Market Watch January 6, 2023

Vegetables

Asparagus – Alert

Supply continues to be unstable as we see cold weather delaying production out of Mexico, and Peru supply availability continues to fluctuate. Market conditions will be active and firmer.

Broccoli

Broccoli showing some improvement in supplies, but production is still slower with Mexico volume lighter than California. Broccolini continues in a demand exceeds supplies.

Cabbage- Green & Red

Market steady on both, with the red market firmer, and moderate demand.

Cauliflower

Market took a small decrease. Moderate volumes this week. Cooler temperatures in Yuma will affect harvest and keep this market active.

Celery

Market remains firm as production continues to struggle. Expect to see slow improvement in supplies over the coming weeks. Quality is fair to good.

Cilantro & Parsley

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

Cucumbers

East – Market Rising, short supply both East and West. Florida production coming to an end, and Honduran supply has not started in full force. West – Strong demand and limited supplies are pushing this market higher.

Eggplant

East – Florida production is sporadic this time of year. There are pockets of volume being harvested but quality is hit and miss. Market steady maybe slow rise. West – Limited supplies and good demand have market firming up.

Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Improved supplies continue for 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 down but remains firm at higher levels.

Mushrooms

Supplies continue to improve, and the market remains steady.

Onions

Super and Colossal are tight coming out of the holiday weekend. Plenty of other supplies available. Quality is still very good in the Northwest. The market has come off a little this week.

Peppers –  Alert

Green bell supplies very light with cold weather in the East putting pressure on the West. Red tight and Yellow bells are extremely short in both East/West and higher markets expected.

Potatoes

Demand has slowed and will be lighter thru February. Packers are now cutting production to pace themselves thru the season to try to avoid the gap that occurred last season.

Tomatoes – Alert

Markets continue to improve on rounds, grapes, & cherries as supply increases out of Florida & Mexico. Roma availability continues to be light which will elevate pricing. Markets should improve as availability increases into the month of January.

Fruit

Avocado

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 – Alert

Lemons – Market is higher. Supplies are good coming from the Southern desert areas, but Central California region will have rain on and off for 10-14 days limiting harvest.

Oranges – Supply is getting tight due to on going rain in the Central valley. 88s and larger will start to tighten, peaking on 113s and smaller Fancy. Market is expected to become active as rain persists.

Limes – Alert Market rising. Mexico is working through harvest delays – overall availability is deficient, and supply is not meeting demand.

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 – Alert

Strawberries supplies have decreased this week in particular the Oxnard growing region. All areas have a stronger market tone this week.

Pineapple

Production will remain tight on large sizes until about week 3 of January. Brix levels should be rising. Pricing is expected to be elevated through most of January.