WEATHER UPDATE
Temperatures cool out west as an upper-level trough deepens the marine layer and onshore flow. Coastal fog and drizzle will be the norm into the weekend with breezy afternoon winds. High pressure returns early next week with gradual warming through the week. Scattered showers and thunderstorms continue across Central Mexico with seasonably warm temperatures into next week. Isolated showers with seasonably warm temperatures look to continue in the northern regions under a building high-pressure system. Light and isolated showers look to continue across Florida into next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks are back on track and remain steady this week. Washington apple trucks are steady as well as Idaho potato trucks. The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is currently at $3.051 per gallon. California prices also remained steady and are currently at $3.952 per gallon. Crude oil rose slightly and are currently at $59.76 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Berries (Raspberries): Raspberries will remain tight through this week
Berries (Strawberries): We are still dealing with some quality issues in both Santa Maria and Salinas /Watsonville.
Grapes (Green): Mexico and Coachella seasons are winding down. Quality is fair at best.
Grapes (Red): Mexico and Coachella is winding down. Quality in both locations are fair at best.
Lettuce Iceberg: Lightweights on wrap lettuce at 30-33 pounds is an industry wide issue.
Lettuce Leaf: Escalated pricing continues on value added romaine items.
Onions: Yellow onions remain volatile, red in good supply, white will be limited until new crop Northwest.
Potatoes: Markets will remain active over the next 4-6 weeks. Supplies will be limited; especially larger sizes. Advanced lead time on russet orders crucial during this time period.
Potatoes (colored): Supplies are limited industry wide. Markets remain active. Expecting better volume and easing markets early to mid August.
TRANSITIONS AND TEMPERATURES
Celery: Michigan is expected to have production this week.
Pears: CALIFORNIA BARTLETT pears are expected to start the week of 7/15 or 7/22. CALIFORNIA BOSC pears are expected to follow the week of 8/12
Potatoes (colored): Bakersfield, CA to Stockton, CA. Washington reds to start this week. Minnesota new crop early August; Wisconsin mid August.
Potatoes: Kansas starting late July. Nebraska to begin early August. Wisconsin and Idaho new crop harvests will being mid-August
Grapes (Green): New harvest California is ramping up. Quality is excellent.
Grapes (Red): New harvest California is ramping up with new locations in Fresno, Delano and Arvin.
A Peak at Peak Seasons
Grapes (Green): We will approach peak production in the next 3-4 weeks.
Berries (Blueberries): Blueberries are peaking in the Pacific Northwest
Grapes (Red): We will approach peak season over the next 2-3 weeks.
