The overall market continues to be strong. There are various deals on long items, with a few shippers. Retail movement continues to be steady. Quality continues to be good overall.
Mexican field prices are still up and pushing up all sizes, small fruit is the most impacted as demand exceeds. We expect this for at least the next 3 weeks. Note last year’s MX freezes in Sept will be felt in supply over the next 2 months. The Flora Loca crop is still struggling to make USDA dry matter standards thus causing delays to import into US. Peruvian fruit is available mostly out of the east but Calif is receiving some as well; about 13 to 17MM lbs. a week for the next 4 weeks. Calif crop is still looking good but on the light side. In general; the demand is down slightly and market is strong despite this.
Hot temperatures and rain have played havoc on BLACKBERRIES on the Southeast and East coast. Demand for California fruit exceeds current supplies. Again, don’t look for relief until next month.
BLUEBERRIES have been hurt the most from the West Coast extreme heat (Washington-Oregon) and heat and rain on the East coast. We will have limited supplies for the next couple of weeks, and pricing should increase.
Again due to poor weather (High heat and rains), RASPBERRIES were not spared. Limited supplies of Raspberries will continue for the next couple of weeks.
Due to some of the extreme temperatures in California, the supplies of top quality STRAWBERRIES will be limited for the remainder of the month of July. Overall production of California fruit has now past peak volumes.
Central Calif Grapes are in full swing harvesting all colors. Quality has been excellent, however high temps in the picking areas can and will slow harvest down.
KIWI is all Chilean at this time. Sizes are good and all packs styles are available and will be packed fresh for orders. Market is steady and shouldn’t see much change until mid August. Chilean fruit is hard and will take some time to ripen up.
Lemons remain tight. Imports have started on the east coast with Argentina and Chile expected soon on both coasts. Domestically Calif district 2 is the main harvesting and loading point (Ventura/ Oxnard area). Look for the market to continue to show an increase on a weekly basis. Domestic is demand exceeds with grading heavy to choice standard due to scarring.
The lime crop is currently peaking on 150ct/175ct/200ct out of the growing region of Veracruz, MX. The weather forecast is showing rain a few days at the beginning of the week. The demand for limes has been moderate. According to the USDA, the crossings through Texas from last week were at 513; as of yesterday, the report is showing 248 crossings so far this week. Sizing profile is peaking on sizes 150ct/175ct/200ct with size distribution is as follows: 110-10%, 150-14%, 175-25%, 200-30%, 230-12%, and 250-9%. Due to the high amounts of rain from last week stylar has appeared in the fruit.
Movement expected about the same. Tommy Atkins supplies light and in few hands. Crossings include a light volume of Haden Keitt varieties. Trading on Altaulfo moderate, others fairly slow. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is variable.
Cantaloupe: Size profile continues Large 9/12’s and almost no small fruit. Calif West side is going with good supplies. Quality is mixed due to the extreme heat.
Honeydews: Going harvesting Bakersfield/Westside. Sizing is big mostly 5/6’s no little ones really around. Look for this seasons crop to stay light with planted acreage being down in California. Quality is mixed like Cants due to heat.
Mixed Melons should be in good supply in the next few weeks. Crenshaw’s, Casabas, Juan Canary, Santa Claus, etc.
Valencia’s going well peaking on a 88/72/113’s. Market is firming up as businesses are opening more and more and many are looking to schools opening in the next 30 to 60 days. Quality is fair to good due to the heat.
Small D’anjou pears are extremely tight. Pricing continues to be very strong. Quality is good. Hearing new crop NW Bartletts begin the 2nd week of August.
Movement expected about the same. Trading is active. Prices 5-7s much higher, 8s higher. Quality is variable.
Calif Grapefruit looking nice picking in Bakersfield area. We are now into the Summer/Marsh varieties. Fruit is peaking smaller sizes 40/48/56’s and demand is good. Off shore Mandarins/Tangerines are now arriving with nice size and color…. call your Amerifresh rep for more info.
Peaches sizing 54/56 and larger in Tray Pack for both Yellow and White. Yellow nectarines production is steady with good demand and similar size profile to peaches. White flesh Nectarines on the other hand are limited. Black and Red plums all sizes available, good color and sizing come and get them… Can you say Plum-O-Rama??. Pluto’s, Velvet apricots and flat peaches, all are current packing, call for availability and sizing. Please note; heat in the growing region is slowing down harvest so we will see limited pack outs.
Movement to increase slightly as harvest in Central and South Texas is expected about the same and West Texas is expected to increase seasonally. Trading is active. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is generally good. Harvest in the Lower Rio Grande Valley is finished for the season.