Tomatoes

East

Rounds- TN, NC, and VA are just getting started with their seasonal production. FOB prices for medium size remains stable while large and extra-large sizes are up slightly due to a shortage in supply. Quality overall remains sound, however, the east is still experiencing sporadic rain showers. Therefore, a close eye is being kept on shelf life.

Romas- FOB prices are down substantially with good supplies harvesting in the east.

Grapes- NC and VA are beginning to produce good supplies while SC winds down their season. Prices remain steady. Quality is generally good despite the recent rains.

Cherries- Both supply and demand are steady while FOB prices are down about a dollar. Quality is consistent from the region.

West/Mexico

Rounds- As previously reported, extreme temperatures are taking a toll on the CA crop (see weather forecast at end of report). Growers have seen 5+ days straight of temperatures over 100 degrees, which results in shorter days for picking. We are also seeing a large variance in quality, resulting in a wide range of FOB prices. Extra-large size fruit is in short supply while medium size fruit is more readily available at this time. It is recommended to keep inventories tight as product is showing tenderness.

Romas- The western roma market has become a little slippery as we move forward in production. Although prices are showing slight downward pressure, quality issues are very apparent due to the extreme heat to the point that one Baja grower suffered a complete crop failure. The wide range in FOB prices corresponds with the wide range in quality.

Grapes- FOB prices and availability are steady from the Baja region, yet quality continues to be monitored closely due to heat.

• Cherries- A slight decrease in pricing is reflective of the good supplies produced in the West.

NOTE: All the eastern growing regions continue to experience rain in the form of heavy afternoon thunderstorms. The weather forecast calls for additional rains this week for all growing regions. This type of weather almost always causes less than ideal quality and suspect shelf-life. Therefore, we suggest that dry vegetable inventories be kept as tight as possible until we work through this product.

Green Bell Pepper

East- the NC crop continues to produce, however, supplies are fairly light from the region. NJ is expected to get into their fields in about a week and MI is about 10-14 days from harvest. FOB prices remain somewhat flat. Quality looks good despite the periodic showers.

West- Supplies are tight coming from the region and FOB prices are on the rise. The yields from Bakersfield are showing signs of quality trouble while Fresno and surrounding growing regions have good quality but do not have enough volume to support the crop transition.

Red Bell Pepper

West- Relief is in sight. FOB prices are beginning to fall as supplies steadily improve.

Yellow Squash

East- NJ, MI, NC, and SC are each producing fairly sound product. Some quality issues present themselves in older fields. FOB prices are generally stable.

West- The harvest from the west is showing good yield and quality. Prices have slight downward pressure going into next week.

Green Squash

East- Following suit of yellow squash, NJ, MI, NC and SC crops have good volume. FOB prices are slightly down for medium and fancy. Large remains stable.

West-. Quality remains good as supplies are coming in strong. FOB prices slightly down moving into next week.

Cucumbers

East- Volume is improving from MI and NJ is producing a dependable crop. FOB prices are beginning to fall as more supplies from MI fill the void. We have seen slight improvement in quality, however, until this is consistent we recommend inventory be kept tight.

West- FOB prices are easing up in the west as Baja’s supplies improve in both volume and quality for all grades.

Eggplant

East- There is a variance in price as GA continues to harvest less favorable quality while NC and SC have a strong supply. FOB prices remain relatively stable.

West- FOB prices are steady despite Fresno having a slow start. Look for Stockton to begin their harvest in the next two weeks to help fill the pipeline.

Jalapenos

East- Light supplies are coming from the east as we wait for the new crops to come on board in 10-14 days. Despite limited volume, FOB prices remain fairly stable.

West- Very limited supplies are expected for another 2-3 weeks due to light plantings. FOB prices are steady.

Beans

East- NC & SC are producing light supplies, however, FOBs are down subtly.

West- Still fairly light supplies from the west, but improvement is expected in a week. FOB prices are steady.

Market generally with-in normal ranges and steady from last week for both pricing and quality. Any price changes can be expected to be $2.50 or less with no major changes in quality. Also, no change in the growing region(s) and no news that could drastically affect pricing in the future.

Some news included concerning the market that may indicate a moderate change in pricing and/or quality. FOB pricing is generally up or down between $2.50 and $5.00 from the previous week. It will also be used to indicate news that may have a drastic impact on the price, quality and/or availability in future weeks (versus the following week). Finally, this color will also be used to indicate a commodity that continues to be outside the normal range as far as price, quality and/or availability.

News included that indicates a major change in the market from the previous week as far as pricing, quality and/ or availability. May see price changes, up or down, in excess of $5.00 per case. This color will only be used to indicate a major change from the previous week.

Important note: This market report is only a snapshot of the various commodity markets as of the morning of the date of the report. When we expect a trend to develop, we will express that expectation. However, commodity markets are subject to actual supply and demand levels and can change quickly due to weather and other unforeseen factors.

Therefore, please be aware that markets may change from the time this report is published and the time prices are set for the following week. If such changes are dramatic, we will publish a revised market report.