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September 1, 2023

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Market Headlines

Seafood

Newfoundland and Labrador Crab Season is coming to an end on August 31st. The market is steady on 5–8s and more so on 8ups. Pricing is still down YoY, inventory position after the close of the season will dictate pricing.

Chicken

Bird weights continue to trend lower due to the heat. Lower bird weights limit production on key items such as jumbo breasts, tenders, and wings. Producers are taking Labor Day weekend off to give birds longer to grow.

Beef

Cattle continue to be scarce and that is bolstering feedlots to feel like they can ask for higher prices for cattle from packers. Packers receive less for middles; the pressure will continue to be on end cuts.

Dairy

Shell Egg markets are increasing across the country. Cheese markets are down this week but could see increases the following week. Butter markets take a slight downward turn after a few weeks of increases. Cream and Culture pricing will increase for most of the country, California will remain flat for September pricing.

Grains / Oil

Soybean oil markets moved lower with lower energy markets, poor crop scores, and technical selling. Canola moved higher with tighter supplies. Palm moved higher with higher demand.

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

Produce Market Updates

Vegetables

Asparagus – Alert

Reports are that the hurricane and related water did not permanently damage asparagus in the Baja region, volume continues to be light. Larger sizes are shorter.

Broccoli

Market mostly steady with fair to good supplies. Some reports of hollow stem on crowns in a few lots which will impact yields coming out of the fields.

Brussels Sprouts

Market remains high as supplies remain tight as yields continue to be low. Quality is fair to good.

Cabbage – Green & Red

Supplies and quality good on both red and green. Market a little higher on green and lower on red.

Cauliflower

Mostly steady market. Good supplies, sizing, and quality. Slightly higher market on 12s and 16s.

Cilantro/ Parsley

Supplies on both cilantro and parsley are improving and the market is a bit softer, with fair to good quality reported.

Celery

The market is steady. Supply is good, and overall volumes are looking good over the next few weeks.

Eggplant – Alert

East – Supplies light, quality is better and market stronger West- Limited volume, marginal quality.

Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Market on lettuce coming off a bit supplies look better this week and into next. Still some lighter weights reported but overall quality is good. Romaine supplies are good, and quality fair to good, market mostly steady.

Onions

WA and Idaho continue to be slowed down due to rain. Supplies are slowly ramping up in both regions and we expect good supplies by next week if we do not receive more rain.

Peppers – Chilies

East – Hot pepper supplies light, quality good and market strong; very good demand on all varieties at this time. West- Market is stable, and supply is good on jalapeno, weaker on other varieties.

Peppers – Red & Yellow –  Alert

Green pepper supply is better and quality is good, demand strong, and market steady. Red and Yellow pepper are extremely short in the east and especially red’s in the West.

Squash

East – Zucchini and Yellow squash supplies light, quality very good and market is strong; more wet weather coming. West coast showing active market as summer harvest draws to an end and fall ramps up. Quality is reported as good.

Tomatoes

Grape tomato availability remains on alert status due to previous wet weather the growing region has experienced. Round & Roma markets remain stable both east and west. Growers out east continue to watch Hurricane Idalia.

Fruit

Avocado – Alert

Expect the market to level off over the next couple weeks then things will get active in late September when the next bloom starts. XL sizes and #2 fruit remains short in supplies.

Citrus – Alert

Lemons – Alert Lemons Demand is high. Prices firmed up on large fancy fruit and all choice sizes. Expect supplies to be tight in September as Argentina and Chile are expected to finish early this season.

Oranges – Valencia’s peaking on 48/56/72s, market strengthening on 88’s and smaller as demand has increased and utilization of quality product declines. Expect small sizes to remain tight through the Valencia season.

Limes – Alert Limited availability of good quality on large sizes 110–175’s, heavier volume in small sizes with new crop. Demand has increased, expect relief in pricing for small sizes in about 10 days when the new crop is in full swing weather permitting.

Grapes

The damage caused by the recent rains from Hurricane Hillary are estimating loses of 20%–30% as an industry. Overall limited supplies of reds available and decent supplies of greens.

Pineapple

Supplies are anticipated to remain tight through September. Pricing remains strong with high demand. Expect delays in the SE this week due to hurricane.