Weather Update
California: High pressure strengthens into the weekend with triple-digit temperatures in the inland valleys. A shallow marine layer continues near the coast with gradual cooling over the weekend into next week.
Mexico: Generally dry conditions with slightly below seasonal temperatures are expected across Central Mexico into next week.
Florida: Moderate to heavy showers across Southern Florida late this week followed by isolated showers into early next week.
Freight Update
Trucks remain tight in California, Idaho, and the Northwest. The National Average remained steady at 2.394 per gallon.
Things You Should Know
Apples: Market generally steady. Smaller sizes in good demand vs supply. New crop running larger resulting in some downward pressure on those sizes.
Asparagus: Both Peru and Mexico supplies have decreased this week. Mexico is transitioning from one area to another and Peru is producing in a smaller area at this time.
Avocados: The market is steady and demand is good. Good availability on 48’s and larger. However, 60’s and smaller are in high demand and limited. As Mexican arrivals on new crop “Aventejada” fruits increase in the US, sizing will balance out and have a good run on all sizes. California and Peru quickly winding down for the season.
Bell Peppers: Mostly packing on choice sizes on all colors, some quality issues from previous heat and anticipation some heat this week.
Berries (Blackberries): Blackberries are in good supplies out of the west coast with the recent heat so far is acting to bring on some numbers the market is reacting slightly downward.
Berries (Blueberries): Blueberries are coming from Mexico, Peru, and some Michigan fruit is still lingering. The PNW is pretty much done. Look at this market to remain somewhat firm until Mexican production picks up late next week.
Berries (Raspberries): Raspberries are in steady supply and the market should see a downward turn as growers start to pickup numbers out of Mexico.
Berries (Strawberries): Strawberries are still in extremely light supplies with growers working through heat-related damage and producing far fewer fresh pack cartons than projected. Look for this trend to continue through next week when supplies should loosen up due mid-October to the Mexican production beginning.
Broccoli: Supplies have started to improve slightly. Supplies are still seeing some bad quality brought on by the recent heatwaves.
Brussels Sprouts: Market continues to stay steady on the higher side.
Carrots: Carrots are steady for now but some projections for the near future call for some sizing issues for the front end of the transition in late-October, early-November to the Bakersfield area. We will keep you posted.
Cauliflower: Supplies continue to stay plentiful and quality is good.
Celery: Celery supplies are good out of Santa Maria and Salinas Valley.
Citrus (Lemons): The coastal district is winding down for the season, quality is fair out of that area. D3(Desert Crop) will be starting soon. Markets are steady. The fancy grade is holding firm and the choice market is holding steady. Reach out if you have any interest on imports.
Citrus (Limes): Markets on 200’s are slightly coming off. 175’s and larger are still holding firm with light supplies. Quality is fair. Please place orders with lead time.
Citrus (Oranges): Valencia supplies on 88/113/138’s are very limited. Better supplies on 72’s and larger. Markets are active on both grades and quality is fair. Please put orders in advance for better coverage.
Cucumbers: Steady volume should see some increase in demand off of the West Coast as Eastern US is in transition.
Eggplant: Some late crop damage showing but overall condition and quality has been very good.
Garlic: Steady supplies with California production continues. This market is steady.
Grapes (Green): Demand fair, price is mostly steady on smaller sizing, Market compressing from the top, down with some deals on better quality lots.
Grapes (Red): Demand fair, price mostly steady on smaller sizing. Market compressing from the top, down with some deals on better quality.
Green Onions: Plenty of supplies coming out of Mexico is keeping the market steady.
Kale: The recent round of heat has caused some sun damage and lower shelf life. Market continues to stay steady.
Lettuce (Iceberg): Supplies are still tight with the lower yields brought on by the recent heatwaves. Fields are coming forward, helping lower the market. Look for a gap in supplies in 2-3 weeks.
Lettuce Leaf: Romaine and Green Loaf continue to be in a demand exceeds situation. Poor quality has produced lower yields.
Lettuce Tender Leaf: Supplies are light on spinach and cilantro. This will continue until next week.
Melons (Cantalope): As the industry looks to close out the month of September, the melon market continues to climb. Cantaloupes are currently peaking on 0/J9 and Honeydews are 5/J5. Due to the current size structure, open market options are limited and seem to change daily. Growers on the westside are looking to conclude their season by mid-October but may run longer, weather permitting. Supplies remain limited but there is some relief on the way. While the westside is quickly winding down, there will be some overlap with Arizona and Mexico starting production this week.
Melons (Honeydew): Honeydew market remains active and demand continues to increase. Westside is tapering off, the desert is just getting going as well as Mexico. Currently peaking on 5/J5’s. Open market options are limited on small fruit.
Melons (Watermelon): Westside is winding down quickly, Mexico is just getting going. Seeing good availability out of Mexico with production increasing. Mini seedless should hit the market mid-October.
Onions: Ample supplies of high-quality storage onions are available from the northwest. USDA box program demand for 3 lb. bags is affecting production.
Pears: Bartletts, Anjous, and Bosc all in a new crop. Peaking on larger sizes.
Pineapples: Crown fruit is improving out of both coasts, with steady markets. Crownless fruit supplies are steady on the west, but snug on the east. Organics supplies are steady. Need orders in advance. Quality overall is looking nice.
Potatoes: Harvest of new crop Norkotahs is almost complete. Burbanks have started to harvest. Limited field run is available until after the 28-day sweat process in late October. Large bakers remain elevated but the market is softening. Ample supplies of cartons. Freight is slowing movements.
Squash: Sonora crop is starting to cross through Nogales, anticipating some lower markets with more products coming in from Mexico.
Stone Fruit: Nectarines are done for the season. A few peaches are available. Plenty of Plums.
Tomatoes: Round and grape tomatoes have triggered escalators in the East and West. Supplies are winding down and will continue to decline in October. Eastern regions are recovering from hurricane systems that have reduced yields and now cool weather, further reducing yields. Western regions are ahead of schedule following weeks of triple-digit weather. New crops in Mexico are starting to help supplement the Fall season, but the market has risen as California has less to offer. Florida crops set for October are on track, but supplies will be light. The market is up across the board. Quality is fair overall and varies by region. Expect active markets through mid-October.
