Market Report: Week of August 11, 2017

East

• Rounds- NC, SC, TN, AL, VA, MI & NJ are all seeing better supplies as growers dig into fields.

Both supply and demand are steady. FOB prices are unwavering on extra large and large

sizes. Medium FOBs are slightly down. There is a wide range in quality, resulting in a wide

range in price quotes from all regions. We recommend to continue to keep a close eye on

inventory levels due to the large inconsistency in quality.

• Romas- A higher than usual market will stay steady moving into next week. FOB prices remain

relatively unchanged despite supplies still being very limited. Quality is varying from all growing

regions.

• Grapes- Following suit of rounds and romas, again, a very wide range in quality directly

corresponds with the wide range in FOB prices. There is slight downward pressure on FOB

prices as supply is expected to be more readily available. Due to the sporadic rains, quality

can be slippery at times so we still recommend keeping a tighter than usual inventory.

• Cherries- FOB prices are steady as well as both supply and demand.

 

West/Mexico

• Rounds- No changes in the weather forecast moving into next week means no changes in the

overall quality of tomatoes. FOB prices are somewhat stable for jumbo, extra large and large.

Medium prices are up about a dollar due to a little less supply than usual. Vine Ripes are

mirroring the same pattern with more volume in the 4x4 and 4x5 size. 5x5 and 5x6 are in lower

supply. We still suggest to keep inventory tight due to the hot temperatures affecting the

integrity of the fruit.

• Romas- A very wide range in FOB prices is reflective of the wide range in quality. There is still

a lack of volume in the supply chain due to too much heat and rain in both Baja and MX

crossing through TX regions. Supplies are not expected to increase until at least the beginning

of September. Even though volume is still limited, FOB prices are down a few dollars.

• Grapes- No changes in both supply and demand. Pricing remains stable as supplies continue

to come from the Baja region. Overall quality is good considering the heat conditions.

• Cherries- Prices are generally stable as supply and demand remain in equilibrium. Quality is

mostly good.

 

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 and MI are all harvesting a good amount of pepper. FOB prices are moving down

as a result. Quality is improving, but there is still some suspect product appearing in the marketplace.

West- FOB prices are down a few dollars across all sizes as Stockton and coastal areas

increase production. Quality is improving from the region, but some issues can still be seen from

heat.

Red Bell Pepper

West- FOB prices are firming up as the market previously hit a low. Supply and demand are

steady.

Yellow Squash

East- Quality continues to be a struggle due to the intermittent rain showers. Volume from NJ,

MI, NC, & SC is good while pricing remains fairly stable.

West- FOBs are steady as volume continues to come from multiple growing regions. Quality

has slightly improved but is not out of the weeds yet.

Green Squash

East- Supply and FOBs are steady moving into next week. Quality concerns shown in mostly

the form of short shelf life is continuously a struggle due to the ample rain.

West-.Quality is slightly below par due to winds and heat in the growing regions. FOB prices

and volume are steady.

Cucumbers

East- A lack of supply is putting slight upward pressure on FOBs. It is recommended to keep

inventory tight as we push through the adverse effects of abundant rain water in fields.

West- The low market is expected to firm up within the next 7-10 days. Quality is improving but

shelf life is still very suspicious. Therefore, we suggest keep a tight inventory.

Eggplant

East- Little to no change in supply, demand and pricing. NC, SC, and NJ are all producing

good quality and volume.

West- Look for slight upward pressure on FOB prices as quality from Fresno and Stockton

scuffles with the heat.

Jalapenos

East- Stable FOB prices with good quality and decent supply.

West- Quality is proving to be good with steady supplies. FOB prices are steady as well.

Beans

East- Expect FOBs to decline once again as supplies are plentiful from multiple areas.

West- Brentwood and Watsonville are still struggling slightly with quality due to heat. FOB

prices and volume are both steady.

 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.