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 which is starting into is springtime increases and decreased crossings. Field prices continue to move up especially on 48 and larger fruit in MX. Sizing is 60/70/48 with fruit big struggling. The market is starting to show the definite spread between the 60 and 48’s and this will just continue. Demand is strong and with an early Easter, this year will just get stronger. 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.
Demand exceeds supplies of BLACKBERRIES this week and into next week. Few numbers are coming from Mexico, and we do not foresee California supplies to increase until mid-March.
While the Peru season is finished, we are seeing an increase in volumes from Chile and Mexico. Domestic California season should commence at the end of March. Look for a steady to weaker market next week.
The RASPBERRY market will remain firm this week and into next week. Limited supplies of Mexican fruit and cool temperatures in California have kept inventories down. Look for an active market until mid-March.
Overall supplies of STRAWBERRIES will continue to be limited. The drop in volume of imported Mexican fruit will continue to hinder supplies. Slightly warmer temperatures in California will help supplies but do not look for big inventories until mid-March.
Off-shore Grapes from Chile and Peru market continues up. Green Seedless are in a demand exceeds situation which will take us through the balance of the import season (on both coasts). As a result demand for Red Seedless is spiking and taking its market up as well. South American weather is the main cause– slowed harvest & quality issues. This in turn has decreased the quality of available fruit and limited the amount of fruit being brought in. 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 is moving slowly as new areas are opening up. This being said the fruit on the trees is still relatively small or leaning towards smaller sizing which increases the availability of 200 and smaller into the market. This will take a toll later in the season limiting the amount of fruit left to size up for Late spring/summer harvests. Cool temps in the growing areas are not helped by slowing maturity and sizing on the trees. Demand is up and overall supplies are down. Quality is not helping this shortage either being just fair–as we are seeing more blanching and skin breakdown on the fruit. Look for the market to stay strong and continue to increase throughout the next 4-6 weeks.
Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies light and in few hands. Trading is slow. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is variable.
Honeydew is slowing down out of Mexico and improving if you will from offshore. That being said the somewhat decrease in supplies is strengthening. Fruit quality is good and there is a run of sizes at this time just not a lot.
Cantaloupe supplies are improving and finally seeing a bit of relief on the market. All sizes are available. Gettig good import supplies from Honduras. Supplies should continue to improve for the next two weeks. Quality is currently good to excellent. Early spring plantings are in the ground and looking at a similar supply to last year…. should start (fingers crossed) in mid-May.
Calif Navels look very nice with good color and great flavor. The fruit has sized up; 113/138 are very limited; expect the market on small fruit to increase regularly. Calif quality has been good to excellent but you will occasionally see some puff balls. Though pack continues heavier to fancy than choice this balance is starting to turn slightly. TX got hammered with the Arctic Vortex on their Citrus. This will increase the demand for small and choice fruit which they were a big player on. Florida who is also going on Oranges is doing better but with TX volume out of the mix, the market here will move up. Call your favorite Amerifresh representative and get details. Keep in mind we also have Cara Cara and Blood Oranges for your varietal needs… both have great color and flavor and can be packed in full and half cartons.
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 on 5s slightly higher, 6-8s generally unchanged. Quality is variable.
Murcotts/ Clemens/ 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/ Oro Blanco (Sweeties) look good sizing is big for the most part though there are some smaller lots. 10/12’s. Central Calif has Minneola and is currently 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 picking in the desert and Bakersfield with light supplies. The fruit is peaking smaller sizes 40/48/56;s and demand are expected to stay strong due to limited TX fruit available for shipping at this time.
We continue to have Arils (pomegranate seeds) currently packing from Peruvian products. Asian Pears available with both Yellow and Brown skin varieties and expect to continue with this fruit into early spring. Imported Peach/Plums/ Nectarines are arriving weekly with improving supplies and better markets.
Movement expected to increase. Trading is moderate. Prices are higher. 24-inch bins per bin. Quality is variable.