MARKET UPDATE JUNE 21-25, 2021

This Sunday is Father's Day, which also marks the official start of Summer! Mother Nature appears to have gotten a head start as HOT weather has already hit growing regions in CALIFORNIA and MEXICO.

STRAWBERRIES have reached the peak of their season in California. Quality has been great, and growing conditions favorable, but we may start to see some fruit affected by the warmer weather in the coming weeks.

ASPARAGUS prices are jumping up this week. Production out of Mexico is down as heat and drought conditions have created a water shortage. Meanwhile, Peruvian growers are struggling to meet demand as they transition to new fields farther south. Large and Jumbo sizes are especially limited as consumption in the foodservice sector continues to pick up and European buyers shell out top dollar for the larger product.

Just as expected the WASHINGTON CHERRY crop has gotten off to a good start. Clamshell fruit is available and is a significant improvement over the California crop this season. Consider adding some CLAMSHELL CHERRIES to your produce order this week.

Red, Yellow, and Orange BELL PEPPERS will see a dip in availability due to the extreme heat in Mexico and fields transitioning. With less availability in field peppers, greenhouse prices have shot up once again. GREEN BELLS, however, are plentiful and quality is good coming out of Georgia.

FLORIDA crops have mostly transitioned North up the East Coast into Georgia and the Carolinas. However, WATERMELONS are one quality crop still being produced in the Sunshine State. Pricing and availability should remain steady up to July 4th.

LETTUCE and LEAF crops are feeling adverse effects of the heat wave out West as well. Expect some quality issues such as dehydration and tip burn until temperatures start to chill. On the East coast, CANADIAN LETTUCE season has gotten off to an early start and we should begin with Eastern product in about 7-10 days.

More as it happens,

Robert Bare