Weather Update
High pressure builds out west with seasonal temperatures across Southern California and the Southwestern Desert regions. A slight chance of showers on Sunday due to a weak system passing to the north. Gradual warming and dry conditions expected into early February. A few isolated showers are possible across Central Mexico late this week otherwise near-normal temperatures are expected throughout Mexico through next week. Florida will see steady warming from the previous cold morning temperatures with a slight chance of rain across the northern counties late this week. Seasonal temperatures and dry conditions follow next 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 3.037 per gallon. California prices remained steady and are currently at $3.866 per gallon. Crude oil hardly moved and is currently at $57.01 per barrel.
Things You Should Know
Apples: Winter storms in the Northwest and Michigan are delaying trucks due to road closures (ice) and snowfall. Please account for delays when placing orders and setting load dates.
Avocado (Mexican): We are seeing strong retail promotions as we head into Super Bowl, and with that comes higher prices.
Berries (Blackberries): Due to lower crossings from Mexico expect higher pricing moving into next week.
Berries (Blueberries): Good promotable numbers will prevail through February.
Berries (Raspberries): Expect higher markets.
Berries (Strawberries): Demand will be good over the next 2 weeks as we move into position for the Valentines Day promo period on both 8/1 lb clams and the 4/1lb stem strawberry packs. Place your orders early for optimum coverage.
Citrus (Oranges): Small size Navels continue to be limited, better coverage on the large sizes. Please send orders in advance.
Grapes (Green): Green grapes are better shape than red. Prices have been steady and slowly declining. Quality is strong.
Grapes (Red): Supplies are lighter due to delayed arrivals and slow Chilean production. Demand is strong and market prices remain elevated.
Onions: Recommended to store onions in a cool (36-45 degrees), dark, dry, and well ventilated area to extend shelf life and preserve quality.
Pears: Winter storms in the Northwest and Michigan are delaying trucks due to road closures (ice) and snowfall. Please account for delays when placing orders and setting load dates.
Pineapples: Pineapple supplies are tight industry wide due to light production from the growing regions. Please continue sending orders in advance.
Potatoes: Markets continue to rise on larger counts.
Potatoes (Colored): #2 grade red loading in California very limited.
Stone Fruit: Supplies are sizes are still hit and miss. We expect better availability by February. All varieties are now being harvested. Markets are firm.
Tomatoes (Western): Demand Exceeds Supply. Availability is limited. Elevated Markets expected through mid February.
Transitions And Temperatures
Grapes (Green): Chilean production may taper off a bit in February. We will watch closely to see how this effects markets.
Grapes (Red): We expect Chilean production to increase as we move into February.
Potatoes (Colored): Southern Florida expected to start early-to-mid February.
Onions: Mexico and Texas onions expected to start mid-February.
