MARKET UPDATE JUNE 28-JULY 2, 2021

Good afternoon,

Normally, the last week of June will see a surge in FREIGHT COST due to peak Fourth of July demand. If we learned anything from 2020, it's that normal is temporarily in the rear-view as we move forward into a future with a certain degree of uncertainty. Freight rates have been at a surplus for over ten months now and it does not look like this weekend is going to change much. We are already in full swing out in California with fruit and veg and hopefully we are correct in saying TRUCKING COSTS have hit the ceiling. Let's hope we didn't just jynx it!

On a sweeter note, CHERRIES, PEACHES, PLUMS, and NECTARINES, are all available in a variety of packs! Summer fruit only comes around once per year, so take advantage of the stone fruit season. Whether you need volume fill, tray pack, or clamshell pack outs, we have great opportunities to suit both retail and food service business.

LEMON prices are moving higher as we transition out of the old and into new fields in California. We should see some relief once supplies out of Ventura are brought up to speed in a week or two.

POTATO supplies have tightened just slightly on larger sizes, especially 50-70ct. A steady commodity, potatoes should remain near their current price level until new crop is available in 4-5 weeks.

The onset of summer has also brought a HEATWAVE in California growing areas. LETTUCE and ROMAINE prices are on the rise as shippers are seeing some push back due to the increase in rusting, tip burn, and other minor defects that occur when temperatures get high. We may see these issues start to creep into other fragile commodities like cilantro, kale, parsley, and others. This is a seasonal matter that comes and goes each year and requires some understanding and patience.

Right on cue, our neighbors to the North have started to pack up good quality LETTUCE, ROMAINE, ROMAINE HEARTS, and other goods. We will have Canadian lettuce and leaf starting next week until the deal winds down.

Make sure to check out our Weekly Fresh for some great deals for next week!

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill