Here is a quick overview of this coming week in the fruit and vegetable markets. You should expect:
Apples: Washington is still very short on large Granny-smith and it looks like this will be season-long.
Bell Peppers (Western): With Bell pepper transitioning to Coachella. This should cause a shortage on Green and all colored bells.
Berries (Strawberries): Decreased supplies and soft fruit is expected for next week as a result of this week’s heat wave.
Carrots: 12 week averages have been implemented for both 25 pound and 50 pound jumbo carrots.
Cauliflower: We are experiencing extremely limited supplies as a result of the Salinas acreage finishing the season. The market is trending much higher.
Cilantro: We are experiencing extreme heat in all growing regions which has drastically decreased supplies. The market will be trending much higher.
Oranges: Demand continues to exceed available supplies.
Eggplant (Western): Supplies winding down in Fresno. Nogales and Coachella with light supplies. Demand exceeds supply.
Lettuce Tender Leaf: Supplies are still limited and with the extreme heat in the Salinas Valley we will see this trend until we transition to Yuma.
Onions: Transportation still very limted
Potatoes: Transportation is still very limited with no relief in sight
Tomatoes (Eastern): Virginia has finished for the season putting elevated demand on Northern Florida for Grape and Cherry tomatoes where acreage has been reduced from storm damage caused by Hurricane Irma. Markets have risen nearly $5 already with concern for supply as November approaches. Mexico imports will be a big help meeting National demand however supply is light at this time as well.
Hopefully, this market information will help you to plan specials, promotions, and make menu adjustments in advance of the rapidly changing produce markets.
