Tomatoes
East
• Rounds- Demand at the field level for rounds is weak. Mexico is dictating market prices. FOB prices are still low but continue to slowly rise off the bottom for all sizes. As reported last week, the Palmetto growing region has all but finished which has caused less acreage in FL. However, good supplies and excellent quality continue to be seen out of FL. Barring a weather event, we expect FOB prices to remain low and trade in a rather narrow range into February.
• Romas- FOB prices for romas are lower this week. Mexico is also dictating market prices of romas. And also like rounds, barring a weather event, we expect FOB prices to remain low and to trade within a narrow range into next month. Quality continues to be very good.
• Grapes- Less acreage and good demand has caused FOB prices to be higher compared to last week. Nevertheless, FOB prices remain at low levels. Quality is very good.
• Cherries- Same situation as grape tomatoes. Fewer supplies has caused FOB prices to rise by several dollars over last week. Quality remains very good.
• Weather forecasts- Immokalee, FL: Good growing weather with mostly sunny days with highs in the low 80s through the weekend. Lows at night will be near 60. Little change of rain until Monday.
West/Mexico
• Rounds- Good volume continues to cross at Nogales. Crossings also continue at McAllen. FOB prices remain at Suspension Agreement minimums. Quality is good. The weather has cooled off a little in the growing regions with highs only in the 70s and lows in the upper 40s. Baring a weather event, we expect the round tomato market to remain relatively stable for the next month or so.
• Romas- Nogales and McAllen crossings continue. Quality is good. FOB prices are generally at Suspension Agreement minimums for all sizes.
• Grapes- Crossings primarily at Nogales. Quality continues to improve. Prices generally at Suspension Agreement minimums.
• Cherries- Quality continues to improve. FOB prices are generally at Suspension Agreement minimums but we are seeing some signs of a little upward pressure.
Green Bell Pepper
East- Product remains plentiful this week and FOB prices are generally steady trading within a narrow range on all sizes and grades. Quality is very good.
West- Supplies remain strong, demand is weak and FOB prices are steady to lower this week. Quality is good.
Yellow Squash
East- Supplies remain tight this week. We normally can lean on MX during this time of year if necessary but, as we have reported, their supplies are also down. And the cool weather in MX has caused those supplies to get even tighter. Expect FOB prices to remain generally steady from last week. However, we do expect more supply to become available toward the weekend and expect FOB prices to begin to fall after next week barring a weather event. We continue to see quality issues primarily due to scarring which was caused by the wind. The spread on FOB prices continue to be wider than normal with the quality product demanding a higher FOB price.
West- Because of the cooler than normal weather, supplies are even tighter this week. As a result, the little product that is currently crossing at Nogales is demanding higher FOB prices again this week. As reported last week, we are waiting on new fields to start producing; however, the cool weather has delayed the growth and pushed back first harvest. Those new fields should start producing this weekend or early next week which will begin to put downward pressures on FOB prices.
Green Squash
East- A similar situation for green squash. FOB prices are high again this week. Due to the wide range in quality, there is an extremely wide range of FOB pricing with the better quality fruit demanding a premium price. Same outlook for greens as was the outlook for yellows.
West- As reported last week, the white-fly has infested some MX fields. Crossings are down and FOB prices are up again this week for both grades/sizes. Crossings primarily at Nogales.
Cucumbers
East-The FL cucumber season is over. Off-shore volume continues. FOB prices are slightly lower this week compared to last. Quality of the off-shore product remains variable.
West- Nogales crossing continue. Demand is decent. FOB prices are steady on supers and slightly higher on selects. Currently, the quality through Nogales remains good.
Eggplant
East- FOB prices for fancy are a little stronger this week and steady to a little stronger for choice. Quality is good.
West- FOB prices are steady to lower again this week. Increased demand from the east may put upward pressure on prices. Nogales crossings continue and quality is good.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are generally steady this week. Quality is good.
West- FOB prices are generally steady to lower this week. Supplies remain good. Quality is good.
Beans
East- FL lake supplies continue. FOB prices are higher this week. Quality is good.
West- Quality continues to be variable this week and FOB prices continue to be steady.