Here is a quick overview of this coming week in the fruit and vegetable markets. You should expect:
Apples: Washington still has limited availability of larger Granny Smith.
Avocados: Supplies are still tight in the east.
Bell Peppers (Eastern): Supplies are still tight in the east.
Bell Peppers (Western): Red bell peppers are in very short supply
Berries (Blackberries): Supplies are strong, but quality has been fair. Berries have been soft and bruise easily.
Berries (Blueberries): Supplies remain limited and market prices are firm.
Berries (Raspberries): Supplies will decrease and market prices will increase over the next 3-4 weeks.
Berries (Strawberries): We expect the market on CA fruit to decrease this week.
Chili Peppers: Chili peppers are expensive, markets unstable. Any gap in supply could drive prices higher
Lemons: Demand exceed supplies.
Oranges: Demand exceeds supplies on 88s and smaller choice grade fruit.
Cucumbers: Plenty of options to buy cucumbers
Eggplant: Light supplies
Pears: Washington remains short on small Bartlett, D’anjou, and Bosc pears.
Squash (Eastern): Good supplies
Tomatoes (Eastern): There is a shortage of Tomatoes across North America with expectation for relief when winter crops begin the first part of December
Hopefully, this market information will help you to plan specials, promotions, and make menu adjustments in advance of the rapidly changing produce markets.