For the week ending January 25, 2025
Markets remain elevated due to limited harvest after the holiday break, resulting in tight supply and industry-wide allocations. Mexico resumed normal harvesting this week, and the supply pipeline should stabilize within the next week. As this happens, markets will likely adjust. The size structure continues to peak at 60ct and smaller, with 48ct and larger priced higher. Please send orders with ample lead time to assist with ripening and inventory planning.
Asparagus supplies are beginning to improve this week, with better production out of Caborca despite ongoing cold temperatures. Once the weather warms, production is expected to increase significantly, further easing market prices. Peruvian volumes remain limited due to rain and heat affecting quality. Cold weather across the country has slowed market activity, even with reduced production levels.
Production is being impacted across all regions, including Central Mexico, Baja, Oxnard, and Florida, due to cold temperatures. However, Central Mexico is expected to see increased volumes heading into the weekend. Additionally, due to ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, more shippers may choose to direct shipments further east to address storage and warehouse challenges in the area.
Driscoll’s Long-Stemmed Strawberries, heart shaped strawberries and raspberries from Florida are arriving right on time for Valentine’s Day. Order Feb 3 -7 to secure your order for the special day.
Overall market remains steady; prices are firming up across all regions.
The majority of available supply is coming from Central Mexico, while Baja is producing steady.
Good volume is arriving from Central Mexico into the US, and markets are expected to remain steady through the end of the week.
Supplies remain strong and steady; however, colder temperatures may slow production. As demand picks up, the market is likely to strengthen. For now, expect the market to remain stable this week.
Cauliflower supplies and quality are excellent this week. The market remains low and is expected to stay steady into next week.
Demand remains steady, and the market outlook is stable. Domestic production is winding down, while new crop volumes from Mexico are slightly delayed but expected to improve by the week of January 20
Markets remain steady overall. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) is performing well and will continue through February. District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) has started off light but is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks.
Prices are rising as the current crop cycle ends and the new crop begins with limited large sizes. February’s new crop is expected to shift to smaller sizes, with offshore supplies helping to stabilize availability.
Star Rubies are available, with peak sizes in the 56ct and smaller ranges, shipping from both Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley. Supplies is marked light with market price high.
Peak sizes remain at 138ct and 113ct, with markets showing a slight increase but still remaining aggressive for these sizes. As the season progresses, we expect the peak sizing to shift towards 113ct and 88ct. Brix levels are in the 13 range, making oranges a good buy this week.
The pineapple market is experiencing strong demand for Costa Rican pineapples. Availability is expected to remain limited until mid-April due to lower yields from heavier rainfall. Crownless pineapples continue to be a key focus, though they remain in limited supply.
Chiquita is reporting a slight increase in Bananas, Plantains, Pineapple, Manzano & Red Banana due to Maritime Alliance & Port Workers Negotiations.
The new cage-free egg law in Michigan is causing a decrease in egg supply and a corresponding increase in egg prices, as producers transition to cage-free housing which requires more space and can result in fewer eggs per hen, leading to potential supply shortages and higher costs.
Florida and Nogales are seeing strong supplies and high-quality produce. Market conditions remain stable, with promotional opportunities anticipated.
The majority of herbs remain in steady supply with good quality. Tarragon & Thyme are in limited supply.
Steady supplies are anticipated in Yuma for this commodity throughout the week. However, cooler weather in the growing regions could slow production next week. Shippers are currently offering flexibility. Weights remain consistent at 39–43 pounds across multiple suppliers. While some slight misshapen heads have been noted, overall quality remains good. Pricing is expected to stay competitive throughout the week.
Cool weather in the Yuma region has tightened production of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf lettuces, resulting in a stronger market to start the week. Romaine heart production is expected to be moderate at best. Commonly reported defects include slight fringe and tip burn. However, the length and sizing of all leaf items remain favorable, and overall quality continues to be above average.
All tender leaf items are in good supply and quality this week, with steady market conditions expected to continue into next week.
Market is steady, and quality remains good.
Supplies are expected to remain plentiful this week, with good quality continuing into next week.
Cantaloupe remain in short supply due to lower yields in Guatemala, port delays, and weather. Triggered pricing is in effect and expected to continue through weeks 8-9. Mexican cantaloupes from Nogales are also extremely limited.
Unfortunately there is no quick rebound for the honeydew crop supplies caused by crop failure in Central America following the impact of TS Sara in November. Classic Fruit is reported there will be very limited honeydew next week, and limited supplies will start to appear by weeks end.
Seedless watermelons from Classic Fruit are being recommended as a replacement, as quality and flavor favorable to replace the current cantaloupe and honeydew shortage.
Red and yellow pepper supplies from Mexico are improving, while orange peppers remain limited. Warmer weather is expected to increase overall volumes. Florida’s green peppers are experiencing minor quality challenges, whereas Mexico continues to deliver strong volumes with excellent quality.
Older Sonora crops are still available, but newer Sinaloa crops show better quality. As older crops phase out, supply has tightened, and cold weather in Florida is expected to reduce production, driving up market prices.
Florida production is increasing, though recent cold weather may slow growth. Sinaloa Roma production is starting slowly but is expected to improve next week, while volumes from Baja and Eastern Mexico are decreasing. Grape tomato production is rising in Culiacán, with promotable volumes now available. Availability also coming from Nogales, McAllen, and Florida.
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