Produce Market

Produce Updates

Apples – The majority of varieties are now packing in new crops. The quality and supply are excellent. Mid-October should be the start of the new crop of pinks.

Asparagus – Producing Mexican asparagus in Constitucion, a southern Baja region, should increase over the next few weeks. There are some concerns about the quality of this asparagus due to its heavy seeding and spreading. Shelf-life will also be limited. In the aftermath of Hurricane Hilary, the temperatures quickly returned to the low 100's and are still very hot, which has produced a lot of the quality issues we are seeing now. In the next two weeks, we expect this initial push of supply to last. Eventually, the crops should level off or even begin to decline. In late October and early November there will be some harvest from the Sonora region, but there are many concerns about whether this production will be ready for Thanksgiving orders.

Growing areas of Peruvian asparagus are centered around Ica, the largest region. Raw material quality has improved over the past few weeks with cooler weather. With spears 8.5''-10.5'' long and compact green tips, pack-outs are higher. If it gets too hot too fast, both production and quality could drop. Recently, some EU restrictions could lead to fumigation supply chain problems, so less raw material is being sent to Europe, providing more boat and air availability for the US.

Avocados – 60ct and larger sizes remain escalated. Current Flora Loca crop is finishing with the Adventajada crop up next. As the main grade of fruit is #1, Flora Loca remains extremely tight on #2 grade fruit. Since the size curve has shifted, 70ct/84ct sizes will be extremely tight for the next 2-3 weeks. Flexibility in alternate country of origin and size exceptions will be needed to cover orders. Adventajada crop is expected to have better availability in all sizes with a higher percentage of #2 grade fruit available. Peru is dwindling down and is expected to finish in the next 2-3 weeks. Please send orders with as much lead time as possible to help with ripening and inventory planning.

Bell Peppers – Steady on greens. GA starts this week, followed by Coachella in about 2-3 weeks. Over the next few weeks, expect an active market once local programs conclude. Prices for colored bells are slightly lower, but they are still limited.

Berries (Blackberries) – The supplies coming out of the Central Coast of California, Baja, and Central Mexico are steady but still on the light side. In mid-October, we should see better numbers out of Mexico, and they will continue to rise through December. Product crossing in from Mexico has already started to appear in a small way. As strawberries cross and mixed berries consolidate in the area, we should see full FOB offerings from late October to mid-December.

Berries (Blueberries) – We are in a demand-exceeds-supply situation as we work our way through a deep planting gap. Domestic crops are finished and Mexican production is several weeks away. The effects of El Nino events in Peru have caused delays and a significant drop in production. Higher temperatures and other adverse growing conditions have caused bloom drop and consequentially lower production rates. This is expected to continue through October.

Berries (Raspberries) – With Baja production and Central Mexico continuing to bolster availability, there is a good supply of fruit coming out of the Central Coast. Product crossing in from Mexico has already appeared in a small way. As strawberries begin crossing and mixed berries consolidate in the area, we will see full FOB offerings in late October to mid-December.

Berries (Strawberries) – Salinas and Watsonville continue to have steady but declining numbers. There is good availability of new crop fruit in Santa Maria and Oxnard.

Broccoli – The supply of broccoli is tightening up. A quality issue has resulted in lower yields, resulting in a lighter supply overall. There is pin rot, yellow beads, hollow cores, and decay in the fields, reducing production. A majority of these quality issues are visible at harvest, and harvesters are leaving affected heads behind. As school demand returns, broccoli florets are being squeezed to fill pipelines and overall supplies in carton packs are under pressure.

Brussels Sprouts – Brussel sprout demand continues to exceed supply. Due to Mexico's erratic weather, quality issues persist, resulting in a shortage of supplies. As the weekend approaches, the market is expected to remain high and steady. Salinas and Oxnard have experienced low yields and smaller sizes due to seeders and discoloration. We hope Salinas supplies start picking up going into next week.

Carrots – As a result of the lack of size in Mexico, Texas and Canada, the market for Jumbos is steady at a slightly higher level.

Cauliflower – There is a steady supply of cauliflower. The fields have come forward in recent weeks, and now harvesters are right on top of their fields. We can expect this market to remain steady as we approach the weekend.

Celery – As a result of the lack of production in Salinas, supplies remain light. With this commodity, expect firm to rising markets throughout this week. A smaller size will continue to be less available compared to a larger size. Salinas and Santa Maria/Oxnard continue to have above-average quality. Southern California offers the best pricing.

Citrus (Lemons) – Prices continue to rise. You can expect to pay a premium for good quality fruit. We are now in new crop, which was affected by the weather. We will continue to see low yields and elevated markets into October.

Citrus (Limes) – The market continues to be strong as school demand is in full swing. Through the remainder of the Valencia season, 113ct and 138ct will remain at elevated prices. The peak sizes are 72ct and 88ct. With the hot temps in the Central Valley, we can expect fruit to begin re-greening soon (normal this time of year). It is purely cosmetic and does not affect the flavor of the fruit. Mid/late October is expected to be the start date for domestic navels. The increased temperatures in the growing region also cause softer fruit/pack pressure and stem-end aging. The offshore product is available on both coasts.

Citrus (Oranges) - As school demand is in full swing, markets remain strong. 113ct and 138ct will remain at elevated prices for the remainder of the Valencia season. The peak sizes are 72ct and 88ct. With the hot temps in the Central Valley, we can expect fruit to begin re-greening soon (normal this time of year). It is purely cosmetic and does not affect the flavor of the fruit. Mid/late October is expected to be the start date for domestic navels. Due to the increased temperatures in the growing region, softer fruit/pack pressure and stem-end aging are also concerns. Offshore product is available on both coasts.

Cucumbers – Local is wrapping up as new regions ramp up in GA/NC. Baja is still going with good supply and strong quality. Nogales will come online in about 3 weeks. English cucumbers are gapping out of Canada; expect an active market until MX gets rolling in November.

Eggplant – Fairly steady markets. GA is just getting started, and Coachella will follow soon. There is a bit better availability in CA as new blocks get started.

Garlic - California's production is expected to remain steady throughout the week. Quality has been reported to be good.

Grapes (Green) – Domestic grapes are expected to be available through October for most shippers. There may be a short gap between the end of the domestic crop and the start of Peruvian imports in November. Despite the sudden crop loss caused by the storm, the grape market continues to advance in price. For the remainder of the domestic season, this market will remain high and tight.

Grapes (Red) – Domestic grapes are expected to be available through October for most shippers. There may be a short gap between the end of the domestic crop and the start of Peruvian imports in November. Despite the sudden crop loss caused by the storm, the grape market continues to advance in price. For the remainder of the domestic season, this market will remain high and tight.

Green Onions – Green onions are in short supply and of poor quality due to Hurricane Hilary's heavy rains and the recent extreme heat in Mexicali. As supplies tighten, this market will rise. Supplies are expected to remain tight for the next three to four weeks.

Kale – Market conditions remain stable. The availability is expected to be moderate to good throughout the week. Quality is good and the market is stable.

Lettuce (Iceberg) – This commodity will continue to have light supplies and stronger markets throughout this week. In both northern and southern California, shippers expect moderate to light supplies throughout the week. INSV is present in some fields in Salinas, but its impact is not as great as last year. Nonetheless, production has slowed down. The average weight is 34-40 pounds. There will still be misshapen heads, puffiness, and discoloration on the outer leaves upon arrival. This week, markets are expected to rise.

Lettuce Leaf – The supply of romaine and green and red leaves has been steady throughout the week. Some shippers are better off than others and this has created a pricing gap industry wide. The production of romaine hearts will remain moderate throughout this week. Common defects include tip and fringe burn in a light way with most leaf items. Overall, the quality is above average, with good weights reported.

Lettuce Tender Leaf – Due to the recent heat and warmer nights, spring mix, tender greens, and spinach are slightly tighter this week. Due to the recent warmer days and nights, yields have been lowered due to quality issues. The cooler nights ahead may improve quality and supply.

Melons (Cantaloupe) – Cantaloupes from the San Joaquin Valley remain high in quality and supply remains steady. Cooler temperatures are limiting the size of smaller fruit. At the moment, cantaloupes are peaking on 9s, with some Jumbo 9s and 12s available as well. Shippers are finishing up the Westside deal, and the Yuma transition will heat up the market. The Yuma product will be available starting on 10/16/2023.

Melons (Honeydew) – San Joaquin Valley honeydews are still being shipped, though some suppliers are experiencing supply gaps. As we transition to Yuma, the market is expected to heat up. Despite the limited availability of smaller sizes (6/8), quality remains high.

Melons (Watermelon) – Seedless watermelon is in short supply. The Mexican watermelon season will begin in the middle of October. The mini-conventional and organic watermelon season is set to end this week. In terms of supply, mini's are peaking at 6s, while 8s and 11s are lower.

Mushrooms – There is an excellent supply and availability.

Onions – Harvest has concluded and onions will be shipped from storages. There is an excellent supply and availability.

Pears – Anjous, Bosc, and Bartletts are now being packed in Washington. The mountain district Bartletts are being packed by California pear shippers. Currently, Bartletts, Boscs, and Red pears are all being shipped

Pineapples – Due to continued storms in the tropics, pineapple supplies remain scarce. The supply of product is usually tight during this time of year, but with excessive storms, product is extremely limited. All sizes are affected. During the next two weeks, this will continue.

Potatoes – Supply and availability are excellent. New crop harvest is concluding. 40 CT remains the tightest size. The crop profile is peaking at 80 CT.

Squash – As GA/MX production increases, markets remain stable despite the end of the local program. Santa Maria, Baja, Nogales, Georgia, and NC all have squash. There is a promotional volume available.

Stone Fruit – The nectarine season is effectively over. There are a few pallets here and there, but nothing in volume. The demand for peaches continues to exceed supply, with most shippers finishing this month. Some will pack into October. The availability of plums is mostly steady, with more blacks than reds. Plums should run into November. Pluots are winding down with some shippers and will finish by the end of September. Asian pears have will run through December. good supply and should remain so through the rest of the month. Asian pears have started and will run through December.

Tomatoes – The availability is lightening up from NC/TN around mid-October, around the time Quincy will get rolling, followed by the
Ruskin/Palmetto area. The numbers out west are moderate, CA is rolling through October, and Baja has passed storm-related issues and is moving into better quality.

Weather

California – For the week, the weather has been below average. The morning lows will be in the low 40s to mid 50s, while the maximum temps along the coast will be in the mid-60s. Santa Clara Valley highs are expected to reach low-mid 70s, while Salinas Valley highs are expected to reach low-mid 80s. Afterward, high pressure builds over the area, with maximum temperatures along the coast reaching the mid 60s to mid 70s and further inland reaching the upper 70s to low 90s. In the final days of the week, the high slowly weakens to drop temperatures back to slightly below normal.

Mexico – Through September 30th, temperatures should remain near normal. A few isolated showers and sprinkles are possible into the weekend, but mostly dry through the week. Through Saturday, high temperatures are expected to be mostly in the upper 70s and upper 80s. Lows should cool down into the low 50s to low 60s most mornings across the fields of Central Mexico.

Florida – There will be a stalled frontal boundary over Florida on Tuesday and Thursday, and a cold front will push southward on Friday. With the more onshore flow, showers and t-storms will continue in the area during this period.

Arizona – It's going to be a quiet weather pattern this coming week with moderate high pressure producing near-to-above normal temperatures and dry conditions through Thursday. Starting Friday, a low-pressure system moving into western US will cool the region and increase winds.

Freight

South Texas spot market is active, especially for long haul. Steady supplies of trucks from California this week. Idaho/Washington border continues to pull capacity from Salt lake creating an elevated demand for trucks in that region. Fuel prices continue to increase, especially in the western states.