Weather Update
California – Cold front moves through the area bringing light to moderate showers and isolated thunderstorms. Max daytime temps reach the 50s with morning lows into the mid-20s to low 40s.
Mexico – Temps will cool through Friday but over the weekend daytime highs will warm close to normal.
Florida – High pressure continues providing continued sunny days. Expect high temps in the upper 70s and reaching to the low 80s.
Arizona – Chance for rain today through Friday that will also cool temps 15-18 degrees below seasonal averages.
Freight Update
Trucks remain tight in the Northwest, Idaho, and California. The national average rose again this week and is currently at 3.143 per gallon.
Things You Should Know
Apples: Quality and supplies are good on all varietals, except Galas, whose harvest is ending in Eastern growing regions.
Asparagus: Supplies are plentiful on all sizes of asparagus, with good quality and pricing.
Avocados: Supplies of most sizes of 60 CT and larger fruit continue to be light, particularly #1-grade product. Quality is good, and pricing remains high. Consider using the smaller-sized products where possible.
Bell Peppers: Very good quality product is available in all colors.
Berries (Blackberries): Supplies are increasing and pricing is expected to be slightly lower. Quality is good.
Berries (Blueberries): Quality and pricing are good in all growing regions.
Berries (Raspberries): Supplies are increasing and pricing is expected to be slightly lower. Quality is good.
Berries (Strawberries): California’s harvest continues to yield the best quality product, and higher pricing, followed by Mexico. Florida’s crop is light with fair quality.
Broccoli: Supplies have tightened as the growing region transition begins. Quality is good, and pricing is higher.
Brussels Sprouts: Quality and supplies are good, market pricing is steady
Carrots: Quality is good, supplies of the bulk products are steady, and value-added products like Snack Packs have improved. Georgia’s harvest is ramping up.
Cauliflower: Like with broccoli, the end of the Yuma season is beginning to tighten supplies and increase market pricing.
Celery: Good quality product is readily available, with steady pricing.
Citrus (Lemons): Supplies are good, with nice quality, on 140 CT and smaller sizes being the best buys.
Citrus (Limes): Mexico’s harvest is very light and pricing is trending higher. Consider substituting other sizes as needed, to avoid shortages
Citrus (Oranges): Quality is very good, supplies are steady. Markets are holding steady plenty of opportunities to promote.
Cucumbers: Great quality and availability on the Mexican harvest. Pricing is steady.
Eggplant: Quality is fair, supplies are abundant, especially Choice grade products. Promotional pricing may be available.
Garlic: Quality, availability and pricing is steady.
Grapes (Green): Supplies are light but enough to meet current demand. Quality is good, pricing is slightly lower.
Grapes (Red): Supplies are light but enough to meet current demand. Quality is good, pricing is slightly lower.
Green Onions: Quality, availability and pricing is steady.
Kale: Good supplies coming out of Yuma. Look for this market to stay steady going into next week.
Lettuce (Iceberg): Transition from Yuma’s growing region to Huron Valley CA and points north have begun. Quality is good, case weights on a lined product are 38-43 lbs, and pricing is slightly higher.
Lettuce Leaf: Similar to Iceberg, quality is good at the beginning of the transition. Minor issues with blisters, peels, and tip/fringe burns have been reported. Pricing is slightly higher.
Lettuce Tender Leaf: Good supplies coming out of Yuma. Look for this market to stay steady going into next week.
Melons (Cantaloupe): Quality, supplies, and pricing are steady on both coasts.
Melons (Honeydew): Supplies have tightened up slightly, with Mexico’s season beginning to wind down. Quality is good, pricing is higher.
Melons (Watermelon): The offshore import season is over, and Mexico is still ramping up harvests. Quality is fair and pricing is higher.
Onions: The market is higher on medium and colossal yellow onions. Reds are slightly higher. Expect higher prices until California’s new crop starts mid-April.
Pears: Supplies are running to larger sizes. Smaller fruit is less available, quality is good and pricing is steady
Pineapples: Quality is excellent and supplies are plentiful. Promotional pricing may be available.
Potatoes: The quality is very good. There is still a glut of cartons with a lack of demand from foodservice demand. Expect Norkotahs to remain on the market through April.
Squash: Mexico’s harvest is increasing, with the Sonora region starting in the next 10 days. Good quality and pricing on Yellow and Zucchini.
Stone Fruit: Good supplies on both coasts. Deals available on yellow peaches and nectarines.
Tomatoes: Supplies are better in the Western half of the country, due to Mexico’s harvest approaching a peak, with good quality and pricing on all sizes and varietals. Florida’s harvest is light due to last month’s bloom drop event. Pricing is higher in the East, with good quality on lighter supplies. Cherry tomatoes may be a better buy than Grapes this week.
