Here is a quick overview of this coming week in the fruit and vegetable markets. You should expect:
Avocado: Supplies from Mexico are still at historically low levels keeping the market at extremely high. This looks to be the trend for the next three weeks.
Broccoli: The previous and current heat wave hitting California coupled with rains in Mexico’s growing region have drastically reduced supplies. The market is extremely active.
Strawberries: Record high temperatures and scattered rain showers have affected the quality and supply of strawberries.
Lemons: Lemons out of the Oxnard / Ventura region continue to struggle with sizing as the end of the deal is skewed heavily to small fruit.
Oranges: Serious shortage of Valencia Oranges persists.
Cucumbers (Eastern): Cucumbers are out of peak season.
Green Onion: Extremely limited supplies are causing the market to escalate tremendously due to previous rain over the weekend and continued heat in the growing region.
Potatoes (colored): North Dakota doesn’t have the volume of gold potatoes that Minnesota has so we may have a slightly stronger market there.
Squash (Eastern): Supplies to remain tight
Hopefully, this market information will help you to plan specials, promotions, and make menu adjustments in advance of the rapidly changing produce markets.