WEATHER UPDATE
The cool, wet pattern will continue out west through next week as a series of storms systems sweep into California. A cut-off low-pressure system is forecast to form off the Southern California coast early next week. There is a strong flooding concern in the Ventura/Santa Barbra region due to the massive wildfires in the area this year. The Southwestern Deserts along with Northern Mexico will see a cool down, strong winds and a slight chance of rain as these systems pass to the north. Persistent high pressure continues over Central Mexico with above-average temperatures into next week. Florida will see slightly cooler temperatures through the week with a weak cold front expected to bring showers to the northern half of the state early next week.
FREIGHT UPDATE
California/Yuma trucks continue to be steady. Washington apple truck supply is adequate. Idaho onion/potato trucks are steady as well. The national average for diesel remained steady is currently at 2.976 per gallon. An increase of .412 from this time last year. California prices remained at 3.652 per gallon. Crude oil remained steady and is currently at 60.74 per barrel.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Bell Peppers (Western): Red bell peppers are still in short supply for 25 lb. packs , including choice grade. Volume increasing steadily.
Chili Peppers: For Lent, hot pepper markets will be active. Higher demand on Mexico’s National market will create periodic shortages in export to the U.S.
Cucumbers (Western): Demand remains high on cucumbers.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Smaller fruit is short with most suppliers.
Melon (Watermelon): The market is very strong, light supplies on all sizes.
Squash (Western): The market is very strong on the west coast. Spring crop was delayed 7-10 days due to cold weather, and supplies decreased sharply from Sinaloa.
TEMPERATURES AND TRANSITIONS
Berries (Blueberries): California, Florida and Baja are expected to ramp up production over the next 2-3 weeks. Georgia will start in 4-5 weeks.
Berries (Blackberries): California production will slowly ramp up as we begin April. Georgia is expected to start by May.
Broccoli: We have transitioned to Salinas but still have other growing regions harvesting broccoli.
Berries (Strawberries): Florida will wind down quickly over the next week. Santa Maria will increase production over the next 2 weeks. Salinas / Watsonville will not see any substantial volume for another 3-5 weeks.
Asparagus: Peru should start up at the end of this week with light volume.
Melon (Honeydew): Mexico is scheduled to begin harvest in mid April.
Melon (Cantaloupe): Mexico will start packing in mid April.
Pears: We will see imported Packham pears in approximately 3 weeks with imported Bosc coming about a week later.
Apples: We expect to see the first Chilean Galas at the end of this week.
PEAK SEASONS
Berries (Blackberries)
- Mexico is expected to hit its second peak over the next several weeks.
Melon (Honeydew)
- Both Honduras and Guatemala are in the peak of their seasons.
Melon (Cantaloupe)
- Both Honduras and Guatemala are in the peak of their seasons.
Potatoes (colored)
- South Florida is in the peak of its season for red, white, and gold potatoes.
- Idaho and North Dakota are in the peak of their red and gold potato seasons.
Pears
- Washington is still in the peak of its D’anjou pear season.
- We are still in the peak of the Argentinian Bartlett pear season.
Apples
- Washington is in the peak of its Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apple season.
- Michigan is in the peak of its Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, and Gala apple season.
- New York is in the peak of its Red Rome, Empire, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Cortland, and Gala season.
- Pennsylvania is in the peak of its Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Empire apple season.
