MARKET REPORT – December 11th
WEATHER UPDATE
A series of weak storm systems move into Central California with cooler temperatures and possible drizzle. Strong winds and cooler temperatures are expected across Southern California and the Southwestern Desert regions early next week as systems pass to the north. Seasonal temperatures and generally dry conditions are expected across Mexico through next week. A frontal boundary brings scattered showers to Florida mid-week followed by a stronger system across Northern Florida over the weekend. Mild and dry conditions to follow into next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California and Arizona trucks look to be steady and available for the next few weeks. Washington apple trucks are tight as Christmas trees have started. Idaho onion and potato trucks are both extremely tight. The national average remained steady this week at 3.049 per gallon. California prices dropped slightly and are currently at $3.904 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $58.56 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Apples: The highly sought after Cosmic Crisp apple was gone before it was here. With its December 'release party', many shippers were sold out within days due to the minimal amount of bins to pack. January will bring another round of availability, but expectations need to be tempered as the volume will strongly resemble that of December.
Avocado (Mexican): 48's and larger remain limited out of Mexico for the month of December.
Berries (Blueberries): Good availability will keep the markets flat
Berries (Raspberries): Over production will continue to weaken markets on this item
Berries (Strawberries): Strawberries remain extremely tight as we move through the water related issues out West
Carrots: West coast jumbo carrots remain light in supply.
Grapes (Green): Domestic fruit is limited and quality is poor. I suggest transitioning to import for quality. Import fruit is available but more expensive. Better availability and prices are expected by the end of the month.
Grapes (Red): Domestic fruit is steady but quality is diminishing. Import fruit is now available in limited volumes, but prices are higher. We expect better availability by January.
Pears: Many small shippers will be done for the season, this month, on Bartlett pears; leaving the larger shippers to shoulder all volume through the first week of January.
Potatoes: Larger sizes and #2 grade remains limited. Lead time needed on all russet orders; up to 7 days advised.
Stone Fruit: First arrivals of Chilean fruit expected later this week.
Tomatoes (Western): The recent storms in the west were significant weather systems that have devastated multiple areas of Mexico. Western Supply Extremely Short. Demand exceeds Supply.
TRANSITIONS AND TEMPERATURES
Celery: Yuma is expected to have production in a few weeks.
Grapes (Green): Peruvian green grapes arrivals are increasing every week. Better supplies are expected by the end of the month. Chilean fruit is expected to start in January.
Grapes (Red): Light volumes of Peruvian red grapes are arriving sporadically. Volume will increase as we move forward.
Stone Fruit: New arrivals of Chilean peaches and nectarines will increase as we move forward. Plums are expected in January.
A Peak at Peak Seasons
Berries (Strawberries): Better volume is expected out of Central Mexico and Florida over the next several weeks
Onions: Storage onions are in peak season with excellent supply and quality!