Market Update August 24, 2023

Good afternoon,

Tropical Storm Hilary was the first tropical storm to hit Southern California in 84 years. The storm dropped tons of rain from the Mexican Baja Peninsula all the way to Northern California and beyond. California and North Western Mexico are fertile growing regions, especially this time of year. Several inches of rain and wind over 70MPH hit certain growing regions of products like ASPARAGUS, CITRUS, GRAPES, and more. Certain markets have already begun to waiver but it will take a few weeks for growers and markets alike to find their footing and settle into a post storm norm.

STRAWBERRY supplies in Northern California saw some of these heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hilary, which is not helping quality. Availability seems to be increasing but the quality of fruit is lower across the board. We should see better quality begin to catch up with these lower prices in a few weeks as new crop Oxnard fruit comes available. For now, our advice is to LIMIT STRAWBERRY ORDERS.

NEW CROP HONEYCRISP, GALA, and GOLD APPLE varieties have started this week! It will take a few weeks for supplies to take hold, but it looks like we are due for some pricing relief and ample volume very soon. BARTLETT PEARS have also started in Washington, another sign of good things to come.

BROCCOLI supplies have caught up with demand and finally, growers have sufficient product to sell. CAULIFLOWER and CELERY also look to continue their run at lower prices for the next few weeks.

GREEN ONIONS were already in a tight spot and the rain from Hilary shortened supplies even further! Pricing will continue to move higher and quality will be fair at best for at least another few weeks.

Back to school demand on SMALL ORANGES like 113 CT, have caused a spike in price. This paired with some heavy rains from the tropical storm will cause some uncertainty in California Citrus markets. Look for increased pricing on small oranges for the next few weeks and hopefully some relief once the back to school craze passes.

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill