The Source - November 6, 2019

Weather Update

High pressure out west will keep the region well above seasonal averages into mid-November. Near to slightly above normal temperatures and dry conditions look to continue across Mexico into next week. A couple of cold fronts move through Florida with moderate showers this week with cooler temperatures behind these systems next week.

Freight Update

California and Arizona trucks remain plentiful again this week. Washington apple trucks are steady as well as Idaho potato and onion trucks. The national average remained steady this week at 3.062 per gallon. California prices remained steady as well and are currently at $4.011 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $57.66 per barrel.

Commodity Updates (Click row for summary) Expand All

Apples

EASTERN REGION:

Steady go on apples. Heading into November, we have seen some smaller, regional shippers end their harvest last week with others finishing this week. With no CA (controlled atmosphere) program, they will sell what they have left and be done for the season, which should lessen the number of apples available in the pipeline. Larger shippers with CA programs will have product available and keep markets steady. All in all, there will be plenty of apples available and quality is strong.

WESTERN REGION:

Washington

Last week, I mentioned that the Northwest was hit by freezing temps and volumes on some late season new crop varieties (Pink Lady, Braeburn, Lady Alice, Jazz, Envy, and Granny Smith) will be affected. Most shippers are done with harvest and were forced to leave fruit on the trees. Early estimations have losses at 10 million cases, which equates to roughly 5% total volume for the Northwest. These same reports assert that Pink Lady apples were impacted the most and will command significantly higher prices in the months to come.

The November 2019 storage report—to be released December 6—will provide a true assessment of case loss on all varieties. The fallout won’t be felt until the ladder part of the storage season late Spring/early Summer 2020.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Hudson/Pleasant Valley/Red Hook, NY Steady Excellent
Peru, NY Steady Excellent
Milton, NY Steady Excellent
Coopersville/Belding/Sparta, MI Steady Excellent
Aspers/Gardners, PA Steady Excellent
Sacramento, CA Steady Excellent
Stockton, CA Steady Excellent
Asparagus

Production from Southern Baja should be wrapped up by the middle of next week. Ciudad Obregon and Northern Baja have started slowly. We should see better volume in about 2-3 weeks from these 2 regions. Volume dropped a little from both regions in Peru (Ica/Trujillo) due to field transition. We should see an increase in about 10 days. Small size asparagus is still an issue due to pricing. Volume remains excellent on the larger sizes and should continue until production slows down in December. Markets on both coasts are steady with good movement on all sizes.

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

The growing region of Michoacan Mexico continues to get hit with mild to intense rains, which could limit harvest. Harvest from Mexico remains steady and consistent leading to a stable market. There is still a significant price spread between large fruit (48's and larger) and small fruit (60's and smaller). We are seeing better volume on large-sized fruit in the weekly pack-outs. Chilean fruit is available and in the pipeline, but the demand is just not there.

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

Green bell pepper is over the peak in Georgia and South Carolina. Florida is just starting with a few shippers. Georgia still has good quality and decent volume. The volume will continue to decline but growers can continue to harvest through the month if the weather holds out. South Carolina is coming to the end of their season and a few quality issues are starting to pop up. A few growers in Florida have started harvesting for the season and volume is very light and will continue to be light until the third week of November. Quality in Florida has been good but sizing is on the smaller side due to very high temperatures during the growing season. Demand has been better for the past week and pricing has gotten slightly higher. Much cooler temperatures in Georgia have slowed harvest but the quality will be better this week because of it.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Green Bell pepper is transitioning to Florida.

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

Green Bell
Light supplies Green Bell pepper continue to be harvested in the Oxnard, Hollister, and Stockton California area. Mostly choice grade peppers are being packed from these districts. Quality on green bell pepper from these growing areas is mostly fair. New crop green bell pepper has also started in the Coachella Valley this week. Bell pepper being packed in Coachella this week is mostly medium size with few large and Extra-large size. Few green bell pepper is also crossing through Nogales this week from Sonora, Mexico. Quality from the Coachella Valley and Sonora, Mexico are both good. The Green bell pepper market is steady this week. Moderate supplies of green pepper also available to load McAllen, Texas.

Red Bell
Very light supplies of red bell pepper are being harvested in Hollister and Oxnard this week. Supplies from Oxnard and Hollister are expected to finish this week. Quality from these two areas is fair. New crop red bell pepper from the Coachella Valley are expected to start within 7 days. Light supplies of Mexican Hot House bell pepper are also crossing through Nogales, AZ this week. The market on red bell pepper has increased this week with lighter supplies. Moderate supplies of Red bell pepper also available to load in McAllen, TX.

Yellow Bell
Very light supplies of yellow bell pepper are available to load in Los Angeles, CA. Light supplies of Yellow bell peppers are expected through the week. Light supplies of Yellow Mexican Hot House Bell pepper are also crossing through Nogales, AZ this week. The Market on yellow bell peppers has increased due to lighter supplies. Moderate supplies of Mexican Yellow Hot house bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Blackberries) Alert

Blackberries continue to be in light supplies but the volume is not far away according to most shippers. Central Mexico and Baja California are recovering from some rain issues but the volume should begin to pick back up in the next few weeks. Quality has been fair with red cell and leakers being reported. Look for the market to remain snug with slightly higher prices moving into the weekend.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Light numbers are still in effect with some shippers .

Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady/Higher Fair
Berries (Blueberries)

Blueberries are coming from several Central and South American locations. Mexico is crossing into the US through Texas and Arizona. Peruvian and Uruguayan blues are being shipped via ocean containers and hitting the Western and Easter Seaboards in the U.S. Quality has been good. The market remains steady with some deals being made to keep product moving.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Excellent
Southern Chile Steady Excellent
Salto, Uruguay Steady Excellent
Berries (Raspberries)

Raspberries are in fairly good supplies coming mostly out of Baja California and Central Mexico. West Coast production was stifled early with the recent heat we experienced the week before last. The market is steady with a lower trend for some shippers. Quality has been good with most lots coming out of mostly Mexico.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Central Mexico Steady Good
Baja, Mexico Steady Good
Berries (Strawberries) Alert

Strawberries have been active of late with the Salinas/Watsonville areas finishing in the next 2 weeks for the most part. The weather has cooled down and while improving the quality in Santa Maria and Oxnard it has also reduced yields driving prices up. Look for these prices to remain firm moving into the weekend with slightly higher undertones. The Mexican berry season is beginning to export more fruit into the U.S under several labels. The quality is good so far and numbers should increase as we move forward into the month. Demand is good and shippers are reporting decent quality on advanced bookings for the next few weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Market is active

Transitions:
We are moving out of the Salinas Watsonville area over the next week or two

Peak Seasons:
Santa Maria is past peak numbers and will steadily decline in the upcoming weeks. Oxnard will begin to pick up numbers mid December and into January

Growing Region Market Quality
Santa Maria, CA Steady/Higher Good
Oxnard, CA Steady/Higher Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady/Higher Good
Watsonville, CA Steady/Higher Good
Broccoli

The Broccoli market continues to come off as supplies and yields have started to pick up with the recent warmer weather. This is certainly helping with the supply of Crowns and Florets. Quality has slightly improved with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for Broccoli to continue to adjust going into next week.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
McAllen, TX Lower/Steady Good
Salinas Valley, CA Lower/Steady Good
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Lower/Steady Good
Brussels Sprouts

The brussels sprouts market continues to stay mostly steady. There is still some internal decay, causing slightly lower yields. Look for the Brussels sprouts market to continue to adjust slightly higher going into next week.

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

Carrots are still a steady go and the open market Jumbo pricing is fairly high on the West coast but availability will remain steady. The Mexican Jumbo carrot market remains fairly steady as shippers wait for the east coast local storage carrots to clean up at the end of December. Quality is good in all areas.

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

The cauliflower market continues to ease up. Cauliflower does remain on the tighter side with some suppliers as they are seeing lower yields and even skipping a few days of harvest to size up the cauliflower. This is causing suppliers to struggle on Cauliflower Florets as there is not enough raw product. The quality is fair with a bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for the market to continue to adjust going into next week.

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

The celery market continues to gain strength. Expect demand to be strong until the week of the Thanksgiving holiday. Santa Maria/Oxnard, as well as Salinas, is the main growing regions. Mexico has had decent production as well. Salinas will finish up approximately the third week in November. Santa Maria and Oxnard will have production throughout this year but expect demand to exceed supplies over the next few weeks. The quality of this commodity continues to be above average. Common defects being reported to include mechanical, insect damage and leafy tops, along with slight bowing. Weights are being reported at 48-56 pounds.

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

Jalapenos- Moderate supplies of Jalapeno are available to load in Los Angeles from Baja California. Jalapeno quality from Baja is fair. Jalapeno size being harvested in Baja, California is mostly medium with few large. Jalapeno from Santa Maria has finished this week. Light supplies of jalapeno from Sonora have also started this week. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Pasilla- Good supply of Pasilla peppers available to load in Los Angeles from Mexico this week. Pasilla continues to be harvested in Baja California. Quality on Pasilla from this region is good. Size on the pepper is mostly medium to large. Pasilla peppers from Santa Maria have finished this week. The pasilla market has increased this week with lighter supplies. Pasilla from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Anaheim- Moderate supply of Anaheim continues to be available to load in Los Angeles from Baja California this week. Quality from Baja is mostly good. Light supplies of Anaheim peppers are being harvested in Sonora, Mexico this week. The Anaheim pepper market is currently steady and is expected to increase slightly towards the end of the week. Anaheim from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.

Serrano – Good supplies of Serrano peppers available to load in Los Angeles, from Mexico. Supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week. Supplies currently meet demand. Serrano supplies also crossing through McAllen, Texas.

Tomatillo – Husk tomatillos are available to load in Los Angeles, from Mexico. Quality of husk variety is good. Good supplies on husk tomatillos are expected to continue. Market on both peeled and husk tomatillo is steady. Both husk and peeled tomatillo are available to load in McAllen, TX

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady/Higher Good
Cilantro

The cilantro market continues to stay steady as the Santa Ana winds last week have caused lower yields due to quality issues. The cilantro quality is fair with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to adjust going into next week.

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

Domestic lemon supplies on sizes 75ct – 115ct continue to be tight industry-wide and are expected to improve in a few weeks out of the Southern California/ desert area. Supplies on small sizes are steady and the market is slightly softening up on those particular sizes. The majority of orders are being booked out of the District 3 (Coachella/Mecca/Yuma) area as supplies continue to improve weekly. Current markets remain steady with good quality.

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

Overall the Mexican lime market has decreased due to excess rain in the Mexican growing regions. The lime market will begin to see a shift in the crop's size distribution towards mid/large-sized fruit due to rain. Small sizes will become scarce as a lot of growers have not been able to harvest due to the rains. The market will remain firm until crossings normalize, but projections in Mexico indicate that we likely won't see relief until January.

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

California Navels are in full swing with good supplies to start. The early fruit will need a few gas hours, but the overall natural color in the first bins look good. Brix of the first cuts was 11+ and the feedback on quality is positive. With cooler temperatures this week, we should see even better color and brix as suppliers continue to harvest. This week will be another big week of harvest and production and we should start seeing better supplies to push. The market felt strong for the first week, but we anticipate markets to settle as more supplies hit the industry. On specialty citrus, California grapefruit is improving out of the southern California districts, and CA Mandarins are coming along nicely, please reach out if you have any questions.

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

Cucumbers in Georgia are winding down for the season, cooler temperatures this week have slowed production and more cold temperatures early next week could end the cucumber season in Georgia. Central and Southwest Florida are starting to harvest a steady volume of cucumbers. Quality on the early product was fair and light-colored from very warm temperatures during the growing season is the primary issue. Quality in Georgia is still good. Color is excellent but supply has gotten sporadic. Growers in the southeast region of Florida will start in a week or 10 days. There is not much acreage left in that part of Florida but the quality is generally good and it helps bridge the gap between domestic cucumbers and the import season from Honduras.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Cucumbers are in Transition to Florida.

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

Cucumber supplies shipping from San Diego and being harvested in Baja California are expected to finish within a week from most growers. Limited pack styles being packed from Baja where quality is fair at best. Good supplies of cucumber continue to be harvested in Sonora, Mexico and supplies are expected to increase. Cucumber quality from the Sonora district is good on all pack styles. The market on West Coast cucumber remains steady this week and is expected to continue. Moderate supplies of Mexican cucumbers are crossing through McAllen.

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

There are still steady supplies in Georgia but the volume is getting ready to decrease and with cold temperatures coming to the region. Look for volume to decrease quickly. Quality is still good and growers are getting a higher percentage of choice product. Demand has gotten better with very little competition from other regions in the east. Central Florida is just starting for the season with very light volume and supplies will stay tight until the middle of the month. We expect supplies to decline through the week and pricing could get higher.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Eggplant is starting to transition to Florida.

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

Moderate supplies of eggplant are available to load in Los Angeles, CA. Domestic eggplant continues to be harvested in the Oxnard and Hollister growing districts. Mostly 24ct eggplant currently being packed from these areas. Quality of domestic eggplant is mostly fair. Light supplies of eggplant continue to be available to load in Nogales, AZ. Mostly 18ct eggplant crossing through Nogales. Quality is fair to good on eggplant crossing through Nogales.

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

Not much change this week. The domestic green grape season is expected to end earlier than normal. Most shippers are utilizing storage crop already. The remaining fresh harvest grapes are diminishing in quality quickly. We have seen several reports of dark color, soft and wet berries and early decay. Moving forward, we expect to use only storage crop. However, in an effort to make the storage crop last as long as possible, shippers will raise prices and slow movement. Although we can expect decent quality now on storage crops, we may encounter issues as we get into mid-November. Import fruit is expected to trickle in by early December on the east coast. Markets will be higher at first. Overall, we can expect to see lighter supplies and higher prices throughout the month of November.

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

Not much change this week. Red grape supplies will remain steady through November. Some growers are starting to pack for storage crops now. The weather is starting to cool down and they will want to get all the best fruit off the vine and into a controlled environment. Quality has been solid with very little negative feedback. Markets have been fairly steady, but are now starting to climb. As we look out over the next several weeks, we expect supplies of storage crop to remain good. Quality should hold up and market prices will gradually continue to climb. We may see a tiered market later in November between storage crop and fresh harvest; depending on weather and quality.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Delano, CA Higher Good
Fresno, CA Higher Good
Green Onions

The green onion market continues to lower with the increase in supply from the recent warm weather. Quality is good with occasional leaf minor. The market will continue to stay steady going into next week.

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

The kale market continues to remain steady as supplies continue to stay plentiful. Quality is good with full bunches and an occasional yellow leaf being reported due to the recent warm weather.

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

This commodity is winding down in Salinas and Huron. Production is light in Yuma. Salinas and Huron are expected to go thru next week, weather permitting. More suppliers are expected to begin production the second week in November in Yuma, Santa Maria has light production as well. The weather continues to be in the 70's and lows in the 40's in the growing regions. Production in Salinas, as well as the other growing regions, have had issues. Common defects reported include misshapen heads, lightweights, mildew outer leaves, mechanical and ribbing. Weights on wrap have been 33-37 pounds. Escalated pricing on value-added lettuce items is currently off.

- pa_admin

Transitions:
Yuma has begun production. Other areas of production are Huron, Salinas and Santa Maria.

Growing Region Market Quality
Salinas Valley, CA Higher Fair
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Higher Fair
Lettuce Leaf

The romaine market is very active. Expect the harvesting of this commodity to be light for the entire week and likely next week as well. Demand exceeds supplies. Although escalated pricing on all value-added romaine products is not in play now, expect escalators by the middle of next week. Romaine hearts continue to have minimal availability and this will continue for a few weeks as well. Yields simply are winding down in California. Weights on romaine are reported between 25-30 pounds. Defects include mechanical, mildew, insect damage and light weights. Green and red leaf have similar issues as romaine. Weights are reported at 16-20 pounds. Yuma has small production now and a better number is expected next week as more shippers will be harvesting in this growing region.

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

Tender Leaf market continues to stay steady as supplies have adjusted back to normal. Curly parsley, spinach, and arugula are now at a steady supply going into next week. Quality is good with occasional yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Oxnard/Santa Maria, CA Steady Good
Salinas Valley, CA Steady Good
Melon (Cantaloupe) Alert

Arizona-
Not much change here. Supplies continue to be a challenge. The desert has been battling abnormal weather conditions from the start. Early season rain and hail storms were a huge setback and the crops never fully recovered. With the cold front that hit last week, yields will continue to decrease drastically. The forecast last week called for unseasonably low temps in the 40’s and, highs reaching 70’s to low 80’s. High winds were also a factor reaching up to 50 mph. Overall quality is just okay with reports of scarring, bruising and some discoloration. Market fruit is very limited and inventories are rapidly diminishing. Demand is very strong and has outpaced the harvest. This is an industry-wide shortage.

Mexico-
The same storm that hit the desert over a month ago and also swept through the growing region of Sonora. Rain and hail storms have left Mexican growers with extremely low yields, while others lost their entire crop. Hermosillo is off to a slow start on production with very low volume. Guaymas will ramp up production in the coming week. A heavy percentage of fruit is showing extremely low brix levels. Fruit with low brix levels will not cross into the US. The month of November will be a challenge as we await offshore arrivals to provide relief (Mid to late November).

- pa_admin

Alerts:
The month of November will be a challenge as we await for offshore arrivals to provide relief.

Transitions:
With the desert tapering off, we will begin to transition into offshore fruit. Arrivals are expected to hit the US next week in a light way.

Growing Region Market Quality
Yuma, AZ Higher Fair
Maricopa, AZ Higher Fair
Hermosillo, Mexico Higher Fair
Melon (Watermelon)

Good supplies of watermelon continue to be harvested in Sonora, Mexico. The seedless watermelon market is currently steady and is expected to remain steady throughout the week. Watermelon quality from Sonora is good. Both cartons and 2/3 bins are being packed from the Sonora, Mexico district.

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

Onion markets are steady to slightly lower with plentiful supplies in all regions. Idaho/Oregon quality is excellent. Washington, Utah, and Colorado are producing all three colors with good availability. Demand is picking up for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday and might see a slight bump in markets but overall supplies will remain good throughout November.

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

Washington:
All pears are off the trees and into ‘the barn’ (storage). Bartletts, Anjous, and Bosc, are available.
Red pears (Starkrimson, Red Anjou) are available in ½ and full cartons. Markets are steady and quality is excellent.
Specialty varieties—such as Seckel, Forelle, Comice, and Asian—are also available. Quality is excellent.

California:
With mostly larger sizes remaining (70ct-100ct), the California pear season is just about over with most shippers done for the season and some selling from storage inventory (Bartletts). This time of year, be wary of quality as Bartlett pears tend to quickly ripen; therefore, reducing shelf life.

ASIAN PEARS are available; 10ct-24ct (1 and 2-layer) available to load in the San Joaquin Valley. Smaller sizes (66ct-96ct, 3-layer) are sporadic in availability, so please inquire about availability.

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

Pineapple supplies out of the east coast continue to be snug on the crowned fruit. This is normal around this time of year supplies seem to lighter. On the west coast, supplies are steady. Markets out of both coasts remain fair and demand continues to be strong. Quality has improved and we’re hearing positive feedback.

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

Idaho russet potato markets continue to rise on all sizes and grades. More Burbanks are coming available but supplies are limited and commanding higher pricing over Norkotahs. Limited production is down to 4 days per week to extend the storage crop potato season along with increased demand for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday is tightening up supply. Consumer packs are limited and larger size potatoes are sporadic. It is highly advised to provide up to 7 business days' lead time to make every attempt to cover orders on a timely basis. Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin markets are steady to slightly higher. Demand is increasing for non-Idaho potatoes and will continue to push those markets as well. Expect limited supplies and rising markets as we move through the holiday demand for the next 3 weeks.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Active markets in Idaho. Burbanks available with limited supply. Advanced lead time on russet orders is necessary.

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

Color potato markets in the Northwest regions of Idaho and Washington are holding steady while North Dakota's Red River Valley and Wisconsin continue to inch up. Crop loss is significant (upwards of 40-50%) in North Dakota and Wisconsin; in particular red potatoes. Demand will increase over the next few weeks for the Thanksgiving holiday and begin to push markets higher. Size B red potatoes are expected to become the tightest item for color potatoes and will see markets soar in the coming weeks ahead. Best quality color potatoes can be found in Mt Vernon, WA which is also being shipped out of the Bakersfield area of California.

- pa_admin

Alerts:
Demand increasing for upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Markets expected to rise. Red B potatoes will become limited.

Growing Region Market Quality
Mount Vernon, WA Steady Excellent
Pasco/Tri-Cities, WA Steady Good
Rupert to Rexburg, ID Steady Good
Red River Valley, ND Higher Good
Plover, WI Higher Good
Squash (Eastern)

Squash is in peak season in central and south Florida. Georgia is still shipping product but supplies are getting sporadic. With cool temperatures this week and more coming this weekend. Squash season in Georgia is coming to an end. Central and South Florida are shipping steady supplies of good quality products. Supplies on zucchini are a little tighter than yellow squash but both colors are producing well. Homestead, Florida is just getting started with a few growers harvesting, this is the largest squash region in Florida and most growers there will not start for another week.

- pa_admin

Peak Seasons:
Squash is in peak season.

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

Light supplies of Italian and Yellow S/N squash available to load from the California growing district this week. Soft squash supplies from California are expected to finish by this week. Quality on soft squash from this district is fair. Good supplies of Italian and Yellow S/N continue to cross through Nogales, AZ from Sonora, Mexico. Mostly Extra Fancy and Fancy sizes being currently being harvested on both varieties. Steady supplies expected throughout the week. The soft squash market remains steady this week. Quality from Sonora is good on all pack styles. Light supplies of soft squash continue to cross through McAllen, TX.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Northern Baja California Norte, Mexico Steady Fair
Central Sonora, Mexico Steady Good
Stone Fruit

Not much change this week. The domestic stone fruit season is done except for black plums. Although there are some red plums floating around, the quality is fair and I would recommend sticking with the black varieties for the rest of the season. Black plum harvest should last through mid-November (barring any major freeze). Quality on the blacks is expected to remain good. Market prices are climbing and are expected to remain higher as we finish the season. Import stone fruit is expected to start in early December on the east coast.

Region – Madera south to Arvin
Market – Higher
Quality – Good

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

Quincy Florida has begun wrapping up where harvests have been light, and quality has been mixed. The Palmetto/Ruskin districts are coming into better volume this week expediting the transition further south where quality is better. Round tomato volume is beginning to build, and sizing is also evening out. Similarly, roma availability has contracted though the start of transition and supply will remain on the lighter side as Mexico becomes the main growing region for Fall/Winter. Grape tomatoes have returned to seasonal lows with plenty of availability. Favorable weather is allowing the snacking category to flourish, and without and significant storm damage to the State as in recent years, the crop is looking strong with no supply concern for the immediate future.

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

California has finished for the season and western demand is now focused on Mexico where growing volume is helping to soften markets. Roma tomatoes have been tight but forecasted to continue improving with new farms beginning in Eastern and Central Mexico. Grape and cherry tomatoes are mostly steady out of Baja and Central Mexico with more growers harvesting in the next couple of weeks. Baja, Central Mexico, and Eastern Mexico will become the western focal point until Sinaloa begins harvesting in mid to late December.

- pa_admin
Growing Region Market Quality
Southern Baja California Sur, Mexico Lower/Steady Good
Southern Nayarit/Sinaloa, Mexico Lower/Steady Good

Things You Should Know

Berries (Blackberries)
Light numbers are still in effect with some shippers .

Berries (Strawberries)
Market is active

Melon (Cantaloupe)
The month of November will be a challenge as we await for offshore arrivals to provide relief.

Potatoes
Active markets in Idaho. Burbanks available with limited supply. Advanced lead time on russet orders is necessary.

Potatoes (colored)
Demand increasing for upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Markets expected to rise. Red B potatoes will become limited.

Transitions and Temperatures

Lettuce Iceberg
Yuma has begun production. Other areas of production are Huron, Salinas and Santa Maria.

Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is starting to transition to Florida.

Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are in Transition to Florida.

Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green Bell pepper is transitioning to Florida.

Berries (Strawberries)
We are moving out of the Salinas Watsonville area over the next week or two

Melon (Cantaloupe)
With the desert tapering off, we will begin to transition into offshore fruit. Arrivals are expected to hit the US next week in a light way.

A Peak at Peak Seasons

Squash (Eastern)
Squash is in peak season.

Berries (Strawberries)
Santa Maria is past peak numbers and will steadily decline in the upcoming weeks. Oxnard will begin to pick up numbers mid December and into January

Want to receive our most recent market reports by email as soon as they're released?
Click here to sign up
Back to Top