MARKET UPDATE WEEK # 16 - 2020

Good Afternoon,

As the world shelters in place for another week, not much has changed in the produce industry. Demand is weak, supplies are mostly in surplus, and conditions remain favorable in most growing regions.

Markets remain mostly unchanged but the landscape of doing business continues to shift. In order to keep our team safe and healthy, we continue to lean on our robust food safety program and guidance from the CDC. We have improved sanitation protocol with the use of gloves and masks in all situations. We are practicing social distancing in break and common areas and avoiding all non-essential contact. These are just a few vital steps we are taking to maintain a safe work environment for our team and our clients.

RETAIL DEMAND continues to be the only thing propping up markets. APPLES are one item that has seen increased sales since the outbreak. Due to the increase in demand, availability is getting a bit tight on sizes 88 and larger.

BAGGED ONIONS are another item in high demand. Consumers are gravitating to the easy grab and go purchase of a 3lb or 2lb bag. Unfortunately, the small and medium onions used for value added packs are in short supply. As growers and shippers realign supplies to better suit retail, we should see availability and pricing improve in the coming weeks.

Chilean STONE FRUIT is all but done for the year. BLACK and RED PLUMS are still available but PEACHES and NECTARINES are finished. The good news is that California stone fruit is just around the corner. In a few weeks, we should be seeing some freshly harvested domestic stone fruit!

Harvesting crews have returned to work after Holy Week in Mexico. After a slight delay in distribution time, we hope to see some better volumes of ASPARAGUS, AVOCADOS, and other commodities out of MX in the near future.

GARLIC and GINGER are still in very high demand.

Plenty of items are in great supply and ready to push on special or ad. Those items include: STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER, LETTUCE, ROMAINE, and many more. Please call and ask for some push list deals!

Well wishes from everyone here at GPS. Stay safe and healthy!
Parker Tannehill