Write A Short High-Level Headline
Weekly Market Review
April 16, 2015
Market Alert

 

  • Asparagus
  • Bananas
  • Cauliflower
  • Garlic-Peeled
  • Grapefruit
  • Grapes (Red)
  • Limes
  • Peas (Snow, Sugar Snap)
  • Peppers, Bell (Green, Red)
  • Pineapple
  • Red Fresno chili peppers
Overview

Supply on Green leaf, Romaine and Romaine hearts are normal. Extreme market conditions continue for limes: poor weather and growing conditions will continue to negatively impact supply and price in the coming days and weeks. The asparagus market has tightened up because Peru is running low in supply, and Mexico is done. The Roma tomato market is normal, and prices have lowered. Most all herbs remain steady and in fairly good supply and quality. Rain is in the weekend forecast for Central California, which could affect strawberries. Berries in Oxnard finished early due to quality issue and we anticipate the strawberry market to tighten up. Good weather in Mexico has increased production on Blackberries. Quality and supplies are very good. The Cauliflower market remains extremely tight with poor quality and an escalation in price. The fennel market is tight and we are seeing high prices. The carrot market is tight as well. We are hoping to see an improvement next week.

Transportation

 Trucks are in good supply in the West.

Weather

Santa Ana winds are expected this week with winds up to 40mph. Flows shift onshore through Monday with morning cloud cover and fog. Salinas had freezing morning temperatures yesterday in the smaller, wind protected valleys but expected to warm through the weekend. A brief spike in highs is expected to occur Saturday, with upper 70s expected in the Monterey Bay and mid to upper 80s elsewhere. Inland temps will remain warm through Sunday, coastal highs in the mid-70s. Mild temperatures and clear skies are in the forecast for growing areas in Baja California and Northern Mexico with highs in the 80's to low 90's.

Fruits and Vegetables
Avocados

Due to lower demand and greater volume coming from Mexico, we are seeing a downward trend in pricing. Smaller sizes (60 and smaller) continue to be the best buy. Quality is excellent with great flavor and oil content.

 

 

Bananas

In Central America, last December brought cooler than normal weather patterns, rain and less solar radiation negatively impacting the growing conditions and yield of bananas in Costa Rica. In addition, in the month of January, the Atlantic region suffered extreme high winds in the growing region. Our growers lost thousands of banana plants. Guatemala suffered two extreme cold fronts, causing a significant loss in product. Problems are also being experienced with the government of Ecuador. They are enforcing a policy where growers cannot sell more than a certain percentage of their bananas on the open market, which is an "auction market" for the industry. This, combined with the strong demand from Russian companies, has led to extremely high prices for spot market bananas. This is estimated to continue through April. Please be aware of a shortage in the banana market and an increase in price.

 

Berries

Blueberries:  Good supplies and quality in all areas. Volume is increasing as Blueberries transition to Florida, California and Baja.

Blackberries:  Good weather in Mexico has brought an increased supply of Blackberries. Quality is very good with good availability.

Raspberries:  Good quality and availability from California and Mexico.

Strawberries:   Oxnard is going to finish early due to quality issues. Salinas/Watsonville will not have enough fruit to accommodate due to the early finish in Oxnard and the unexpected rain that fell along the west coast earlier this week. We will see strawberries tighten up. We also may see some unexpected adverse weather conditions over the weekend that may affect the market.
California-Arizona Citrus

Grapefruit:  California Star Ruby is available; the Rio Star harvest in Texas is almost finished. The fancy market is extremely tight, and prices are rising.



Lemons:   With a gradual switch to southern California for supplies, smaller sizes are becoming more available while larger sizes are becoming scarcer with higher prices.

Limes (Persian):  It appears that we will have three weeks of short supplies. Prices have moderated but are still high. We hope to see this drop each week, Cinco de Mayo may throw off the decline. 

Navel Oranges:  The quality of remaining regular navels is not so good. Late navels are of good quality but very large in sizing, mostly 72s and larger.
Valencia Oranges:  There is more availability this week with a greater proportion of smaller sizes.

Texas/Florida Citrus: Rain continues in Texas/Mexico on remaining last supplies of Vals/Grapefruit.  

Pineapple:  :  Inbound vessels from Costa Rica have made late arrivals due to adverse weather conditions along the East Coast. The supply situation will not improve until mid-April.

Specialty Citrus Items:  Cara's, Murrcotts, Minnies, Roy Man, Sweeties and Gold Nuggets are all in good supply.  Pummelos are in final supply. 
California Lettuce

Green and Red Leaf:   Green leaf supplies are normal and quality is good with only light mildew and light fringe burn. Demand is good. Supplies are light and quality is good on red leaf with only light mildew.  

Iceberg Lettuce:   Supplies this week are slightly lower than anticipated. Demand has increased; prices are expected to increase by the end of this week. Quality is fair; pale, medium plus heads, showing growth crack and mildew. Weights are 44-49 lbs. Expect to see an improvement in quality by the weekend.  

Romaine:  Romaine supplies are normal with light mildew and fringe burn. Heavy insect pressure in the fields (trying to be kept at a minimum). Weights are 36-37 lbs. Demand is steady.

Romaine Hearts:   Supplies are normal. Demand is very good. Quality is good with only light mildew. Heavy insect pressure in the fields.
Eastern and Western Vegetables

Green and Red Bell Peppers:  Availability has improved for green bell peppers as the harvest gets underway in the Coachella Valley of California; prices have eased from recent highs in California, Mexico and Florida. Red and yellow bells are also in better supply.

Red Fresno chili peppers: Supplies are extremely tight, and prices are very extreme.

 


Cucumbers:   Good supplies are coming from Central & Northern Mexico and Baja California. Prices are expected to firm next week as the harvest winds down in Central Mexico (Culiacan). The new crop harvest in Florida is in full swing; prices are trending lower to match those in the West.

English Cucumber:   Late-season production continues to wind down with fewer shippers in Nogales; prices have advanced. Hothouse production from growers in British Columbia and Ontario are now primary sources.

Green Beans:   Good supplies of new crop round beans in Florida at favorable prices. Steady availability in California (Coachella Valley), prices have eased slightly.

Zucchini & Yellow Squash:   Continued plentiful supplies in Florida and Nogales for both zucchini and yellow squash. Growers potentially may curtail harvesting in an attempt to get prices up from bottom levels.

Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti:   New crop spring production in Mexico has not yet reached normal volume on butternut and spaghetti; availability will improve next week. Acorn is in good supply with reasonable prices.
Grapes

New crop on green grapes has begun, and quality is good. Red grapes are experiencing quality and size issues. They are still coming from Chile Mexico/Coachella which starts the first week of May.

 

Herbs

The Herb market is stable. Local fields of rosemary are feeling the effects from the freeze that we had at the end of 2014, however they are getting much better. Some of the fields had to be cut back, so supplies will be slightly limited for the week or so. Basil supplies are getting tighter out of the growing regions of Southern Baja due to rain from a few weeks ago and the on-going battle against downy mildew. However, we are seeing improvements in that overall. Thai basil supplies are tight due to the recent local rains and the downy mildew in Baja. We will watch closely for any quality issues. All other herbs are steady.


HERBS
SUPPLIES
QUALITY
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
Arugula
Steady
Good
USA
Basil
Limited
Fair
MEXICO
Opal Basil
Steady
Good
MEXICO
Thai Basil
Limited
Fair
USA
Bay Leaves
Steady
Good
COLUMBIA
Chervil
Limited
Good
USA
Chives
Steady
Good
USA/MEXICO
Cilantro
Steady
Good
USA
Dill
Steady
Good
USA
Epazote
Steady
Good
MEXICO
Lemongrass
Steady
Good
USA
Marjoram
Steady
Good
USA
Mint
Steady
Good
USA
Oregano
Steady
Good
USA
Italian Parsley
Steady
Good
USA
Rosemary
Limited
Good
USA/MEXICO
Sage
Steady
Good
USA/MEXICO
Savory
Steady
Good
USA
Sorrel
Steady
Good
USA
Tarragon
Steady
Good
MEXICO
Thyme
Steady
Good
USA
Lemon Thyme
Steady
Good
USA
Lavender
Steady
Good
USA
Melons

The market on cantaloupes remains active, larger sized fruit is in light supply. Honeydew supplies remain light. We expect to see improvement over the next few weeks.


Watermelons

Rains in Mexican growing regions have affected supplies and size of available melons. Size profiles are heavy to 60 and 80 count bins. Production is very light. Most watermelons are coming from Central America and the Dominican Republic. There are currently no domestic watermelons due to the recent weather in Florida. The Florida crop has been delayed due to the recent cold weather.


Mixed Vegetables

Artichokes:  Lighter supplies are forecasted this week and for the coming weeks. The chokes are frost free with excellent quality. Sizing is estimated to be 24s and smaller.  Prices should be steady to higher this week.  Volume is estimated to increase in May.

Arugula:  Supplies of both baby and wild arugula are very limited with 10 week averages in effect. Expect some yellowing and mildew.

Asparagus:  Asparagus market will continue strong for the next few weeks as Peru still has low volume, and Mexico is done. Market will remain strong in the 20's.
Bok Choy:  Tight supplies, high prices.

Broccoli:    Light to moderate supplies this week in Salinas and Santa Maria. Bunched supplies are short, overall quality is nice (good color, texture, uniform size and shape) and demand is good.  

Carrots:  Availability has improved for jumbo carrots in California.  Quality is good.

Cauliflower:   Very light supplies continue this week. Volume in the industry should improve by this weekend, however, prices are not expected to adjust until next week. Overall quality is good.

Celery:   Celery supplies are extremely light; cold mornings and nights have slowed growth. Quality is good with 56-58 lbs., dark green color and meaty shanks. Market along with demand is getting stronger. Expect 24s to become scarce and prices to rise.  

Fennel/Anise:   Fennel supplies are once again projected to be extremely light this week with fields being over a month ahead of schedule. We are projected to be extremely light the next two weeks and possibly have a gap in production the week of 4/20-4/25.   Percentages will remain predominately 24's and 30's. The market should remain extremely active for the next three weeks. Please try to pre-book as much as possible. As similar to last week, we will be covering contracts only and will potentially continue to prorate on a daily basis.

Garlic:  The garlic market has improved, although we are still facing issues with getting product from China.  We are still seeing some Chinese pounds that have become available in the market.  Although pricing still remains high, it has come down from where it was.  It is anyone's guess whether more pounds will continue to become available or if "the pipeline" will run dry again.  Time will tell.  On the domestic side, the demand continues to remain high/moderate, and supplies are still tight.  However, we are seeing it ease up.

Ginger:  The ginger market has improved, prices are moderate and will continue to be moderate.

Green Cabbage:  Central coast cabbage production is still below average. Volume is expected to ramp up next week. Quality will be nice though lighter and smaller.

Green Onions:   Sizing is improving and more mediums and X larges are coming from Mexican growers. Quality is still good but bug pressure remains due to warmer, longer days in the desert. Pricing continues to be higher and steady since Easter.

Kale (Green):  Supplies are on the lighter side this week.Overall quality and appearance continue to be good. Bunches are averaging 12-14" in length with dark green color.    

Mache:  Adequate availability.
Napa:  Improved supplies. Market has stabilized.

Parsley (Curly, Italian):   Numbers are down this week industry wide but expected to return to normal by Monday. Overall quality and appearance continues to be very nice. Bunches are averaging 8-11 inches in length with dark green color. Market prices are up and trending upward.  

Red Cabbage:  Red cabbage production, volume and pricing are steady. Quality is nice but slightly only the smaller size.

Snow and Sugar Snap Peas:  Snow peas and sugar snaps are in tight supply  (Peru, Mexico, and California). Prices remain in the highs for both. Quality is poor, and limited availability will continue through next week.

Spinach (baby): There are good supplies of baby spinach and clipped spinach.  Quality is fair with sightings of minor yellowing.

Spinach (bunched):    Supplies are somewhat lighter this week; colder nights and mornings have slowed growth. Demand is good and the market has become stronger. Quality is excellent with large and full bunches of 10-11 inches in length, dark forest green color and 20-22 lbs. weights.

Spring Mix:   Spring mix supplies are very good. Product is showing slight quality issues of yellowing.    
Onions

Storage crop supplies continue to dwindle down in the Northwest.  Heavy rainfall in Texas has significantly delayed the consistency in supply in new crop Texas and Mexican product.  We are hearing that as much as 30% of this crop could be lost because of this, and if they continue to experience rain, the losses could be even more significant.  The Imperial Valley in Southern California will start shipping next week, but they will not be up to full speed for approximately a week to ten days.  Even when they are at their capacity, they typically cover about a third of the country's onion needs.  If Texas cannot produce a good enough crop to ship, we could see a volatile market with an extreme shortage of product and very high FOB prices. 

Potatoes (Idaho)

Large size cartons are still tight, but we are seeing some better availability this week.  The size profile is still heavier to small size potatoes, and 80ct and smaller potatoes are readily available. Demand exceeds supply on larger size cartons, and about meets supply on 80ct and smaller.  We expect this trend to continue for the tail-end of the shipping season.

 

Tomatoes

Round, Roma, Plum, and Grape:   Rounds, romas, cherry and grape tomatoes have good quality and volume. Romas are getting better weekly.
Tree Fruit

Chilean Stone Fruit is now available, please call for details! There are good supplies on persimmons, pomegranates and Asian pears.  Granny Smith apples are starting to clean up on small sizes and bags.

Kiwi:  Chile is the main supply area.  California is starting.  Italian is available off the East Coast and will be available on the West Coast in a week.
Washington Apples and Pears

Great promotional opportunities remain on 88s and larger red delicious, 72 larger on fujis, goldens, cameos, pink ladys and braeburns, and demand is steady.  Small red delicious are a little easier to obtain, but shortages continue on other varieties.  Quality remains exceptional.  Pears (especially 110x and smaller) continue to exceed supply.  Supplies are tight, mostly on fancy grade, and crop is running heavy to U.S. #1, peaking 90s and larger.   Demand has slowed a bit this week due to school districts observing spring break.

COMMODITY
PRICES
EXPECTED PRICE TREND
QUALITY
Avocados



Avocados-California
Moderate
Down
Good
Avocados-Mexican
Moderate
Down
Good
Berries



Blackberries
Moderate
Steady
Good
Blueberries
Moderate
Steady
Good
Raspberries
Moderate
Steady
Good
Strawberries
Low
Steady
Good
California-Arizona
Citrus



Grapefruit
Moderate
Steady
Good
Lemons
Moderate
Up
Good
Limes
High
Up
Excellent
Oranges-Navels
Moderate
Steady
Poor
Pineapple
Moderate
Steady
Good
California Lettuce



Green & Red Leaf
Low to Moderate
Steady
Good
Iceberg
Moderate
Steady
Fair
Romaine
Moderate
Steady
Good
Romaine Hearts
Moderate
Steady
Excellent
Eastern & Western Vegetables



Cucumbers
Low
Steady
Excellent
Green Beans
Moderate to High
Down
Good
Green Bell Peppers
Moderate to High
Down
Good
Red Bell Peppers
Moderate to High
Steady
Good
Yellow Squash
Low
Steady
Good
Zucchini
Low
Steady
Good
Grape & Tree Fruit



Grapes-Green Seedless
High
Steady
Good
Grapes-Red Seedless
High
Steady
Good
Plums
Moderate
Steady
Good
Melons



Cantaloupes
High
Steady
Good
Honeydew
Moderate
Steady
Good
Mixed Vegetables



Artichokes
Moderate to High
Steady
Excellent
Arugula
Moderate
Steady
Good
Asparagus
Moderate
Down
Good
Bok Choy
High
Steady
Good
Broccoli
Moderate
Up
Good
Carrots
Moderate
Up
Good
Cauliflower
High
Up
Good
Celery
Low
Up
Good
Frisee
Moderate
Steady
Good
Fennel/Anise
Moderate
Steady
Good
Garlic, Peeled
Extreme
Steady
Good
Green Cabbage
Moderate
Up
Excellent
Green Onions
Moderate
Steady
Excellent
Kale (Green)
Low to Moderate
Steady
Good
Mache
Moderate
Steady
Good
Napa
High
Steady
Good
Parsley (Curly, Italian)
Moderate
Up
Excellent
Red Cabbage
High
Steady
Excellent
Snow & Sugar Snap Peas
High to Extreme
Steady
Poor to Fair
Spinach (Baby)
Moderate
Up
Good
Spinach (Bunched)
Moderate
Up
Excellent
Spring Mix
High
Steady
Good
Onions



Red
Moderate
Steady
Good
White
Moderate
Steady
Good
Yellow
Moderate
Steady
Good
Potatoes (Idaho)



Idaho Russets
Moderate
Steady
Good
Tomatoes



Round, Grape, Plum
Moderate
Steady
Good
Roma
Moderate
Steady
Poor
Washington Apples & Pears



Red & Golden Delicious
Moderate
Steady
Good
Granny Smiths, Galas
Moderate
Steady
Good
Fujis
Moderate
Steady
Good
Braeburns, Cameos
Moderate
Steady
Good
Bartletts
Moderate
Steady
Good
D'Anjou
High
Steady
Good
Red Anjou
Moderate
Steady
Good
Title and Platinum Sponsors of the 2015 PA National Conference









Atlanta
5400 Laurel Springs Pkwy
Suite 1002
Suwanee, GA 30024
678.947.3000
Buffalo Grove
100 Lexington Drive
Suite 201
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
847.808.3030
Chicago
230 W. Huron Street
Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60654
312.573.7610

Nashville
One Vantage Way
Suite B-440
Nashville, TN 37228
615.259.0290

Salinas
60 West Market
Suite 130
Salinas, CA 93901
831.455.7800

The information contained in this communication is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law.  If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or distribution of this communication to other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately, including a copy of the original communication, and delete all incidences of this communication from your system.