MARKET UPDATE FEB 03, 2023

Good morning,

Chilean STONE FRUIT is in full swing! PEACHES and NECTARINES are available in VF and RETAIL packs and PLUMS are finally bumping the docks. We still have a good line on some quality CHERRIES in 16/1lb CLAMSHELLS that we will ride until the wheels fall off. Well, a week or so before the quality wheels fall off but so far, the clamshells have been very strong! Markets are cooling off on all STONE FRUIT as the season gets into full swing.

The rollercoaster ride of west coast veg markets looks to start up again this week. Near freezing temperatures in Arizona have tightened up availability on CAULIFLOWER and BROCCOLI. LETTUCE and LEAFY greens are of similar temperament, but we demand is so far behind current supplies that both markets remain competitive. ICEBERG is slightly higher next week while ROMAINE and ROMAINE HEARTS are still cheap. Temperatures for next week are forecasted to be higher, which may make this price hike brief, but time will tell.

Roses are red, violets are blue, it's almost time for Valentine's Day, STRAWBERRIES... where are you? Cool temps are not exclusive to the west coast, especially this year, as Florida has had an unseasonably chilly season. While the lack of sunshine has provided great quality fruit, the production numbers have been well below average. We are treating the situation day by day and have had to make several cut backs this week due to the lack of availability. Warmer weather is expected this weekend and next week, so we should see more fruit in time to get some AIRSHOTS out on STRAWBERRIES if you need a last minute restock.

BANANA and PLANTAIN supplies are tight coming out of Guatemala. Availability has improved over the last few months, but supplies were hanging on by a thread. With inbound containers delayed for next week, prices have shot up overnight. Suppliers have indicated a 20% shortage that will last the month of February. March should bring a slight improvement but then we enter the rainy season in April and all projections go out the window.

PUMPKIN or CALABAZA imports have picked up this week. We have seen a nice uptick in availability leading to better pricing around town. All signs point towards lower market pricing and good quality of CALABAZA for the weeks ahead.

WATERMELON availability should be great this time of year but unfortunately, import delays, broken down vessels, and poor growing conditions have added a level of inconsistency to this season. Markets took a short breath as prices dropped slightly but the South Florida demand is buying up arrivals before customs can even clear the containers. With the majority of the inbound fruit already spoken for and quality like a game of watermelon roulette, WATERMELONS look to provide an interesting challenge over the next few weeks.

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill