WEATHER UPDATE
Coastal marine layer keeps Central and Southern California fields cooler through mid-week as a strong high pressure ridge sets up by Thursday. Very warm temperatures are expected across the state with many record high temperatures in jeopardy. Slightly cooler early next week with another strong warm up expected late next week. Isolated showers continue across Central Mexico with scattered and occasional thunderstorms expected to the west. Florida will see rains across the Panhandle due to a disorganized system with seasonal temperatures with scattered showers elsewhere.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California trucks remain extremely tight. Look for capacity to remain tight until after the 4th of July holiday. CA freight rates continue to increase. Washington apple truck supply is steady. Idaho potato trucks remain steady as well. The national average on diesel remained steady this week and is currently at 3.236 per gallon. An increase of .764 from this time last year. California prices remained steady as well and are now at 3.960 per gallon. Crude oil is up this week and is currently at 74.24 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Bell Peppers (Western): Colored pepper markets are stronger, especially yellow bell peppers. Pricing remains higher. Green pepper market also remains active.
Berries (Strawberries): we expect supplies to remain limited for the next 2 weeks.
Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts market demand exceeds supply with quality issues
Citrus (Lemons): Demand exceeds supplies on all sizes and grades of fruit.
Eggplant (Western): Light supplies / high demand. Pricing is higher.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Berries (Blackberries): We will start Oregon production in the next 1-2 weeks.
Potatoes (colored): Supplies of Color potatoes on the East Coast are slowly transitioning North
Bell Peppers (Western): Green Bell Peppers now available in Bakersfield and Oxnard as well as Gilroy. Colored bells will be available from Bakersfield and Gilroy this week
Melon (Watermelon): Bakersfield has begun summer season, Manteca area will be starting this week
PEAK SEASONS
Berries (Raspberries): We expect first peak and promotable volumes out of Salinas and Watsonville by mid July.
