Note: The quality of all dry vegetables this winter has been very good to excellent.
However, quality has become much more variable this week and for some commodities
is only fair at best. This is true for product from both Florida and Mexico. Both growing
regions have experienced rains and the east has experienced high winds for an
extended amount of time. The quality of the fruit that was maturing on the vines during
these weather events has suffered. We expect the quality on most commodities to be
variable for the next 10-14 days. Details, by commodity, are given below.
Tomatoes
East
• Rounds- Sizing this week is running on the minimum side of specs. Quality is much
more variable and is down compared to where it has been all winter. Demand has not
picked up as it normally does this time of the year. Mexico continues to dictate market
prices. FOB prices are trading in a wider range this week due to the variableness in
quality. Expect prices to remain generally steady for quality fruit. If demand does not
pick up and if we do not experience a weather event, we expect prices to remain
relatively low for at least the next week or so.
• Romas- FOB prices for romas also continue to trade within a narrow range and
Mexico is dictating this market also. FOB prices are up this week on all sizes but
remain at low levels. We expect FOB prices to remain low and to trade within a
narrow range. Like the rounds, quality has suffered this week due primarily due to
high winds.
• Grapes- Ample supplies are causing FOB prices to fall even further again this week.
They are currently at rock-bottom levels. Quality is more variable but is generally
good.
• Cherries- After remaining unchanged for over a month, FOB prices have fallen a
couple of dollars this week. Quality is more variable and is generally fair to good.
• Weather forecast- Immokalee, FL: Partly cloudy with afternoon showers likely
Thursday. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s. Lows will be in the lower 60s. More
of a chance of rain early next week.
West/Mexico
• Rounds- Demand continues to be light. Good volume continues to cross at Nogales
but we continue to see signs of a slight seasonal slowdown. Crossings also continue at
McAllen. FOB prices remain at Suspension Agreement minimums. Quality is suspect
and variable and is declining. We expect the round tomato market to remain relatively
stable for the next several weeks.
• Romas- Nogales and McAllen crossings continue. Even though volume and quality
has declined from last week, FOB prices remain at Suspension Agreement minimums
for all sizes. Quality has declined.
• Grapes- Crossings primarily at Nogales. Quality is variable. Prices remain generally
at Suspension Agreement minimums.
• Cherries- Quality is more suspect and variable this week. We are seeing decay, skin
check and SDA (sunken, discolored areas). We are continuing to see a wider-thannormal
range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality. Overall, FOB prices are
steady this week.
Green Bell Pepper
East- Quality has fallen sharply due to scarring and bacterial pressures. FOB prices are
currently steady from last week but are expected to rise in the coming days.
West- FOB prices are active and should get stronger as we continue into the week.
Quality is variable.
Yellow Squash
East- Prior rain and winds continue to decrease the supply and quality. We are seeing
a much larger variance in FOB prices due to the wide range in quality. FOB prices
remain high. We expect the market to remain active and for quality not to improve for
at least a couple of weeks. Scaring, due to the winds, is the major quality issue.
West- Quality remains fair this week. Supplies remains light. FOB prices may be
topping off. New fields should be coming on-line by the end of the month.
Green Squash
East- Similar story as the yellow squash: fewer supplies, poorer quality and a wider
range in FOB prices depending on the quality.
West- FOB prices remain high and quality is more variable. Crossings primarily at
Nogales.
Cucumbers
East- Off-shore supplies continue with some FL domestic product becoming available.
FOB prices are currently generally steady compared to last week but are expected to
get stronger as we head into the rest of the week. Quality of the off-shore product
remains variable.
West- Nogales crossing continue. The market is active with FOB prices generally
steady to higher. Quality is more variable. We expect FOB prices to remain generally
higher until the Baja fields come online which should be around April 1.
Eggplant
East- FOB prices are generally steady to slightly lower for fancy and choice. Quality is
not as good due to scarring and pitting.
West- FOB prices are lower again this week. Nogales crossings continue and quality is
good.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are steady this week.
West- The market is active and FOB prices are steady with upward pressures this week.
Beans
East- The market remains active and FOB prices are generally higher with continued
upward pressures. Quality is good.
West- Acreage and yields are down this week causing FOB prices to be higher
compared to last week.