MARKET UPDATE WEEK # 28

Good Afternoon,

Favorable temperatures continue next week in California. LETTUCE markets are showing signs of relief, while ROMAINE has come off already. LETTUCE growers are harvesting early in an effort to keep up with demand, leaving supplies leaning towards smaller sizes. Availability is much better on 30ct lettuces versus 24ct. We are still seeing a mixed bag on quality, with some lots looking better than others. Our hope is that the calm, cooler weather in the Salinas Valley helps supplies get back to normal.

EASTERN veg supplies have also been hit or miss. Some late season commodities have proven to not stand the test of time. We are moving as far north as early as possible in order to secure the right product. Michigan has started but not on all commodities making it a logistical challenge to get mixer loads on dry veg down to Florida. PEPPERS, CUCUMBERS, EGGPLANT, and SQUASH markets will all fluctuate for the next few weeks.

ASPARAGUS markets are on the move! USA product is finished for the season and supplies out of Peru and Mexico can't quite keep up with demand. LARGER SIZES seem to be on the shorter end of supply while smaller sizes are still somewhat available. We should continue to see activity in these markets for another few weeks.

There seems to be decent supply of LIMES out of Mexico but most of the cheaper deals on fresh product have dried up. We are seeing limited quantities arrive down here in Florida that are struggling to keep up with demand. The market has firmed up for now but we should start to see some deals come back around fairly soon.

We mentioned POTATOES in the last market update but just a reminder, prices are starting to take off leading up to new crop. At least another 3 to 4 weeks until we see supplies strong enough to bring down pricing to normal levels.

PLANTAINS have been difficult to source for the past few weeks. Cold temperatures, high levels of moisture, and crop infection have damaged supplies out of Ecuador. Growth rates were so slow, growers waited an extra two weeks to harvest and that has led to some over-ripeness. We are working on trying out a few new suppliers but markets are tight due to the shortage.

More as it happens,
Parker Tannehill