Weather Update
California – Warming trend starts tomorrow going into next week. Santa Ana winds across southern California may reach up to 35 mph.
Mexico – Slightly below normal temps through Sunday but morning lows with warm this weekend reducing the risk of frost.
Florida – System coming through Central to Southern Florida bringing scattered light to moderate showers. This will be followed with a cold frontal passage Friday evening with more showers.
Arizona – Unseasonably hot towards the end of the week with record highs due to a strong pressure ridge setting in. Look for temps to reach the mid 80s Thursday/Friday.
Freight Update
Trucks are steady in the Northwest, Idaho, and California. The national average remained steady at 2.670 per gallon.
Things You Should Know
Apples: Small Grannys and Galas, Large Reds and Large Golds are tight. Market is steady.
Asparagus: Supplies continue to struggle coming out of both Peru and Mexico. Supplies should start getting better next week with Caborca ramping up.
Avocados: Market is steady and demand is good. US inventories are healthy and plenty of fruit in the pipeline.
Bell Peppers: Stronger markets on bell peppers due to cooler weather in Sonora and lighter production, especially on red and yellow bell peppers. Green bells are producing decent volumes.
Berries (Blackberries): Market remains steady on this item although transfer trucks have caused some loading delays with slightly lighter numbers.
Berries (Blueberries): Market remains steady, fruit is coming from Central Mexico and imports from Peru, Chile, and Argentina. Long beach port is still experiencing several day delays in container unloading availability is spotty at times.
Berries (Raspberries): Market remains steady on this item although transfer trucks have caused some loading delays with slightly lighter numbers similar to the blackberries.
Berries (Strawberries): The market is very firm with shippers holding customers to averages and not taking on new business. This trend will last through the end of the month. Cooler temperatures in all three growing regions is resulting in lower yields across the board.
Broccoli: Plenty of supplies coming out of Santa Maria and Yuma. Market to stay steady going into the weekend.
Brussels Sprouts: Market continues to be steady on the higher side. Market to stay steady into the weekend.
Carrots: The carrot market demand is very strong, especially on snack packs with supplies being are very tight. Markets remain stable and supplies are steady on cellos, and jumbos. We have light supplies out of Georgia as well if you have any interest.
Cauliflower: Plenty of supplies to go around. Market to remain steady going into the weekend.
Celery: This market continues to be in a demand exceeds supply situation. This will continue for the entire week. fusarium has stunted the growth and production of this commodity with most shippers, both in Yuma and southern California. Pith is being reported and most sizing is on the small side, thirty six counts and smaller. Escalated pricing on value added celery is escalated and this will continue for a few weeks minimum.
Citrus (Lemons): Supplies and quality is looking steady on small sizes. 115’s and larger are still holding firm and active. Please reach out for any advance prices.
Citrus (Limes): The lime market is active and firming up on prices due to rain in the growing regions. We need orders in advance for better coverage.
Citrus (Oranges): Navel supplies on 88’s and smaller are tightening up. We’re seeing strong demand due to schools starting back up. Please place orders in advance for better coverage.
Cucumbers: Cooler weather in Sonora is hampering production and we are seeing stronger markets as a result. Condition has been solid.
Eggplant: Decent supplies and lower demand are off setting lower production from cool temps in growing regions. Some opportunity buys on #2 product.
Garlic: Steady supplies are keeping this market level.
Grapes (Green): Only talking about Imports now. Market steady with supplies on both coasts.
Grapes (Red): Only talking about Imports now. Market steady with supplies on both coasts.
Green Onions: Supplies out of Mexico are tighter as the cold weather is hampering growth. Watch for this market to stay strong going into the weekend.
Kale: Supplies continue to stay steady keeping this market steady.
Lettuce (Iceberg): The market is up with most shippers but only slightly. Demand is moderate. Common defects being reported include freeze damage to outer leaves, and misshapen heads. Overall weights are 39-44 pounds. Production in Southern California is minimal as most lettuce is being produced in the Yuma region as well as Mexico. Expect steady supplies overall throughout the week. Pricing should be competitive.
Lettuce Leaf: There are good supplies of romaine and green leaf as well as romaine hearts. Red leaf will be tight in availability throughout the week. Common defects being reported include slight tip and fringe burn, and some blister and peel. The overall quality is above average with multiple suppliers. Expect steady supplies for the most part on all leaf items, except red leaf for the entire week.
Lettuce Tender Leaf: Good steady supplies on spinach and arugula including the parsley’s.
Melons (Cantaloupe): Industry remains in a demand exceeds situation. Guatemela and Costa Rica will experience some precipitation going into the weekend. Open market and availability continue to be challenging. Quality has improved but still seeing occasional surface mold. Supplies will be short through the month of February.
Melons (Honeydew): Demand is good and markets remain higher. Availability remains challenging especially larger sized fruit. Strong retail demand keeping this market active.
Melons (Watermelon): Demand is good and markets are strong. Offshore arrivals continue to increase. Good availability on carton seedless, bins will hit in 2 weeks.
Onions: Onions are a steady go The Northwest is still shipping out of storage. Quality is excellent. Deals available on large sized yellow onions in Idaho. Call for these deals.
Pears: Market steady on moderate supplies.
Pineapples: Supplies are steady out of both coasts. Current markets are stable and quality is looking nice. Crowned fruit will be snug for the next couple weeks, but looking good on crownless supplies.
Potatoes: Idaho is shipping storage. Burbanks, which have undergone the sweat process, are available but limited and at an upcharge. Quality is excellent, peaking on 70 CT cartons. With USDA box business approaching, shippers will be packing smaller potatoes making 40 – 60 CT less available.
Squash: Light production on squash, in particular zucchini out of Mexico is firming up markets from lower production. What is crossing is smaller, peaking on fancies, but good quality.
Stone Fruit: Some peaches, nectarines, and apricots in New Jersey now. More to come.
Tomatoes: Delayed winter tomatoes are beginning to cross in better volume and will gradually continue to improve over the next few weeks. Roma tomatoes have continued their downward trend this week and volume us on the upswing. The round market remains limited but is also easing off while some demand begins shifting over to romas. Grape and cherry tomato FOB’s remain high and will benefit from the seasonal weather in Mexico this week helping nurture crops in the west. Florida is expecting more cold weather through the weekend slowing production. Eastern Fobs are higher by several dollars but will adjust downward as Mexico crossings improve, and Florida recovers in the next 2-3 weeks.
