MARKET UPDATE DEC 21-25, 2020

Good Afternoon,

LETTUCE and LEAF markets continue an aggressive trend this week. Florida supplies have hit a gap due to severe rain during planting but supplies out west are in great shape. In Yuma, seasonable conditions have brought on some extremely healthy product and much needed relief from the nightmare season of the last 6 months.

CELERY, CAULIFLOWER, and BROCCOLI are producing at a slower than average clip due to the cooler temperatures. Quality has improved, but slow production is going to keep prices high for at least another week.

CANTALOUPES and HONEYDEWS are in a rough spot. This time of year, we transition out of Arizona and into Honduras and Guatemala. Unfortunately, this year both locations were hammered by hurricanes which did significant damage to crops. Growers are trying to move through distressed product, but the lack of supply is pushing the market higher. Melon markets are going to be pricey through at least the end of the year.

The damage from HURRICANE ETA was not limited to just melons, PLANTAIN supplies in Guatemala were also severely damaged. We are seeing immediate price increases starting this week that should hold through the end of the year.

GRAPES have fully transitioned into PERUVIAN supply and we are happy to say that the transition has been smooth! Market prices should get more competitive as Peruvian supplies pick up and Chilean arrivals hit the U.S.

Speaking of Chile, we are seeing the beginnings of CHILEAN STONE FRUIT! Cherries have been around for a few weeks and now we are seeing some PEACHES. That is all that is available for now, but we are expecting some more variety around the first of the year.

ROMA and GRAPE TOMATOES are TIGHT! Supplies here in Florida are sluggishly trying to keep up with a strong demand. Like Florida lettuce, many growers are in a supply gap due to rain. ROUND TOMATO supplies are stronger in Florida as well as Mexico, leading to better market pricing.

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill