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The shrimp market is saturated with both Whites and Tigers as importers brought in excess inventories to build a cushion while the demand has softened due to slow retail sales. Prices have continued to decline on specific sizes.
Wings season is approaching as football season nears and supply has begun to constrict.
Wings season is approaching as football season nears and supply has begun to constrict. Tenders availability is increasing. The random breast market has evened out because of Labor Day demand. Portion control breast have availability. Boneless thigh meat prices were down again this week. Boneless leg meat is more available.
Butts continue on their decline, expect another week of concessions. Ribs are down slightly and trading sideways for the time being. Loins are relatively flat driven by demand in retail. Bellies dropped below last years markets. Hams are also on the decline with less demand for exports.
With the shortened holiday week ahead, buyers are looking to secure enough boxes to make it through till middle of the month. Ribs, with out-front sales, continue to bolster pricing, especially on CAB or higher boxes; Sel and No Roll offer opportunities. Strips are finally weaker across most grades, as buyers continue to keep short bought. Grinds are steady to soft.
Cheese markets were down again with good production. Demand is increasing. Butter is increasing tight in supply, running this market higher. Cream market is also tight pushing the market higher. Shell eggs moved higher with very good demand from foodservice and consistent retail demand.
Market remains active. Supplies continue to be tight from both Peru and Mexico, but Peru expected to start to increase production.
Markets are starting to gain strength as yields start to decline on both broccoli and cauliflower.
Out of Mexico, cabbage remains limited in supply with active markets. Conditions to last 2-3 more weeks.
Improved supplies reported this week on cilantro with markets adjusting.
(East) Bi-Color corn seems to be most plentiful. Yellow corn is very tight in supply. Demand in increasing as Labor Day approaches. (West) Moderate supplies of white corn this week; market firming up.
West – Baja, CA very short supply, very hot, expect bloom drop in the next 12 days, Market will be unsettled through most of September. Ease-steady markets for now.
East – Eggplant demand and supply steady West Central, CA very short, no relief until Coachella begins harvest in late October. Market very active.
Market is in a severe demand exceeds supply situation. Supplies have been reduced by high heat in the growing regions during the months of May, June, and July, followed by heavy rainfall two weeks ago. Harvests are estimated to be down 35-50% from their original forecast numbers thus creating a very active, and volatile market scenario. Conditions are expected through September, and some are forecasting the current conditions could last through the end of the year.
Quality is fair with heavy under sizing mostly small and occasional medium pencil sized green onions which creates labor issues as more work is done for fewer cases packed.
The markets on iceberg, romaine, romaine hearts, and green leaf are all in and demand exceeds supply situation. Limited supplies and volatile market conditions are expected for the next 2-4 weeks. All commodity and value-added packs are impacted. With recent heat coming through the Valley look for more issues ahead.
Market is unsettled as suppliers continue to face increased costs for overall production in growing regions in Texas, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.
Onion supplies will be tight through next week. Suppliers are currently navigating shortages and shipping delays in the Northwest. ID/OR delays along with an abrupt end of supply in California for many growers have put ample pressure on Washington supplies. Improved supplies by the week of 9/12.
East Coast – Red peppers are still very tight, with active demand. Green peppers are steady. West Coast – Green bell market is adjusting as Central; CA is finishing up.
Central Coast California production slightly off. Yellows bells are steady. Reds should remain short for another 10-14 days. Red pricing will remain active.
Market remains active based on limited supply. New crop is coming off slow and mostly smaller sizes. As harvest ramps up, we should see more supply and some relief.
Round supplies remain limited due to high temps and previous rainfall; markets will continue to be elevated for 2-3 weeks. Grape, Cherry, and Roma markets remain stable both east and west.
East Coast – Both yellow and green squash are active markets with strong demand. West Coast –Better supplies next week on zucchini and yellow squash from Central, Ca and Central Coast, CA., but still limited with good demand. Anticipate bloom drop from recent high temps to impact production in a couple weeks as another heat wave looks to hit the growing regions in California.
Market remains steady from last week. Mexico’s harvest is peaking on 48ct with 32/36s in good supply and 60s and smaller are limited. #2 fruit continues to be limited in supply.
California and Colombian supplies are winding down. Peru continues with good supplies.
Lemons: Market is steady with a good mix of large fancy imports and California product which is heavy too choice grade mid sizes.
Oranges: Market is strong with limited supplies of 88-138 ct. California Valencia shippers are limiting their harvest to stretch out the season into October.
Lime: Quality continues to be compromised by weather, including consistent rain events paired with high temperatures and humidity. There is limited supplies of U.S. #1-grade fruit due to low pack-out yields.
Supplies are light on 5 and 6 ct. with some suppliers subbing into 7 ct. Volume is expected to improve by mid-September.
Supplies have improved for this week, as demand has slowed. Conditions could quickly turn back around next week as extreme high heat is expected in the CA growing regions.
