The Source - November 23, 2016

Weather Update

An active storm track looks to continue as a series of fast moving cold fronts move into California through the week. As the cold front moves east and high pressure builds over the southwest dry conditions and seasonal temperatures are expected in Northern Mexico, Baja and the Southwestern Desert locals through the week. Seasonal temperatures and a chance of tropical showers will continue in Central Mexico. Cool morning temperatures to begin the week in Northern Florida will give way to a warming trend midweek with generally dry conditions expected. A rare late season Tropical Depression has formed off the Central American coast that has the potential to reach hurricane status over the next few days, will be closely monitored for possible development this week. Current forecasts give this system an 80% chance of formation slowly moving west heading toward Costa Rica and Nicaragua late this week.

Freight Update

California trucks are getting tighter as the week goes on due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Look for trucks to get back to normal toward the end of next week. Apple and Idaho potato trucks are non existent and look to stay that way until the end of the year. The National Average for diesel remained steady and is currently at 2.421 per gallon. A difference of .024 from this time last year. California prices also remained steady and are currently at 2.804 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 48.03 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples Alert

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 and there are volume deals out there. Larger size red delicious are definitely promotable. 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. The Golden volume is down from last year. Granny-smith are 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. Many suppliers have taken pre-book Granny-smith orders so even 88's are short. The Gala market is steady on larger fruit with good availability and it is steady but firm on the smaller fruit with only light supplies. Galas are peaking on 80/88/100/72s and some suppliers will flex for volume. Honeycrisp are steady but the demand still exceeds the supplies on all sizes. Honeycrisp are peaking on 80/88/100s. Fuji's are steady on the small fruit with only light supplies and they are steady on 88s and larger with good supplies. Some shippers will flex on volume business of 88s and larger. The quality for red delicious, golden delicious, granny-smith, Galas, Fujis, and Honey Crisp has been good. Braeburns, Jonagolds, Red Romes, Cameos, and the other varietals are available in limited numbers.
Idaho---red delicious, Golden delicious, Granny-smith, Galas, Fuji's, Red Romes, Pink lady's, and Braeburns are all fairly steady. The volume for most is light with a peak on 64-100s for most varieties. The markets are all being quoted as steady with some dealing on various sizes.
Michigan--Macintosh, Golden delicious, Jonamacs, Jonathans, Galas, Cortlands, Empires, red Romes, Fujis, Honeycrisp, and red delicious are all fairly steady. Galas, Red Romes, Jonathans, and Cortlands are all heavier to the smaller sizes while the Golden delicious, Red delicious, Fujis, and Macintosh are heavier medium size fruit. The availability is a little off right now due to strong holiday demand and light packing time. Export demand has also been strong. The quality has been good.
New York-- McIntosh, Empires, Red delicious, Galas, Fujis, and Red Romes are steady to lower. The sizing has been medium to small with a larger percentage of smaller fruit than other areas. Light holiday demand has produced some dealing this week. The quality has been fair with more US#1 grade fruit showing stem-bowl russeting and more bitter pit than usual.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Washington shippers are still forced to sub up in sizing on many orders for 125 and smaller Golden delicious and Granny-smith apples. Expect this trend to continue for the remainder of the season.

New York is dealing on volume of smaller fruit this week.

Peak Seasons:
Washington, Michigan, and New York are in the peak of the apple season.

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

Weather in the current Mexican growing regions is good, volume has declined by 50% due to field transition. Market is up across the board on all sizes except small, small size is more prevalent. Obregon, and the fall season from Caborca are winding down, as they transition into San Luis.

The weather is good in the South/North of Peru, volume is heavy with the market slowing down due to the Thanksgiving holiday pull being over, Market is steady. Market should remain the same through this week, and into next week with boat volumes decreasing due to field age. Expect a market increase into the second week in December with air only product in the market, and airfreight increasing due to the Christmas rush.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Higher Good
Ica, Peru to Trujillo Steady Fair
Avocado (Mexican)

Mexico's shipments to the US this week shows a slight decline from last weeks. They expect to ramp back up for next week and volume should flow steady as we enter the holiday season. Supplies and markets has gradually progress toward stability and demand is slowly picking up, with expected good movement in the upcoming weeks.

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

Green bell pepper is heavy supply peaking on mostly Large to Extra Large sizes. Very good quality color and sizing. Harvest is in both Southern California ( Coachella Valley) and Northern Mexico (crossing in Nogales)

Red and yellow bell pepper are also coming from Southern California (Coachella Valley) and Northern Mexico. Good supply on red and very limited offering on yellow. Quality is mostly good with both blocky and elongated varieties being packed.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Western Bell Peppers in all colors will finish from Coachella Valley and transition to Northern Mexico (crossing in Nogales) by the first week in December. Heavier availability will be expected at that time with both field grown and green house varieties.

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

Supply has tightened from recent weeks, especially on the west coast. Rain in Central Mexico and California over the past 2 weekends has slowed production and delayed transfers bound for the US. Quality has been affected with some reports of broken fruit, water damage, soft berries and red cell.



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

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 major shortages or supply gaps as Chilean production will be picking up as the Argentina production winds down. 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 mid-late December. The biggest issues we have faced in recent weeks have been with logistics of getting fruit into ports and across borders, through inspections, fumigation, temperature holds, etc. and on to the coolers where product can be loaded on cold trucks. Quality has been good on all imported product thus far.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Argentina production volume is slowing down but is quickly being replaced by increased production volume out of Chile.

Peak Seasons:
Peruvian production is hitting a second peak of the season and we'll see more Peruvian blueberries in the US markets through mid-December.

Growing Region Market Quality
Buenos Aires, Argentina Steady/Higher Good
Trujillo, Peru Steady/Higher Good
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Southern Chile Steady/Higher Good
Berries (Raspberries)

Supply is somewhat tighter than recent weeks as rain and cooler weather in Central Mexico and California has slowed production. Quality remains favorable with only a few reports of wet, broken fruit.





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

Supplies remain limited. Wet weather in California over the past weekend reduced production in all growing areas. Salinas and Watsonville growing regions have all but finished for the season. A few growers are still packing product but with limited shipping options as this fruit has been exposed to multiple rain events over the past 6 weeks and is at the end of the season for this crop. Quality will be fair at best with limited shelf life. Santa Maria production was already struggling after recent rains and once again received measurable rainfall over the past weekend. The Portola variety that is favored by growers in this region does not withstand rain very well. Growers will be stripping fruit this week and cleaning up plants before returning for a fresh harvest. This area will typically continue to produce until it experiences a hard freeze. Oxnard's summer planted "early" crop has passed peak and the fall planted "late crop" is expected to begin producing between the first and second weeks of December. Quality and sizing vary across growers. After a weekend of rain, cool weather has arrived in California as well. Highs have been in the 60s and lows in the 40s. This has slowed production down as fruit is not coloring up as quickly. Quality of California fruit has varied by region and by grower. Reports have ranged from white shoulders and green tips to soft, overripe and light decay with water damage. Mexican production continues to increase and volume bound for the US is growing. However, quality has been questionable with water damage, bruising, light mold and sizing remains very small. Florida production has begun in a light way but most of the fruit has been kept locally thus far. They have had near perfect growing conditions up to this point and crops looks healthy and strong to begin the season. Production is expected to increase in the coming weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Supply remains limited. While demand has slowed over the holiday week, recent rains in CA further limited production and availability.



Transitions:
Fall planted Oxnard, California strawberries will begin production around the first and second week of December.

Plant City, Florida strawberry production has begun in a light way and will continue to increase over the coming weeks.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Fair
Santa Maria, CA Steady Fair
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Fair
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Central Florida Steady/Higher Good
First harvest of Florida Strawberries, 18-26 cnt
Broccoli

The supplies of broccoli from multiple growing regions has kept this market depressed. Even with the holiday pull, it really did not have any effect on the market or supplies. Yuma is now harvesting broccoli with good supplies. Quality from all growing regions remains really nice with little yellowing or dehydration. The supplies and markets do not look to react well into next week.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Even though we have started in Yuma AZ, we still have broccoli in Salinas CA.

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

Even with the Thanksgiving Day pull, we did not see any trend in the market to higher levels. Steady supplies from the Salinas and Mexico growing regions have kept the market steady. Quality out of the Salinas growing region is nice with dark green color and plenty of size variations. Quality out of Mexico is hit and miss with some arrival showing black decay in the sprouts.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Fair
Carrots

There is still good protection coming out of Bakersfield. Growth is good and producing good percentage of Jumbo size and supplies are good. Supply of baby peeled and other value added packs are good.

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

The cauliflower market remains steady even with the transition to Yuma Az. Supplies are plentiful and should remain that way into next week. Quality has been a real problem with brown to black bruising upon several arrivals. The heat has definitely taken its toll in the Yuma growing region. Santa Maria looks to have better quality but there have been arrivals with the same defects.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
We have had multiple arrival with black to brown discoloration upon arrival.

Transitions:
We have finally transitioned from the Salinas Valley to Yuma AZ.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Fair
Celery Alert

The celery market is edging lower. The Thanksgiving holiday pull has subsided even as volumes harvested out of Oxnard are increasing. We are still seeing some late shipments out of the Salinas Valley but these are dropping daily and the transition down to Oxnard should be complete by the end of next week. Early reports indicate larger than "normal" volumes out of the Oxnard region this season and excellent quality. We still expect to see this market dip and then rebound the first few weeks of December as the holiday season makes itself felt. Yuma celery will be coming on around the last 10 days of December but quality here is a concern. Higher than normal heat for the last few weeks coupled with high winds may impact the quality out of the desert. The winds especially are a concern as they can deposit a fine layer of dust and dirt throughout the bunches. This could potentially impact quality for many weeks, even months, after the wind has subsided.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
High heat and wind in the Yuma region could adversely impact the quality of the new crop celery.

Transitions:
Celery is transitioning out of Salinas into Oxnard; which is rapidly becoming the dominant region for supplies.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower Good
Salinas Valley, CA Lower Good
Cherries

Chilean cherry supplies are steady as more air arrivals land on the east and west coasts. We expect air arrivals to remain consistent and markets to stay firm through mid December. Quality is being reported as very good on all cherries. All sizes are available, but heavier volumes of XL fruit is allowing some opportunity buys. Water vessel arrivals are expected to land mid to late December. Early estimates call for volume increases shortly after Christmas. We can expect to see the market begin to drop quickly once container fruit is available.

Chilean Rainier variety cherries just became available this week in limited volume. Quality is very strong and market prices are firm. We expect availability to slowly improve over the next 2 weeks, but market prices will stay firm.

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

Pablano - Good quality and condition with improved supply.

Tomatillo- good supply and quality on fresh crop, both peeled and husked. Sizing is good. Color and condition are excellent.

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

Anaheim- good quality and condition and size are expected to continue as supply improves.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Excellent
Cilantro

The cilantro supplies are abundant from all growing regions. The market has remained steady as well. There have been some arrivals with yellow to black leaves. But for the most part quality has been really good with little dehydration. The cooler weather that we are about to experience could slow growth by the end of next week. And as a result we could see and upward trend in the market.

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

The Desert crop is in full production with good supplies of both fancy and choice grades. Desert fruit can be loaded in Yuma, Coachella and in Oxnard. The Central Valley crop harvest is still slow and supplies are limited, we should start to see better production toward the end of December.

Meyer Lemon season is in full swing and is shipping out of Oxnard, Coachella, Yuma and the Central Valley.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Coachella, CA / Yuma, AZ Steady Good
Merced/Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Citrus (Limes)

The lime market is steady right now at the current levels. Shippers ran up the market too fast over the past two weeks which slowed demand down to a crawl and it adjusted downwards from there. New crop limes are being harvested so quality is very nice. No adverse weather is being reported for the near future so we should experience normal market fluctuations as we come in and out of holiday demand and export shipments to other countries.

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

California Navels are in full swing with all shippers packing. Flavor and internal color are very good. Cooler weather is firming the rind and naturally setting the color. There are a good range in sizes, with peak on 88s/72s/113s and heavy to fancy grade. There was some rain this weekend and no harvest on Monday, but there were bins already in storage, so no disruption in packing.

Look for Cara Cara oranges to start next week and Blood oranges to start the week of December 5th.

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

Good supply on cucumber coming out Mexico, Excellent color, quality and condition on all grades sizes and pack styles. Supply will continue to be good as we move into the month.Northern Mexico (Sonora) will continue and (Sinaloa) will start next week. Euro cucumber is also available in very good supply, both #1and #2 both single layer and bushel boxes.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Eggplant (Western)

Quality and condition on eggplant will continue to be very good on #1 product, excellent supply will continue as we move into the Nogales winter season.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Lower/Steady Excellent
Grapes (Green) Alert

Demand exceeds supply on domestic green grapes. There are several factors involved in the shortage; limited inventories, heavy demand and fading quality. Many shippers are reporting being completely out of green grapes for the remainder of the season. Those who do have available product are challenged with sporadic quality concerns. Occasional wet, soft berries and amber color is being reported on some of the green grapes. This leaves a very limited amount of good quality fruit available. Thus, market prices have been on the rise and are expected to remain elevated through transition.

Peruvian green grapes are available to load on the east coast and supplies are improving. Quality is being reported as very strong. Current market prices are slightly more expensive than California fruit, but taking into consideration freight costs, loading direct or having product delivered may be a better option for certain customers.

Chilean green grapes are expected to arrive on the west coast by late December. Quality is expected to be strong but volume will be light to start.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Domestic green grape supplies are very limited. Market prices are on the rise.

Transitions:
Peruvian green grapes are available on the east coast. Markets are still firm. Chilean fruit expected to arrive on the west coast late December.

Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Higher Fair
Fresno, CA Higher Fair
Grapes (Red)

California red grapes continue to be in abundance. All shippers are reporting excellent supplies of red seedless grapes for the remainder of the season. Although color and condition can vary, quality as a whole is very strong. There are several varieties currently available, but the majority of the volume is comprised of Crimsons, Scarlet Royals and Vintage Reds. All sizes are being offered with a heavy push on medium/large. Market prices have remained very steady with promotional opportunities available.

Peruvian red seedless grape volume continues to improve on the east coast. Weather conditions have been idea and production numbers are strong. Quality is being reported as very good on the import fruit. Market prices remain elevated in comparison to domestic grapes, but are expected to gradually decline as supplies increase.

Chilean red seedless grapes are expected to land on the west coast by Christmas. Early estimates indicate good quality and volume. No gaps in supply are expected before or during transition.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Peruvian fruit available on the east coast. Chilean product expected to arrive on the west coast by Christmas.

Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Steady Good
Fresno, CA Steady Good
Green Onions

The supplies from Mexico have been extremely plentiful. There shouldn't be any disruption in supplies through Thanksgiving and into next week. The market is aggressive with cheaper prices on iced versus iceless. Quality has been very nice with little to no arrival issues of yellowing or browning of the tops.

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

The kale market has remained unchanged for weeks. Ample supplies from all growing regions. Quality has been excellent with full boxes, dark green color, minimal dehydration and yellowing. Even with the transition to Yuma there has been little interruption in supplies.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
We have transitioned from Salinas CA to Yuma AZ, with little disruption in supplies.

Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Excellent
Baja, MX Steady Excellent
Yuma, AZ Steady Excellent
Lettuce Iceberg Alert

The iceberg lettuce market is steady. We are currently in a supply exceeds demand situation with good volume available to meet a steady but light demand. Quality in the desert is the main issue as the high heat and winds of recent weeks has taken a serious toll. We are seeing everything from internal burn and fringe burn to pink rib, russet spotting and dehydration. Quality is only fair on most lots. For the short term, weather reports are ideal and the next 10 days promises a little relief. The Imperial Valley is expected to start around the 15'th of December and early projections regarding quality there are good. Barring an unforeseen weather event (rain, heat or freeze) we are projecting a steady market for the coming 7-14 days.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Higher than normal seasonal heat and wind have led to serious quality issues in the Iceberg Lettuce out of Yuma.

Transitions:
We are fully transitioned into the Yuma region on Iceberg lettuce with the Imperial Valley projected to start about the middle of December.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Steady Fair
Lettuce Leaf Alert

The leaf markets are all about steady this week. Demand is steady with adequate supplies out of Oxnard and Yuma to meet demand. Quality is the primary issue, especially out of Yuma. The high heat of the past few weeks along with the high winds have severely impacted the quality of the leaf. We are seeing twist, bolting, internal burn, fringe burn as well as some pink rib and russet spotting. The weather has "normalized" and should be ideal for the next 10 days. That said, damage has been done and will take weeks to move past. Early reports out of the Imperial Valley are showing the same issues as the Yuma deal but not with the same severity. The Oxnard region is showing much better quality but still with some of the same issues due to warm temperatures and high winds.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The leaf and romaine from Yuma showing the effects of heat and wind.

Transitions:
Santa Maria finishing on leaf for the season with volume in Oxnard and the desert improving. The Imperial Valley is expected to start on their leaf around mid-December.

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

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 and are very short in supply from offshore sources. The desert is past it's peak with some growers being done now and the rest finishing by the end of next week. Offshore supplies are in Florida are in full swing and are arriving this week in California . The market is steady to lower on all sizes due mainly to increased supplies. The quality is excellent on the offshore melons.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Offshore cantaloupes are supplying a huge majority of our demand. Two pictures are provided.

Peak Seasons:
The desert is past it's peak and is going to be finished by the end of next week unless weather ends it sooner.

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

Supplies of honeydews are steady overall 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 growers will be finished for the season by the end of next week with some growers already being finished. Mexico is exporting very nice looking honeydews up to us and pricing them much lower than offshore and domestic dews. Offshore dews have excellent quality and are peaking on large sizes such as 4's and 5's. The market is currently steady to lower on all sizes.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Offshore honeydews are supplying a majority of our market with Mexico supplying nearly all of the remainder of it. Domestic dews will be finished by the end of next week unless weather ends their season. Two pictures of offshore honeydews are included.

Peak Seasons:
The desert is past it's peak and about finished for the season now.

Growing Region Market Quality
Zacapa, Guatemala Lower/Steady Excellent
Guaymas, Mexico Lower/Steady Excellent
Maricopa, AZ Lower/Steady Good
Melon (Watermelon)

The current availability is improving with better sizing and offering fresh Product from Northern Mexico crossing in Nogales Az. All sizes being offered in load volume both bins and cartons, peaking on larger fruit 36/45 with brix exceeding 10%.Volume will continue to improve. Demand has improved with stronger pricing.

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

Onion market out of all growing areas is steady on all sizes and colors. Look for this trend to continue into the first of the new year. Quality is very nice and should be for the Northwest Growing season. Supplies of all colors of medium onions are limited and are getting a slight premium. The biggest issue is the lack of transportation which will continue into the new year.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Northwest storage Onions are in Peak season

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

Stockton, California - there are a few Bartlett pears left but most suppliers have 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. 110 size and smaller bartletts are limited. D'anjou pears are steady and are still peaking on US#1 80/90/100s. Some shippers will flex on volume orders of the larger sizes. 110 and smaller size D'anjou supplies are limited. Bosc pears are steady and continue to peak on US#1 80/90/100s. There is some volume available on smaller size Bosc. Red pears are steady and are still peaking on US#1 45/50 half cartons. The quality for all varieties pears has been good.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Bartlett and D'anjou 110 size and smaller pears are limited.

Peak Seasons:
Washington pears are in the peak of the season.

Growing Region Market Quality
Stockton, CA Lower/Steady Good
Wenatchee/Yakima, WA and Hood River, OR Steady Good
Pineapples

Supplies are good for all shippers and so in demand. Look for demand to back off some the next week, then start to kick back up as we move toward Christmas and New Years. Supplies from the tropics will drop off at the end of the year and the first couple of weeks of January due to lack of labor to harvest during the holidays.

- 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

The potato market is steady out of all areas. Look for this to be the trend into the first of the New Year. Norkotahs is the main variety being packed with a few growers in Idaho packing Burbanks. Burbanks are getting a slight premium. Quality is good on both varieties. Norkotah storage crop has a large size profile which is peaking on 60 count. Burbanks are slightly smaller and are peaking on 70 count. Dakota Crip (Chipping variety) is available out of both Idaho and Washington till around April. Limited truck available is the main issue.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Russet Potatoes will be in peak season till late March

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

Bakersfield California - the red, white, and gold potato markets are steady along with supplies. All colors continue to peak on A size. Remember to plan ahead as this product is transferred down from Washington and the holidays will tighten up trucks. 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 availability is off this week due to limited run-time but we should supplies return to normal next week. The quality is good.
Western Washington - reds and golds are all steady and continue to peak on A size. Storage supplies will remain steady but we could see some small manifest holes due to limited pack-time around the holiday. 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. Supplies will remain steady but expect lighter availability this week due to limited pack-time. The quality has been good.
Wisconsin - reds and golds are steady and both are peaking on A-size. Expect limited availability this week due to the holiday. The quality has ranged from fair to good.
Canada - reds, golds, and whites are steady on all sizes. Sacks are more available while cartons are limited. The quality has been good.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Bakersfield, CA Steady Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady Good
Plover, WI Steady Fair
Red River Valley, ND Steady Good
Mount Vernon, WA Steady Good
Squash (Western)

Supply on yellow and Italian Squash have improved from last week. Quality and condition are very good. all sizes and grades are available. all varieties of hard squash are now in good supply loading in Nogales.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Sonora, Mexico Steady Excellent
Tomatoes (Eastern)

The market is steady/slightly lower and trending downward as supply continues to increase out of central Florida. Warm evenings during the growing cycle have cause fruit to color up sooner than the tomatoes have time to mature causing a stronger market for XL sizes holding prices steady from last week. With more abundance of smaller sized rounds, the market has softened slightly and expected to continue trending downward as harvests increase this week. Similar to rounds, the roma market is steady with supply increasing this week. An abundance of grape tomatoes are coming to market softening prices by dollars from last week although quality varies by grower. Cherry tomatoes have also become widely available and quality is reported to be excellent.

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

This time of year after California finishes the season, Mexico prepares for their winter crop to get underway in late December allowing Florida to be the prime suppler of gas green rounds in the US. Both Baja and eastern Mexico are continuing to work from acreage of vine ripe rounds with steady supply. Roma tomatoes that cross both AZ and TX have suffered reduced yield due to cool weather and rain but supply is improving this week as workers return to the fields to harvest. Grape tomatoes are increasing in production and the market is lower this week. More rain is in the forecast toward the end of the week but nothing significant enough to affect any major swings in price.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Baja California Sur, Mexico Steady Good
Jalisco, Mexico Steady Good

Things You Should Know

Apples
Washington shippers are still forced to sub up in sizing on many orders for 125 and smaller Golden delicious and Granny-smith apples. Expect this trend to continue for the remainder of the season.

New York is dealing on volume of smaller fruit this week.

Berries (Strawberries)
Supply remains limited. While demand has slowed over the holiday week, recent rains in CA further limited production and availability.



Cauliflower
We have had multiple arrival with black to brown discoloration upon arrival.

Celery
High heat and wind in the Yuma region could adversely impact the quality of the new crop celery.

Grapes (Green)
Domestic green grape supplies are very limited. Market prices are on the rise.

Lettuce Iceberg
Higher than normal seasonal heat and wind have led to serious quality issues in the Iceberg Lettuce out of Yuma.

Lettuce Leaf
The leaf and romaine from Yuma showing the effects of heat and wind.

Pears
Bartlett and D'anjou 110 size and smaller pears are limited.

Transitions and Temperatures

Berries (Blueberries)
Argentina production volume is slowing down but is quickly being replaced by increased production volume out of Chile.

Berries (Strawberries)
Fall planted Oxnard, California strawberries will begin production around the first and second week of December.

Plant City, Florida strawberry production has begun in a light way and will continue to increase over the coming weeks.

Grapes (Green)
Peruvian green grapes are available on the east coast. Markets are still firm. Chilean fruit expected to arrive on the west coast late December.

Cauliflower
We have finally transitioned from the Salinas Valley to Yuma AZ.

Broccoli
Even though we have started in Yuma AZ, we still have broccoli in Salinas CA.

Grapes (Red)
Peruvian fruit available on the east coast. Chilean product expected to arrive on the west coast by Christmas.

Kale
We have transitioned from Salinas CA to Yuma AZ, with little disruption in supplies.

Lettuce Leaf
Santa Maria finishing on leaf for the season with volume in Oxnard and the desert improving. The Imperial Valley is expected to start on their leaf around mid-December.

Bell Peppers (Western)
Western Bell Peppers in all colors will finish from Coachella Valley and transition to Northern Mexico (crossing in Nogales) by the first week in December. Heavier availability will be expected at that time with both field grown and green house varieties.

Lettuce Iceberg
We are fully transitioned into the Yuma region on Iceberg lettuce with the Imperial Valley projected to start about the middle of December.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Berries (Blueberries)
Peruvian production is hitting a second peak of the season and we'll see more Peruvian blueberries in the US markets through mid-December.

Potatoes
Russet Potatoes will be in peak season till late March

Onions
Northwest storage Onions are in Peak season

Apples
Washington, Michigan, and New York are in the peak of the apple season.

Pears
Washington pears are in the peak of the season.

Melon (Honeydew)
The desert is past it's peak and about finished for the season now.

Melon (Cantaloupe)
The desert is past it's peak and is going to be finished by the end of next week unless weather ends it sooner.

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