MARKET UPDATE WEEK # 44

Good Afternoon,

TRANSITION has been a very popular word the past few weeks. Whether we're talking about TOMATOES transitioning into Florida, LETTUCE moving south, BERRIES packed in Oxnard, or MELONS transitioning out of California, the theme is the same around the country, seasons are changing!

THANKSGIVING is coming up! We are about two weeks out and CAULIFLOWER, BROCCOLI, and CELERY markets are reacting to holiday pulls. CELERY continues to get tighter each day. We are approaching not only Thanksgiving, but the end of celery production in SALINAS, CA. Lighter supplies will hopefully hit after the major holiday run. If Salinas harvests can keep up through the holiday pull, we may avoid a drastic gap in production.

TOMATOES are starting up in FLORIDA in a light way. We are still a few weeks out from significant volume, but the weather has been favorable. Both Mexico and Florida are expected to pick up in volume over the next few weeks, especially on ROUNDS and ROMAS.

LETTUCE and LEAF have been in our market update for the past few weeks, so we'll try and keep it short! HURON is tapering off and production in YUMA has started this week. Over the next two weeks shippers will be struggling to keep up with demand, harvesting out of all areas on the west coast. The word is that YUMA lettuce is going to start with very light supplies, so be ready for some activity! If we are lucky enough to get some cool weather over the next week or so, Florida ROMAINE might be available for the week of the 18th.

FLORIDA CITRUS is still in the early stages of the season. Quality has yet to reach mid-season form, but we are seeing some improvements on ORANGES. TANGERINES are always a risk early on and this year is no different. We are hoping to see quality and flavor start to develop in the next few weeks. California Valencia oranges are starting to show signs of trouble. We are switching over to NAVELS, which are slightly more expensive but well worth it as far as quality is concerned.

Florida strawberries are starting up! Small harvests have begun in plant city and although the fruit is not quite ready for export, we should be into some volume by next weekend!

LIME markets are still active. Heavy rains in Mexico have prohibited growers from harvesting, causing a shortage. As they wait to harvest, the limes continue to size up, making smaller sizes very limited. There are no immediate signs of relief. Most reports say we are looking at a tough lime market until January.

Please keep an eye on your emails for our WEEKLY FRESH! This week, we will feature specials on items like, HONEYDEW 9CT, APPLE RED 80CT, MEDIUM ZUCCHINI, and plenty of specialty items!

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill