The Source - November 21, 2018

Weather Update

A cold front moves into California today with rain winds and cooler temperatures across the state. Cooler temperatures and gusty winds (25-40mph) are expected in the southwestern desert regions as the storm track remains to the north of the region. Seasonably warm temperatures across Central Mexico will gradually cool into the end of November. To the north temperatures cool to slightly below seasonal averages as the storm track remain to the north. A series of weak frontal systems will move through Florida into next week with the majority of the precipitation expected in the northern half of the state.

Freight Update

California trucks have tightened up and look to remain tight until after the Thanksgiving holiday. Trucks in Yuma are tight as well. Washington apple, Idaho potato and onion trucks remain extremely tight and will stay that way until after the first of the year. The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is currently at 3.282 per gallon. An increase of .370 from this time last year. California prices are steady as well and are now at 4.000 per gallon. Crude oil is also steady at 55.47 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

Granny Smith and Golden Delicious apples are still extremely limited in supply. The market on both these varieties has also trended much higher. The remaining cold storage crop must last the rest of the season and suppliers are doing their best to monitor supplies in order to not gap at the end of the season. Most red varietals are in good supplies such as Fuji, Braeburn, Jonagolds, Cameo, Rome, to name a few. We also have good supplies of Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Pink Ladies. The market for all varietals is steady. Quality has been really nice with most varieties. We have seen a few arrivals with bruising in the granny smith crop. We have seen good pressure testing and sugar levels out of Washington. The other apple producing states are still in good shape with supplies and markets are steady as well.

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

The weather will be cooler for the next 5-7 days in Southern Baja (Constitucion) which should slow production. Demand is down due to the holiday push finishing, and next week will be similar. Weather and production have improved in the Northern region (Trujillo), new fields are also opening with the better weather. Weather/production in the Southern region (Ica) has remained the same, and we should see this trend through the beginning of December. We should see more boat volume with the opening of these new fields in the North. Markets on both coasts are down now that the holiday push is finished.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Baja, MX Lower/Steady Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Lower/Steady Good
Avocado (Mexican)

Weather in Michoacán Mexico calls for temps in the 80s with no rain this week. We are seeing green fruit start to hit the market this week. Market price ranges from $30-$40 depending on size. Overall quality is good and the market seems to hold steady. There is plenty of fruit to harvest in Mexico as they are in their peak of the season. Suppliers are trying to replenish inventories and will be in better shape come December. Foodservice will see ripe and or preconditioned fruit available the week of the 25th and in some areas the first week of December.

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

Bell pepper supplies remain extremely tight. Georgia is still hanging on and will as long as the temperatures stay above freezing but volume is very light. Most growers in the state are only picking 2 or 3 days a week. Florida has started but is struggling to generate any volume. Unseasonably hot weather all fall has cause plants to stop producing fruit in large sizes and quantities, Most growers on the eastern side of the state have not started for the season and growers on the western side of the state are working on reduced acreage. Look for supplies to remain tight through the first week of December.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Extremely tight supplies persist

Transitions:
Bell pepper supplies are trying to transition to Florida

Peak Seasons:
Bell pepper is not in peak season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Lee / Grady County, GA Steady/Higher Good
Hillsborough / Western Collier County, FL Steady/Higher Good
Bell Peppers (Western)

Green Bell Peppers – Light supplies of green bells continue out of the Coachella Valley. Mostly medium and choice being packed this week with few Large and Xlarge. The quality of the peppers being reported as good. More Nogales shipper’s have started to receive green bell’s this week from Guaymas, Sonora and Culiacan. The market for green bells remains strong and price’s are high, as demand exceeds supply. Demand currently exceeds supplies. The market of green bells should remain high through the remainder of the week. Green bell peppers from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, TX where prices are being reported in the mid to high teens.

Red Bell Peppers – Moderate supplies of red bell pepper being harvest in California out of the Coachella Valley. Supplies from this district projected to continue through the second week of December. Quality of red bells from California being reported as good. Light supplies of hothouse red bells are still crossing through Nogales From Jalisco, Mexico. The quality of the peppers from Jalisco has been good. Red bells out of Sinaloa could start as early as the first week of December. Demand and pricing should remain high in the mid 20’s for the remainder of the week. Demand exceeds supply . Domestic Red peppers are currently shipping from Coachella. Hothouse red bells from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, TX and Nogales, AZ.

Yellow Bell Peppers – Few Hothouse yellow bells are crossing through Nogales from Jalisco, Mexico. The market is higher along with pricing. More choice grade currently being packed in 1 1/9 bushel box as all #1 grade bell being packed in a 11lb box. Demand currently exceeds supply. The quality of the pepper remains good. Hothouse yellow bells from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, TX and Nogales, AZ.

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

Blackberries supplies have really improved this week. Mexico production ramped up very quickly and we are seeing the beginning of the first peak in production. Supplies are expected to remain heavy for the next week. Quality is being reported as good, but we have seen reports of red cell and soft berries. Market prices have decreased rapidly this week and a flush of fruit is coming up through Texas. We have several aggressive offers to move volume and plenty of promotional opportunities for the next 1-2 weeks.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
We are in the beginning of the first peak production period out of Mexico. Supplies will be heavy for the next 1-2 weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower Good
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberry supplies remain steady this week. We have plenty of fruit available on both east and west coasts. Import fruit is arriving from Peru, Argentina, Mexico and a little bit from Chile. Prices dropped quickly last week, but have since leveled out and have been steady this week. Quality is being reported as strong from all areas. We expect supplies to remain steady as Mexico continue to improve and Chile will increase production moving forward.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Trujillo, Peru Lower/Steady Good
Tucuman, Argentina Lower/Steady Good
Southern Chile Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberry supplies are better this week. Mexico production is ramping up quickly and we expect volumes to be steady moving forward. We did see a flush of fruit in the beginning of the week, but supplies are expected to level out over the weekend. Quality is being reported as strong. Market prices have been fairly steady with gradual decreases as supplies have improved. We expect markets to be steady moving forward.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

Strawberry supplies remain very limited this week. The cooler weather has decreased yields in all California growing regions. As we move past the poor air quality due to recent fires and the increased holiday demand, we expected supplies to improve later this week. Unfortunately, mother nature has a different plan. California is expecting rain over the next several days which will further delay harvest, decrease the availability and affect quality moving forward. Depending on the region, rainfall is being forecasted between 0.50" to 0.75". The heaviest rainfall is expected on Wednesday 11/21 and gradually taper off at the back half of the week. Salinas / Watsonville is expected to see the brunt of the storm as it works its way down south to Santa Maria and Oxnard. As a result, we expect supplies to drop even more significantly as we look toward the weekend. Depending on the severity of the rain, I would expect Salinas / Watsonville to finish up quickly as shippers will pull out of any remaining fields. Santa Maria and Oxnard will be on standby Wednesday; watching the rain. We will probably see a short harvest day, followed by no harvest on Thanksgiving Thursday, then back into the fields on Friday. Quality will then be a challenge for the weekend and into the front part of next week as growers work through the rain damaged fruit. Markets will remain firm.

Mexico harvest continues to improve, but the volume is not heavy enough to offset the demand. Most of these straws are being shipped out of McAllen, TX. Quality is being reported as good and market prices have been firm. Additionally, we will see Florida harvest slowly ramp up moving forward. Overall, we expect this to be a short-term supply shortage as we navigate through transition and weather.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Rain expected to slow down harvest in California for the weekend.

Transitions:
Mexico is slowly ramping up and Florida is getting started.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Watsonville, CA Higher Fair
Santa Maria, CA Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Higher Good
Central Mexico Higher Good
Central Florida Higher Good
Broccoli

The broccoli market is much higher and is in a demand exceeds situation. Supplies have become tighter on broccoli in all areas as the cold weather has slowed the growth. Broccoli crowns are extremely tight and may need to sub into bunched. Quality is fair with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for supplies to continue to remain tight going into next week.

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

The Brussels Sprouts market has picked up a bit in Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Watsonville areas. The temps have been relatively mild, which the Brussels Sprouts like, so fields are at budget if not slightly ahead of schedule. Quality has been affected by insect pressure particularly the Diamondback Moth and will be an ongoing battle this season. Look for the Brussels Sprout market to remain steady/higher going into next week.

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

The carrot market continues to remain steady. Quality is good, and supplies are adequate to meet current demand. We see no change in the carrot market until we switch to the southern growing regions around the end of November.

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

Cauliflower market continues to be extremely tight and is in a demand exceeds situation. Sizing in Yuma has been extremely slow with the colder weather. Shippers anticipate Cauliflower yields to be low next week as they start Yuma with sizing leaning towards the 16 count. Overall, the quality has been fair with minor bruising and some yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for this market to continue to stay strong going into next week.

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

The Thanksgiving pull is over but demand is steady. Supplies are light, mainly the twenty- four counts. The best deals suppliers are offering comes in the small sizing, thirty-six counts in particular. Oxnard, as well as Santa Maria and Salinas, will be moderate at best for the entire week. Slight bowing and seeder has been seen but minimally in northern as well as southern California. The overall quality continues to be above average with this commodity. Production in Yuma will begin approximately in January.

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

Import arrivals are improving slowly. The fruit is arriving from Chile. Currently, limited varieties are currently available. These are being offered in 11/1# bags loading in Miami. Fruit is firm with light color. Markets are very expensive at the moment. We expect supplies to improve and markets to come off gradually over the next 2 weeks.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coquimbo/Valaparaiso/Santiago/Rancagua, Chile Steady/Higher Good
Chili Peppers

Jalapeño – Nogales still receiving very moderate numbers of Jalapeno. Volume in Jalapeno should remain moderate due to cool weather in Sonora. The market is high. Currently, demand exceeds supply. Jalapenos are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Pasilla – Nogales has started to ship moderate volume of Pasilla from Sonora, Mexico. Cooler weather in Sonora has slowed down production. Good quality being seen in Pasilla from the Sonora growing region. Pasilla is also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Anaheim – Nogales has started receiving good volume of Anaheim from the Sonora, Mexico growing district. The market is steady. Good quality being reported. Anaheim peppers are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Tomatillo – The market has firmed up as cooler weather in Sonora, Mexico has slowed production. Husk Tomatillo supply currently meets demand. Demand on peeled tomatillo currently exceeds supply. Good quality on both husk and peeled being reported on supplies out of Sonora. Tomatillos are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Serrano – Nogales receiving moderate volume of serrano from Sonora, Mexico Good quality being reported from this region. Supplies meet demand. Pricing remains steady. Serrano peppers are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

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

The Cilantro market continues to remain steady as growers are coming in with slightly higher yields than previous weeks. The cilantro quality continues to be good. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay steady going into next week.

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

Lemon supplies are steady, covering normal business and holding off on promotable volumes. Currently harvesting out District 3 (Desert crop) and District 1 (San Joaquin Valley). Peaking on 140/165/115 size in both growing regions. District 3 is still a challenge with the labor shortage and market expected to be tight. District 1 volume is starting to come on stronger with steady market on all sizing. The two regions have a good run on sizes and expected to improve in the next few months.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella, CA / Yuma, AZ Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard/Ventura, CA Steady/Higher Good
Citrus (Limes)

Weather in Veracruz Mexico shows light showers at the end of this week with temps in the low 80s. Quality has been fair with a steady market. Plenty of fruit out there with good volume on all sizes. Markets are expected to climb as we head to the holiday in December. As we get closer we'll be sure to monitor it closely. Current market ranges from $7-$14 depending on the size.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Veracruz, Mexico Steady Fair
Citrus (Oranges)

California Navels is moving along with good supplies across the board, plenty of promotable volume and great quality. Over the past two weeks, availability on the XL navels has improved and helping to take pressure off the small fruit inventory. Small fruit still remains the focus with plenty of volume to move and markets have adjusted down to promote movement. Size structures peaking on 88/72/113, with cooler overnight temperatures the natural fruit color is getting much better and bringing gassing levels down. Brix averages are climbing 10.5-13. Valencia’s are done for the season and will start back up in February. Satsuma Mandarins are supplies are ample on any size or pack style. Brix is 12-14 and extremely juicy. Delite Mandarins are coming along peaking on 32/36/28 followed by size 40. Plenty of Pummelos available sizing and quality look great.

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

Cucumber supplies are good in central and south Florida, prices have been steady and quality has been good with most shippers. Georgia has all but finished for the season. Demand has been slow and prices have been steady with a little weaker undertone. Product from Mexico is taking some business from the eastern shippers. Expect supplies to increase into next week as Florida approaches their peak season.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Good supplies of cucumbers

Transitions:
Cucumber supply has transitioned to Florida

Peak Seasons:
Cucumber supply is not in peak availability.

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

Cucumber- Light supplies of cucumber are still available in San Diego from Baja California. Supplies from Baja could continue for up to 14 more days. Quality of cucumber out of this district being reported as mostly Fair. Shippers out of Baja mostly packing Super, Select, and Large size. Nogales still shipping good supplies of cucumber from Hermosillo and Guaymas, Sonora. Volume should continue at a steady pace from the Sonora, Mexico area as we make into December. Steady demand and pricing on all sizes. Mostly good quality being reported on cucumber from Sonora.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Eggplant (Eastern) Alert

Eggplant supplies are getting better, Georgia is still shipping although the supply of fancy product is going way down as growers are packing much heavier to choice product. Quality is still very good on number 1 product. Florida started 2 weeks ago and volume is starting to pick up and will trend in that direction for the next few weeks as more shippers start for the season. Demand for eggplant typically declines around the Thanksgiving holiday.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Better supplies of eggplant are showing up in Florida.

Transitions:
Eggplant is transitioning to Florida

Peak Seasons:
Eggplant is not in peak availability but it should come next week.

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

Eggplant- Moderate supplies of Eggplant crossing through Nogales, Az. Eggplant currently crossing through Nogales is being harvested in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. More Choice grade being packed this week than Fancy. Better volume and improved quality expected next week with bigger sizes as good growing temperatures being seen in this region.

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

We continue to see plenty of availability, but quality is now becoming a concern. Over the last week, we have seen a handful of issues with soft berries and decay. This undoubtedly has to do with the storage age of the fruit. As we move closer to the end of the domestic season and look for import fruit in late December, we will need to pay close attention to the shipper and quality before making decisions based on price alone. I expect to see some split markets between newer and older fruit moving forward.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Steady Good
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Delano, CA Steady Good
Grapes (Red)

We continue to see plenty of availability, but quality is now becoming a concern. Over the last week, we have seen a handful of issues with soft berries and decay. This undoubtedly has to do with the storage age of the fruit. As we move closer to the end of the domestic season and look for import fruit in late December, we will need to pay close attention to the shipper and quality before making decisions based on price alone. I expect to see some split markets between newer and older fruit moving forward.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Arvin, CA Steady Good
Coachella Valley, CA Steady Good
Delano, CA Steady Good
Green Onions

The Green Onion market continues to come off as supplies have increased. The recent heat followed with rain has been causing some occasional leaf minor and some mechanical damage. The green onion market will continue to stay stead going into next week.

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

The kale market continues to stay steady as we are now in Yuma. Quality continues to be good with good color, full bunches, and only an occasional yellow leaf being reported.

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

Instead of getting weaker as the holiday pull is over, this market is stronger. With the E. Coli breakout on romaine, expect strong activity in the marketplace with this commodity. Production is in Yuma and light in Santa Maria. The quality has been hit-and-miss with complaints including light weights, mishappen heads, growth crack, seeder, puffiness and insect damage. This market will be very active for the next few weeks, minimum.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Good
Lettuce Leaf

With the E.coli outbreak on romaine being announced on Tuesday, this commodity is now in limbo. All sales have stopped. Heavy demand will be put on green and red leaf as well as butter. These commodities will be active for the next few weeks, minimum. Again, all romaine including value added has been stopped in terms of useage in the marketplace. Salinas has finished production on all leaf items. The weights on green and red leaf as well as butter are moderate at best.

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

The Tender Leaf market has picked on spring mix, arugula, baby spinach, and cello spinach as we are in the first week in Yuma. Yields are down to the recent cold weather in Yuma. Quality issues are fair with minimal yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves. Look for these items to remain tight going into next week.

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

We are seeing cooler temps in the desert as the season tapers off. We have about a week left in the desert as we are seeing limited supplies on all sizes. Market is steady to higher with fair quality. We are also seeing less volume arrive from Mexico and quality is just fair. Offshore fruit is starting to arrive from Guatemala. We will see offshore fruit hit the east coast first with the west coast to follow. Current market price ranges from $16-$20.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Steady/Higher Fair
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady/Higher Fair
Melon (Honeydew)

We are seeing cooler temps in the desert as the season tapers off. We have about a week left in the desert as we are seeing limited supplies on all sizes. Market is steady to higher with fair quality. We are also seeing less volume arrive from Mexico and quality is just fair. Offshore fruit is starting to arrive from Guatemala. We will see offshore fruit hit the east coast first with the west coast to follow. Current market price ranges from $8-$9.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Maricopa, AZ Steady/Higher Fair
Zacapa, Guatemala Steady/Higher Fair
Melon (Watermelon)

Seedless watermelons are available to load in Nogales, from Sonora, Mexico. Watermelon is currently being harvested in Hermosillo and Guaymas, Sonora. Watermelon from this growing district should continue through the month of November then transition into the Jalisco growing region in the month of December. Watermelon still showing strong demand and prices have remained steady on both cartons and bins.

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

Market has been unchanged for weeks. Quality is excellent on all colors. Look for this to continue into the New Year. Transportation or lack of is the main issue. Christmas tree season is just starting and will only make things worse. I recommend staying ahead of supplies due to the lack of transportation.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Transportation or lack of is the main issue

Growing Region Market Quality
Ontario, OR to Nampa, ID Steady Excellent
Quincy/Hermiston, WA Steady Excellent
Pears

First of all, California pear season is finished. This will put pressure on supplies out of Washington and other local pear states. Although there are plenty of supplies out of Washington. The market is also steady and favorable to promote. Here are the current varieties out of Washington are Comice, Seckel, Red Crimson, Bartlett, D'Anjou, and Bosc to name a few. Quality is really nice with good sugar levels and minimal soft skin that turns into bruising.

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

Our pineapples supplies to finish this week are steady. Although we will see a steady decline of supplies through the month of December. The decrease in supplies will be due to Costa Rica having issues with Basal Staining. Which is a discolored ring around the base of the pineapples caused by too much moisture in the soil from previous heavy rains. The current quality is really good though and the markets are steady. But look for this to change in the month of December.

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

Potato quality out of all area has been excellent. Market is fairly steady with slight upward movement on 40/50 count and smaller sizing 100 and smaller. Smaller sizing market increase was mainly due to the holiday pull for Thanksgiving which is over. We will have a slight break then demand will pick back up for the Christmas holiday. Transportation or lack of is the main issue in the potato world. Christmas Tree season is just starting which will make things even worse for the next couple of weeks. I recommend staying ahead of inventories through the start of the New Year.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Transportation or lack of will be an issue through the New Year

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

Color potato supplies are good out of Washington and Idaho with a good mix of sizes in both Reds and Golds. Markets are steady. Quality is very nice. North Dakota, Wisconsin and Colorado have moderate supplies. Market is also steady. Quality is fair out of Wisconsin with North Dakota and Colorado having good quality. Sizing is still limited on B size Reds. Trucking is limited and slowing down movement. Look for the market to stay fairly steady at current levels into the New Year. California supplies will start up in the middle of December.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Holiday transportation becoming a factor with limited equipment

Growing Region Market Quality
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady Excellent
Mount Vernon, WA Steady Excellent
Red River Valley, ND Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady Fair
Squash (Eastern) Alert

Squash supply is very steady and will get better as the week goes on. Last week the indication was a tighter supply situation but now Homestead is starting and the cooler temperatures never made it to south Florida. Quality is very good through out the state and steady supplies should continue through the week. Homestead and Immokalee will pick up in volume next week.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Squash supply is picking back up.

Transitions:
Squash supply is transitioning from central to south Florida

Peak Seasons:
Squash is coming into peak supply.

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

Zucchini and Yellow S/N – Good supplies of #1 Italian squash being packed this week. Supplies of Italian squash out of Sonora expected to continue for about 2 more weeks if weather permits. Cooler weather in this region is mostly affecting size. Extremly light supply of Yellow S/N this week. Production from Sonora, Mexico expected to finish up this week for some growers. More #2 fruit is being packed as quality is fair. Growers are still expecting a gap on yellow squash for up to 14 days . Sinaloa expected to start Harvesting Italian and yellow squash the first week of December.

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

No major change in stone fruit this week. Domestic production is phasing out. Both nectarines and peaches are done for the season. Plums are starting to phase out slowly as well. Currently both red and blacks are available, but sizes are leaning on the large side. We will see black plums become more limited before the reds. Market prices have been slightly higher. Quality has been good. The import stone fruit season is expected to start late December with the first arrivals expected for the first of the year.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Madera south to Arvin, CA Steady Good
Tomatoes (Eastern) Alert

Quincy Florida/South Georgia usually has some tomatoes supplementing the market until December but was wiped out from Hurricane Michael. Extreme heat during the planting season in Palmetto/Ruskin Districts has created reduced volumes and smaller sizes than normal. South Florida has begun in a small way but will not have any significant volume until mid to late December. Strong markets are being forecasted to last through at least the first half of December.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
There is a national shortage of tomatoes of which Roma tomatoes are extremely short. As growing Regions in Florida transition, and Mexico farms struggle against crop loss from weather related setbacks, markets continue to strengthen each week as demand continues to drive the market upward.

Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Florida Higher Fair
Tomatoes (Western)

This time of year, Baja is usually the main producer of round and roma tomatoes but a virus has affected major farms greatly diminishing supply leading to some crop failures. Sinaloa is not expected to have any real volume of tomatoes until after the first of the year due to nearly 2 months of hurricane related weather causing a major disruption in supply for most of December and into 2019. Northern States of Coahuila , Durango and Zacatecas in central Mexico experienced a freeze eliminating roma and grape tomato supplies, especially open field grown varieties not protected by adapted environments. There is a wide range in quality across all varieties at this time correlating with pricing, where premiums may be required for consistent quality and condition in pack outs. It is reasonable to expect escalated pricing through the rest of 2018 until mainland Mexico begins harvesting winter programs at the end of January.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Higher Fair
Northern Baja California Sur, Mexico Higher Fair

Things You Should Know

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Extremely tight supplies persist

Berries (Strawberries)
Rain expected to slow down harvest in California for the weekend.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Good supplies of cucumbers

Eggplant (Eastern)
Better supplies of eggplant are showing up in Florida.

Onions
Transportation or lack of is the main issue

Potatoes
Transportation or lack of will be an issue through the New Year

Potatoes (colored)
Holiday transportation becoming a factor with limited equipment

Squash (Eastern)
Squash supply is picking back up.

Tomatoes (Eastern)
There is a national shortage of tomatoes of which Roma tomatoes are extremely short. As growing Regions in Florida transition, and Mexico farms struggle against crop loss from weather related setbacks, markets continue to strengthen each week as demand continues to drive the market upward.

Transitions and Temperatures

Squash (Eastern)
Squash supply is transitioning from central to south Florida

Berries (Strawberries)
Mexico is slowly ramping up and Florida is getting started.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is transitioning to Florida

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumber supply has transitioned to Florida

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper supplies are trying to transition to Florida

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Berries (Blackberries)
We are in the beginning of the first peak production period out of Mexico. Supplies will be heavy for the next 1-2 weeks.

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is coming into peak supply.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is not in peak availability but it should come next week.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumber supply is not in peak availability.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper is not in peak season.

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