As transition continues from Salinas to Central Valley ,California and now to the Arizona deserts, supplies have been accessible but light. Yuma, AZ is expected to start next week while Salinas and Huron CA are forecast to go through mid November varying by shipper. Most growers are skeptical they’ll be able to cover contracts and are holding orders to 8-10 week averages . Quality in Salinas has been fair while Huron has been excellent. We expect Yuma to have variable size and quality to start as many fields experienced heavy rains and flooding last month. Prices have already spiked in anticipation and could head higher if demand improves although Processors will continue to have the largest impact on markets as they supplement supplies during the upcoming transition. Expect volatility to last through November. Las Cruces , NM production looks to improve next week as they move past fields that were affected by the same heavy flooding last month.
Mix Leaf
Romaine and especially Heart demand continues to be strong with steady supplies. Increase pressure from the rising iceberg market will pressure Romaine markets higher. Demand has improved from all parts of the country. Quality has varied with a return of seeder growth. Transition to the Southern CA , Arizona deserts will take place by the week of November 12th with only a handful of shippers .Expect similar allocation of Romaine through mid November. Green leaf and Red leaf demand has also started to improve and supplies will also be sporadic through transition.
Brussels Sprouts
Domestic production from Northern Coastal region continues to be strong. The market has held mostly steady although surging supplies ahead of Thanksgiving promotions have resulted in significant volume deals .A few quality issues from insect pressure remain but overall quality is good. Regional production continues from Eastern Canada for another week.
Celery
This market is gaining strength, resulting in higher pricing industry wide. Shorter days and colder nights are slowing production. Demand is increasing as customers begin stocking up for the holiday season. Expect strong markets to continue as demand increases in November. Quality remains very nice with very few issues to report. Salinas and Santa Maria are the main growing areas.
Strawberries
We have several areas in production at the moment. Salinas / Watsonville will continue to harvest through November or until our first major rain/freeze. The quality in this area is fair as we are approaching the end of the season. Market prices are lower than the other loading locations because of quality and the industry is transitioning south. I expect to see some aggressive spot buy opportunities in this area to help blow through some product over the next 2 weeks. Santa Maria continues with consistent harvest, but we will see volume start to trend down over the next 2 weeks as most shippers focus on moving production toward Oxnard. In Oxnard, we will see an increase in production over the next 3-4 weeks. Shippers are breaking into new crop and we expect quality to remain solid, barring any major weather events. Market prices in both Santa Maria and Oxnard seem to be in line and are slightly higher than Salinas/Watsonville. Finally, Mexico will slowly ramp up over the next 2 weeks. Most of this product will be sold out of McAllen, Yuma or transferred to the east coast. Market prices will be in line with Oxnard and quality is expected to be good. Florida production will start late November.
Raspberries
Consistent supplies, quality, and markets on raspberries. We have both Domestic and Mexican production currently. The domestic harvest will start to wind down, but Mexico will continue to improve. As we transition loading locations to Oxnard and Yuma, we do not foresee any disruption in supplies. McAllen is also an option for loading at this time. Market prices have been steady and will continue to be flat until we see our first peak in Mexico over the next 3 weeks.
Blueberries
Supplies are finally beginning to improve. On the east coast, we are seeing consistent arrivals of Peruvian and Argentinean fruit with good availability in Miami. Quality is being reported as good. Market prices have started to decline this week with good supplies expected for the weekend. We can expect to see more aggressive prices moving forward. On the west coast, air arrivals and transfers of import fruit are coming in on a regular basis. Although the volume is not as high as the east coast, we do expect to see better supplies and lower markets moving forward. Additionally, Central Mexico production is slowly ramping up. Most of this fruit is being sold out of McAllen with some transfers to California. Market prices are higher but will decline as production picks up over the next 2 weeks. Chilean production is expected for late November.
Blackberries
We are seeing a definite divide in supplies and price on blackberries. Due to the domestic harvest finishing up and the limited production in Mexico, supplies in California remain very limited this week. However, the fruit that is being harvested, is getting transferred to McAllen and sold at a much cheaper price than CA. As we wait for the effects of the storms from last week to wear off and production to increase, we can expect to see this split market. If loading in McAllen is an option, you will have the best chance of getting covered in full at a better price point. We expect supplies to improve over the next 2 weeks.
Cauliflower
We have seen a slight decrease in harvest volume this week and prices are up $2.00 – $3.00 from last week at this time. Markets look like they will remain at current trading levels going into next week. Quality has been fair, there is some light yellow cast showing as well as the occasional soft shoulder. We have not seen any brown spotting in recent inspections.
Broccoli
It is becoming a broken record but there is not much change expected in the market for the next 7 days. Supplies are matching demand and prices are really not fluctuating that much in either direction. Bunch followed by regular cut crowns are the most abundant. Short cut crowns are available but demanding $2.00 – $3.00 more than regular cuts. We have started shipping our “Shui Ling” crowns out of Central Mexico and are available for loading in Pharr, TX. This will be our first year shipping our ” Shui Ling Green” label. The product in this box will have slightly larger heads counting mainly 25-30 heads per carton. Quality on our first shipment was very nice.
Limes
The rains did come as forecasted and with these recent rains we should see a larger size profile in 2 weeks. The peak size is 230’s followed by 200’s . 175’s are more plentiful while 150’s and larger still tight. The market is mostly steady. Quality remains good.
Artichokes
Production continues steady with improving demand especially on the Heirloom variety. Most varieties currently are seeded or Thornless. at reduced prices. Production is peaking on Medium size profile.
Cantaloupes
The market went up this week on diminishing supplies. All traces of the Westside deal were gone. Mexico was going with lightish supplies and big sizes. Desert deal has started to ebb. Sizes in all areas are running large and peaking on jbo 9s with even some jbo 6s and some but not many regular 9s. 12s and smaller are virtually non- existent. Quality has improved but fruit still has a greenish cast however with less ground spots. Demand was still on the lackluster side but felt better as there was less product available. Offshore may have some arrivals in Florida Ports only by the weekend of 11/9 with some increased, but by no means robust volume the week of 11/15. It won’t be until after Thanksgiving that volume picks up with some other Caribbean basin areas start arriving. We don’t see any dramatic increases in demand, especially with higher prices, but the diminishing production could prices on a firm to upward trend pretty much through November.
Honeydews
Unlike cantaloupes, the honeydew market continued to struggle. Domestic supplies are moderate and scarring remains a problem. However Mexico production has been ample with quality better than domestic. Sizes have been running large in both areas peaking on jbo 5s with some jbo 4s, ample supplies of reg 5s and barely adequate supplies of 6s. Demand has been dreadful. Other than processing the retail business has been anemic in the face of unseasonability, cool and wet weather in delivered markets and consumers’ expectation of continued poor quality and appearance. Supplies should ebb along with the cantaloupes. Off shore dews production starts a week or so after their cantaloupes start. We see no dramatic increases in demand due to the same dynamic that has affected cantaloupes. We look for a dull but possibly rising market on honeydews by the end of next week or the following week.
Onions
We are well into the storage section of the Onion calendar. Washington is shipping Jumbo Yellow 50# bags at anywhere from $4.50 to $5.50 fob Othello WA. Red Jumbo 25# onions are in the $5.00-$6.00 range with deals being made on volume. Idaho and eastern Oregon seem to be holding in the $5.00 range and deals are being made on multiple load volume there also. Whites are in the 12.00-13.00 range ad seem to be holding steady.
Potatoes
Best deals on count cartons are running from as low as $6.50 on 40 count cartons all the way up to $8.00 to nine on 80,90,& 100’s. 10# poly and 5# poly are in the $6.00 to $7.00 range with bins growing in more popularity.
Transportation is still relative high now that flat bed trucks are not viable this time of year and reefers are in short supply…best bet is large rail or pigs for solid service.
Grapes
We continue to see excellent quality and supplies of all grapes. There are several varieties currently being harvested on the red and green seedless. All sizes are available. Market prices have remained flat with plenty of promotional opportunities and spot buys available.
Stone Fruit
The California stone fruit season is finishing up. Given the current demand, Black Plums should be available through early November with Red Plums going into late November. Quality on the remaining fruit seems to be strong. Prices have been steady and will continue to be flat as we finish up.
Green Onions
Production continues light with continued recent heavy rains further hampering harvest . Supplies are expected to remain tight through the month but should slowly improve with expected increase in demand next month.
Asparagus
Increased production from Western Mexico has started to materialize as rains fade and the market has eased. Many shippers are expecting good demand in anticipation of Holiday promotions. Quality has shown improvement. Production from Peru has also begun to increase. Prices are expected to firm during the Thanksgiving promotional season.
Lemons
From Mexico, the lemon crop is beginning to finish up. What has been crossing is mostly smaller sizes on the choice grade. The crop is heavy to the choice grade due to scarring. Demand exceeds supplies on 115’s and larger. From California, District 2 is in full swing while District 1 has started on a light way. Steady supplies of 115’s and smaller with 95’s and larger still limited. Prices seem to have stabilized at the current level. The exterior quality is very good.
Oranges
California Navels have started in a strong way. The fruit is testing very good on the sugar/acid test making for better tasting early fruit. Peak sizing is on 113/138/88’s. Expect a peak on smaller size profile for most of the Navel season. Market prices have moved down rapidly and there are volume deal on the small sizes of 138’s and 163’s.
Squash
Quality is improving out of Mexico. Rain related quality and availability issues from the previous weeks are beginning to clear up and getting back to normal. The market on yellow and Italian squash is easing and shippers are now looking to move product.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Cauliflower The market has been firm with lighter supplies due to cooler evenings. Quality has been good with some insect pressure in the hotter inland locations
Broccoli Production continues steady with a strong market. Demand has been steadily improving.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Green production continues to be light with improved demand. The markets are expected to advance with increased pressure from East coast demand. . Expect some volatility in supplies as we approach the Fall and “Homegrown ” production becomes scarce.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg as well as Romaine Production has been limited , mostly due to quality with heavy insect and mildew pressure. Expect markets to continue to advance as demand increases from the east. Supplies are expected to remain volatile through November.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Steady production and improving quality could help stabilize pricing especially heading into the Winter Citrus season . Mexico and Chile quality is still variable and supplies should hold steady with a higher percentage of fancy fruit expected. .
Oranges Navels have begun with improved supplies Expect prices to ease heading into the Winter Citrus season . sizing profile will likely remain smaller through November.
Limes: Supplies from Mexico have continuously been hampered by heavy rains. Quality has held steady despite weather interruptions. With no further rains forecast quality could improve in a couple weeks but continued small sizing profile.
Grapefruit: Production is light and desert supplies will be limited through November.
Mandarins: Limited Production has begun and is expected to ramp up in November although sizing nor volume is expected to fill Holiday demand . Time is running out to Reserve your promotional supplies for the Holidays.
OG Avocados
Mexico: Mexico production has improved although recent rains and upcoming weekend Holiday, Dia de Muertos, may ease supplies. Quality has been good although continuous rain has increased spotting or darkening skin. Promotional supplies are expected to be available through November. as well as off shore varieties.
California: Season will begin early 2019.
OG Grapes
Green & Red Central Valley supplies continue to be excellent along with outstanding quality. Specialty varieties , especially reds are exceptional size and brix levels.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot Production has been steady but excessive heat in the Central Valley most of the Summer has interrupted production , further hampering availability with advanced notice already required with current heavy demand.
Potato supplies will continue steady with most supplies moving into storage on Gold, Red and Russets.
Onion demand has been good and production is steady with improving demand. Quality has been very good The market continues to be strong, especially on Red and White.
OG Melons
OG Watermelons Production from Mexico (Nogales) has been improving although they have been hampered by continued rains throughout Mexico Supplies of the mini’s will remain limited as well.
OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews Production from the Southern desert and Mexico has been slow to start with intermittent rains from the remnants of Pacific Hurricanes.. After a long run of extremely high quality we are currently evaluating quality after heavy rains soaked the production area last week.
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