Market Alerts

Honeydews & Cantaloupes: Honeydews, “demand exceeds supply,” nothing new there. Supplies are still lagging behind demand and relief doesn’t look close at hand. Being cooperative with your sizing requirements will be a good path in getting through this month. We are expecting product for delivering Friday and the weekend. Pricing is high. Cantaloupes: due to the shortage of Honeydews allot of pressure is on the Cantaloupe volume. Although available, pricing is moving upwards with good demand.

Strawberries, East & West: West Coast Strawberries are extremely tight due to cooler temperatures and rain. Mexico is also experiencing the same weather patterns the West is. In fact most Berry sheds have stopped production at this point until the fields dry out. Florida Straws, on the other hand are plentiful with a warming trend this week. Quality has been good but expect to see rising prices as Western buyers begin pulling product out of the East. Blueberries: market is much higher and supplies are lighter this week going into next. There will be enough supply to go around but costs will be at higher levels. Blackberries: product is short and there are some prorates going on. Market is higher. Raspberries: ample supplies.

West Coast Vegetables: Good weather and good supplies is the norm for this week and also looking into next. This is a good time to promote western veggies and lettuces.

Mexico: It’s almost a mantra now. Good growing conditions has resulted in a bountiful of good reasonable Mexican vegetables. Green and Yellow Squash, Cucumbers, Peppers, Red Peppers and Tomatoes. Eggplants are the only commodity moving up and on the short side.

Tomatoes Florida Small sizes are short and that reflected in a three dollar jump in the market. Early next week will tell if this market will keep climbing. Cherry Tomatoes although still reasonable are showing some signs of strengthening. Roma’s and grapes are still a buy.

Local and Regional Markets: eastern apple inventories are down below last year’s averages and it is questionable just how far local Apples will go into June and July. Quality is still good and supplies are adequate. Market is higher. Pennsylvania Bosc Pears are moving well and their supply is good.