The Source - May 23, 2016

Weather Update

A couple of cold fronts move into California this week keeping temperatures 5-10 degrees below average along with an increased marine layer near the coast. There is a slight chance of showers possible along with strong winds (20--35mph) as these system pass through early this week with slight warming expected late this week.
Baja and Northern Mexico will see cooler temperatures and gusty winds as these systems pass well to the north.
increasing moisture from the Gulf will bring scattered showers and slight cooling to Central Mexico through the week.
A weak frontal boundary stalls over South Florida bringing isolated showers and thunderstorms to the region as high pressure to the north keeps these regions dry into the weekend.

Freight Update

California trucks remain tight due to the Memorial Day holiday pull. Washington and Idaho potato trucks remain steady. The National Average for diesel is currently at 2.357 per gallon, an increase of .06 from last week. A difference of .557 from this time last year. California prices are up as well and are currently at 2.673 per gallon. Crude oil rose remained steady and is now at 48.11 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Washington - Red delicious are steady to higher on most sizes but especially 113s and smaller. Most shippers are still peaking on extra-fancy 72/80/88s. Most shippers are subbing up to the extra-fancy grades to cover volume orders of the fancy grade especially in the smaller sizes. Golden Delicious are steady on all sizes and grades and are still peaking on Wash-Extra 100/113s. Most suppliers don't have much larger than an 88-size Golden. Granny Smith are also steady on all sizes and they continue to peak on 88-113s. Most suppliers still don't have much larger than an 88 or smaller than a 125. Galas are steady to slightly higher and firm due to light supplies. The market will continue to slowly rise until the end of the season. Most Gala suppliers still don't have much fruit larger than an 88. Fujis are also steady to slightly higher on all sizes and firm due to light supplies. The Fuji market will also continue to slowly climb until the end of the season. Washington Fujis continue to peak on extra-fancy 80-100's. Pink Lady's remain steady but firm due to very strong demand. The quality for all varieties has been good.
Michigan - Red delicious are steady to higher and supplies remain limited for all sizes. Reds continue to peak on 80/88s. McIntosh, Galas, Jonathans, and Red Rome are still available but supplies are extremely short. The quality for all varieties has been good.
New York - Red delicious, McIntosh, and red Romes are all steady but supplies are very limited. Small fruit remains very short in all varietys. The remaining McIntosh are very large. The fruit quality has been good.
Chile - Chilean Galas are steady to slightly lower on both sides of the country. Imported Galas peaking on 100-size and larger, the quality has been good. Imported Braeburns and Pink Lady's will be available at the end of this week.

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

Volume from California is slowing down. Washington, Peru, and New Jersey are still strong. Markets are steady.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Good
San Joaquin Valley, CA Higher Good
Yakima, WA Steady Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Steady Good
New Jersey Steady Good
Avocado (California)

California will be peaking over the next few weeks with good volume. Size is skewed to small fruit, creating a supply hole for the mid-sized and large fruit. Demand is exceeding supplies with Mexico's short fall in supplies.

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

Mexico's shipments to the US has stabilized some, but is still down nearly 40% from what it was just a few weeks ago. The avocado industry still has a big hole in the supply line, but we are seeing some signs that they are staring to catch up. Supplies are still very tight on the key sizes of 40s/48s/60's, but markets are starting to stabilize. We are still looking at late June to the beginning of July when Mexico starts their Flor Loca crop, before any real volume increase is expected.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Michoacan, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green bell pepper- Most growers in Mexico are finished. Southern California is shipping good size and quality, volume is improving with very good demand.

Red bell peppers- Mexico is winding way down with most shippers finished. Quality is fair only with some product being discounted.

Yellow bell pepper- Most growers in Mexico have finished. California has started with good quality and all sizes being offered.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Berries (Blackberries)

Mexican production has already passed peak for this season and has begun to decrease in volume. California production out of Watsonville has started in a light way. Quality has improved, fewer reports of red cell and soft berries. Earlier reports of a possible gap period seem to have diminished. It now looks as if CA production will ramp up just in time to replace the diminishing volume out of Mexico.






- pa_admin

Transitions:
California production is increasing out of Watsonville area.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Berries (Blueberries)

Domestic production is increasing with good availability out of California, Georgia, Carolinas and many of the smaller (regional) areas as well. With higher volumes, more shippers are packing into larger clamshells of pints, 18oz, 1# and 2#. FL production has slowed down. Overall, good volumes are reported again this week. Mexico continues to produce steadily. Availability and quality remain good in all areas. Promotional opportunity is available. Memorial Day ads are increasing demand this week and should continue with better demand into the first of June.






- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
North Carolina Steady Good
Georgia Steady Good
Central Valley, CA Steady Good
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
California Central Valley blueberries
Berries (Raspberries)

Central Mexico production is beginning to decrease but California production is beginning to increase out of Watsonville and Santa Maria. Oxnard is also producing raspberries. Quality has been good out of all areas. Minimal reports of mold on the Mexican raspberries.







- pa_admin

Transitions:
Santa Maria and Watsonville production will continue to increase over the next several weeks as Central Mexico winds down for the season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Oxnard, CA Steady Good
Berries (Strawberries)

California strawberry production continues to increase in Watsonville and Salinas. Santa Maria has passed peak production and some shippers are diverting some ranches into freezer/processing due to weaker demand and weaker markets over the past few weeks following Mother's Day and the high volume production out of the northern districts. Demand has increased some to begin this week as Memorial Day ads and retail demand increase through the first of June. Quality has been good out of all areas. Salinas and Watsonville sizing in the low-mid teens and Santa Maria sizing in the mid-upper teens per 1 pound clamshell.















- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Watsonville, CA Steady Good
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Broccoli Alert

Broccoli supplies vary form shipper to shipper as well as growing regions. There are steady supplies from Mexico but they are continuing to see hallow heart. Quality is still very nice out of Salinas and Santa Maria with dark green color and minimal yellowing. The market on the other hand has strengthened. Also it looks as if that the market will start to increase as the week progresses.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Limited supplies this week and the market is trending higher.

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

Supplies have been increasing weekly out of Mexico. Oxnard is right around the corner for the domestic crop. The market is finally getting to reasonable prices. Quality is still fair out of Mexico with inconsistent sizing, black to brown discoloration, and mechanical damage.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Lower/Steady Fair
Carrots

The Coachella and Imperial Valley crop is done. The Bakersfield crop has begun and picking up in production. Growth rate is also showing some improvement and starting to yield a better percentage of Jumbo size, still a low percent, but improving. Supply of baby peeled carrots are good.

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

The cauliflower market remains at high levels. Supplies are sporadic form all shippers. And at the same time I feel the market has reached its peak. There have been quality issues upon arrivals such as bruising and brown discoloration. Most suppliers are quoting light supplies for the week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
We still have limited supplies and elevated markets.

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

Demand has picked up and the market is slightly stronger. Production in Salinas will be delayed a few days. Expect some production by the end of this week. Supplies continue to be strong on large sizing in Oxnard and Santa Maria. Small sizes have tightened up, and demanding a higher price. Good quality is being reported from all shippers. Michigan is in production and this region is packing heavier to large sizing.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Michigan Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Good
Cherries Alert

For the most part, the California cherry season has come to an end. With the exception of just a few houses packing today to cover Memorial Day ad commitments, the majority of shippers have finished their production. It is now time to transition to the North West. Washington will start this week with very light numbers. Availability will be extremely limited as demand far exceeds supplies. Although production is expected to increase as we move into June, harvest numbers are estimated to be on the light side until July. Market prices are escalated and are expected to remain firm all next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Very limited harvest starting in Washington. California has come to an end.

Transitions:
Washington is getting started this week with limited numbers. Production is expected to increase in June, but volume will remain light until July.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yakima, WA Higher Good
Chili Peppers

Serrano - Some growers are finishing and others are starting new fields. Quality remains good with better demand.

Anaheim - Sizing and quality remain good. More product being offered. Excellent size and color.

Pablano - Slightly lighter supply with some growers finishing. Good quality and condition expected to continue.

Tomatillo - Very good supply and quality. Extra large sizes available.

Jalapeno - good quality and condition are available with excellent size.

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

Cilantro supplies remain steady from the Salinas Valley, Santa Maria, Oxnard, and Mexico. The market varies from shipper to shipper depending on the loading area. Quality reports have been minimal yellowing, dehydration, and black leaves.

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

The central valley crop is winding down their season and the Ventura crop is our main supplier. Demand is very strong and continues to build. We are seeing 140s/165s/200s supplies clean up daily and many shippers sold out for the week by mid week.

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

The lime market remains high on the 110 & 150ct but they are coming down a bit. Demand is good on all sizes across the board. The peak size has remained in the smaller sizes such as 250ct and 230ct. This is the time of year where overall supplies are low and will remain at lower levels until the third or fourth week of May. The overall long term upward market trend has broken and lower prices are happening. Quality is good overall. The overall supplies are now increasing. The market is lower on the 175 - 250ct limes.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Lower Excellent
Citrus (Oranges)

Shippers have good supplies of large sizes with crop peaking on 72s/56s. Smaller sizes (88s/113s/138s) have reached demand exceed supply. Some shippers have been packing new crop Valencia oranges for export and have began packing some small sizes for domestic use, but availability is very limited until more shippers come on line.

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

Supply on cucumbers has decreased as the season comes to an end in Mexico. There are less supply from the northern district. Quality is only fair all sizes and pack styles, peaking on Select. The color is good. Euro cucumbers are available with limited supply in number one and number two pack styles.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sinaloa, Mexico Steady Fair
Eggplant (Western)

Eggplant has finished in Mexico and is now being harvested in Southern California Excellent color and condition on new crop product. Not to many growers offering product.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern CA Steady Good
Grapes (Green)

Green grape supplies remain consistent. Loading in Coachella, Nogales and LA. Market prices have come down slightly again today and are expected to remain steady for the remainder of the week. Quality has been strong in all locations. Perls, Sugarone and Early Sweets are available to load in Nogales and LA. Coachella is offering Perls and Sugarone.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Coachella Valley, CA Lower/Steady Good
Grapes (Red)

Red grape supplies and quality continue to remain strong in both locations. Nogales has plenty of product available and prices are set a few dollars lower than the CA fruit. Coachella also has plenty of good quality red grapes, but market prices remain slightly higher than MX. All sizes are available, but fruit is peaking in the Large range.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Sonora, Mexico Lower Good
Coachella Valley, CA Lower/Steady Good
Green Onions

As we enter this week, there continues to be plenty of supplies of iced and iceless green onions. The market is flat with deals for volume orders. Quality is really nice with little yellowing of the tops.

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

kale remains the staple of the super food trend. And with that more acreage has been devoted to this commodity. Supplies remain stable and the market varies from each supplier. Quality has been excellent with good sizing, little yellowing, and dehydration.

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

This market is steady with most suppliers to begin the week. There is flexing on large orders from a few shippers. Minimal rain and overall good weather temperatures has allowed this commodity to be more abundant. Demand has fallen off. Some defects on lettuce continues. Expect to see defects like irregular size heads, puffy, ribby and slight insect damage. The weights are averaging 41-45 pounds on wrap. Expect this market to be competitive on pricing at least until the middle of the week.

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

Lighter demand has forced shippers to come off on pricing on all leaf items. Yields are lower than expected, but the availability of product is enough to fill all orders. Issues continue on all leaf items. These issues include fringe burn, insect damage and slight mildew. Salinas and Santa Maria are the main growing regions for these items. Oxnard is an option as well, although supplies are less than the previous mentioned growing areas. The romaine heart production continues to be on the light side. Escalated pricing continues on romaine and romaine hearts.

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

The offshore melons are done being harvested now and the last supplies are being cleaned up this week. The desert has been shipping for a few weeks now and supplies are continuing to increase. Quality out of the desert is very nice while the remaining offshore supplies are acceptable in quality. The market is steady currently for domestic supplies and lower to steady for the offshore supplies.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Offshore melons are done and the desert is our source now. The San Joaquin Valley starts the first week of July.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady Excellent
Maricopa, AZ Steady Excellent
Zacapa, Guatemala Lower/Steady Fair
Melon (Honeydew)

The desert started shipping honeydews a few weeks ago. Supplies are increasing as the offshore supplies finish up this week. Mexico has good supplies and quality. The desert quality is good also. Offshore quality is acceptable. The market is lower on all sizes.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Offshore harvesting ended and will finish shipping this week here in the states. The desert has dews and volume is increasing.

Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Lower Excellent
Yuma, AZ Lower Excellent
Hermosillo, Mexico Lower Excellent
Zacapa, Guatemala Lower Fair
Melon (Watermelon)

Product is now being shipped from Northern Mexico, Western Arizona and Southern California The supply has increased along with the demand. Warm weather has increased production. Shippers are promoting to increase the movement for the Memorial Holiday. Quality condition and brix are all very good. All sizes being offered in both bins and cartons, peaking on larger fruit (36s, 45s, and some 60s). Personal watermelons are being offered in all sizes with good quality and condition being reported.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Onions

Main shipping area for onions this week is Southern California. Quality is still being reported as good. Weather is very hot, so the grower need to keep the onions shipping. Market is firm. Central California onions growers will start to break ground on their Yellow onions the middle of this week with Red and White next week. New Mexico will start to break ground next week in a small way. Heavy rains in New Mexico growing region late last week has push the start up date by a few days. Growers in Uvalde, Texas will start shipping onions the middle of this week. Their crop is peaking on Mediums. Quality out of this area will show some light staining for the first week or so from rains from last week. Look for the market to stay active and firm into the middle of next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Calipatria/El Centro, CA Higher Good
Huron/Metler, CA Higher Good
McAllen/Uvalde, TX Higher Good
Pears

Washington - D'anjou pears are steady to higher. Supplies of 110-size and smaller are still extremely limited. The remaining C.A. fruit is peaking on US#1 70/80/90's so expect small pears to remain limited until the end of the season. The quality on domestic D'anjous has been good.
Chile - Argentinian Bartletts remain steady but are cleaning up. Chilean Packhams are steady and continue to peak on US#1 80/90/100s, but there is some smaller fruit on the West Coast. Chilean Bosc & Argentinian Bosc are also steady and continue to peak on 70-100s but there is some smaller fruit on the west coast. The quality on all of the imported varieties has been good.

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

Supplies are good for most shippers, but still tight for others that are still hoping to see better volume in a couple of weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
La Virgen, Costa Rica Steady Good
Heredia, Costa Rica Steady Good
Guapiles, Costa Rica Steady Good
La Cieba, Honduras Steady Good
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Steady Good
San Luis, Guatemala Steady Good
Potatoes

Large carton potatoes (40-70 count) are limited out of all shipping ( Idaho, Colorado and Wisconsin) areas except Washington. Markets are firm on these sizes and are taking a couple of days to fill orders. Quality is still being reported as good out of most growing areas. Idaho is starting to show internal bruising and occasional lot starting to show some light peepers. Market on 90 count and smaller are steady out of all growing areas. Look for the market to continue to get stronger on the large cartons.

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

Bakersfield, California - all colors are slightly lower. Golds, reds, and whites are all peaking on A-size and the availability is good. The new-crop quality has been good.
Phoenix, Arizona - Both red and gold potatoes are steady and both colors are still peaking on A-size. One supplier has finished for the season. The quality has been good.
Idaho - they are essentially finished for the season.
North Florida - reds, whites, and gold potatoes are steady to lower on most sizes. There are a few holes but the availability is generally good on all sizes. The quality has been good.
Pearsall, Texas - The red market is lower and the availability is good. The quality has been reported as good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Lower/Steady Good
Phoenix, AZ Steady Good
Hastings/Bunnell/East Palatka, FL Lower/Steady Good
Pearsall, TX Lower/Steady Good
Squash (Western)

Hard Squash is finishing in Mexico and is transitioning to southern California. Yellow and Italian squash are being harvested with limited supply as they are also winding down to a finish in Mexico. Some lots of yellow squash are showing condition issues with Italian squash being mostly larger sizes. Mexico will finish shipping very soon. California is just getting started with good Quality and supply.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Excellent supplies of all stone fruit. A wide range of sizes are available for both Tray Pack and Volume Fill peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums. Quality has been very strong. Markets continue to adjust lower as more varieties and volume becomes available. Aggressive promotional opportunities are being offered for future ads as well as daily spot buys. Plutos are just getting started. More varieties are expected to become available as we move forward.

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

Rounds - The market is steady. Supplies still looking good in the east, with Palmetto/Ruskin shippers strong numbers. Rains look like it didn't slow things up to much, however, there may be a slight issue with quality, but for now, quantity and quality are good. Mexico continues production with the Western mainland, central mexico, and baja areas. Quality is Good.
Roma - The market is steady. Supplies on the Roma's also continue to look good in the east. Look for numbers to continue over the next few weeks. Mexico also looks to be in good supplies, with the 3 areas in production. Quality is Good.
Cherry - The market is steady. Florida continues to see volume on cherry's, but should tighten up due to the weather. Look for demand to get stronger, as well as prices. Mexico continues to see lighter numbers, with Quality is Good.
Grape - The market is steady. Grapes in Florida are on the downhill slide in Florida, but will be up and going in Sout Carolina next week. Aside from hothouse, growers look to be finishing up in Mexico. Look for Torreon and Baja to start to pick up. Quality is Good.



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

Rounds - The market is steady. Rounds look to be coming on in three main areas - Western mainland, central mexico, and baja. Mainland looks to be winding down. Back east, Palmetto/Ruskin continues to see solid numbers. Quality is Good.
Roma - The market is steady. Much like the rounds, roma's are also in production in the three areas. Back east, Florida also looking good with supplies, and should continue over the next several weeks. Quality is Good.
Cherry - The market is steady. Few cherry's out of Mexico, with higher FOB's. Back east, supplies continue to be strong. Quality is Good.
Grape - The market is steady. Aside from a few hothouses, growers look to be finishing up on grapes. However, look for Torreon and Baja to pick up he pace. Florida about done back east, but, South Carolina should begin production next week. Quality is Good.



- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Good
Southern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady Good
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good

Things You Should Know

Broccoli
Limited supplies this week and the market is trending higher.

Cauliflower
We still have limited supplies and elevated markets.

Cherries
Very limited harvest starting in Washington. California has come to an end.

Transitions and Temperatures

Cherries
Washington is getting started this week with limited numbers. Production is expected to increase in June, but volume will remain light until July.

Melon (Honeydew)
Offshore harvesting ended and will finish shipping this week here in the states. The desert has dews and volume is increasing.

Berries (Blackberries)
California production is increasing out of Watsonville area.

Berries (Raspberries)
Santa Maria and Watsonville production will continue to increase over the next several weeks as Central Mexico winds down for the season.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
Offshore melons are done and the desert is our source now. The San Joaquin Valley starts the first week of July.

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