Tomatoes
East
Rounds- Supplies in the east continue to be light and fragmented. The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to remain to be spotty. FOB prices remain variable according to quality. The 5x6 and 6x6 sizes are higher while the 6x7 size remains generally steady from last week. We expect the market to remain stronger for the next 2 or so weeks. AL, AK, VA, SC, MI, NJ and NC fields continue to produce to some degree with variable levels of quality.
Romas- Like the rounds, roma supplies are light and fragmented with a wide range in quality. FOB prices are stronger this week on all sizes.
Grapes- Supplies continue to be harvested from our NC and VA eastern shore fields. FOB prices are higher this week and quality is becoming more variable.
Cherries- Supplies and demand continue to be generally light. FOB prices are up slightly again compared to last week. Quality is generally good.
Weather forecast- NC/TN Mountains: Mostly cloudy with a good chance of storms continuing this week and into the weekend. It will be cooler tomorrow with highs only around 80 but after that daytime highs will be in the mid-80s through early next week. Lows will be generally in the mid to upper 60s. Western SC: After tomorrow it will be warmer with highs in the low to mid 90s and lows near 70. It will be partly cloudy with less of a chance of rain.
West/Mexico
Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja and McAllen. A few vine ripes continue to cross at Nogales and CA mature-green growers continue to harvest. Supplies are light with a wide range in quality. FOB prices on the better quality fruit is steady to higher than last week. Quality and shelf-life are variable.
Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja, McAllen and CA. And like the rounds, quality is extremely variable which is causing a wider than normal range in FOB prices. Prices on quality fruit is generally steady from last week except for the extra-large size which is higher.
Grapes- Product continue to cross mainly out of Baja. Supplies are lighte this week with a wide range in quality and FOB prices. FOB prices depend on quality and are higher this week.
Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are up again from last week. Quality is fair to good.
Green Bell Pepper
East- We are seeing more quality issues (mainly in the form of bruising) from the rain that the growing regions have received over the past two weeks. FOB prices are staying within a narrow range from last week with only small changes depending on sizing and grade.
West- FOB prices are currently weaker compared to last but we expect prices to rise toward the weekend.
Yellow Squash
East- FOB prices are higher this week as the growing regions remain fragmented. Quality has continued to deteriorate due to the amount of rain and heat the fields have received.
West- Supplies remain light with upward pressure on FOB prices. We expect supplies to remain tight until mid-September at which time new fields will begin to produce.
Green Squash
East- Like the yellow squash FOB prices are higher this week on both grades and quality is down. We continue to harvest fields in NC, MI and the Northeast.
West- There is upward pressure on FOB prices. Supplies are light.
Green Bean
No change in price or supplies out of Western New York.
Cucumbers
East- Supplies coming mainly from MI and the region has continued to receive rain this week. Demand continues to be sluggish. We are seeing some quality issues due to the weather. FOB prices are generally higher this week on all sizes and grades. We look for quality to slowly improve as the forecast calls for the rains not to continue and the temperatures to cool somewhat.
West- Supplies crossing mainly from Baja and quality is extremely variable. FOB prices are generally steady with downward pressures. Demand continues to be weak.
Eggplant
East- MI is the main source this week. FOB prices are generally steady on all sizes and grades.
West- FOB prices are lower this week. Quality is good.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure this week. Quality continues to be generally good.
West- FOB price are generally lower this week.