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The Latest on Our Greatest

November 18th, 2024

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East Coast

The Georgia growing region will be mostly sunny with some showers mid week. Highs will start in the mid 70s early in the week and drop heavily from the rain to as low as 57 then climb back to mid 60s through the weekend. Lows will follow suit starting around 50 degrees, rising to 65 with the rain, and dropping 20 degrees promptly to hover just above 40 throughout the rest of the week.

West Coast

The Salinas growing region is on its last leg with partly cloudy skies and relatively chill temperatures; highs ranging in the 60s and lows in the mid to low 40s, with raining coming over the weekend. Yuma experienced a bit of a drop-off with highs now in the mid to high 70s and lows in the high 40s and low 50s, but is mostly sunny.

Mexico

Temperatures in Baja are just a tad bit cooler now with steady highs in the mid 70s, and lows hovering tight around the high 50s and low 60s with mostly sunny skies and some decent wind

Vegetables

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Asparagus

The market is slightly elevated through the upcoming holiday as demand increases on all sizes but particularly larger ones. Prices are expected to rise over the next couple weeks.

Green Beans

Beans may prove to be a challenge this holiday season, with light supplies and storms causing gaps.

Avocados

Market is steady. The avocado season has transitioned to Mexico after great success in Cali with strong volumes consisting of smaller-than-normal sizes, but as Aventajada matures it will size up. Promotional activity for the smaller sizes are encouraged.

Lettuce

Iceberg: Due to shortages out of the Salinas and Santa Maria valleys, demand is outweighing supply leading to a tight market up to Thanksgiving. Yuma and Mexico will offer an alternative with some moderate supply. Industry is seeing occasional pinking. Leaf: Supplies on romaine hearts, green, and red leaf are light, tight, and see some tip burn. Shortages expected to last for a couple weeks. Tender Leaf: Due to transition, supply is tight and prices are elevated.

Broccoli, Cauliflower

Heat and subsequent cold has rattled the market. Broccoli is very tight and will be an issue through November. Weather in Yuma has been hot, so the early crop there may be affected as well. The Diamondback moth also caused problems for the broccoli and cauliflower fields. Crop from Mexico has been steady and will supply some relief in the coming weeks. Cauliflower specifically is gradually improving.

Mushrooms

Expect limited supply as the holidays approach. Production is typical and limitations should ease by January.

Celery

Quality is strong and steady, despite heat and insect pressures, and demand is increasing for all sizes. Expect the market to strengthen.

Onions

The market remains steady. Due to a hot summer in the Northwest, sizes are peaking and prices are elevated, specifically for red and whites. Demand is driving the price, but quality is coming out excellent.

Corn

Due to lasting impacts from the recent hurricanes, the corn market is escalated but looks to come off in coming weeks; there is a lot of pressure on quality and it is hit or miss due to gaps through transition. Georgia has finished and Florida is starting light but ramping up.

Peppers

Bell pepper volumes are still limited due to Hurricane Milton and Helene while Florida faces a potential gap. Demand is pushing prices in California. Green peppers are expected to peak by Thanksgiving, and red prices will stay up til January. Expect improvements in a few weeks.

Cucumber

Georgia’s season is winding down with low volume and quality, shifting focus to Florida, Mexico, and Honduras. Prices are solid, despite slightly low availability. While we manage gaps in the East from Hurricane Helene and Milton, Florida will stay tight until Thanksgiving but Mexican volume is strong with improving quality.

Potatoes

Availability on smaller sizes is up while those for large sizes will become limited due to Thanksgiving. It is recommended that lead times are extended due to a busy shipping season ahead of the holidays.

Eggplant

Supplies in GA and FL are limited, but California and Mexico are picking up the slack with good quality. Expectations are that full production is reached by the end of November.

Squash, Zucchini

Supply is abundant and pricing is low across most colors. Ripe for promotion.

Green Onion, Cilantro & Parsley

Green Onions: Supply and quality are indeed strong, thanks to cooler temps in Northern Mexico. Market is stable and continues to be. Cilantro & Parsley: Active market with high demand and tight supplies. Heat has lowered shelf-life. Quality is improving.

Fruits

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STRAWBERRIES

Market continues to be extremely tight and elevated. Mexico’s volumes are expected to increase this week, but the cooler temps and shorter days in California are leading to limited supply and raised prices. Full production is expected in 5-7 weeks.

MELONS

Cantaloupe: Price is level. Volumes are consistent out of Arizona, but do face some cosmetic imperfections due to adjustments in Yuma soil. 9 cts are dominant. Due to colder nights, the season is beginning to wind down. Honeydew: Prices are steady as harvesting shifts to Arizona. Volumes are increasing, with 5 cts expected to dominate. Watermelon: While Georgia and the East Coast are still seeing impacts from Hurricane Milton, demand has shifted to the West Coast where supplies are improving.

BLACKBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, AND RASPBERRIES

Blackberries: Production out of Mexico is expected to be reduced, causing an upward trend in the market. Blueberries: The market is stabilizing as consistent volumes come in from Mexico and Peru, and expected to continue that way. Raspberries: Light supply limiting availability and keeping the market elevated.

PINEAPPLE

Harvest shortfalls leave light supply. Quality is there, but flexibility on sizing will be needed.

LEMONS, LIMES, ORANGES

Lemons: Supply is continuing to improve with good quality and a steady market. Limes: Prices are stabilizing as supply, sizing, and quality are strong. Oranges: Sizing is trending larger, but sizes on the far ends of the spectrum are limited. Metrics on gas times and Brix levels indicate a strong year for foodservice.

STONEFRUIT

We are in final production for the fall fruits of pomegranates, persimmons, and quince. Plum supplies are falling, expected to finish next week. Asian pears will do well into January. And the market is stabilizing for domestic kiwi, which are plentiful.

GRAPES

The domestic grape seasons are nearing their end properly, and there should be no disruptions in the transition to imported grapes.

TOMATOES

The market remains tight from the lasting devastation of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Pricing is extreme and will rise more as demand shifts to Romas. Supply out of Mexico remains steady, with high demand, mixed quality, and light volume expected to bump up by January.