Market Report - February 2023
Market Alerts
An overview of the current produce market, including specific crops, weather conditions, freight costs and more.
Apples – Small grannies and Fujis will remain scarce until the new harvest in September. Granny’s are slightly tighter this week compared to last week. Apple inventories continue to be low. Overall, supplies are limited.
Asparagus –Supply is increasing in the west with Mexico’s largest asparagus-growing region now in production.
Avocados –Good supplies of big fruit coming into the Super Bowl pull. There are lighter supplies on small fruit. Overall, the quality is good.
Bell Peppers – The overall market is steady with a steady supply of greens and slightly more availability on field packs reds out of Mexico. Cold night temperatures have slowed production, but temperatures should start to increase as we get into February.
Berries (Blackberries) –Expect this commodity to be steady but with lighter numbers for the next several weeks. Overall, the quality is good.
Berries (Blueberries) –We continue to see a steady market with this commodity with fruit coming from both Central Mexico and Chile. Overall, the quality is good.
Berries (Raspberries) –Declining numbers in Central Mexico are causing prices to increase and limited supplies.
Berries (Strawberries) –We continue to see the market in a demand exceeds supply situation going into the Valentine’s Day pull period. Overall, the quality is good. You may place pre-orders for long stem now.
Broccoli –Supplies continue to be good in Santa Maria, CA and Yuma, AZ. Overall, the quality continues to be above average. Crown production is anticipated to be better than most suppliers.
Brussels Sprouts –There is good availability and pricing is competitive in the industry. Good quality is being reported.
Carrots – Carrot supplies are tightening up due to the rain. Markets are up as well.
Cauliflower –Cauliflower supplies continue to be abundant in Yuma, AZ and Santa Maria, CA.
Celery –Better supplies continue this week out of Oxnard, CA, Santa Maria, CA, and Yuma, AZ. Demand has softened. Supplies are moderate with good overall quality from most shippers. All sizes are available. Production in Florida is sufficient to cover east coast demand. Escalated pricing continues on value-added products on the west coast.
Citrus (Lemons) –California Desert/Arizona Region and San Joaquin Region are the main growing regions for this commodity. Overall, the quality is good.
Citrus (Limes)–Lighter demand is causing the markets to be lower. Quality is improving as the new crop comes in.
Citrus (Oranges) – Overall, the quality is good.
Cucumbers –Supplies remain limited. Honduran imports are in full swing but shippers are reporting much less acreage this season. Mexico is still dealing with cold night temperatures which is slowing production. More temperate weather is expected in February. Quality is good with limited large sizes.
Eggplant –Supplies remain adequate on both coasts. Should see better supplies once the weather improves out of Mexico. Overall, the quality is good.
Garlic – Steady California production is expected throughout the week. Good quality has been reported.
Grapes (Green) –Imports are in light but adequate supply on both coasts. The market is firm and the quality is excellent.
Grapes (Red) –Imports are light but adequate supply on both coasts. The market is firm and the quality is excellent.
Green Onions –Supplies and quality are starting to improve in the Mexico region. Overall, the quality is good.
Kale –This market continues to be steady. Overall, the quality is good.
Lettuce (Iceberg) –Supplies continue to be strong out of Yuma, AZ. Demand is steady at best as schools open up again. The quality is good, with weights ranging from 39-42 pounds on liner packs. Gnats and bugs were a concern last week but this issue has been resolved for the most part. Again, all value-added items are off-escalation. No rain is in the forecast but cooler temperatures are expected in the Yuma, AZ region next week.
Lettuce Leaf –There is a good supply of romaine lettuce and hearts and will be available for the next few weeks in Yuma, AZ. Green and red leaf are readily available as well. With most suppliers, the quality is above average. There is a strong production of romaine as well as green and red leaf that is being reported in Yuma this week. Shippers with value-added products are all off escalations. Aside from some slight blistering and peeling, the overall quality is good.
Lettuce Tender Leaf –Good supplies of baby leaf items like spring mix, parsley, spinach, and arugula are available in the desert. Due to the rains, light supplies are anticipated in Southern California, so availability will be moderate at best.
Melons (Cantaloupe) – Fairly good supply and good demand are keeping the market strong. Overall, the quality is good.
Melons (Honeydew) –There are light supplies with this commodity. Overall, the quality is goo.
Melons (Watermelon) – Good supply out of Mexico. Offshore supply is lighter.
Mushrooms –Excellent supplies and availability. Overall, the quality is good.
Onions –Excellent supplies and lower prices from the northwest. Mexican-grown supplies in South Texas are increasing. Overall, the quality is good.
Pears –Market prices are steady at high levels. Inventory continues to be light. Most shippers are done with Bartletts.
Pineapples –Steady open market volume. Overall, the quality is good.
Potatoes – The cold weather is limiting run time. The potato market remains extreme, especially on #2s. Overall, the quality is good.
Squash –Adequate supplies all around. Florida is in their light winter production which is normal for this time of year. Mexico’s supply is being slowed due to cold nights. Once the weather improves in February, supply should increase.
Stone Fruit –Imported peaches, plums, and nectarines have started on both coasts; supplies are light and quality is very nice. California Kiwi will finish this week. Greek and Italian imported kiwi have started in a light way. Pomegranates are nearly done in the Central Valley. Persimmons are nearly done.
Tomatoes – The market is active on rounds and cherries with light winter supplies in Florida. Mexico is still having a slow start to their season, however, Roma and grape availability has improved. Overall, the quality is good with fruit peaking on larger sizes.
Weather
California –Strong high pressure and weak offshore flow will cause mild conditions through the end of the week with morning lows in the low-mid 30s in the coastal valley and inland fields and mid-30s to mid-40s across the rest of the area. Daytime highs will be in the 60s to low 70s.
Mexico – High pressure will bring dry continental air into Central Mexico today through Saturday. This will allow morning temperatures to cool and increase the chance of light frost over wind-sheltered growing fields. By Sunday, this risk is reduced as temperatures warm up a few degrees. Lows in the mid-30s to mid-40s through Saturday and mid-40s on Sunday. Highs should warm into the low 70s to near 80 through Sunday. No rain for the next five days.
Florida –Strong southerly winds will prevail today ahead of a fast-moving cold front that will bring showers to the northern counties late Wednesday afternoon, spreading rain into Central and South Florida in the overnight hours Thursday morning. Accumulation should be less than ¼” for most, higher near Jennings.
Arizona – Another unseasonably cold morning lows this week. Today expect the mid-20s to mid-30s, with widespread moderate to heavy ice. Strong gusty winds up to 40 mph today increasing another 5-10 mph Thursday due to an upper-level low that will have little change in afternoon highs through Saturday other than fluctuating a degree or two.
Freight
Trucks remain steady in the Northwest, Idaho, and California. The national diesel average is up slightly and is currently at 4.604 per gallon. California diesel is also up and is now 5.603 per gallon.