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April 8, 2022

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Market Headlines

West Coast Commodity Transition

The annual move from the desert growing regions of AZ to the CA Central Coast  growing regions is on the horizon. The move between growing regions will take place during the next 2 weeks with product stretched out over 600 miles.

Seafood

The domestic shrimp season is over. The new season will start sometime in May for Whites and in July for Browns. The jumbo headless shell-on shrimp, the larger sizes P&D/Peeled shrimp supplies are getting tight.

Eggs

Due to avian influenza being identified in 3 of 4 flyways, infected laying chickens are being euthanized and causing egg prices to rapidly increase with declining stocks.

Dairy

The cheese markets are up for the week due to global demand. The butter market is down due to tightening cream markets. The egg markets remain up due to Avian Influenza concerns.

Grains / Oil

The USDA reported significant increases in soybean oil stocks. This, coupled with lower crude oil, pushed the soybean oil market lower last week. Canola rode the downward move, and so did palm.

To learn more contact your local Sales Consultant. Market Corner Produce information reflects both US and Canadian markets. All other commodity information is based on US market data only.

Produce Market Updates

Vegetables

Asparagus

Market active as demand starts to pick up for Easter. Mexico production is steady and Peru arrivals continue to improve.

Avocados–Alert

Mexico – Market is stronger with the industry harvest being lower each of the last 2 weeks. Currently, the market is heavy to small fruit, with a size curve seeing equal amounts of 70ct as 48ct.  California- Harvest was interrupted last week due to rain but there is decent availability on 48ct’s.

Artichokes–Alert

Active markets are shorter supplies to be seen for the next 2 weeks.

Broccoli

Active markets on broccoli this week as the season winds down out of Arizona, and supplies are short out of Mexico. Expect unsettled market conditions over the next 2-3 weeks.

Carrots–Alert

Carton packs of jumbo carrots out of California are limited at best.  Carrot sticks have now been impacted as a result of the overall shortage of jumbos, with the sizing on carrot sticks for some being reduced from 4 to 2 inches for some suppliers.

Cauliflower–Alert

Active market conditions remain. Expect to see unsettled market conditions for the next 2-3 weeks.

Celery Value Added–Alert

Value Added-Processed (sticks, diced) celery is under and demand exceed supply situation due to capacity constraints.

Corn–Alert

Florida spring crop has started. Supplies are limited as the harvesting schedule and labor as the harvesting schedule and labor are challenging. Some of the new crop is still too young, pushing off to harvest later. Anticipate supplies ramping up within a week. Mexico supplies extremely limited and very sporadic.

Cucumbers–Alert

Florida cucumber supply very light, quality good and demand strong, pricing remains high and could go even higher due limited supplies out west. Mexico still in a gap with limited supply and no relief until late next week. Supplies expected to be short and market active through the holiday.

Garlic

Supplies of CA Garlic continue to dwindle down. As a result, more product from Argentina to be seen in the coming weeks

Green Beans–Alert

Florida bean supply better, quality good, and market steady. Mexico supplies limited.

Iceberg, Leaf and Romaine

Markets on iceberg, romaine and romaine hearts are starting to adjust as demand has calmed and new growing regions have started. Market is expected to be unsettled still for the next 2-3 weeks, as the transition from AZ to CA continues.

Mushrooms–Alert

Shortages and active market conditions continue to plague the mushroom industry. Pricing continues to be unsettled

Onions

Washington/ID winding down and transition South will be in the coming weeks. Holding to averages.

Peppers –Alert

Mixed markets on red, green and yellow peppers when looking at the production off of the east and west coast. Expect unsettled market for the next 7-10 days.  Chili Peppers remain active and short in supply.

Tomato –Alert

Tomato market remains tight our east due to transition from S Florida to Central FL. Transition should be completed in the next 2-3 weeks which will improve availability.

Fruit

Citrus

Lemons: Supplies are good with moderate demand. Sizing is peaking on the large sizes fancy grade. Pack outs are 75-80% fancy.

Oranges Market is steady with moderate to good demand. Color and sugar are very good. Sizing is heavy to 72’s and larger fancy grade and lighter on smaller sizes choice grade.

Lime: Supplies in new crop peaking, 275s, 250’s and 230s. Very limited volume on all other sizes. Supply will continue to be limited into next week, due to reduced harvesting for holy week. Key lime market is lower, and this will also help demand slow down on Persian limes in Mexico. Flexibility needed on sizing due to the larger sizes being extremely tight.

Strawberries & Mixed Berries

Market will continue to be tight on strawberries and is anticipated to remain this way through the Easter Holiday.  Shippers are working to ramp up out of CA but have been challenged due changes in weather conditions from cold and rain to high heat and then back to cold and potential rain in the coming weeks. Cantaloupes, & Honeydews

Light supplies on all melons as the transition from growing regions has started and limited ocean freight is delaying some arrivals for suppliers.

Watermelons, Cantaloupes, & Honeydews

Light supplies on all melons as the transition from growing regions has started and limited ocean freight is delaying some arrivals for suppliers.