Weather Update
California – Strong onshore flow and moderate marine layer conditions keep overnight lows near normal. Look for temps this weekend to heat up in the mid-80s.
Mexico – Seasonal temps today will cool slightly on Thursday and then temps are likely to warm back up to above normal.
Florida – High pressure builds with clear to partly cloudy skies today. A weak cold front approaches tomorrow. Expect light, intermittent showers for central and northern Florida.
Arizona – Strong gusty winds up to 40-45mph will cool temps to seasonal averages today and tomorrow
Freight Update
Trucks remain tight in the Northwest, Idaho, and California. The national average on diesel remained steady and is currently at 3.129 per gallon.
Things You Should Know
Apples: Quality and supplies are good on all varieties, except smaller-sized Galas and Granny Smiths, where pricing will be higher. Smaller-sized Fujis are plentiful.
Asparagus: Supplies still consistent out of Mexico as well as Peru. Pricing and quality are good on all sizes.
Avocados: Market pricing has stabilized, but remains on the higher side due to strong retail and foodservice demand, particularly on 70 CT and smaller fruit, and #2-grade product. California’s harvest has ramped up.
Bell Peppers: California has begun harvesting Green Bells, and Mexico continues to produce steady supplies. Quality is very good in all colors.
Berries (Blackberries): Supplies are limited and will remain so for the next two weeks, due to previous cold weather now impacting Mexican harvests. Quality is good.
Berries (Blueberries): Both Mexico (cold temps) and Florida (heavy rains) are producing lighter yields. Supplies are expected to remain less than demand through April. Quality is good.
Berries (Raspberries): Supplies are limited and will remain so for the next two weeks, due to previous cold weather now impacting Mexican harvests. Quality is good.
Berries (Strawberries): Heavy demand and light harvests continue to keep supplies light and pricing higher, however quality remains good. Warmer weather is expected this week in California’s Oxnard and Salinas regions, which should speed up production and stabilize pricing over the next few weeks.
Broccoli: Supplies are abundant on bulk and processed product. Quality is very good.
Brussels Sprouts: Abundant supplies and very nice quality.
Carrots: Quality is good on all bulk and value-added product.
Cauliflower: Ample supplies in Santa Maria and Salinas. Market expected to stay steady.
Celery: California’s Oxnard and Santa Maria regions continue to produce abundant supplies of all sizes, with good quality, aside from slight seeder being reported. Distributors loading in Salinas are charged a transfer fee, but not when loading directly in southern California.
Citrus (Lemons): Quality is very good on all sizes, with 115/140/165 CT fruit the most plentiful.
Citrus (Limes): Supplies remain very limited, particularly on 175 CT and larger sizes. Pricing is higher and quality is good.
Citrus (Oranges): Quality is very good on all sizes, with 88 CT and larger fruit the most plentiful. Market pricing on 113 CT and smaller sizes is higher.
Cucumbers: Mexico’s Sonora harvest continues to be slow to ramp up, creating a small supply gap expected to last 1-2 weeks. Quality is good, pricing is higher.
Eggplant: Good quality and availability on all sizes and grades.
Garlic: Market is tightening up as California supplies are very tight. Look for Mexican and Argentina supplies to supplement for the next few months.
Grapes (Green): Quality remains mostly fair and pricing higher out of Chile, with a wide range of both. The market is expected to stabilize next week.
Grapes (Red): Quality is fair to good, and remains a more reliable option than Greens. Pricing is steady
Green Onions: Quality, availability and pricing is steady.
Kale: Salinas’ harvest is off to a slow start, with tight supplies and higher pricing. Quality is good.
Lettuce (Iceberg): Huron’s harvest will end in the next few weeks. Santa Maria and Salinas continue to produce good quality products. Quality is largely good, with some field-level mildew reported. Pricing is competitive.
Lettuce Leaf: Supplies are good on all bulk and processed product, particularly on Romaine Hearts. Production continues to be steady out of Santa Maria and Salinas Minor cases of tip burn, mildew, and insect activity are reported, with overall good quality. Pricing is steady.
Lettuce Tender Leaf: Salinas’ harvest continues to slowly improve. Pricing remains on the higher side, with good quality reported.
Melons (Cantaloupe): Pricing is steady, with the Eastern markets continuing to be slightly lower than the West. Quality is great, with Brix sweetness levels at 10% and up.
Melons (Honeydew): Imported product, like with Cantaloupe, is more plentiful in the East. Mexico’s harvest has improved, however, imported products may be light due to port delays. Domestic Honeydew should become available by mid to late April. Quality is good.
Melons (Watermelon): Offshore and Mexican harvests are still very light, particularly on Mini Seedless fruit. Quality is fair, but slowly improving, and pricing is higher.
Onions: Supplies will extend in the Northwest through May. Texas new crop product is available through May as well. California’s harvest will start April 25th. Quality is fair.
Pears: All varietals are running to larger sizes, as the season winds down from now through early May. Quality is good, pricing may be higher.
Pineapples: Quality is excellent and pricing is steady.
Potatoes: 80 CT and smaller Burbanks, and smaller #2 products, remain the best buys. 70 CT and larger are more scarce and expensive. Bite-sized colored potatoes are in a small gap, with the Northwest almost finished and California set to harvest in early May. Quality is good.
Squash: Supplies are abundant on both Yellow and Italian Zucchini. Quality and pricing are competitive and promotable.
Stone Fruit: Chile’s Stone Fruit season will end by the end of April, with domestic production expected to start with Apricots and Peaches at the same time. Quality is fair.
Tomatoes: Supplies continue to be terrific on all Rounds and Romas. Grape supplies are also good, and a better buy than Cherries. Growing conditions have been ideal in Mexico and Florida. Quality is good.
