The overall market seems to continue to be strong. There are various deals on long items, with a few shippers. The retail movement continues to be steady. Quality continues to be good, overall.
The avocado market is relatively stable with field prices being the same. Harvest is moving into higher elevation in Mexico and as such starting to see slightly better volume on the 48 & larger fruit. In general, the fruit is currently peaking 60/48/70. The Split market of the last month is starting to bridge the gap (slowly). With the Cinco de Mayo holiday coming up we are seeing retain put a push on the smaller fruit for ads (pushing this market up). Look for this to be the case for the next 3-4 weeks. Calif crop is starting to pick up in volume and the market is following that of Mexican fruit. Most of this fruit is on the smaller side still 60/70/48; growers are hoping to keep most of the fruit on the trees for the time being to size up. Peru is starting to increase on their harvest…. just waiting on maturity levels to be allowed into the US…. look for fruit from here to start arriving at the end of April with light volume and decent supplies by the end of May.
Extremely limited supplies of BLACKBERRIES. California supplies are still very short, and Mexico estimates continue to fall short. No change until California supplies increase.
Of all the mixed berries, BLUEBERRIES are the tightest of supplies. With Florida having trouble getting started, all eyes are looking out west for supplies. Cool temperatures in California have hindered production, and Mexico supplies are falling short daily.
All RASPBERRY shippers are pretty much over-sold for the week and weekend. Cooler temperatures are hindering the production, and other suppling areas are limited. Expect raspberries to remain tight for at least 2 more weeks.
Cool temperatures will slow down the production of California STRAWBERRIES. While the demand has picked up, supplies have not. Most strawberry shippers are sold out for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Expect markets to remain strong through Mother’s Day.
Off-shore Grapes not seeing any change on the Green Seedless front– demand exceeds situation. Red Seedless market remains split based on quality. Market strong with light supplies. Shippers are looking to clean up over the next 2 weeks. Supplies are dicey. Mexico has tried to cross a little bit of fruit but nothing of note so far… We should start to see fruit in earnest over the next 10-14 days from Mexico.
KIWI is all import (Italy/ Greece/ Chile) at this time. Sizes are good and all pack styles are available and will be packed fresh for orders. The market is sit fairly strong but should start to come off as more Chilean fruit arrives to the US. Quality from Greece and Italy is good with occasional give (ready to eat relatively quickly)… Chilean fruit on the other hand is rock hard and will take some time to ripen up.
Lemons still going strong in District 1 with some orchards scratching in District 2. The fruit continues to peak 140/165/115 and clean so heavier fancy grade. In general, the fruit is well shaped with a nice yellow color. Look for this to shift into more choice around late May once District 2 is the predominant harvest area of fruit.
Quality: Good performance will be 64%. The current regions of lime: Gulf of Mexico: Medium incidence of skin break down, blanching, scaring, and good green color. The availability continues in small sizes, the big sizes are tight. Tight volume continues on big-size limes. Low volume availability continues probably until June. In the Pacific Region: Medium incidence of skin break down, blanching, scaring, and good green color. The availability continues in small sizes, the big sizes are tight. The availability 250’s-8%, 230’s-54%, 200’s- 20%, 175’s-12%, 150 -110’s – 6%.
Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading on Tommy Atkins active at slightly lower prices, Ataulfo active. Quality is variable.
The Honeydew market is strong and the quality is fair. Mexico going with a few new areas with slightly better quality than that from Offshore.
Cantaloupe supplies are doing well though the market is still strong expect to see it come off slightly over the next week. All sizes are available from offshore. Quality is currently good to excellent. Early spring plantings are in the ground and looking at similar supplies to last year…. still looking at early to mid-May for starting.
Calif Navels look good but are starting to show age so be prepared. Calif got a little weather this last weekend combined with he heat of last week didn’t help the Navels any (Valencia did appreciate it though). Fruit is showing some softness and occasional decay; color and flavor are good. All remaining Navels are 100% gibbed. 88-138 size fruit is now all in the limited category with increased markets. Unfortunately, you can expect to see the overall quality down slightly from here on out especially in choice grade….. the shelf life is going to be shorter, so please be aware. Shippers are trying to be proactive and grade outs are dropping slightly. Shippers expected to start harvesting Valencias for domestic sale in late May.
All varieties of pears are available. Small pears are extremely tight. Pricing continues to be very strong. Quality is good.
Movement expected about the same. Trading is fairly active. Prices are higher. Quality is variable.
Murcotts/Tangerines are in full swing harvesting with good supplies. Sizing is peaking 32/36/28; the market is steady with good demand. Central Calif is harvesting their Minneola — peaking 100/80/125 great for those school lunch bags as an alternative to Oranges…. deep color and lots of juicy flavors. Calif Grapefruit is back and picking in the desert as well as the Bakersfield area with light supplies. Fruit is peaking smaller sizes 40/48/56’s and demand is expected to stay strong.
Imported stone fruit is finishing up Plums. We are still seeing supplies of Bartletts and Forelle Pears come in and will continue for at least another month. CALIF Fruit is here in light numbers. APRICOTS and some early PEACHES started the end of last week…. very light supplies and cool temps over the weekend slowed it down even more. Look for supplies to be small in size and extremely light in volume for the next 2 weeks as packers get crew up and running to pick. Overall Calif crop is right now looking at about 30% increase from last year… but this is subject to change with spring weather.
Cherries are looking good on the trees as well though they still have a few more weeks before they start harvesting (if mother nature stays dry). Arils (pomegranate seeds) currently packing from Peruvian products.
Movement expected to decrease as many shippers are finished for the season. Quality is variable.