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December 23, 2022

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Market Headlines

Seafood

Gulf Oyster season started November 1st. There are multiple bay closures to protect and restore oyster reefs.

Veg Oil

EPA announced its approval for Canola to be used for biodiesel. The soybean oil market moved much lower again this past week as speculators sold off their long positions for net profits.

Avian Influenza

Two commercial egg layer farms were identified as HPAI-positive over the weekend, representing another 2.5 million birds impacted this fall. The farms were in the state of Washington and South Dakota.

Turkeys continue to be affected by HPAI with 9 million birds lost this year. Expect Turkey prices to remain inflated and for assortments to get smaller.

Dairy

Continued increases in shell egg markets – supply is extremely tight right now, especially in California / Cheese and Butter markets continue to decline as milk supply increases and demand slows/Cream and Culture pricing decreasing for January.

Grains / Oil

The soybean oil market bounced back up last week as traders added back some of the volume they sold off last week. Also, energy markets firmed up. Palm was higher as demand is slowing and stocks are excellent. Canola stayed about the same.

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 expected to strengthen with cold weather trends in Mexico and unrest in Peru. Quality is good from all regions with larger sizes limited from Mexico.

Broccoli

Market steady to stronger as supplies continue to struggle on broccoli. Baby broccoli is in a demand exceeds supplies with some suppliers.

Cabbage

Market is still firm, and supplies continue to struggle. Market could become active is demand starts to show any strength.

Cauliflower

Market firm and supplies are tight. Cooler temperatures in Yuma will affect harvest and keep this market active.

Celery – Alert

Extremely tight everywhere. Market continues to firm up as demand exceeds supplies. Low yields to impact production volume.

Cilantro

Parsley supply is short and not meeting demand. Cilantro market is steady, but supplies are snug.

Cucumbers

East – Cucumber supply good, demand a little weaker, and market is trending lower. Cold weather is expected and will drive the market higher. West – Market has slightly decreased, demand is steady.

Eggplant

East – – Eggplant supply lighter, demand better and market a little stronger. Pending cold weather will make this market active. West – Market a little stronger on ok supplies, with 18ct on the lighter side.

Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Improved supplies, although with cooler daytime temps and morning ice delays volume will ramp up slowly. Market has softened some and continues to do so yet with the slow increases in volume pricing expected to move down slowly as well.

Mushrooms

Supplies continue to improve, and the market remains steady.

Onions

Market is mostly steady on all colors. Supplies are steady and keeping pace with demand.

Peppers –  Alert

Green bell supply steady and market moving very well. Market expected to get active with the pending colder weather. Cooler temperatures in Mexico slowing down production and Red and Yellow bells are extremely short supply and higher markets expected through December.

Potato

Supplies are light this season. Packers are already limiting packing times to stretch the season out to the end. Volume is very limited on 40 70 ct.

Spring Mix/Spinach

Market is steady and demand is moderate on Spinach. Arugula supplies have started to improve, but specialty blends remain short in supply.

Squash

East – Florida squash is steady. Zucchini remains abundant. Cooler weather could impact supplies and market. West Coast – Good quality and plentiful supplies currently available, the market is steady.

Tomatoes – Alert

Round and roma tomatoes continue to improve with increased availability. Grape and cherry markets will remain elevated due to low availability. Markets will continue to improve through the month of January.

Fruit

Avocado

Market remains mostly steady with plenty of fruit being harvested out of Mexico, the holidays will slow down production, but still a good mix of all sizes available.

Blue, Black and Raspberries

Prices have stabilized at current levels. Colder weather will affect this market bringing some volatility to the market.

Citrus – Alert

Lemons –Supplies are good coming from Central California and the Southern desert areas. Market is steady.

Oranges – Navels supplies are good. Sizing is still heavy to 88, 113 and 138 ct sizing. Sugar and color are increasing weekly. Market is mostly steady.

Limes – Alert — Market stronger as the current crop is winding down. Transition to the next crop has just started market to remain firm and active into January.

Pineapple

Supplies are light on large sizes due to cooler weather in the tropics. Some suppliers are having to substitute 7 ct for 6 ct. Prices are increasing.

Strawberries

Supplies are currently steady from Central Mexico, but California and Florida are projecting lower volume next week associated with colder temperatures. Overall market is steady at current high levels.