Good afternoon,
Florida STRAWBERRIES had a nice run but unfortunately, the run is now done. We are headed west to CALIFORNIA where there is plenty of fruit available! The fruit out west will be more consistent and come from a much cooler climate, but there will be longer transit times to get the product here to Miami. Please note on your order guides that there is a significant difference in price between DRISCOLL'S EXPORT fruit and alternative California labels. We suggest easing into the season as we find our footing with California strawberries over the next few weeks.
BELL PEPPERS continue the trend of light supplies and elevated pricing. All signs point to relief towards the end of this month on GREEN BELLS, and possibly sooner on RED.
CARROTS are winding down out of CANADA just as we are seeing lighter supplies out of California and Mexico. The market has been snug for a while now, but these next few weeks look to be the most challenging. We are already aware of heavy prorates on BABY PEELED CARROTS for this week's orders. Supplies should improve in April with new crop out of California and Mexico on the way.
SQUASH and ZUCCHINI will continue to be scarce for another few weeks. Most growers are pointing towards early April for supplies to catch up with demand. We are seeing some early signs of relief and lower market prices as of today, but not quite a full recovery as of yet.
TOMATOES, like squash, remain tight but are showing positive signs out of Florida. Many growers replanted after the freeze, so volume will increase later into the season than normal. Mexican fruit is hit or miss right now, but there is at least enough availability to ease pricing for next week on ROMAS and ROUNDS.
More as it happens,
Parker Tannehill