MARKET UPDATE WEEK # 31 - 2020

Good Afternoon,

Cooler temperatures in California should begin to quell some of the quality concerns we have been seeing. A very hot June and beginning of July left a weakened marine layer and little protection to crops. As average temps have come down this week and last, we should see some better-looking product with less minor defects.

LETTUCE supplies have turned scarce in a heartbeat! Demand began to perk up this week and production seems to have met its match. We believe this will be a slight adjustment for maybe a week or two moving forward.

CAULIFLOWER supplies are behind schedule, and this is likely to continue with below average temperatures for the next week or so. Cauliflower loves warm conditions; even hot temperatures can bring on a flurry of supply. With the recent cool down, things may get a bit worse before they get better.

ROMAINE and ROMAINE HEARTS remain very active. Short supplies will continue for at least another week.

We mentioned LIMES last week and just as we suspected, markets have gotten very active. Labor has been a major issue as crews have been cut in half due to social distancing measures. Deprived of rain for a good portion of the growing cycle, we have seen some LIMES with less than ideal color. Look for this market to continue this trend at a swift pace next week.

GRAPE markets moved up last week, but we are seeing better quality out of California than out of Mexico. Some people may be behind on old crop Mexican fruit, so buy at your own risk if you are seeing pricing in the mid-low $20's! Markets are steady this week, with a hint of a downward trend coming up as California supplies increase.

EGGPLANTS are stuck in a rough patch! Supplies up the east coast have been terrible. We saw, and rejected, lots out of New Jersey, Michigan, and North Carolina this week. We are hoping that next week will bring better quality with fresh harvests out of North Carolina.

POTATOES are wrapping up on old crop out of all growing areas and the gap into new crop will be bridged in the next week or so. Markets have gotten snug, but it looks like we may be fortunate enough to see a smooth transition. Look for prices on larger potatoes to be stronger until new crop supplies catch up.

Make sure to check your email for the Weekly Fresh this week for some great deals!

More as it happens,
Parker Tannehill