Weather Update
A couple of low-pressure systems move into California today and over the weekend with cold temperatures and moderate rain for much of the state. As these systems move east, cold air entrained in these systems will bring widespread freezing temperatures to the Southwestern Desert regions into the weekend. Another system looks to bring rain to the region early next week. Seasonal temperatures continue across Central Mexico with cooler temperatures across Sonora due to storm systems passing to the north. Florida will see cooler temperatures behind an exiting storm system with breezy conditions into the weekend. Another system brings widespread moderate to heavy showers to the state over the weekend with gradual warming next week.
Freight Update
California and Arizona trucks will be tighter than normal through the end of the year as drivers shut it down for the holidays. Washington apple trucks remain tight. Idaho onion and potato trucks are both extremely tight. The national average remained steady this week at 3.046 per gallon. California prices dropped slightly and are currently at $3.882 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at $60.51 per barrel.
What You Should Know
Apples: Cosmic Crisp will return in January. Please submit pre-book orders, but please keep expectations tempered as availability will be limited to case/pallet quantities.
Berries (Blueberries): Over production will cause flat markets moving into the weekend
Berries (Strawberries): Good weather conditions should start to increase yields slowly over the next few days moving into the weekend
Citrus (Limes): Expect lighter volumes for next few weeks due to the upcoming holidays. Harvest schedules and crews will be limited until the New year. Please send orders in advance.
Grapes (Green): Domestic fruit is still available on the west coast. Quality is fair. New import fruit is available on both coasts. Prices on import fruit are higher, but quality is much better.
Grapes (Red): Domestic red grapes are our only option on the west coast at this time. Very limited supplies of Peruvian fruit are available on the east coast. Prices on import fruit are much higher. We expect better supplies and prices by January.
Melon (Honeydew): Guatemalan growers facing production issues. Honeydews will be limited until Honduras gets going in January.
Onions: Medium sizes moving higher with holiday retail demand.
Pears: The season for Bartlett pears is coming to an end for most shippers. Please know that shelf-life will be reduced and will require quick turnaround once received.
Potatoes: Larger sizes and #2 grade remain limited. Lead time needed on all russet orders; up to 7 days advised.
Potatoes (Colored): Holiday demand heavy towards red potatoes; markets moving higher.
Stone Fruit: New Chilean fruit is finally arriving. Quality is excellent and prices are firm. Better availability is expected as we move forward.
Tomatoes (Western): The recent storms in Mexico were significant weather systems that have devastated multiple areas of Mexico. Western Supply Extremely Short. Demand exceeds Supply.
Transitions & Temperatures
Celery: Yuma will start production late December.
Berries (Strawberries): New crop Oxnard product is right around the corner with many shippers projecting start dates at the beginning of the new year
Grapes (Red): Chilean harvest is expected to start in early January.
Grapes (Green): Peruvian grapes available now. Chile is expected to start early January.
A Peek at Peak Seasons
Onions: Storage onions are in peak season with excellent supply and quality!
