WEATHER UPDATE
A typical summertime weather pattern continues across the Central Coast as the battle between high and low pressure systems rolls on. The coastal marine layer will continue to influence the coastal fields. The active tropical season continues as 3 storm system off the coast of Southwestern Mexico (moving away form the coast) contribute ample moisture to the region.. Florida will see typical scattered showers and seasonal temperatures.
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 3.216 per gallon. An increase of .751 from this time last year. California prices remained steady as well and are now at 3.959 per gallon. Crude oil is up this week and is currently at 70.68 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Asparagus: Rain continues in Central Mexico, and cooler temps in Peru.
Bell Peppers (Western): Colored pepper markets are stronger, especially yellow bell peppers. Prices increasing sharply. Green pepper market also remains active.
Berries (Strawberries): Supplies have become limited and markets are higher.
Brussels Sprouts: Extremely limited supplies has caused the market to increase significantly.
Citrus (Lemons): Demand exceeds supplies on 140s and smaller size fruit.
Citrus (Limes): We expect supplies to start slowing down by middle of July and we will see challenges with availability and quality through August.
Eggplant (Western): Light supplies / high demand. Pricing is higher.
Melon (Watermelon): The market remains strong. Light supplies on larger, retail sizes.
Onions: Limited supplies of Red onions out of both Growing areas. Market on the rise
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Berries (Blueberries): West coast is transitioning from California to the Pacific Northwest. On the east coast, New Jersey is ramping up and Michigan will start in another week.
Potatoes (colored): East Coast supplies are Transitioning from Florida to Missouri and North Carolina
Melon (Honeydew): The transition from Arizona to California has begun. We are seeing a few shippers starting to harvest this week in Firebaugh, Ca. We experienced some warm weather this last week and it helped bring on the fruit a week earlier than planned. By next week we will see more shippers transition from Arizona to California. Firebaugh, Mendota and the San Joaquin Valley will be our primary source as of next week.
Melon (Cantaloupe): This week and next week shippers are transitioning out west to the San Joaquin Valley,Mendota and Firebaugh area. There will still be some options to load in Arizona area next week.
Pears: We will be transitioning to California Bartlett Pears in three weeks.
Brussels Sprouts:
We will transition to the Salinas Valley in 3 weeks.
PEAK SEASONS
Berries (Blackberries): Georgia will be in peak production over the next week. Salinas and Watsonville are expected to reach peak by the middle of July.
Berries (Raspberries): Salinas and Watsonville will reach peak production by middle to late July.
Berries (Blueberries): We expect peak production out of the pacific northwest over the next 3-4 weeks. New Jersey will hit peak in the next week and Michigan is still 2-3 weeks out.
