MARKET UPDATE APR 4-8, 2022

Good afternoon,

We are in the thick of TRANSITION this week on WEST COAST VEGETABLES. BROCCOLI has started up in California and is in fair supply although costs are rising. CAULIFLOWER supplies are getting going in Salinas, but at a much slower rate than broccoli, leaving higher prices to linger. LETTUCE and ROMAINE are split with supplies available in YUMA, HURON, and SALINAS. Thanks to the overlapping supplies in Arizona and California, we are finally seeing somewhat normal leaf markets.

APPLES are beginning to finish up in Michigan. Both RED and GALA varieties are nearing the end of availability out of the east coast and the price makers are taking notice. GALA sizes 113 and smaller will be affected but 175-198ct will see the most drastic changes. We expect good supplies on RED apples out of Washington, but the lack of east coast fruit is going to tighten this market.

Although there have been challenges clearing containers, we are starting to see improved availability on PAPAYA. Look for better pricing on PAPAYA MARADOLS in the weeks ahead.

The Florida STRAWBERRY season is completely finished just as supplies start to gap out of Mexico. All orders are moving out to California and shippers are going to see a significant increase in demand. Reports indicate that we may reach a demand surplus, but it is too close to call as of today. Markets are going to be snug for the next few weeks and we may see some dreaded pro-rates. The STRAWBERRY market over the next month will be completely dependent on how favorable the weather is in Southern California.

ASPARAGUS is available out of Peru, Mexico, and California. With product coming in on both coasts in good numbers, markets will remain favorable for next week.

For several weeks now, LARGE HONEYDEW and CANTALOUPE have been in better supply than their small counterparts. Now that we are approaching the end of the import season, the size profile has changed and SMALLER FRUIT is the most prevalent. Look for a change in the tides on pricing, 12-15ct cantaloupes and 8ct honeydews are going to be the best buy for your buck.

PLUMS and PEACHES are still available out of Chile. Supplies will start to wrap up over the next 4 weeks, as we have already seen with APRICOTS and NECTARINES, so get your stone fruit while available.

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill