Things You Should Know :
Grapes (Green)
Green grape availability is expected to decrease as we move toward transition.
Melon (Cantaloupe)
Due to recent storms in Maricopa County, expect harvest delays and or quality issues.
Onions
Rain and cold temperatures curtailed harvests this past weekend. Weather to improve late week.
Potatoes
Cold weather and rain curtailing harvests
Stone Fruit
Nectarines are done, peaches are limited and plums are steady.
Transitions and Temperatures
Berries (Strawberries)
Oxnard is beginning to produce better numbers and should continue to do so in the upcoming weeks
Grapes (Red)
We anticipate import fruit to start by mid to late November.
Grapes (Green)
We anticipate import grape to start coming in by mid to late November.
Stone Fruit
Import stone fruit will start in December.
Squash (Eastern)
Squash is transitioning to the south.
Cucumbers (Eastern)
Cucumbers are transitioning to the south.
Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper is in Transition to the South East.
Melon (Cantaloupe)
There will be some overlap as there will be three growing regions going this month. California finishing up, the desert just starting, and Mexico to follow.
Potatoes (colored)
North Dakota has started with reds; yellow starting next week. Minnesota and Michigan winding down.
A Peak at Peak Seasons
Eggplant (Eastern)
Eggplant is in peak availability
Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Bell pepper is in peak availability
Weather Update
High pressure builds out west into the weekend with a slight warm-up in temperatures. A series of weak low-pressure systems look to move into the region as we move into a fall weather pattern. A weakening tropical depression moving up the west coast of Mexico will bring showers and possible thunderstorms as it continues to dissipate over the higher terrain. Cooler temperatures continue across southwestern desert regions following the heavy rains last week. A slight chance of thunderstorms is possible as remnant moisture streams in from the south. High pressure over the southeast continues to produce warm temperatures across Florida with scattered showers possible in the afternoons.
Apples
Eastern Region:
New crop apples are available everywhere. Gala, Honeycrisp, Macs, Jonathan, Cortland, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Red Delicious, are available in abundance. Quality is fantastic—in all areas—with some parts of MI/NY/PA dealing with isolated showers. Parts of NY have been dry (no rain) which has caused some fruit to overripe and drop (can’t harvest the fruit once it hits the ground).
Shippers are attempting to maintain current prices and the Northwest is feeling the pressure to compete and get below EC prices in order to attract business.
Western Region:
Washington
Temperatures have dipped below 34°F (a low of 27°F to be exact) in parts of Washington and Northwest, but this is not expected to continue and will not affect the quality of the crop.
With the Midwest and East Coast in full swing on new crop, shippers out West are feeling the need to aggressively price all commodities in an attempt to attract Midwest/EC customers. We will continue to see a downward price trend as there are still new crop varieties that have not begun harvest (Pink Lady, Braeburn, Lady Alice, Jazz, Envy, and Granny Smith—to name a few).
California
Granny Smith apples are still available with a few shippers quoting Pink Lady apples.
Asparagus
The volume remains unchanged from last week out of Southern Baja, Mexico, and demand is still light. This trend should continue through the middle of November. Both regions in Peru (Ica/Trujillo) have continued to increase their volume with the weather being excellent in both regions. Volume has increased in the bigger sizes with the weather warming up in the south. Markets on both coasts are lower to steady this week with more production from both Mexico and Peru.
Avocado (Mexican)
The market is stable this week. Field prices continue to trend downward as we are seeing good inventory levels. Mexico continues to ramp up the harvest on new crop fruit and seeing some checker-boarding. The size curve is leaning heavily to 60’s and smaller. Chilean fruit has arrived in small numbers. Chile will hit peak season this month and available through December.
Bell Peppers (Eastern)
Green Bell pepper is in peak supply. The mid-west is still shipping steady supplies while dodging rainstorms passing through the region. Those growers are starting to wind down for the season. Some will finish this week, the larger growers will continue for 2 to 3 more weeks. Mid-Atlantic and northeast supplies are past their peak but still producing good supplies and decent quality green pepper. The southeast is starting in a light way but supplies will increase quickly by next week when more growers begin their fall deals. Quality has been decent in the mid-west and northeast. Product is starting to show some scaring from older fields, but the color and firmness are good. The southern pepper is lighter in color due to very hot temperatures but otherwise, the quality is good.
Transitions:
Bell pepper is in Transition to the South East.
Peak Seasons:
Bell pepper is in peak availability
Bell Peppers (Western)
Green Bell Pepper- continue to be harvested in the Oxnard, Hollister, and Stockton California area. Currently, both retail and choice grade is being packed from all districts. Quality of green bell pepper from Oxnard, Hollister, and Stockton is good. Both Retail/Choice grade of green bell pepper meets demand. Moderate supplies of green pepper are being harvested in Baja California, where quality is good.
Red Bell Pepper- Good supplies of red bell pepper continue to be harvested in the Hollister and Oxnard growing district. Both retail and choice grade are currently being packed. Supplies from Oxnard and Hollister are expected to remain steady through the month of September. Good supplies of Mexican Hot House bell pepper also crossing into San Diego, CA and Nogales, AZ. Market on red bell pepper continues to decrease this week with good supplies being harvested from all districts. Moderate supplies of Red bell pepper continue available to load in McAllen, TX.
Yellow Bell Pepper- Good supplies of yellow bell pepper are available to load in Los Angeles, CA this week. Supplies of Yellow bell peppers continue to be harvested in the California growing districts and are expected to continue throughout the week. Good supplies of Mexican Hot House Bell pepper are also crossing into San Diego, CA, and Nogales, AZ. Both retail and choice grade bell is being packed from all district’s and quality is being reported as good. The Market on yellow bell peppers remains steady. Moderate supplies of Mexican Yellow Hot house bell pepper are also available to load in McAllen, TX.
Berries (Blackberries)
Blackberry availability has recently been sporadic and there have been some delays in harvesting. These delays in harvest have been accompanied by logistics difficulties regarding transfer trucks. Quality has been fair. The West Coast is still in production and they are seeing the occasional red cell with some softening fruit on arrival due to recent heat and light rains. The Mexican fruit quality is the stronger of the two growing areas. Look for that market to remain firm moving into the weekend.
Berries (Blueberries)
Blueberries are still coming out of Michigan and have a few days before operations cease altogether on what will be the last of the domestic fruit. The quality is fair and the market is firm. Offshore fruit is coming from Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay and is available on both East and West Coasts. Mexican production beginning to crank up as well. Quality from all countries is excellent at this point in time although the Michigan fruit is at the end of its growth cycle and will have less shelf life. Look for the markets to ease off a bit as Mexican production ramps up and additional offshore fruit begins to hit the ports.
Berries (Raspberries)
Raspberries are expected to increase in volume out of Mexico towards the end of the week. This increase should help to subsidize the lighter West Coast numbers we are seeing. As it is with the blackberries we are currently experiencing temporary shortages due to logistics and transfer trucks coming out of Mexico. The market remains firm with lower undertones. The quality has been good
Berries (Strawberries)
The strawberry market is showing some better availability due to the recent heat, producing more fruit than would be normal out of all growing areas. Salinas and Watsonville are offering load volume deals to alleviate higher yields. Quality is still just fair with overripe fruit and bruising being the major flaw. Santa Maria is in full swing and producing better quality at this time. Oxnard is beginning to scratch the surface in production and quality is reported as nice at this point. Pricing down south is slightly higher with most shippers basing this two-tiered market on the better quality in the fields down there. The market in both areas looks to be softening somewhat but the projected cooler weather could counter this trend moving forward.
Transitions:
Oxnard is beginning to produce better numbers and should continue to do so in the upcoming weeks
Broccoli
The Broccoli market has started to come off as supplies and yields have increased. Quality has started to improve with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast.
Brussels Sprouts
The brussels sprouts market continues to stay steady. There is still some internal decay, causing slightly lower yields. Look for the Brussels sprouts market to continue to stay steady going into next week.
Carrots
California carrots remain a steady go on all cello and tabletop carrots. The jumbos are still relatively light with some shippers. As was the case last week Mexican jumbo carrots are steady with lower undertones having to still compete with the local product in Canada, California, Colorado, and Michigan.
Cauliflower
The cauliflower market is slowly adjusting downward with a little more regular supply. The quality is good with minor bruising and yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for the market to continue to adjust going into next week.
Celery
Good supplies and light demand continues to be the story with this commodity. This market has remained steady and looks to remain steady going into next week. All sizing is available. Some shippers are flexing on large sizing, twenty-four counts in particular. School demand is light. Santa Maria, as well as Salinas, continues to be the major growing region for this commodity. Mexico has had production as well. The quality continues to be good. Slight bowing and insect damage has been reported but is minimal. The weights are averaging fifty-three to fifty-seven pounds per case.
Chili Peppers
Jalapenos- Good supplies of Jalapeno continue to be available to load in Los Angeles from Mexico and California. Jalapeno are being harvested in Baja California where the quality is fair to good. Domestic jalapeno being harvested in Santa Maria, CA is mostly medium to large size. Jalapeno being harvested in Baja, California Mexico is also medium to large size. Market on jalapeno has remains in the teens. Jalapenos from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas.
Pasilla- Good supply of Pasilla peppers available to load in Los Angeles from Mexico. Pasilla is being harvested in Baja California. Quality on Pasilla from this region is mostly good. Size on the pepper are mostly medium to large. Pasilla peppers also being harvested in Santa Maria, California. Market on Pasilla is steady. Pasilla from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.
Anaheim- Good supply of Anaheim continues to be available to load in Los Angeles from Baja California and Santa Maria. Quality from Baja and Santa Maria are mostly good. Market on Anaheim pepper continues to remain in the mid-teens and is expected to remain the same through the week. Anaheim from Mexico also available to load in McAllen, Texas.
Serrano – Good supplies of Serrano peppers available to load in Los Angeles, from Mexico. Supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week. Supplies currently meet demand. Serrano supplies also crossing through McAllen, Texas.
Tomatillo – Husk tomatillos are available to load in Los Angeles, from Mexico. Quality of husk variety is good. Good supplies on husk tomatillos are expected to continue. Market on both peeled and husk tomatillo are steady. Both husk and peeled tomatillo are available to load in McAllen, TX
Cilantro
The cilantro market continues to stay steady as there are plenty of supplies. The cilantro quality is good with an occasional yellow leaf. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay steady going into next week.
Citrus (Lemons)
Domestic supplies on 140’s and larger continue to remain snug. We’ve seen a high demand for domestic supplies, and import supplies seem to be winding down out of both coasts. Suppliers are doing their best to cover orders day to day as we transition to District 3 (Coachella/Mecca/Yuma area). Current supplies are being harvested from District 2 (Southern California Region) are winding down a lot faster than expected and supplies are light. District 3 (California Desert/Arizona Region), supplies are light to start but will gradually increase over the next few weeks.
Citrus (Limes)
Supplies continue to be limited and although prices have softened up they will continue to rise again. Tropical Strom Fernand hit the Mexican Region where limes are currently being harvested right now and have caused a bit of a slowdown in harvesting. This will cause the product to get tighter to an already tight market. The industry will continue to get light packouts and minimal crossings. The outlook moving forward depends on the weather in Mexico. We’ll be sure to keep the network informed of updates.
Citrus (Oranges)
Demand for small Valencia continues to be very strong. Markets will stay firm as we conclude the Valencia crop. We expect demand/supply on small fruit to be a challenge until we get to the CA Navels. Quality remains fair as we are in late season Valencias. Imports are winding down for the season and suppliers that have inventories only have large sizes available. We’re still about 2-3 weeks away from California Navels and have been hearing positive feedback on the supply and quality. Please reach out if you need any advance pricing.
Cucumbers (Eastern)
Michigan is winding down for the season and most growers will finish this week. Ohio will finish next week and Northeast will continue for another couple of weeks. The Mid-Atlantic should continue through most of October and the southeast is just getting started for the fall. Cucumber quality in every region is just fair, the mid-west has had some rain and is late in the deal, color is good but shelf life is an issue. The northeast is late in the deal and product is showing some scaring due to age. The mid-Atlantic has good quality and steady supplies, the southeast is feeling the effects of extremely high temperatures. Quality is good and the color is better than expected but shelf-life is suffering. The volume in the south will continue to increase and quality should get better as the days shorten and temperatures cool.
Transitions:
Cucumbers are transitioning to the south.
Cucumbers (Western)
The West Coast cucumber market continues to be steady on both retail grade and foodservice grade. Quality from all districts is good. Cucumber crossing through San Diego is being harvested in Baja California. Cucumber crossing through Nogales is being harvested in Durango, Mexico and few starting in Sonora, Mexico. Cucumber quality crossing into Arizona and California are good. Light supplies of Mexican cucumbers continue to cross through McAllen.
Eggplant (Eastern)
there are good supplies of eggplant in various regions in the eastern half of the country. The mid-west is past their peak but quality is still good, the northeast is shipping steady supplies with fair quality. The southeast have good volume after an early start to their fall deal. Eggplant pricing has been low for a few weeks mainly due to low demand, so many small deals around the eastern half of the country keep customers supplied daily during the summer month that customers don’t need to reach out to commercial shippers until cool weather shuts the plants down for the winter. Expect most of the northern growing regions to finish for the season during the first week or two of October.
Peak Seasons:
Eggplant is in peak availability
Eggplant (Western)
Better supplies of eggplant are available to load in Los Angeles, CA. Domestic eggplant mostly being harvested in the Oxnard and Hollister growing districts. Both Retail grade and foodservice grade being packed. Quality on domestic eggplant is mostly good on both retail grade and choice grade pack. Light supplies of eggplant available to load in Nogales, AZ.
Grapes (Green)
Green grape supplies remain fairly steady this week. However, prices are firm and shippers expect availability to become increasingly limited as we move forward. Growers are already breaking into late-season varieties that would typically be used as storage fruit. As we look further down the road, this will have an effect on availability as we approach transition in mid to late November. Quality has been fair. We are seeing more reports of darker color and occasional soft berry. This is typical for this time of year and varieties being harvested. As we break into new blocks, we can expect better quality. Spot buy opportunities and promotional volumes will become scarce. I expect market prices to gradually increase moving forward.
Alerts:
Green grape availability is expected to decrease as we move toward transition.
Transitions:
We anticipate import grape to start coming in by mid to late November.
Grapes (Red)
Red grapes are in excellent supply this week. We expect good availability through transition with a possible overlap between domestic and Chilean fruit. Quality has been very strong. Sizes are on the larger side with good crunch and sweet flavor. We have several varieties to choose from and demand has been good. Markets have been flat. Depending on each shipper’s inventory and commitments, there are varying levels of aggressive prices being offered. Overall, there are plenty of opportunities for spot buys and promotions. Let us know how we can help.
Transitions:
We anticipate import fruit to start by mid to late November.
Green Onions
The green onion market continues to stay steady. The warmer weather recently is causing occasional leaf minor and is causing a slight gap. The market will continue to stay steady going into next week.
Kale
The kale market continues to remain steady as supplies continue to stay plentiful. Quality is good with full bunches and an occasional yellow leaf being reported due to the recent warm weather.
Lettuce Iceberg
Iceberg yields are lighter with most suppliers closely watching what they have left to carry them to the end of the season. There is a slight gap in pricing in the marketplace. The warm weather last week followed by rain on Monday, and now cool weather has created issues in quality. Upon arrivals, defects that have been identified include misshapen heads, mechanical, discoloration and brown butts. These defects are a direct result of the warm temperatures in the growing regions both north and south. Santa Maria and Salinas will continue to be the main growing regions for this commodity. Weights are ranging from 39-43 pounds. Huron will begin production the third week in October. Look for the Iceberg Lettuce market to continue to adjust higher next week.
Lettuce Leaf
Demand continues to be moderate on romaine in the marketplace. Most shippers have reported lower yields due to crop loss. This has caused a gap in pricing, depending on the supplier. Common defects include mechanical, fringe burn and slight insect damage but these defects are minimal. The overall quality continues to be above average. Weights are reported between 30-34 pounds. Romaine hearts will have moderate availability all week. Red and green leaf, as well as butter, will have steady supplies all week. The weights on green and red leaf range from 19-22 pounds.
Lettuce Tender Leaf
Tender Leaf supplies continue to slowly react to the recent heat in the Salinas Valley. Curly parsley, spinach, and arugula are usually the first items to be affected by the hot weather. Quality is good with occasional yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves.
Melon (Cantaloupe)
San Joaquin Valley-
Weather this week calls for temps in the 80’s. Cooler temps have slowed down production week over week. Market is steady this week and with good demand on all sizes. We are seeing excellent quality with good brix/sugar levels on this late season fruit. Growers expect to harvest into mid-October and some going later, weather permitting.
The Desert-
With the recent storms that hit the growing region of Maricopa County, the harvest may be delayed and/or start with light volumes. We may see some quality issues. Forecast calls for temps in the 90’s with rain by the weekend but should be minimal. By next week, there will be some overlap with Westside still going, the desert starting up, and Mexico coming on by mid-October.
Mexico-
Mexican crops are looking up to par. Production will ramp up next week on honeydews and will be available through winter and into spring. Cantaloupe will ramp up mid-October but will be a short window of availability. Mexican cantaloupe season usually runs about 4-5 weeks.
Alerts:
Due to recent storms in Maricopa County, expect harvest delays and or quality issues.
Transitions:
There will be some overlap as there will be three growing regions going this month. California finishing up, the desert just starting, and Mexico to follow.
Melon (Watermelon)
Few watermelons continue to be harvested in the Visalia and Modesto California area. Quality from the California districts is fair. Light supplies of new crop watermelons are being harvested in Sonora, Mexico. The seedless watermelon market has slightly risen this week. Watermelon quality from Sonora is good. Better supplies from the Sonora district are expected.
Onions
Onion harvests were curtailed through Monday in Washington as rain and cold temperatures swept through the upper Northwest region. Idaho/Oregon border escaped wet weather but still experienced drops in temperature. Weather forecasts show improving temperatures as harvesting in both regions resumes. Supplies are good with steady to slightly higher markets, in particular, red onions. Larger size super colossal and colossal yellow onions remain the lightest in supply as the size profile is heavy to jumbo and medium sizes. Utah and Colorado have also started up in production for all three colors. Quality remains excellent.
Alerts:
Rain and cold temperatures curtailed harvests this past weekend. Weather to improve late week.
Pears
Washington:
Northwest Bartletts are peaking on 90ct (Wenatchee area) and 110ct-120ct (Yakima) with limited supplies on FCY/low grade. New crop Green D’Anjou (90ct/100ct) and Bosc pears (90ct-120ct) are limited in availability, more so than Bartletts. Shippers have communicated that Anjou/Bosc crops are down 30-50% vs. last year’s volumes.
Red pears are coming into volume. ½ carton and full (40#) are available. Special varieties—such as Seckel, Forelle, Comice, and Asian are also available. Quality is excellent.
California:
The California pear season is winding down with some shippers done for the season and some selling from storage inventory (Bartletts and Bosc). ASIAN PEARS are available; 10ct-24ct (1 and 2-layer) available to load in the San Joaquin Valley. Smaller sizes (66ct-96ct, 3-layer) are sporadic in availability, so please inquire about availability.
Pineapples
Pineapple supplies continue to improve out of both coasts on all sizes weekly, Markets remain steady and demand continues to remain strong. We have plenty of opportunities to push product out. Please reach out for any special volume or prices. Quality has improved and we’re hearing positive feedback.
Potatoes
Idaho potato markets continue to slide downward as shed floors remain full with light demand. Weather in Idaho has turned as temperatures drop, along with rain and snow showers this past weekend. Production has slowed but cartons are in good supply keeping markets down. Improving temperatures with highs in the upper 50’s and lows in the mid 30’s will continue harvests. As we continue harvests of new crop potatoes keep in mind #2 grade potatoes are limited as Norkotah new crop will produce an abundance of #1 grade product. Suppliers will be subbing into carton counts for #2’s to fulfill orders. For the 10oz #2’s, suppliers are leaning to the 60 count and 70 count size while 6oz #2’s will be in the 90 count to 100 count range. Some minor quality issues in the new crop Norkotahs may be seen in the way of skinning, white mold, wet potatoes (wet boxes), soft potatoes and immaturity. Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin markets are steady to slightly lower.
Alerts:
Cold weather and rain curtailing harvests
Potatoes (colored)
Stockton, CA has finished with supplies of red and white with a few yellows remaining this week. Bakersfield, CA is available to ship product from Washington; markets will be higher as they will include freight from up north. Idaho and Washington production was curtailed over the weekend and into Monday due to rain and cold temperatures. Idaho continues to ship red and yellow while Mt Vernon, WA is producing all three colors and excellent quality. North Dakota has started up the season on red potatoes along with production out of Wisconsin with both red and yellow. Minnesota and Michigan are winding down.
Transitions:
North Dakota has started with reds; yellow starting next week. Minnesota and Michigan winding down.
Squash (Eastern)
Zucchini is in very good supply, but yellow supplies are much tighter. The mid-west is nearly finished for the season. The northeast is still shipping but supplies are well past their peak. The mid-Atlantic is in good supply of good quality product and the southeast is approaching its peak. Heat and insect damage has affected yields in the south, but quality in the box is good. Yellow squash is yielding much less due to very high temperatures in the south and has caused a gap in supply and pricing verses zucchini. What is left in the northeast and mid-west has been decent quality but supplies are spotty.
Transitions:
Squash is transitioning to the south.
Stone Fruit
Not much change on stone fruit this week. Supplies continue to decline on peaches with limited options on size. Prices have gone up slightly and will remain firm. We expect all shippers to finish fresh production over the next 2 weeks. Nectarines have finished for the season and will start again with Import fruit in December. Both red and black plums are currently available with good supplies. Sizes are larger, so VF 60’s and smaller are limited. We expect to have plums available through the month of October and possibly into November. Import transition will take place in December.
Alerts:
Nectarines are done, peaches are limited and plums are steady.
Transitions:
Import stone fruit will start in December.
Tomatoes (Eastern)
Eastern regional programs will be wrapping up in the coming weeks, transitioning growing operations back to Florida near the middle of the month creating a brief overlap in harvests. This week, supply continues to be light but slightly better than in previous weeks. Round supplies have improved post-storm systems in the east, helping to soften the market for the short term. North Carolina and Tennessee are benefiting from favorable weather, while Virginia begins to wrap up for the season. Similarly, Roma availability has increased but supply continues to be light until Florida begins harvesting again near the end of October. The grape tomato market may begin creeping back upward as Virginia winds down and begins transition south to Florida. Growers are working through 7th and even 9th picks wrapping up this week. Quincy will have light volume in October until Ruskin picks up closer to November.