Tomatoes – Melons – Vegetables – Citrus – Northern Vegetables

MARKET REPORT 8/31/09
Tomatoes:
Looks like all good news for tomatoes this week.VERY warm conditions all over California and Mexico are going to help bring down the round market. We expect a really good push from northern Baja over the next two weeks. Roma and cherry crossings are also expected to increase which will finally bring some relief to these markets. Look for improved quality on all varieties.
Melons:
It looks like chain store ads are starting up again on cantaloupes which will push up an already short market. Look for higher prices at least through the weekend. Quality remains excellent. Honeydews will remain fairly cheap with good quality. Seedless watermelon shippers in California are failing to meet market demand, pushing business back over to Texas fruit. The results are higher prices and less quality fruit.
Vegetables:
The green bell market seems to be backing off a little this week and red and yellow bells seem to be more in demand. Expect to see higher prices by the weekend. Quality is still excellent. Italian squash looks to be stable this week. Yellow squash on the other hand has taken off and is very hard to come by.Prices are expected to rise all week on straightneck and crookneck. Please advise customers that gold bar will be a cheaper alternative if it fits their menus. Cucumbers seem to be somewhat short but shippers aren’t raising the f.o.b.’s just yet. Peruvian asparagus seems to have peaked as more air freight is showing up daily.
Potatoes and onions: Both these markets look to be coming off this week. Yellow onions from Idaho and Washington are helping to bridge the California crop which is winding down.Quality looks very good. Washington and Idaho norkotah russets are coming on strong. Look for prices to get better over the next few weeks as production grows. Red and white potatoes are tailing off fast out of northern California. Prices will begin rising as we wait for Washington to kick into gear with the new crop.
Citrus:
Well it looks like the lemon market has finally peaked. Hopefully we can see some relief over the next few weeks. The Valencia market continues to get worse. Prices are increasing as we look toward the end of the season in 4 to 6 weeks. Less and less quality fruit to make grade means more choice fruit. The lime market made a sharp u-turn over the weekend as shippers reported crossings will be way down this week.
Northern Veggies:
The romaine lettuce market is getting tougher. Prices are increasing and production looks to be down more this week. Romaine hearts are also difficult. Look for higher prices on both. The rest of the leaf seems to be getting along fine with very good quality. Broccoli, crowns, cauliflower and celery are good buys this week. Brussels sprouts are very affordable again also. White corn is slowly getting smaller and probably within 1 to 2 weeks of finishing. Green onion supplies are increasing and prices are reflecting.

Tags: Produce Reports