Market Watch December 30, 2022

Vegetables

Asparagus – Alert

Supplies are beginning to become tight, especially in the West. Demand will likely exceed supplies through late January. Market conditions will be active and firmer.

Broccoli

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

Cabbage – Green & Red

Market is still firm on Red with Green softer, supplies continue to struggle for both. Market could become active demand starts to show any strength.

Cauliflower

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

Celery – Alert

Market remains very firm as lower than average yields are affecting production. Expecting tighter supplies for the next 2-3 weeks.

Cilantro

Parsley market is higher as supply is short. Cilantro market is mostly 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 – supply lighter but steady due to cooler temps, quality good and market steady. Strong demand could increase market. West – Light supplies and steady demand have caused slightly higher prices.

Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Improved supplies on Green/Red leaf and Romaine. Market has softened some and continues to do so yet with the slow increases in volume pricing expected to move down slowly as well. Lettuce remains firm at higher levels as yields continue to be below average.

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 supplies very light with cold weather in the East putting pressure on the West. Red and Yellow bells are extremely short supply and higher markets expected through December.

Potatoes

Supplies are good on carton russets currently due to heavy retail packing and light foodservice demand.

Volume is very limited on 40 70 ct.

Squash

East – Florida squash supply lighter on both Green and Yellow squash quality is hit or miss. West Coast – Good supplies currently available on both Green and Yellow, the market is trending down.

Tomatoes – Alert

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

Fruit

Avocado

Industry supply levels remain stable with good volumes. The size curve is well- balanced across all sizes and grades.

Bananas

Supplies are expected to be lighter over the next several weeks due to cooler temps in the tropics. Supplies are currently uninterrupted but could become so down the road.

Citrus 

Lemons – Market is steady. Supplies are good coming from the Southern desert. Oranges Supply is expected to tighten going into next week due to rain in the valley. 88s and larger will start to tighten, peaking on 113s and smaller Fancy. Market will become active if rain persists.

Limes – Alert Market rising. Mexico will halt production for the holidays – overall availability is deficient. Quality and shelf life continue to deteriorate as the current growing region winds down.

Grapes

Supplies are winding down on good red and green grapes from California. Most demand has transitioned to Peruvian imports. Expecting lighter supplies from Peru for the next few weeks due to the civil disruptions over the last week. Market is stronger.

Strawberries

Supplies are currently steady from the various growing regions. Overall market is mostly steady.

Pineapple

Supply decreasing now through mid-January. Market will continue to be tight on large sizes for a couple more weeks.