The Source - November 17, 2016

Washington - red delicious are steady on the larger sizes with good availability while 125s and smaller are steady but strong due to light supplies. Most red packers continue to peak on extra-fancy 88s and larger. Golden delicious are peaking on 72/80/88s and are steady but strong due to lighter total volume in Washington. Small Golden delicious supplies remain very short, with very few if any 125s and smaller. Granny-smith are also peaking on 72/80/88's and the market for large fruit is steady. 100 size and smaller Grannys are steady to higher with very light availability. There are very few if any Granny-smith 125's and smaller. The Gala market is steady on larger fruit with good availability and steady but firm on the smaller fruit with only light supplies. Galas are peaking on 80/88/100/72s. Honeycrisp are steady to higher and demand exceeds supplies on all sizes. Honeycrisp are peaking on 80/88/100s now. Fuji's are steady on the small fruit with only light supplies and they are steady on 88s and larger with good supplies. The quality for red delicious, golden delicious, granny-smith, Galas, Fujis, and Honey Crisp has been good.
Idaho---red delicious, Golden delicious, Granny-smith, Fuji's, Red Romes, and Pink lady's are now peaking on extra-fancy 80/88/100's. The markets are all steady and the quality has been good but the availability is limited.
Michigan--Macintosh, Golden delicious, Jonamacs, Jonathans, Galas, Cortlands, Empires, red Romes, Fujis, Honeycrisp, and red delicious are available and are all fairly steady. Galas, Red Romes, Jonathans, and Cortlands are all heavier to the smaller sizes. Golden delicious, Red delicious, Fujis, and Macintosh are medium in size. The availability is a little off right now due to strong holiday demand and not much extra packing time. Export demand has been strong as well. The quality has been mostly good in all varieties.
New York-- McIntosh, Cortlands, Empires, Jonamacs, Galas, Ginger Golds, and Macouns are all fairly steady. The sizing has been smaller than other areas with more 100/125/138 size fruit. The quality has been fair with more US#1 grade fruit showing stem-bowl russeting and more bitter pit than usual.

Alerts:
Remember that small Golden delicious and small Granny-Smith are extremely tight in Washington.

The weather in Mexico growing areas has not changed. Volume has declined by 50% due to the season winding down. Market is up across the board on all sizes with smaller sizes being more prevalent.

The weather is good in the South/North of Peru. Volume is good and the market has improved.

Mexico continues harvesting steadily. Shippers have good supplies on hand of 48s/60s/70s/84s. Demand and supply is beginning to balance out and markets beginning to show some stabilization. This is new crop fruit and takes longer for them to ripen and fruit is remaining green when ripe.

More supply green bells started this week in Nogales, Arizona from Sonora, Mexico. Showing excellent quality and condition. Strong supply has stated from multiple shipper's keeping the market steady on all sizes . Red, Yellow ,and Orange have also started with pallet volume and also showing good quality and condition on all three colors.

Supplies have tightened from recent weeks, especially on the west coast. Rain in Central Mexico over the past weekend slowed production and delayed transfers bound for the US. Quality has been good overall with some reports of broken fruit, red cell. Blackberry sizing out of Mexico is large and has resulted in some damaged berries as they are packed into the clamshells. California blackberry production is limited and continues to wind down for the season.

Alerts:
Supplies are limited on the west coast due to rain in Central Mexico over the past weekend and subsequent delays with transfers of fruit to the US.

Supply is steady with continued shipments from South America and Mexico. As production winds down out of Argentina, we may see supplies tighten somewhat but do not expect any shortages or supply gaps as Chilean production will be picking up as the Argentina season ends. Markets are likely to increase over the next few weeks as the number of air shipments decline and higher volume orders are placed on ocean going vessels to make the 3 week ride to US ports. About 3-4 weeks from now, we'll see increased volume back in the market places and pricing will begin to come off again in December. Quality has been good on all imported product thus far.

Transitions:
Argentina's growing season will be winding down but Chile will begin to increase production over the next several weeks.

Raspberry supplies are steady with good production volume out of Southern CA and Mexico. Production is peaking over the coming weeks. Quality has been good with only a few reports of wet, leaky fruit.

Peak Seasons:
Central Mexico production is peaking with good availability.

Demand is still exceeding supply. California production volume remains limited as crops transition for the winter and supply is gapping between regions. Oxnard winter crop will begin in late November and increase through December. Mexico is producing steadily but the volume making it to the US is still limited. Rain over the past weekend slowed down harvests and production. Berry sizing is very small from Mexico, mid 30s per 1 pound clamshell. Florida is still 1-3 weeks away from steady production but some ranches will begin to walk fields and pick the initial "mud crop" next week. Weather has been clear and warm in all CA growing regions the past 7-10 days however cooler weather has now arrived and rain is forecasted for this weekend. This is the time of year where weather is always a factor and can change production abruptly throughout the growing regions. Keep in mind that we are at the end of the season for many of the CA growing regions and they have already experienced 2 major rain events this season. Quality issues range from soft, overripe and bruised to white shoulder, green tips and misshapen. Fruit will not last as long as you are used to. Quality and shelf life expectation must be adjusted based on what is currently available in the industry.

Alerts:
Demand is exceeding supply. Cool temperatures in California are keeping production volumes limited. Rain is forecasted for California growing regions this upcoming weekend which could further disrupt production and supply for next week.

Transitions:
Central Mexico production should continue to increase week over week into December.
Central Florida production has begun with very limited volume and will increase over the coming weeks.

All growing regions continue to harvest good supplies. The market remains steady. Quality has been really good with little yellowing and dehydration.

There are steady supplies which in turn is keeping the market steady as well. Quality is really nice out of California but out of Mexico we have had issues with black spotting.

The Bakersfield crop is in full production. Growth is good and producing good percentage of Jumbo size and supplies are good. Supply of baby peeled carrots are good.

Cauliflower supplies are starting to tighten up. As we enter the end of the week moving into next week, Salinas growing region will be finishing up. Yuma is still behind schedule for decent volume. This is causing an upward trend in the market. Quality has been hit and miss with black spotting and yellow to cream color upon arrivals.

Alerts:
Supplies are starting to lighten up and will be limited next week.

This market is steady with some shippers, while others are flexing on large volume type orders. There is a clear discrepancy of availability amongst the multiple suppliers of this commodity. Production continues in Salinas this week. Small sizing continues to have the least availability, but all sizing is available for orders. Shippers are transferring product to Yuma for a fee, so please be aware this option is available. The overall quality continues to be favorable in all growing regions.

Air arrivals of Chilean cherries will continue through mid December. Product is available on the east and west coasts. On the west coast, volume has been consistent with sizes being heavy on XL. Current market prices have been steady with a couple dollars range depending on size. On the east coast, volumes are much heavier. All sizes available and market prices are lower than west coast. Vessel arrivals of cherries are expected to arrive mid December and market prices will start to drop.

Pablano - Good quality and condition expecting in Nogales. Light supply and higher market.

Tomatillo- Current conditions have improved on Tomatillo, sizing is somewhat small but will improve as we increase supply.

Jalapeno- good quality on new crop pepper, mostly large sizing with good color and excellent.

Anaheim- good quality,condition and size are expected to continue as Mexico improves production.

The cilantro market is steady with plenty of supplies from all growing regions. Quality is good with minimal arrival issues of yellow to black discoloration.

The Desert crop is in full production with good supplies. The Central Valley crop harvest is still slow and supplies are limited. Mexican fruit is available and supplies are good.

Meyer Lemon season is in full swing.

The lime market is steady right now. Shippers ran up the market too fast and now it's feeling top heavy from the rapid increase we just went through. Quality is very nice now with very few problems being reported. New crop limes are being harvested and all sizes are coming in so quality is 100% better. The market is steady with some weakness showing up so a trend lower is shaping up.

New crop Navels production is now in full swing with all shippers packing. There are a good range in sizes, with peak on 88s/113s/72s and heavy to fancy grade. Flavor and internal color are very good.

Good condition and quality in Nogales, Arizona. Stronger demand for Super Select and Select sizes. Market has started to creep up on cucumbers

Quality and condition on eggplant will continue to improve. Production will continue to be limited starting in the Coachella Valley with fresh crop. Product has started in Nogales this week with excellent quality and condition. Supply will increase as we move into next week.

The domestic green grape supply, market and quality conditions are changing quickly. As mentioned in the last Source, we have 2 separate markets. The availability of "good quality" green grapes is very limited and shippers are increasing prices rapidly. Some shippers are stating they are sold out of green grapes due to committed business. The remainder of the storage crop inventory is showing signs of amber color and occasional soft berries. These green grapes are less expensive (pictures below). We can expect the domestic situation to continue to become a challenge as we move forward.

Peruvian green grapes are readily available to load on the east coast. Quality is being reported as strong and prices are now in line with the more expensive California fruit. If loading on the east coast is an option, this may be the way to go. As the domestic volume continues to drop and quality becomes an unavoidable issue, we may see some Peruvian green grapes be transferred to the west coast to cover demand.

The first Chilean crop is expected to arrive on the west coast by late December. Quality is expected to be excellent, but early predictions call for lighter volumes this season.

Alerts:
Domestic green grapes are very limited. Markets are climbing quickly. Quality will be a challenge.

Transitions:
Peruvian green grapes are readily available on the east coast.

Domestic red grapes continue to be in good shape. We expect to have ample supplies to cover demand as we transition to Chilean fruit late December. Quality has been holding up well and the late season weather has been idea for the last of the harvest. Market prices have remained very consistent. The USDA mid mostly has increased slightly over the last week, but we have been able to maintain steady price points well below. No major changes are expected in the near future.

Peruvian red seedless grapes are available to load on the east coast. Quality has been reported as very strong. Supplies are expected to increase as we move forward. Market prices continue to be much higher than California fruit.

Transitions:
Peruvian red grapes are available on the east coast. Markets are higher.

The green onion market is aggressive with plentiful supplies from Mexico. There is still availability of domestic green onions if you need them. Quality is nice with little arrival issues.

The kale market is steady. Supplies remain abundant from both growing regions. Quality is excellent with minimal yellowing and dehydration.

Heat damage is hitting the growing regions of Brawley, Coachella valley and Yuma. Misshapen heads, discoloration and ribby are common characteristics seen with this commodity. The winds have been up to 45 mph. Weights are ranging from 38- 44 pounds on palletized. Yields are down. Production in Santa Maria is moderate at best. Production in Huron should finish up by the end of this week.

This market remains steady. The quality is fair at best. Warm temperatures in Yuma has caused for seeders approximately three plus inches to be seen on leaf items, especially romaine and romaine hearts. Insects, fringe burn, twisting, brown spotting, dust and lower yields are factors that all suppliers are dealing with currently in this region. The weights on romaine average 27-34 pounds. Red, green and butter leaf have moderate weights at best. Production in southern California is moderate. This growing area has cooler temperatures compared to Yuma and Huron.

Demand has continued to pick up. Supplies on 9ct are increasing due to offshore arrivals and the price of them is declining. 12's continue to get increased demand due to substitution for 9ct. The 15ct are also experiencing some added buying pressure. The desert started a little over six weeks ago with a few lopes crossing over from Mexico. Offshore supplies have arrived in Florida and are being shipped out on our trucks. The market is steady to lower on all sizes due mainly to increased supplies. The quality is excellent on the offshore melons. The Mexican lopes are also excellent and the desert crop is too.

Transitions:
Offshore Cantaloupes arrived last weekend in Florida and will be in California this Friday.

Supplies of honeydews are steady and we can continue to expect adequate supplies and good quality to be the pattern for a while longer with a moderate range of up and down movement. The desert started over six weeks ago and supplies are almost finished now for the season. Some growers in the desert are finished now. Mexico is exporting honeydews up to us and their volume is supporting the declining domestic supply. Offshore dews started arriving this past weekend are being shipped on our trucks, quality is outstanding. The market is currently steady on all sizes. Quality is excellent in the desert.

Transitions:
Offshore melons have arrived in Florida this week. California arrivals will be around 11/27.

Good supply of watermelon has started from Sonora, Mexico. Supply has exceeded demand driving the market lower. Good quality and condition.

Supplies have been exceeding demand on most sizes and colors of onions out of all growing areas. The main shipping points are Idaho, Washington, Wisconsin and Colorado. This is keeping the markets steady at very low levels. There has been some deals on Super Colossal and Colossal Yellow onions as shippers have had these sizes pile up time to time. The only onion that has a little strength are the Yellow, Red and White Medium onions which are slightly firmer. This is due to the ideal growing conditions this year which produced large size profile and good quality storage onions. The short Thanksgiving holiday week could cause slight interruption in supplies. This will be short lived. Truck are very limited due to Thanksgiving and Christmas Trees.

Alerts:
Truck availability very limited

California - there are a few Bartlett pears left but most suppliers are finished for the season.
Washington - C.A. Bartletts are steady and still peaking on US#1 70/80/90s. Some shippers will flex on pricing for volume of the larger sizes. D'anjou pears steady and are still peaking on US#1 80/90/100s. Some shippers will flex on volume orders of the larger sizes. Bosc pears are steady as well and continue to peak on US#1 80/90/100s. There is some volume available on smaller Bosc pears. Red pears are steady and are still peaking on US#1 45/50 half cartons. The quality for all varieties pears has been good.

Supplies are good for all shippers, and look to be moving into the first part of December.

Demand has been good to moderate on all sizes of cartons and retail bags due to holiday business out of shipping areas. Markets are steady. Quality is good out of all areas which includes Idaho, Washington, Colorado and Wisconsin. Trucks are very limited due to the Christmas trees growers paying good money and the Thanksgiving holiday next week. Supplies will tighten up slightly next week due to shippers only packing 2 1/2 days next week.

Alerts:
Trucks availability is very limited

Bakersfield California - red, white, and gold potatoes are steady. All colors continue to peak on A size. The quality has been good.
Idaho - red and gold potatoes are steady and they are peaking on B size, while As are more limited. The quality is good.
Western Washington - reds and golds are all steady and continue to peak on A size. Reds and golds remain heavier to size A. Whites are still limited. The quality has been good.
North Dakota - red and gold potatoes are steady on all sizes and continue to peak on A size. The quality has been good.
Wisconsin - reds and golds are steady and both are peaking on A-size. The quality has been good.
Canada - reds, golds, and whites are steady on all sizes. Sacks are more available while cartons are limited for all colors. The quality has been good.

Supply on yellow squash is lighter than last week and market has spikes up quite a bit. quality and condition is good.Italian squash is also tighter in supply. all sizes and grades with higher pricing. all varieties of hard squash are now in good supply loading in Nogales.

Rounds - The market is steady. Supplies on large and medium fruit continue to see better numbers in the east and west. However, XL size continues to be a struggle, keeping the market higher. Demand is steady, and with the holiday just around the corner, demand and market may tick up. Quality is good in all areas.
Roma - The market is steady. Supplies continue to be lighter, keeping the market stonger. Product is available in Florida, but not enough to slow up the market. Out west, supplies are lighter, due to colder weather and rains in Mexico. Look for the market to continue to be stronger, with lighter numbers and with the holiday just around the corner. Quality is good to fair.
Cherry - The market is steady / lower. Supplies continue to get better. Florida is looking to harvest more numbers. Out west, supplies also look to be increasing. Market steady / lower, however, may tick up with the holiday. Quality is good.
Grape - The market is steady. Supplies continue to improve with the grapes, in all areas. All shipping areas have supplies and quality looks good across the board.

Rounds - The market is steady. Supplies on large and medium fruit continue to see better numbers, in all areas. However, XL size continues to be a struggle, keeping the market higher. Demand is steady, and with the holiday just around the corner, demand and market may tick up. Quality is good in all areas.
Roma - The market is steady. Supplies continue to be lighter, keeping the market stonger.
In the west, colder weather and rains have slowed up production and yields. Product is available in Florida, but not enough to slow up the market. Look for the market to continue to be stronger, with lighter numbers and with the holiday just around the corner. Quality is good to fair.
Cherry - The market is steady / lower. Supplies continue to get better in the west and east.
Market is steady / lower, however, may tick up with the holiday. Quality is good.
Grape - The market is steady. Supplies continue to improve with the grapes, in all areas. All shipping areas have supplies and quality looks good across the board.