Supplies are plentiful with fair quality. Weights are increasing but small cosmetic issues are apparent at times. Pricing continues to trend downward
Romaine supplies continue to improve and demand is increasing nearing the Valentine’s holiday. There continue to be some quality issues from cold mornings. Pricing has come down, however is still elevated. Romaine hearts and chopped romaine supplies and quality are good. Pricing remains steady.
Onions are steady from last week.
Higher prices with good quality overall.
Demand continues to be up. Jumbo whites have spiked. Look for this market to continue to rise.
Pricing on jumbo reds has steadied. Quality is mediocre. As previously reported this market will become short and pricing will remain high through the spring storage.
Welcome to potato lover month (February). Pricing remains stable. Demand will continue to increase as we near Valentine’s Day. Value remains in the larger size russets. Overall quality is good.
This market remains steady. Larger sizes remain the value. No real change is expected in the near future.
Florida volume is still light on all varieties. Growers have lost hope for any recovery for the remainder of the winter season. Yields are approximately 60% of normal volume. Pickers are going into fields for a 3rd pick (normally only 2) in an attempt to increase volumes. Quality remains average, however it is better than might be expected given the conditions. Pricing is high across the board.
Green pepper markets are steady with fair to poor quality. Product is short on both coasts. Expect this situation to remain through the spring. Expect skips in the market in the coming weeks. Red Pepper continues to be scarce and very expensive. This market shows no signs of relief.
The lemon market continues to be steady and very strong. The quality, color and internal juice content is very good. Demand remains very good. Size continues to peak on 140’s and larger. 165 count and smaller fruit remain tight. Pricing remains stable, however more expensive on smaller fruit.
Strawberry quality is best coming out of Florida. Volume is below 50% of last year. Outlook in the coming weeks is no better. Demand exceeds supply in all regions. Strawberry pricing will remain high. Product quality is poor. Expect pro rates to continue. Blueberry availability out of Peru and Chile have peaked. Look for Florida to begin production early March. Quality and pricing are good. Blackberry and raspberry availability has taken a hit in the last week due to rains in Mexico. Quality is average.
The lime market is steady to tight and prices are expected to continue to rise. Rains in Mexico have continued. Fruit has been sitting in the trees longer thus promoting larger, lesser quality fruit. Expect an upward pricing trend.