Good afternoon,
Chilean GRAPES are nearly finished for the season, though Mexican crossings are showing good volume. Fruit from Southern California is just starting to move with light initial supplies. Northern districts expect to come on early this season so we should see favorable markets for the summer but may see an early finish in the fall.
LEMONS are currently proving to be a tight commodity in the market. Domestic supplies are constrained as production in District One is wrapping up, and District Two supplies remain light. Import lemons are not expected to arrive until late June, putting pressure on current stock and prices.
LETTUCE, especially ROMAINE, remains tight as availability is limited. Florida, Mexico, and Canada are all out of season leading all buyers to flock to California for their ROMAINE and ROMAINE HEARTS. The heavy demand squeezing what it can out of limited acreage is causing market pricing to peak.
GREEN BELL PEPPER, TOMATOES, and CUCUMBER are a few of the items that are beginning to transition from Florida to Georgia. We anticipate some minor volatility for the next two weeks but otherwise, barring any weather events, we should see markets ease once Georgia supplies settle in.
BROCCOLI and CAULIFLOWER supplies continue to increase leading to competitive pricing again for this week.
California STONE FRUIT season is ramping up! PEACHES, PLUMS, NECTARINES are all available. CHERRIES are wrapping up in California and heading to Washington. There will be a slight gap as Washington growers plan to start packing towards the end of next week.
More as it happens,
Parker Tannehill