Lettuce Tender Leaf

The Tender Leaf supplies recently have stayed steady these past couples of weeks. With the current rains, we anticipate supplies, quality, and growth to be affected. Quality lately has been good with occasional yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Look for lettuce tender leaf to slowly start transitioning to the Salinas Valley next week.

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

Retail continues to dominate and with growing demand. Open market fruit is limited but available for both east and west coasts. All sizes are limited, but 9s are very tight. We are currently on the back end of the offshore season. Late season fruit is showing great overall quality and with great shelf life. Domestic fruit will start up around April/May weather permitting. Mexico is also expected to start up in April/May. The current markets are to remain strong for the remainder of the month.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand exceeds supply. Inventories are lean and retail continues to strengthen.

Growing Region Market Quality
San Jose, Costa Rica Higher Good
San Lorenzo, Honduras Higher Good
Zacapa, Guatemala Higher Good
Melon (Honeydew) Alert

The honeydew market remains strong and demand continues to grow for both east and west coasts. There is little to no movement on the foodservice side, while retail is driving this market with weekly increases in all sizes. Open market fruit has tightened up a bit but we do have options. There is currently some overlap with offshore fruit from Central America and also Mexico. The overall quality has been great as well as shelf life. With limited fruit in the pipeline, we anticipate a strong and active market in April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Market is active and demand continues to strengthen. Strong retail programs exceeding.

Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Higher Good
San Jose, Costa Rica Higher Good
San Lorenzo, Honduras Higher Good
Hermosillo, Mexico Higher 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
Onions Alert

Onion markets are on the rise with the increase in retail demand. Northwest supplies of yellow and red will continue into April while white onions are nearly done for the season. Crossings from Mexico into South Texas continue with all three colors but due to heavy demand markets are rising rapidly. Medium size yellow is in the red and is scarce in all regions due to heavy retail demand. Expect markets to continue rising with active demand into next week and into April. California desert and Texas domestic supplies will begin producing fresh run onions mid-to-late April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Markets rising due to heavy retail demand. Medium size yellow and red limited. White onions scarce.

Transitions:
Transition to California desert and Texas domestic mid-to-late April

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

Unlike the apple market, D’Anjou and Bosc pear movement are steady due to the lack of foodservice volume and retailers reducing the amount of SKU’s because of labor shortages. Because the state of Washington has experienced a 30% reduction in overall yields this season (vs. last season), the current depressed demand is not as impactful as one may think. Inventories are maintained in CA rooms and will be available once this unfortunate period in time comes to pass. Markets remain stable, along with quality.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady 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. We haven’t received many reports on the fruit being held up at the ports, they are consistently available. Please keep the orders coming and we will 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

Russet potato demand has shifted to retail with the recent events regarding Covid 19. Polybags are in high demand with markets on the rise and scarce supplies across all regions. Larger size potato demand has decreased and pricing has stabilized. 80 count and smaller along with consumer bags are in high demand with rising prices in Idaho as well as other areas such as Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Expect this trend to continue into next week. Some lots will continue to show peepers, soft rot, shoulder/internal bruising.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Consumer demand high. Markets rising on Poly bags along with 80 count and smaller.

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 as Washington supplies wind down for the season. Mt Vernon, Washington is cleaning up the remainder of their supply quickly with the added retail demand shifting purchases into Idaho, North Dakota, and Florida. Markets on red, yellow, and white continue to move upwards in all regions. Idaho reds look to finish up mid-April while the yellow will clean up by late-April in Idaho. North Dakota has limited availability and will finish up late-April. Florida markets are elevated and rising with increased demand. Local supplies in Bakersfield will start with white early-to-mid April, while red and yellow will begin late April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Washington finishing for the season. Demand active with rising markets in all regions

Transitions:
April will transition from Northwest to California and Northern Florida.

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

Better supplies of Italian squash continue to cross through Nogales. The Italian squash market is decreasing this week due to better supplies and demand weakening. All pack styles continue to be packed with quality mostly good. Italian squash continues to be harvested in the Sonoran growing district. Better supplies of yellow s/n this week. The Yellow S/N market has decreased with better supplies being harvested. Quality on yellow squash is good.

- pa_admin
Stone Fruit Alert

Import stone fruit is winding down and supplies will continue to become increasingly limited. White flesh fruit is the first to come to an end with very little options remaining. Yellow peaches and nectarines are light with mostly larger tray pack sizes available. We expect these to phase out by the end of the month. Red and black plums should last through April. Again, sizes are limited on plums as well. We expect new California fruit to start with light harvest by the end of April.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The import season is coming to an end. Supplies will phase out quickly.

Transitions:
New California harvest will begin late April.

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

Florida’s round tomato production continues to improve as farms rotate and transition to new crops. Extremely light food service demand is helping to free up supply and pricing is continuing to adjust downward. New operations are harvesting crown picks boosting the size profile and quality. Volume is forecasted to be steady through March with a boost in production near April when the transition to Palmetto/Ruskin district is completed. Similarly, Florida’s Roma volume remains light and steady with the expectation for better volume from new acreage in Spring. Sizing is on the small end this week limiting what is available in Jumbo and XL packs. Demand for FL’s fruit has been strong as quality has been very nice. FL growers are experiencing good yields of grape tomatoes as well and quality has been good from new crops. Cherry tomatoes continue to improve but supply is light, and quality is fair.

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

Mexico farms have improved significantly as they continue to work past weather events from weeks ago. Warmer weather is helping new farms break ground in Spring plantings. Quality is very good, and supply is adequate for the increase in retail demand. Similarly, Roma tomato crops continue to improve with better supplies and quality the further away farms move past previous weather affected fruit sets. With the shift in demand from foodservice to retail, markets continue to adjust against fluctuations in demand. The market is slightly lower this week with the potential of a surge by consumers strengthening the market by this time next week. Mexico’s grape tomato production has been up and down but improving with better weather. The immediate future looks good for grape tomatoes. Quality is good and there are lots of retail packs available helping to ease the market.

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

Things You Should Know

Apples
Demand is heavily outweighing supply. Not that there aren't apples, but shippers cannot pack them fast enough in a 7-day work week. The apple market is reacting to the sudden retail surge stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Naturally, shippers are increasing their prices on all varieties and grades.

Avocado (California)
Market remains active. Higher market due to strong retail demand.

Avocado (Mexican)
Although food service has come to a halt, retail keeping this market alive and active.

Berries (Blackberries)
this commodity is in short supply

Berries (Blueberries)
With production on the rise in many areas we look for availability to increase on this commodity

Berries (Raspberries)
Look for the market to ease up on this item with heavy promotional volume becoming available .

Carrots
Processed retail packs are in extremely short supply

Citrus (Oranges)
Due to high demand and the rain supplies are limited, Please continue to put orders in advance for better coverage.

Grapes (Green)
As we finish the import season, green grape supplies are becoming very light. Market prices are climbing quickly and quality is fair.

Grapes (Red)
We are near the end of the import season. Supplies are fine, quality is fair and markets are slowly climbing.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
Demand exceeds supply. Inventories are lean and retail continues to strengthen.

Melon (Honeydew)
Market is active and demand continues to strengthen. Strong retail programs exceeding.

Onions
Markets rising due to heavy retail demand. Medium size yellow and red limited. White onions scarce.

Potatoes
Consumer demand high. Markets rising on Poly bags along with 80 count and smaller.

Potatoes (colored)
Washington finishing for the season. Demand active with rising markets in all regions

Stone Fruit
The import season is coming to an end. Supplies will phase out quickly.

Transitions and Temperatures

Potatoes (colored)
April will transition from Northwest to California and Northern Florida.

Onions
Transition to California desert and Texas domestic mid-to-late April

Berries (Strawberries)
Florida and Mexico are nearly finished

Stone Fruit
New California harvest will begin late April.

Grapes (Green)
We will be anxiously awaiting the start of new Mexican harvest by mid April. Supplies will be a challenge until then.

Grapes (Red)
We are expecting Mexico to start harvest by mid April. We should have plenty of fruit to make the transition.

Lettuce Tender Leaf
Look for lettuce tender leaf to slowly start transitioning to the Salinas Valley next week.

Cauliflower
Harvest in Salinas continues as it has the last couple of weeks. Cauliflower continues to being harvested in the Salinas Valley, Yuma and Santa Maria.

Broccoli
Broccoli continues to pick up in the Salinas Valley. Supplies are winding down in Yuma.

Cilantro
Cilantro will slowly start transitioning to the Salinas Valley next week.

Want to receive our most recent market reports by email as soon as they're released?
Click here to sign up
Back to Top