Vegetables
Asparagus – Alert
Market remains active. Supplies continue to be tight from both Peru and Mexico, but Peru expected to start to increase production.
Broccoli & Cauliflower
Markets are starting to gain strength as yields start to decline on both broccoli and cauliflower.
Cabbage – Green & Red – Alert
Out of Mexico, cabbage remains limited in supply with active markets. Conditions to last 2-3 more weeks.
Cilantro – Alert
Improved supplies reported this week on cilantro with markets adjusting.
Corn – Alert
(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.
Cucumbers – Alert
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.
Eggplant – Alert
East – Eggplant demand and supply steady West Central, CA very short, no relief until Coachella begins harvest in late October. Market very active.
Green Onions
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.
Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine
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.
Mushrooms
Market is unsettled as suppliers continue to face increased costs for overall production in growing regions in Texas, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest.
Onions– Alert
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.
Peppers – Green, Red, Yellow & Chili – Alert
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.
Potatoes – Alert
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.
Squash – Alert
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.
Tomatoes – Alert
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.