DRY VEGETABLE MARKET REPORT
(Note: See end of report for explanation to the color codes)
Tomatoes
East
Rounds- VA continues to push through their harvest, however there is not enough supply to support demand. TN, NC, and AL are anticipating a slight volume increase as growers dig further into fields. With the lack of overall volume, FOB prices rise across the board. Extra large and large are slightly up while mediums make the biggest increase for next week. While quality is generally good, we still recommend to keep inventory on the tighter side as the sporadic showers continue to pop up on the east coast.
Romas- The market remains active with FOB prices moving up a few dollars on all sizes. Growers are still experiencing a sluggish harvest resulting in less yield for the marketplace. Quality is fairly good considering the abnormally rainy weather patterns the region has seen this season.
Grapes- Although supplies are steadily coming from VA & NC as well as a few other regions, both bulk and pint prices move gently upwards as the demand strengthens for good quality tomatoes..
Cherries- Despite supply and demand staying steady, the FOB market is increase a few dollars moving into next week.
West/Mexico
Rounds- It might sound like a broken record, but the fact is temps in CA are still pushing over 100 degrees day after day. The winter rain a few months ago forced lighter plantings in some areas. The results of this are showing with less fruit to harvest for the next 10-14 days. Thus, FOB prices are higher as demand exceeds supply. Please note the wide range in quality due to the heat. Tomatoes are very tender and shelf life is shorter than typically expected. We continue to highly recommend to keep a very tight inventory.
Romas- CA romas are extremely tight and quality is fair at best. Most demand is turning to Baja to fill their needs. FOB prices have an exceptionally wide range which directly corresponds to the quality available. Quality is very suspect due to the 100+ degree temperatures in the area. Supply improvement is not expected for another 4-6 weeks.
Grapes- Steady supplies trickle in from the Baja region. Demand is slightly up which is putting some small upward force on FOB prices.
Cherries- Supplies and demand remain in balance. Prices somewhat move up as the better quality demands a higher price point.
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- NC & NJ have steady supplies. MI has finally started to have a little product trickle into the market which is gently easing up FOB prices across all sizes. Quality is still suspect coming from the southern states due to the intermittent showers.
West- Supply finally is improving therefore prices are slightly moving downward. However, quality is questionable. As reported previously, harvesting hours are limited due to the high temps. Pepper is staying in the fields and sun too long resulting in quality concerns at the time of harvest.
Red Bell Pepper
West- FOB prices move down once again as supplies look much better.
Yellow Squash
East- Good volume is coming from NJ, MI, NC & SC and steady pricing moving into next week. However, some challenges are faced with the quality because of the rainy weather patterns.
West- Slight upward pressure coming from the central area of CA. Quality has been somewhat challenging due to the temperatures out west.
Green Squash
East- Look for stable FOB prices from the eastern region. Quality at times can show a few challenges from rains, however, it is generally good.
West-. Prices and volume are stable. The external appearance is proving to be a little better than the yellow squash and overall quality is good.
Cucumbers
East- Cooler weather in MI could put a little pressure on supply, however, overall prices, supply and demand are all steady. We still suggest to keep inventory tight due to quality defects resulting from the rainy season.
West- FOB prices are steady from the Baja region with good supplies being harvested.
Eggplant
East- Better supplies have pushed FOB prices back down from the NC, SC, and NJ areas. . Quality remains good from the region.
West- Prices are steady, however, quality continues to be a struggle from the region. There is a split FOB market in which the less favorable quality directly corresponds to the lower prices.
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Jalapenos
East- Although supply is still a little weak, FOB prices are steady.
West- As Santa Maria volume increases, FOB prices are very slightly down. Quality is looking fairly good from the region.
Beans
East- MI & TN are starting their season harvest in addition to NC & SC. FOB prices are down slightly.
West- The heat is resulting in quality trouble, however, beans are still coming from the Brentwood and Watsonville area. FOB prices are steady moving into next week.
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