Weather Update
A low pressure system moves into California mid-week with moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures through the week. A weak cold front arrives early next week with a slight chance of rain followed by dry conditions and seasonal temperatures into late January. This system will brush the desert regions with a slight chance of light showers as morning frost conditions continue into the weekend. Mostly seasonal temperatures look to continue across Mexico with slightly cooler temperatures to the north. High pressure brings warm and humid temperatures to Florida into the weekend. A few isolated showers possible Sunday in front of the next system expected mid-week.
Freight Update
California and Arizona trucks have improved this week and are currently steady. Washington apple trucks look to be steady. Idaho onion and potato trucks both remain extremely tight. The national average remained steady this week at 3.064 per gallon. California prices remained steady and are currently at $3.872 per gallon. Crude oil dropped slightly and is currently at $57.69 per barrel.
What You Should Know
Apples: Be advised that due to severe winter storms in the Northwest, some Interstate highways have experienced mandatory road closures which have prevented trucks from making timely delivery. In an effort to mitigate late deliveries, please adjust load dates accordingly.
Avocado (Mexican): Field prices in Mexico are increasing gradually as we lead into the biggest avocado day of the year. We expect to see huge retail promotions as we head into Super Bowl, and with that comes higher prices.
Berries (Blackberries): More manageable yields may lead to higher pricing.
Berries (Blueberries): Big volumes will continue through the month of January
Berries (Strawberries): VALENTINES DAY PULL FOR 8/1 lb AND STEM STRAWBERRIES The holiday pull is set to begin roughly Feb. 4th or 5th. place your orders early.
Broccoli: The cold weather in all growing areas is stunting the growth of Broccoli. This cold weather is causing low yields industry wide.
Cauliflower: The freezing mornings and cold days is causing slow growth. This cold weather is also wreaking havoc on the supplies of Cauliflower Florets.
Citrus (Oranges): Small size Navels expected to be limited the remainder of the month. Please send orders in advance for better coverage.
Grapes (Green): Supplies may slow down between container arrivals. We do not expect any major disruptions. Markets are steady.
Grapes (Red): Supplies will remain limited until Chile ramps up harvest. Prices are higher and firm. Better availability expected by the end of the month.
Green Onions: Green Onions continue to be in a supply shortage. The freezing nights and cold days are stunting the growth causing lower yields.
Lettuce Iceberg: Freezing temperatures in the growing regions are causing havoc on the growth of this commodity.
Lettuce Leaf: Very cold temperatures in all the growing regions continues to effect the quality of romaine and all leaf items, industry wide.
Lettuce Tender Leaf: Arugula yields have drastically reduced with the freezing nights and cooler days. Shippers are finding it hard to keep up with demand.
Melon (Honeydew): Honeydews continue to be a challenge. Demand has outpaced the harvest.
Onions: Markets rising on yellow and white onions. Some lots will show translucency. Air circulation is highly recommended.
Pears: Be advised that due to severe winter storms in the Northwest, some Interstate highways have experienced mandatory road closures which have prevented trucks from making timely delivery. In an effort to mitigate late deliveries, please adjust load dates accordingly.
Potatoes: Demand very active in all regions. Markets climbing on large sizes and 10oz #2 grade. 40 count through 80ct limited in supplies.
Potatoes (Colored): Markets rising on red potatoes. #2 grade loading in California very limited.
Stone Fruit: All varieties are available, but sizes remain limited. Markets are steady.
Tomatoes (Western): Demand Exceeds Supply. Availability is limited. Elevated Markets expected through most of January
Transitions and Temperatures
Onions: Mexico will begin mid February.
Potatoes (Colored): Southern Florida expected to start early-to-mid February
Grapes (Green): We expect Chile to increase production over the next 2-3 weeks.
Grapes (Red): Chile will gradually increase harvest over the next 2 weeks.
A Peak at Peak Seasons
Stone Fruit: We expect supplies to increase during February with peak production coming on later in the month.
Grapes (Green): We expect the peak of production to hit late February to early March.
Grapes (Red): We expect peak production to start mid to late February and last through March.
