Market Report – updated August 21, 2023

The Source

Market Alerts

Apples – New crop galas have started in Washington and California. The new ginger gold crop is being packed in Yakima this week.

Asparagus – Central Mexico continues to battle the effects of El Nino. The
production of small and standard sizes has increased slightly. There is still a shortage of large, XL, and jumbo sizes on the market.

Avocados –It is expected that 48ct and larger sizes will remain extremely tight throughout August. Peak sizes are 60ct and smaller. There has been an increase in the 60ct market as well as this size has been a popular substitute for the 48ct. As new crop fruit has lower dry matter, ripening times are increasing.

Bell Peppers –Market is fairly steady. There should be more volume next week as green bells transition to coastal areas. The eastern production is strong. The volume of colored peppers from all areas, including Canada, remains very low this week.

Berries (Blackberries) –We are still experiencing a market where demand exceeds supply. Yields are increasing due to warmer temperatures. Back-to-school demand is strong, soaking up any additional fruit as it becomes available. This trend is expected to continue through the weekend.

Berries (Blueberries) –As a result of a slowdown in overall production out of several growing areas, markets have firmed up. Michigan and the Pacific Northwest continue to produce steady numbers. A 12/1 pint pack style is the primary pack style, with a 12/6 oz pack needing additional lead time

Berries (Raspberries) –More product has been brought on by slightly better temperatures, providing some relief from the recent extreme shortages. The Baja
fruit is still making its way into the distribution areas of California from the San Diego area

Berries (Strawberries) – New crop plantings are already underway in the
Santa Maria, CA area, with Oxnard, CA following soon after. Although the market is weakening, demand remains strong. It is past peak numbers in Salinas and Watsonville, CA, but shippers are still seeing fair production in later plantings.

Broccoli – Broccoli supplies continue to be average in Santa Maria and Salinas, CA this week, including florets. Mexico continues to struggle with yields due to the erratic weather. Quality is fair to good in all areas.

Brussels Sprouts – Demand continues to exceed supply. The erratic weather in Mexico continues to bring quality issues, resulting in tight supplies. As Salinas
and Oxnard, CA have started, low yields and smaller sizes have been reported due to seeders and discoloration. Salinas, CA supplies should start picking up this week. Supplies will remain tight until then.

Carrots – Conventional jumbo sizes are strong in CA, but a lack of sizing across other growing areas has led to an increase in California’s market.

Cauliflower – Cauliflower supplies continue to be good in
Salinas, CA Mexico, and Santa Maria, CA.

Celery – All celery packs are flat in this market. Warm temperatures in all
the growing regions may result in some bending of celery stalks with this commodity, but the overall quality should continue to be above average.

Citrus (Lemons) – District 2 is the main growing region and peaks on choice-grade fruit. Fruit is peaking at 115/95/75ct. The market for fancy grade fruit and small fruit is extremely tight. There is offshore fruit available on both coasts.

Citrus (Limes)– The market is steady to lower. As we transition to a new crop, we continue to experience low yields due to quality issues. There has been a drop in demand, and the market is reflecting this.

Citrus (Oranges) – Valencias are the main variety. Peak sizes are 72ct-113ct. There is a higher demand for small fruit as school demand begins to pick up.

Cucumbers – Since last week, it has been steady. There is good volume and quality all around. There are cucumbers available in MI, NC, NY, TX, and Otay

Eggplant – Quality and supply are good in the East. As a result of hot temperatures in the San Joaquin Valley, yields are down, quality is poor, and prices are higher.

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

Grapes (Green) – The main district in California produces excellent volume and quality. It will continue until at least the end of October.

Grapes (Red) – The main district in California produces excellent volume and quality. It will continue until at least the end of October.

Green Onions – The heat in the Mexicali area over the last few weeks is causing quality and supply issues. As a result of the heat/ground temperatures, the production season is ahead of schedule, which has resulted in a supply gap. As supplies tighten, expect this market to rise.

Kale –The market continues to be steady. The availability is expected to be moderate to good throughout the week. Overall, there is good quality and a stable market.

Lettuce (Iceberg) – The school year has begun, and demand has increased. All pricing is starting to firm up among suppliers. In the growing regions, temperatures are expected to reach 80-100 degrees, which will inevitably affect the quality of this commodity. Expect puffiness, some internal burns, and misshapen heads. Mexico is also experiencing very warm temperatures.

Lettuce Leaf – Green leaf is the only leaf item with light availability and this will continue throughout the week. The majority of shippers will have good supplies of romaine and romaine hearts. The overall quality continues to be good, despite slight tip and fringe burn. Due to the warm temperatures this week, the quality of romaine and all leaf items may be affected by early next week. Currently, some shippers are flexing on romaine and romaine hearts.

Lettuce Tender Leaf –The heat over the last few weeks has affected the shelf life of cilantro, curly parsley, and Italian parsley. Yellow/brown/black leaves may appear at receiving due to heat-related quality issues. As supplies tighten due to quality concerns, the market is expected to rise through the week.

Melons (Cantaloupe) –There is a good supply of cantaloupes and the quality is excellent. Conventional and organic sizes are mostly 9s and 12s, with smaller sizes in limited supply. Planting has begun in Yuma, AZ and supplies will be available by early October.

Melons (Honeydew) – Honeydews are peaking on 6s and running daily. There is a peak in supply for 6s with low volume for 8s. Brix levels have been between 13-15%. The external skin is smooth and clean. The volume is expected to remain steady for a few weeks. In Yuma, AZ, planting has begun, and suppliers will be available by the beginning of October.

Melons (Watermelon) – There is still a steady market for California watermelon, and its quality is excellent. The 100-degree heat has increased the growth of the fruit. Sizes are mostly 6ct and are selling out daily.

Mushrooms –The supply is excellent.

Onions – The northwest season has started shipments. California and New Mexico still have limited supplies.

Pears – Washington will begin Bartletts this week. California pears are in full production. Currently, Bartletts, Boscs, and Red pears are being shipped. .

Pineapples – As rains continue in the tropics, volume is extremely tight. The volume will be severely tight throughout the month of August and into September.

Potatoes –New crop Idaho Norkotahs are available. There are still a few burbanks available. Supplies are improving.

Squash – Zucchini is steady on both coasts. Yellow, however, is more limited in both quality and volume out east. The California supply from Baja and Santa Maria, CA is excellent.

Stone Fruit – Peaches are demand exceeds supply situation and it doesn’t look like that will change anytime soon. Nectarines are also tight but are more available than peaches. Plums and pluots are in good supply and should remain so throughout the month. Asian pears will start in mid-August and run through December.

Tomatoes – In the east, Romas and grapes are steady to slightly higher due to the weather. California and Baja are in full swing with good supplies and quality. Eastern Mexico crossings through South Texas are lighter but we should start to
see more volume coming across.

Weather

California –High pressure continues to bring near-average temperatures through
midweek. Morning lows will be in the mid-50s to low-60s, while daytime highs will range from the upper-60s to mid-70s near the coast to the upper 80s to 106 inland. Thursday’s high weakens, allowing temperatures to cool to low 80s to low 90s inland Friday.

Mexico –Through Wednesday, shower activity will be isolated over Central Mexico, but will become more scattered between Thursday and Saturday. The potential for some heavier rainfall (1” to 2”) is possible within some t-storms during this time. Through Saturday, temperatures will be mostly seasonal. It is possible, however, that certain locations will end up with slightly cooler temperatures towards the latter
half of the week if clouds and showers appear. Through the weekend, most fields will see highs in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Through Saturday morning, morning temperatures will be in the mid-50s to mid-60s.

Florida –This week, a frontal boundary stalls in the northern Gulf, increasing moisture flow into the peninsula from the southwest and southeast. This will increase the chance of showers and thunderstorms. The heaviest rainfall should occur Wednesday evening through Thursday midday. As a result, afternoon high temperatures should be lowered from the mid-upper 90s on Tuesday to the upper 80s-low 90s by Thursday. In the morning, lows will be in the mid-70s-80s through Tuesday, cooling to the low-mid 70s by Thursday and Friday.

Arizona –There is a chance of scattered showers/thunderstorms in central Arizona Tuesday-Wednesday, and a small chance of light showers along the Colorado River valley in Yuma County late Tuesday evening. In Thursday’s forecast, there should be mostly dry conditions, but by late Friday, more moisture is expected to spread into central Arizona, then across the low desert valleys Saturday afternoon and evening in association with an approaching hurricane off the west coast of Baja.

At Peak Season

Apples

Potatoes

Onions

Freight

We are seeing an increase in demand for trucks from the Pacific Northwest due to new crop production of apples, onions, and potatoes. Prebooking trucks in the PNW is advised to ensure efficient loading times.