The overall market seems to continue to be strong. USDA orders & a shorter crop, have kept the market strong. The retail movement continues to be steady, in the wake of COVID-19. Quality has been good, overall.
The avocado market is moving up– springing ahead like clocks this weekend. In the case of Avocado, it is due to decreased crossings. Field prices continue to move up especially on 48 and larger fruit in MX and growers are holding back on harvesting to help move markets. Sizing is 60/70/48 with fruit big struggling. The market is starting to show a definite spread between the 60 and 48’s which will continue. Demand is strong and with an early Easter, this year will just get stronger. Mexico is still analyzing this crop to see what impact the recent cold snap has on the fruit and the trees. Anticipate that the remaining fruit volume will be down from what was expected by in February; the big question though will be what effect it will have left on the trees for next year’s fruit. Calif crop harvesting but the numbers are still low and sizing small that is having no real impact; as well growers trying to hold fruit on trees to get better sizing and of course more money.
Continued limited supply; no volume of domestic fruit and Mexican imports numbers are coming up very short.
We are still seeing major delays at the California ports with incoming ships. The fruit is still all imports with domestic not starting until the end of the month. The market will continue to be unsettled next week.
The market will continue to be unsettled and fruit will be limited. Small numbers of domestic fruit and limited supplies from Mexico will keep the market firm.
We are seeing better supplies. Mexican fruit is finishing strong, and by next week will have fruit arriving every other day until finished. Oxnard and Santa Maria fruit continue to build up numbers. The market was a little bit sluggish this week but should pick up as we get close to Easter Holiday.
Off-shore Grapes from Chile and Peru market is very strong. Green Seedless are in a demand exceeds situation we won’t see this change until Mexico starts harvesting in late April so be prepared to pay. Red Seedless market is starting to show a solid split market based on variety and quality. We are seeing the rained on fruit hitting the markets– quality will be an issue. In general, grape supplies are looking a little dicey for March-early April and look for the market to stay strong.
KIWI is predominately Greek & Italian… Chile is still a few weeks out. Seeing better sizing available but still looking at big fruit until Chile starts. All pack styles are available and will be packed fresh out of bins for orders. The market is up and will remain this way until the supply lines fill up out of Chile so at least till mid-April. The east coast is seeing better volume of imports and should start to get some Chilean fruit in about 3 weeks.
The lemon market is steadily harvesting District 1 and scratching in District 2. The fruit is peaking 140/165/115 heavier to fancy than choice. Fancy fruit is destined still for exports. The fruit is a clean and nice yellow color. As we get farther into District 2 look for the quality to shift a bit more to choose in this area. Also available– Meyer Lemons, great for cooking think curds/ lemons pies/ and Lemon squares.
Lime harvest continues low and with Monday the 15th being a no-work day in Mexico will be even slower next week. New areas are opening but the fruit on the trees is still relatively small. Market pricing is somewhat better on 200 and smaller due to this fact. The harvesting now of this small fruit will be seen later in the season limiting the amount of fruit left to size up for Late spring/summer harvests. Cool temps in the growing areas aren’t helping; slowing maturity and sizing on the trees. Demand is up and will continue this way through the Lenten season. Quality is just fair in general with a lot of grade out due to light color/ blanching/ stylar/ occasional decay present currently in the crop. Look for the market to stay strong and continue to increase throughout the next 3-5 weeks.
Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies light and in few hands. Trading early slow, late moderate. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is variable.
Honeydews are finishing up out of Mexico and still only arriving with light supplies from offshore. As a result, the market is getting some backbone strengthening. Look to see this be the case for the next 2-3 weeks. Fruit quality is good to excellent.
Cantaloupe supplies are doing well with the market starting to show some strength. All sizes are available. Getting good import supplies from Honduras. Quality is currently good to excellent. Early spring plantings are in the ground and looking at similar supplies to last year…. still looking at mid-May for starting.
Calif Navels look very nice with fair to good color and great flavor. We are now into 100% gibbed fruit– the trademark is a lighter orange color. 113/138 Fruit continues very limited and expected to stay this way. Overall, Calif quality has been good to excellent but this late in the season you will occasionally see some puffballs. The fruit is packing out still heavier to fancy than choice the balance is starting to turn. Calif also has Cara Cara and Blood Oranges for your varietal needs… both have great color, flavor and can be packed in full and half cartons. TX Oranges got hammered; this is increasing the demand for small/choice fruit which they were a big player on. Florida also continues to harvest light numbers of juicing oranges and this market is moving up. Call your favorite Amerifresh representative and get details.
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 moderate. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is variable.
Murcotts/ Tangerines are in full swing harvesting with good supplies. The fruit is looking & eating great. Sizing is peaking 32/36/28; the market is steady with good demand. Pummelos look good; sizing is big for the most part though there are some smaller lots this crop will start winding down over the next two weeks. Central Calif is now harvesting their Minneola — peaking 100/80/125 great for those school lunch bags as an alternative to Oranges…. deep color and lots of juicy flavor. Calif Grapefruit is back and picking in the desert as well as the Bakersfield area with light supplies. The fruit is peaking smaller sizes 40/48/56;s and demand are expected to stay strong.
Arils (pomegranate seeds) currently packing from Peruvian products. Asian Pears available with both Yellow and Brown skin varieties and expect to continue for another month or so with domestic products… we are expecting to see some imports arriving shortly. Imported Peach/Plums continue to arrive with decent supplies at relatively stable markets. Nectarines supplies are winding up for the season with new products arriving for only another 10-14 days; as result, this market is advancing.
Movement expected to increase. Trading early moderate, late active. Prices are higher. Quality is variable.