The Source - May 8, 2019

Weather Update

Another series of low-pressure systems will move into California on Thursday with light showers drizzle and a possible thunderstorm. The bulk of the moisture is expected to remain south of the Salinas Valley. Another system is expected to move into the region mid-next week. Seasonal temperatures with a chance of showers look to continue across Central Mexico with slightly cooler temperatures to the north. Scattered showers and seasonal temperatures are on tap for Florida into the weekend followed by increasing chances of rain early next week.

Freight Update

California trucks have tightened up slightly now that we have transitioned back up to Salinas. Rates have increased as well. Washington apple trucks are steady. Idaho potato and onion trucks remain steady as well. The national average on diesel is steady this week and is currently at 3.171 per gallon. California prices rose .062 cents and are currently at 4.097 per gallon. Crude oil prices remained steady and are currently at 61.58 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Eastern Region:
Volumes continue to decrease for shippers in the Eastern regions (Michigan and New York). Availability on sizes, grades and varieties continue to be extremely limited. Prices continue to inch up as the end of their season draws near.

Washington:
Now that we are seeing Midwestern and Eastern demand shift to the Northwest, some shippers are struggling to fill orders that call for smaller sized fruit (125ct/138ct) on certain varieties. Adding insult to injury is the retail demand for bagged apples, which require fruit of the same profile.

Continue to send Apple and Pear orders early. The more time shippers have to pack the product (before load dates), the better chance we have of receiving the requested product. It is essential that some size substitutions be allowed. In about 2-4 weeks, we should start seeing schools close for the summer and demand should ease.

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

Mexican production is down overall due to growing area transition, we should see an increase in the next 2-3 weeks with more fields opening up. Volumes from California/Washington have increased with better weather in both regions. New Jersey/Michigan/Canada are delayed in production due to colder than normal weather. Peru is starting to increase volumes from both regions, and we should see this trend as long as the weather holds up. Markets on both coast are up due to the field transition in Mexico, NJ/MI/Canada delayed, and Peru just starting to increase volumes. Markets should adjust next week with the Mother's Day rush finished.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Steady/Higher Excellent
Cuidad Obregon, Mexico Steady/Higher Excellent
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Excellent
Avocado (California)

We continue to see good, solid quality fruit. Growers have harvested about 25% of the crop for this season. Overall production is down 75% as of last week. Most common defects we are seeing is external scarring and limb rub.

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

Growers are slowing the harvest this week as they are demanding a higher field price. We will see prices increase daily as Mexico tries to finish this crop strong. Late season fruit has a shorter shelf life. We will see new crop fruit in July. Size curve this week is geared to 60s. Also #2 grade fruit is in high demand along with organic fruit. Very light demand this week.

Peru- First arrivals hit this week. Production will ramp up late May and peak in July.

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

Bell Pepper supply is still very tight with light supplies coming from the south and central Florida. Shippers in south Florida are winding down for the season and recent rain and winds are causing quality issues. Shippers in the Plant City area are shipping light volume with fairly good quality but the supply in that region is over the peak and will continue to decrease over the next couple of weeks. Georgia will start light volume next week but there will not be enough volume to affect the market for at least two weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies are very tight.

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

• Green Bell Pepper- Light production of green bell pepper arriving in Nogales from Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico. Mostly choice grade being harvested from both Mexican growing districts. The quality from the Sonora district is fair to good. Green bell pepper demand exceeds supply in Nogales. The bell pepper supply from the Sinaloa is coming to an end. Supply from Sonora is also decreasing. Increasing demand on green bells from the east coast has driven the market up on the west coast. Green bell peppers are also being harvested in California from the Coachella Valley. The quality from California is good.

• Red Bell Pepper- Moderate supplies of Red bell pepper arriving in Nogales. The market/price on red bell pepper continues to hold steady. Steady volume on Hot House variety and all hothouse pack styles. Light production on elongated variety. Steady production expected through Nogales for the week. Quality on red bell pepper in Nogales is good. Red bell pepper Harvest in California is expected to start next week.

• Yellow Bell Pepper- Moderate volume of Yellow Bell pepper arriving in Nogales. Hot House variety continues to be pack in 11lb 1 1/9-bushel carton. Quality on Hot House variety is fair to good. Yellow bell pepper demand has decreased and now meets supply. Market on yellow bell is lower.

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

Mexico is still the main supplier for blackberries. We are seeing slightly more domestic production in the West mildly bolstering supplies. The market will remain firm with higher undertones as the Mexican supplies lighten up a bit next week putting more pressure on the early new crop in CA. Quality is good out of all areas.

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

Georgia and Mexico are producing the bulk of the fruit in the market as we see the addition of the West Coast production begin to increase. Markets are steady. The Western new crop is commanding a premium. Quality has been reported as good through all areas. Look for the market to continue to soften as we approach the weekend as movement stalls after the main Mothers Day pull.

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

Raspberries are steady. The bulk of the fruit is still coming out of Mexico. The west coast numbers are slowly increasing although they will probably lag behind until we get into June and increased temperatures take effect on the plants. Quality has been good and the market should remain firm through the weekend.

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

The Mothers day demand will begin to subside through the rest of the week. Markets are soft and supplies are plentiful. Quality is good in all regions but reports of a steady occasional shower through Friday may have some effect on the quality on the front end of next week. This is a good time to promote. Look for markets to remain in a downward trend through the weekend.

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

The broccoli market continues to remain extremely tight with the rain we've had during the growth process in Salinas. This wet weather has caused rain gaps in Salinas. Look for supplies to be snug going into next week. Quality is good with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast.

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

The Brussels Sprout market continues to be in a demand exceeds supply situation. Brussels Sprouts remain extremely tight with supply being affected by the recent rains in Salinas and Oxnard during the growing process. 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 Higher Fair
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Higher Fair
Oxnard, CA Higher Fair
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

The cauliflower market continues to remain in a demand exceeds supply situation. Yields are extremely down due to the wet weather we experienced in the Salinas Valley over the last few months. Overall, the quality is good with minor bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for the market to stay steady going into next week.

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

Some suppliers have softened in the open market pricing while others have remained steady with this commodity. Demand seems to be less in the marketplace but inventories remain on the light side with most shippers. Early forecasts indicate that high pricing will likely continue thru the middle of May, but demand and retail pull will determine the faith of this item for this month. Some defects being reported upon arrival to include insect damage, leafy tops, yellow leaves and mechanical. Escalated pricing will continue throughout the week with this commodity. Supplies in Mexico continue on the light side. Oxnard and Santa Maria have average production numbers this week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Fair
Cherries

California cherry production is slowly ramping up. Several varieties are being offered in all sizes. Quality is being reported as excellent. Market prices are still high but are expected to adjust down as we move forward.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Fresno / Visalia, CA Higher Excellent
Chili Peppers

• Jalapenos- Moderate supply of Jalapeno continue to be available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. Growers continue to harvest jalapeno out of the Sonora and in Northern Sinaloa. Quality out of Sinaloa is fair to good. Jalapeno from the state of Sinaloa is expected to finish over the next few weeks. New crop quality from the Mexican state of Sonora is good. Mostly medium to large size are available from both growing regions. Market on jalapeno remains steady in the high-teens.

• Pasilla- Good supply of Pasilla peppers available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. Better volume is expected to continue through the week. Quality on Pasilla is good. Size on the pepper is mostly medium to Large. Market on Pasilla is steady. Pasilla crossing through Nogales is being harvested in Sinaloa.

• Anaheim- Moderate supply of Anaheim available to load in Nogales, AZ from Mexico. Moderate Anaheim production expected to continue through the week. Anaheim crossing through Nogales is being harvested in the Mexican states of Sinaloa. Quality of peppers from Sinaloa is fair to good with mostly medium size. Anaheim also being harvested in Sonora, Mexico.

• Serrano – Moderate supplies of Serrano peppers available to load in Nogales from Mexico. Supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week. Supplies currently meet demand. Price on Serrano pepper is currently in the teens and should remain the same through the week.

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

The Cilantro market continues to remain steady in Mexico with the recent warm weather and now production has started in Salinas. The cilantro quality is good with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay steady going into next week.

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

The foodservice sizes 165’s and smaller remain tight, continue to expect limited availability moving forward. Prices continue to climb in the high $20’s low $30’s on choice and fancy fruit. Lemons supplies continue to peak on the large sizes 75ct/95ct/115ct. The rain and cold weather brought on the larger fruit and smaller fruit is staying limited on sizing and green on the trees.

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

Limes supplies continue to peak on 200’s and 235’s markets in the mid to high teens. Supplies are expected to remain limited on 110’s – 175’s. The lack of rain in the growing regions has brought on the volume on the large sizes. The market is still expected to stay strong in the high $30’s to low $40’s until supplies improve. Suppliers are still holding off on taking on open market orders. They’re doing their best to cover normal weekly volume as best they can.

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

Shippers are harvesting late season Navels. Foodservice sizes 113’s and smaller are very limited and will stay limited the rest of May. It’s advised to place orders in advance to help fulfill orders in full. Some shippers are having to utilize Valencia’s to offset the balance and fulfill orders in full. Quality is looking fair on the navels and markets are climbing weekly. On Specialty Citrus, we’re still steady on the Delite Mandarins that are peaking on 15’s - 40’s. Cara Caras & Blood are moving along, steady supplies are available. Golden Nugget Mandarins are looking to conclude by mid-May and Ojai Pixie Tangerines are coming along nicely, quality is looking great and the taste is excellent. Please reach out for pricing.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Merced to Bakersfield, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Riverside, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Cucumbers (Eastern)

Cucumber supply is good from central Florida, South Florida shippers are still shipping some volume but recent rain is causing some quality issues. Central Florida is in good volume of good quality cucumbers and Georgia started light volume this week of very good quality. South Florida will start to wind down there season next week, sooner if they continue to get afternoon storms, Central Florida will continue until the end of May and Georgia will pick up volume next week as more shippers start for the season.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Cucumber are in transition to Georgia.

Peak Seasons:
Cucumbers are in peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Indian River / Dade County, FL Steady Fair
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady Good
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady Excellent
Cucumbers (Western)

Moderate supplies of cucumber are continuing to cross through Nogales, AZ from Sonora, MX. Cucumber volume has decreased due to the cucumber market. Quality out of Sonora growing district is good. Currently, all cucumber sizes continue to be packed in 1 1/9-bushel pack and carton cucumber. The cucumber market is currently steady and is expected to remain steady. Mexican cucumbers are also available in San Diego from the Baja growing district where the quality is also good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Northern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern) Alert

There are light supplies of eggplant in the south and central Florida. There is a wide range in quality, product coming from the southern part of the state is on its last legs. Plant City is starting and volume will increase as the week goes on with good quality. The market has been steady for the past month with light demand. Supply and demand should increase at the same time as the Mexican season comes to an end and central Florida hit its peak season.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Light supplies only fair quality

Growing Region Market Quality
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady Good
Eggplant (Western)

Light supplies of eggplant arriving from the Mexican State of Sinaloa. Eggplant supplies have decreased in the month of May. Eggplant supplies are expected to decrease throughout the week. Mostly choice quality being packed. Market on eggplant has increased this week on both Fancy and choice grade. Eggplant from California is expected to be harvested as soon as next week. Quality from Sinaloa on fancy and choice pack is mostly fair.

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

Mexico has started this week with a very light harvest. The volume currently being produced is not nearly enough to offset the supply shortages. However, we do expect harvest to ramp up quickly as we move into the weekend and next week. The import green grape supply has been diminishing quickly and the quality is poor. Supply has been a challenge and will remain very limited until Mexico and Coachella fill the gap. Market prices continue to be very high. As Mexico's production increases and Coachella starts by late next week, we anticipate markets to level off and supplies to improve greatly.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supplies remain limited and prices are higher.

Transitions:
Mexico started with light harvest this week. Coachella will start late next week.

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

Red grape supplies remain steady. Import fruit is still readily available. We expect Mexico to get started with red grape production by next week, followed by Coachella on May 20th. Quality has been good and market prices have remained level. We anticipate a smooth transition next week as we move away from import fruit and into Mexican and domestic grapes.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Mexico is expected to start next week and Coachella on May 20th.

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

Green Onions supply continues to be plentiful with the recent nice weather in Mexico and Salinas underway. The cooler weather in March is causing occasional leaf minor and mechanical damage. The green onion market will continue to stay steady going into next week.

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

The kale market remains steady as supplies look steady with the recent nice weather in Santa Maria and now in Salinas. Quality is good with full bunches, and only an occasional yellow leaf being reported.

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

Strong supplies are expected to be available all week with this commodity. Santa Maria and Salinas are the main growing regions. The quality overall has been fair. Upon arrivals, there have been reports of mechanical, slight puffiness, occasional growth crack, and minor insect damage. The temperatures in the growing regions have been fair ranging in the 60s-70s. Suppliers in Salinas and southern California are flexing on large volume type orders. The weights on wrap lettuce have a range of 38-44- pounds.

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

Shippers were expecting the market to get stronger on romaine as well as all leaf items, but demand has fallen off. This market is steady. Some issue on romaine that has been reported includes ribby, slight insect damage, discoloration, and some fringe burn. Most suppliers are reporting this. Green and red leaf, as well as butter, has had almost identical issues as romaine. There is plenty of product to meet demand. No rain is in the forecast so expect production to be good all week. Flexing is occurring on volume type orders. Shippers are forecasting good supplies for production next week.

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

The Tender Leaf market continues to stay 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
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Melon (Cantaloupe)

Domestic (Brawley, Ca / Maricopa & Nogales, Az)-
Light offerings this week as growers have begun to harvest new crop fruit in the growing region of Brawley, CA. Size curve is leaning to mostly 12s and 15s on the cantaloupes. Growers are running “LSL” (Longer Shelf Life)varieties as the fruit eats well and travels great. Cantaloupes are showing great external and internal quality with brix/sugar levels in the 14-16%.

Offshore (Honduras/Costa Rica/Guatemala)-
Expect supplies to get tight on both cantaloupes and honeydews as the season is winding down. Last arrivals will be the week of the 13th. Quality has been good internally and externally.

Mexico (Nogales)-
Good Volume on both cantaloupe and honeydews. Grown in Hermosillo and loading in Nogales, Arizona. Cantaloupes will be available for the month of May only, as it is a short window on the Mexican crop. Good solid fruit internally and externally.


- pa_admin

Transitions:
Offshore fruit is tapering off as the last arrivals will be the week of the 13th. Domestic fruit is ramping up as well as Mexican fruit.

Growing Region Market Quality
Brawley, CA Steady/Higher Good
San Jose, Costa Rica Steady Good
San Lorenzo, Honduras Steady Good
Jicaro, Guatemala Steady Good
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Melon (Honeydew)

Domestic (Brawley, Ca / Maricopa & Nogales, Az)-
Light offerings this week as growers have begun to harvest new crop fruit in the growing region of Brawley, CA. Honeydew will ramp up next week along with mixed melon varieties.
Arizona is about a week out from production on both cants and dews with light volume to start.

Offshore (Honduras/Costa Rica/Guatemala)-
Expect supplies to get tight on honeydews as the season is winding down. Last arrivals will be the week of the 13th. Quality has been good internally and externally.

Mexico (Nogales)-
Good Volume on both cantaloupe and honeydews. Grown in Hermosillo and loading in Nogales, Arizona. Honeydews will run strong into the 4th of July. Good solid fruit internally and externally.




- pa_admin

Transitions:
Offshore fruit is tapering off as we will see the last arrivals hit next week. Domestic fruit is ramping up along with Mexico.

Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady Good
San Lorenzo, Honduras Steady Good
San Jose, Costa Rica Steady Good
Brawley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Hermosillo, Mexico Steady Good
Melon (Watermelon)

Good supplies of watermelon available to load in Nogales, AZ. Mostly 2/3 bins being packed. Few seedless melons currently being in carton. Watermelon crop from Sonora, MX is being harvested with good volume. Good supplies of seedless watermelon are expected to continue to arrive in Nogales, AZ. The seedless watermelon market is currently steady and is expected to remain steady through the week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Onions

Northwest storage onions are finishing up for the season out of Idaho and Washington. Suppliers have sporadic availability over the next 7-10 days. Quality on the remaining storage yellow onions will have some lots showing translucency and sprouting, especially in super colossal and colossal sizes. Red onions are limited with white onions being very scarce. Texas is producing all three colors with good volume and will have supply through May. California desert is also going with all three colors. White onions are improving in supply and markets continue to fall. New crop fresh run onions in both Texas and California will exhibit a thin, flaky skin and shorter shelf life. Advanced orders are needed for the fresh run product. California Valley and New Mexico will start early June.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Ontario, OR to Nampa, ID Lower/Steady Fair
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Lower/Steady Fair
McAllen/Uvalde, TX Lower/Steady Good
Calipatria/El Centro, CA Lower/Steady Good
Pears

The pear market (Anjou, Red Anjou, and Bosc) is getting active with smaller sizes seeing an increase in demand and prices. Regarding Red Anjou pears, most shippers only have Half Carton packs available this time of year (30s through 55s). Chilean and Argentinean pears are still available for loading in Los Angeles (Arg. available for another 1-1 ½ more weeks).

California Bartlett pears expected to start sometime after July 4 (estimating the week of July 8).

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

Pineapples supplies are gradually improving. The overall pineapple industry seems to be slightly tighter than estimated. Pineapples from all sources have not matured at their typical pace due weather-related issues. Our suppliers will be doing their best to help fulfill normal business orders. Markets remain steady $12-$14 depending on the size.

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

Idaho russet markets remain steady. Norkotahs are in few hands as the season winds down. Burbanks are the main variety with the size profile leaning towards 90 count and smaller. Larger sizes are commanding higher prices. Consumer business remains good keeping a good flow of cartons running through the packing sheds. Quality on Burbanks is good with a few lots showing some shoulder bruise and occasional hollow heart. The remaining late storage Norkotahs will exhibit some internal/external bruising, light hollow heart, light peepers, and occasional soft rot. Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin continue to product Norkotahs. Wisconsin quality remains fair.

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

Colored potato markets in the Northwest are steady to lower as the season winds down in Idaho. North Dakota is also winding down with minimal volume and rising markets. Supplies will decline over the course of May and vendors are looking to clean up storage volume in those areas. Arizona reds and yellows will start up next week and run through June. Southern Florida is moving into Northern Florida with all three colors and continue to ship excellent quality. California continues to run all three colors as well. Expect rising markets; especially yellow.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Lower/Steady Good
Bakersfield, CA Higher Good
Pasco/Tri-Cities, WA Steady Good
Imokollee/Palm City/Punta Gorda, FL Steady Excellent
Hastings/Bunnell/East Palatka, FL Steady Excellent
Squash (Eastern)

Homestead is finishing squash for the season this week. Central Florida and South Georgia are both in peak season and not all Georgia shippers have started yet. Quality in both regions is very good and supply is heavy and should remain heavy through the week. Temperatures in Central Florida and south Georgia have been above average for the past 2 weeks with little rain, optimum growing weather for squash and both regions are showing above-average yields.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Squash is transitioning to Georgia.

Peak Seasons:
Squash is in peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Dade / Eastern Collier County, FL Lower/Steady Fair
Hillsborough / Sarasota County, FL Lower/Steady Good
Lee/Grady/Echols County, GA Lower/Steady Good
Squash (Western)

Moderate supplies on both Italian and Yellow straight neck squash crossing through Nogales, AZ from Sonora, Mexico. Italian and Yellow straight neck crop from Sonora is currently producing fancy and medium size and very few large sizes. More #2 quality being packed than #1 on both varieties. Market on soft squash is steady/higher and is expected to remain steady/higher through the week. Quality on squash is good on both varieties. Both Italian and yellow straight neck squash is expected to start harvest in Baja and Central California as soon as next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Domestic production of white and yellow peaches and nectarines is gradually ramping up. Quality is being reported as very good. Size selection is still limited and prices are high, but we expect that to change as we move forward. Growers are expecting an excellent season on all stone fruit with good availability and promotional opportunities. Plums are currently still being imported and domestic harvest is expected to start later this month.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Peaches and nectarines are domestic. Plums are import, but will start domestic production later this month.

Growing Region Market Quality
Madera south to Arvin, CA Steady/Higher Good
Coquimbo, Valaparaiso, Santiago and Rancagua, Chile Steady Good
Tomatoes (Eastern) Alert

Spring crops in the Palmetto/Ruskin growing region are producing good volume while Immokalee farms finish for the season. Most shippers are in second and third picks where XL fruit has become more difficult to source and selling at a premium. Value buys are in smaller sized fruit that is plentiful and will begin to taper towards the end of the month. A steady flow of Roma tomato imports across the southern US border influences Florida Roma offerings which remain unchanged this week so far, despite the withdrawal of the suspension agreement. Grape and cherry tomato harvest is also steady and will have some upward pressure towards the end of the month with the central part of the state transition north to Quincy.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The Department of Commerce has officially terminated the 2013 Suspension Agreement of Fresh tomatoes from Mexico, setting a 17.56% duty on Mexico tomatoes arriving in the United States. According to the Department of Commerce, Customs and Boarder Protection will begin the collection of cash deposits or bonds in the amount of 17.56% of the value of product entering the U.S. unless or until a new deal can be made between America and Mexico.

Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Florida Steady/Higher Good
Tomatoes (Western)

Mexico grown tomatoes are in seasonal decline with enough supply to meet the needs of the market stabilizing FOBs at the mandated minimums on all varieties for the first part of this week. Duties are set at 17.56% of the value of tomatoes crossing into the US directly affecting the cost of goods. It is too soon to determine how supply will be affected but it is expected that imports will be reduced. Nogales is cleaning up for the season in a push to move out product on hand. XL sizes are extremely limited and selling out daily. Mainland Mexico will be wrapping up production in Sinaloa by mid-May creating upward pressure if Baja has a slow start. Currently, Northern Baja has begun harvesting in San Quentin with volume increasing into next week helping the overall market by the end of the month. Roma tomatoes are currently in good supply out of mainland Mexico with more programs beginning in Baja in the next couple of weeks. Grape tomato offerings are steady and expected to contract a bit this week with supply lessening amidst transition in the short term.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Steady/Higher Good

Things You Should Know

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Supplies are very tight.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Light supplies only fair quality

Grapes (Green)
Supplies remain limited and prices are higher.

Tomatoes (Eastern)
The Department of Commerce has officially terminated the 2013 Suspension Agreement of Fresh tomatoes from Mexico, setting a 17.56% duty on Mexico tomatoes arriving in the United States. According to the Department of Commerce, Customs and Boarder Protection will begin the collection of cash deposits or bonds in the amount of 17.56% of the value of product entering the U.S. unless or until a new deal can be made between America and Mexico.

Transitions and Temperatures

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is transitioning to Georgia.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumber are in transition to Georgia.

Melon (Honeydew)
Offshore fruit is tapering off as we will see the last arrivals hit next week. Domestic fruit is ramping up along with Mexico.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
Offshore fruit is tapering off as the last arrivals will be the week of the 13th. Domestic fruit is ramping up as well as Mexican fruit.

Stone Fruit
Peaches and nectarines are domestic. Plums are import, but will start domestic production later this month.

Grapes (Red)
Mexico is expected to start next week and Coachella on May 20th.

Grapes (Green)
Mexico started with light harvest this week. Coachella will start late next week.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is in peak season.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are in peak season.

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