Good afternoon,
STAWBERRY production remains strong out of California. Higher temps are pushing production forward but so far, our EXPORT fruit has been firm and of good quality. The warmth should help bring a little more color to the export fruit as well.
WATERMELON supplies are beginning to stabilize. Mexican fruit is helping the market ease after a few weeks of higher pricing and tight availability. Making things sweeter, along with the lower pricing we expect better quality as well.
YELLOW SQUASH and ZUCCHINI are priced to sell! Quality is also strong as replantings post freeze are satisfying market demand.
We expect to see GOLD KIWI in the next two weeks. Imports out of New Zealand are on their way but still have a ways to go on the water. Our NZ imports will also include GALA APPLES this season.
The GRAPE market continues to trend higher as we near the US marketing order. After April 10th, all fruit must make US#1 quality upon entry into the country. Most of the inventory for the remainder of the season should arrive this week as importers try to skirt the increased scrutiny. Mexican GRAPES, both RED and GREEN, should be available between the second and third week of May. Until then, market pricing will climb and quality will be hit or miss.
As YUMA production finishes up, we are seeing the lack of supply impact pricing up north. BROCCOLI, LETTUCE, LEAFY GREENS, and ROMAINE are all experiencing some late transition market activity. QUALITY is good on BROCCOLI and FLOWER but there are reports of ICEBERG quality not meeting the mark. Barring any weather events, we should see west coast veg ease into the Salinas California growing region throughout the month of April.
More as it happens,
Parker Tannehill