Asparagus:
Asparagus markets are coming off slowly. Asparagus supplies in Mexico continue to improve, while Peruvian volumes remain steady. Domestic production in Michigan is set to begin winding down next week, contributing to a slight upward trend in the market. Quality is good.
Broccoli:
Markets are steady. Broccoli supplies remain strong for both bunch and crowns, with quality ranging from fair to good this week.
Brussel Sprouts:
The sprout market has become active. Mexicali and Rayon is light with supplies due to insect pressure and small sizing. Quality is fair to good.
Cabbage:
- Green Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
- Red Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
- Bagged Cabbage: Market is steady. Quality is good.
Carrots:
- Cello markets are steady. Quality is good.
- Loose Mexican product remains very tight, quality remains good. Canadian market is steady with little supplies.
- Value-add Snack Carrots are steady. Quality is good.
Cauliflower:
Market is up slightly up for next week. Cauliflower supplies and quality remain strong across all sizes this week.
Celery:
Markets are steady. Supplies and Quality is good.
Citrus:
- Orange: We are in Valencia oranges. Currently, Valencia’s are peaking on 113ct and 138ct sizes as the season begins, with sizing expected to increase as it progresses. At this stage, 24-48 hours of gas treatment is being used to enhance the Valencia’s color. Brix levels range from 11 to 13, and the fruit is tasting excellent. Quality is good.
- Lemon: Markets continue to lean toward the stronger side, with 165ct and smaller sizes remaining slightly tighter on Domestic and Import Lemons. District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) has finished, and District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard) is now the primary growing region.
- Limes: market seems to have leveled off. Quality has been good with some sporadic yellowing.
Cucumbers:
- Cucumber market is steady as supplies are good. Quality has been good on inbound.
- Euro Cucumbers markets out of Canada are at the bottom. Quality is good.
Eggplant:
Market is steady. quality has been good.
Grapes:
The grape market has stabilized as the actual impact of the storm two weeks ago becomes clear, rather than the initially anticipated damage. Green grapes will remain tight until Bakersfield begins in July, while red grapes are expected to be more available, with prices staying mostly steady until then. Quality has been fair to good.
Herbs:
- Basil: Quality is fair.
Leaf Lettuce:
- Romaine markets are up. There have been minimal reports of slight fringe and tip burn. Quality is good.
- Romaine Heart markets are up. There have been minimal reports of slight fringe and tip burn. Quality is good.
- Green Leaf markets are up. There have been minimal reports of slight fringe and tip burn. Quality is good.
- Red Leaf markets are steady. There have been minimal reports of slight fringe and tip burn. Quality is good.
Lettuce Iceberg: Alert
Lettuce markets have become very active. There have been minimal reports of slight misshapen heads and minor outer leaf discoloration. Weights averaging from 39 – 44 pounds. Quality is good.
Lettuce Tender Leaf:
Arcadian, Spring Mix, Spinach, Cilantro, Arugula, and Italian Parsley. Markets are steady. Most tender leaf items are showing good quality and strong supplies. Some cilantro fields have experienced yellowing, leading to lower yields. Quality is good.
Melons:
- Cantaloupes: market is steady. Inbound quality is good.
- Honeydew: market is steady. Inbound quality is good.
Onions:
The Onion market is steady. Quality has been fair to good.
Peppers:
- Green bell markets are steady. Quality on inbound has been good.
- Red Pepper markets are up. Quality is good.
Pineapples:
Market is steady. Quality has been good.
Potatoes:
Larger size cartons are tightening, and we may see some upward pressure on pricing. Quality and sizing remain consistent with recent packs.
Strawberries & Bush Berries:
- Strawberry markets are slightly up. Production in Salinas and Watsonville continues to be limited due to the cooler temperatures experienced over the past several weeks. Growers are reporting only modest yield increases compared to last week. In Santa Maria, overall production is naturally declining as the region moves well beyond its peak season. Some older plantings are being diverted to processing instead of the fresh market, shifting more demand to northern regions and helping to keep markets firm. Quality is fair to good.
- Raspberry markets are coming off. Crossings from Central Mexico and Baja are increasing, while significant West Coast California production is not expected to begin until late June. Quality is good.
- Blueberry markets are up. Production in California’s Central Valley is beginning to decline, with some shippers finishing last week. The Pacific Northwest remains on track to start in about two weeks. Georgia is slowing down, while North Carolina is seeing light production. Quality has been good.
- Blackberry markets are coming off. West Coast California production is expected to begin in mid-June to early July. Availability in Mexico is declining, while Georgia is anticipated to see light production over the coming weeks. Quality is good.
Squash:
- Green markets are steady. Quality is good.
- Yellow markets are steady. Quality is good.
Tomatoes:
Rounds are coming out of South Carolina. Roma tomatoes are coming out of Tennessee. Grapes and Cherries are coming out of Maryland. California will be starting soon on Round and Roma tomatoes.
- Round tomato markets are coming off. Quality is good.
- Roma tomato markets are slightly up. Quality is good.
- Grape tomato markets are slightly up. Quality is good.
- Cherry tomato markets are slightly up. Quality is good.
Yams: Alert
Markets are active. Jumbo yams are in short supply; this situation is unlikely to ease until we reach the new crop harvest this fall. Orders moving forward will have a high probability of being prorated. Quality is good.
Market Alerts:
The items listed below are either being prorated or are in short supply.
- Lettuce Liner & Cello
- Jumbo Yams
- White Chef Potatoes
- Yellow chef potatoes
