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 continues to increase. Field prices continue to move up especially on 48 & larger fruit in MX and growers are holding back on harvesting to help move markets. Sizing is 60/70/48 with fruit big struggling; definite split market appearing between the 60 and 48’s which will continue. An early Easter this year will keep the market moving up for the time being…. though not expecting any drop anytime soon. Mexico is still analyzing this crop and has yet to announce the effect the 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.
BLACKBERRIES remain on the snug side. Few imports from Mexico, and very limited domestic supplies.
The BLUEBERRIES are the only fruit that seems to be plentiful. Still imported, the blueberry supplies seem plentiful. Still waiting on domestics.
Like the Strawberries, damage from the rain and hail have hurt the availability of quality RASPBERRIES out of Oxnard and Mexico. While better supplies are forecasted for next week, don’t expect a bounty of fruit.
Just when we started to see better supplies of STRAWBERRIES, the Oxnard/Santa Maria area was hit with rain and hail that created a major shortage of fruit this week. We should have better supplies next week, but still not an overabundant supply.
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 mostly District 1 with just a little scratching in District 2. The fruit is peaking 140/165/115 still heavy fancy than choice and still moving strong on exports. In general, the fruit is clean with a nice yellow color. Once the scales tip to heavier out of District 2 you can expect to see the grade shift to more choice grade. We still have some Meyer Lemons though this season domestically is winding down with only bits and pieces for the next 3 weeks.
Quality: Good performance will be 59%. The current regions of lime: Gulf of Mexico: Medium incidence of skin break down, blanching and scaring, and good green color, the availability continues tight especially in big sizes. Expect delays due to short harvest day and Mexican Truck inbounds delay. Tight volume continues. Low volume availability expected for the next 2 to 3 weeks. In the Pacific Region: Medium skin break down, medium green color, medium incidence blanching and scaring, tight volume available continues. Low volume available expected.
The availability 250’s-6%, 230’s-31%, 200’s- 26%, 175’s-25%, 150 -110’s – 10%
Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading is moderate. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is variable.
The Honeydew market is getting bullish as Mexico is gapping and imports remain light from offshore. Look to see this be the case for the next 2-3 weeks before supplies and market improve. Fruit quality is good to excellent.
Cantaloupe supplies are doing well with the market still strong. All sizes are available 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. 100% gibbed fruit– trademark is a lighter orange color. 113/138 Fruit continues very limited for the balance of the season. Overall Calif quality has been good to excellent but this late in the season you will occasionally see some puffballs. We are still heavier to fancy than choice but this balance is starting to turn. Calif also has Cara Cara and Blood Oranges for your varietal needs… both have great color and flavor and can be packed in full and half cartons. TX Oranges; Florida also continues to harvest light numbers of juicing oranges and this market is up especially on smaller sizes. 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 early is moderate, late fairly active. 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 flavors. 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 starting to see some imports. Imported Peach/Plums continue to arrive with decent supplies at relatively stable markets, However, Nectarines supplies are winding up fast for the season, the market is advancing.
Movement expected to increase. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Quality is variable.