WEATHER UPDATE
A cool low-pressure system stalls off the California coast this week. It will bring cooler temperatures and keep a continued marine layer along the coastal valleys. The low moves inland late this week with gradual warming over the weekend into next week. Isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms along with seasonal temperatures look to continue across Mexico through next week. A stationary front across Florida will bring moderate to heavy showers to most of the state mid-week winding down as we move into the weekend. A series of low-pressure systems move through next week with more showers and thunderstorms with a slight warming trend expected.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks are back on track and remain steady this week. Washington apple trucks are steady as well as Idaho potato trucks. The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is currently at $3.032 per gallon. California prices also remained steady and are currently at $3.94 per gallon. Crude oil dropped slightly and are currently at $54.62 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Apples: Washington Golden Delicious apples are extremely tight (not available) with light-volume Ginger Gold apples available next week.
Avocado (Califronia): As the month progresses, the industry will see a downward trend in volume.
Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts market continues to get stronger as fields are gapping and producing low yields due to internal decay.
Cherries: Washington cherries are done for the season.
Cilantro: Cilantro is in a demand exceed situation. The recent weather has hurt the yields out of the fields.
Grapes (Green): The recent heat wave caused some light amber color and softer berries, but these grapes are being separated. We expect good quality moving forward.
Grapes (Red): High temps caused some softer berries, but product is being priced accordingly. Good quality grapes are plentiful.
Onions: Markets are dropping as Northwest starts up for the season while California and New Mexico wind down.
Potatoes: Markets will remain active over the next 4-5 weeks. Supplies will be limited; especially larger sizes. Advanced lead time on russet orders crucial during this time period.
Potatoes (Colored): Color potato markets remain firm to slightly lower. B size, #2 reds and premium yellow are limited.
Stone Fruit: Smaller size fruit will become limited as school demand continues to pick up.
TRANSITIONS AND TEMPERATURES
Potatoes: New crop Idaho Norkotahs have started with limited volume. Kansas and Nebraska have started with light volume. Wisconsin will begin mid-August.
Potatoes (colored): Washington and Minnesota red and yellow potatoes along with Delaware reds have started. Wisconsin starting mid-August.
Onions: Northwest areas of Idaho/Oregon and Washington have started up and will increase in supply over the next several weeks.
Pears: CA Bartlett currently available. CA Bosc will be available next week, along with Asian pears.
A Peak at Peak Seasons
Berries (Blueberries): Blues are in peak season in several locations East and West.
