Note: As we have reported the past two weeks on tomatoes, short supplies and quality/shelf-life issues continue to be problematic and will be suspect until we can work through the situation that is the result of the weather and the normal transitional “gap” situation that we experience most every year during this time. We recommend that inventories continue to be kept as tight as possible as we work through this situation. Most tomato contracts have reached their trigger points and Act of God clauses are in effect. At this time it appears that it will not be until around the third week of November before enough volume is harvested out the new Central Florida fields to have an appreciable effect on supplies and the high FOB prices. Thankfully, the market prices and quality of the other dry vegetable commodities have already responded in a positive way to better supplies from newer fields.
Tomatoes
East
Rounds- Supplies continue to tighten causing FOB prices to be higher this week on all sizes. Local fields in the mountains of TN, NC and SC experienced a frost/freeze Sunday night and for all practical purposes are finished for the season except for some clean-up/salvage harvesting. As already reported, the fields in Quincy have started but volume is low and we expect supplies to remain tight out of that growing region. New supplies out of the Palmetto/Ruskin area are expected to start as early as next week but we still forecast that the volume from that region will not be adequate to appreciably affect the FOB prices until the third week of November.
Romas- Supplies continue to be extremely tight and FOB prices are generally steady from last week. Quality continues to be variable.
Grapes- As reported last week, our grape tomato fields along the SC coast were hit particularly hard by the heavy rains causing a sharp decrease in supplies. Prices are generally steady from last week’s high FOB prices. Quality continues to be variable.
Cherries- Supplies continue to be extremely tight as they have been for several months. FOB prices are currently steady as demand is weak. Quality is variable.
Weather forecast- Quincy- Mostly sunny skies with highs in the mid-80s and lows near 60. A chance of rain is being called for the early part of next week. Palmetto/Ruskin- Mostly sunny skies with highs near 90 and lows in the mid to upper 60s. Little chance of rain until the middle of next week.
West/Mexico
Rounds- The CA crops are coming to a close as only 2 or 3 growers continue to harvest. Quality is variable and shelf-life is preventing sellers to ship East. FOB prices are steady on all sizes. 5x6 sizing continues to be on the small side and Mexican product must be used for 4x5 and larger sizes. Vine ripes continue to cross at Otay Mesa, McAllen and now Nogales. Volume at all crossings points is generally light.
Romas- Supplies continue from CA but are tight. Crossings continue at Otay Mesa and McAllen. As reported last week, volume out of the newer Mexican fields is down by as much as 50% compared to prior years and those fields have experienced rain. Demand, however, is also very weak causing FOB prices to remain generally steady.
Grapes- We are still seeing a very wide range in quality. FOB prices of the better quality are up sharply again this week. Inferior product can continue to be purchased at a discount.
Cherries- Supplies continue to be tight with a wide range of FOB prices depending on quality. FOB prices for quality product are generally steady to slightly higher compared to last week.
Green Bell Pepper
East- Most supplies now coming out of GA and we continue to see some quality issues out of those fields as a result of the recent weather. Our Immokalee crop is a little slower coming on-line than first forecast but we now predict that we should start harvesting those new fields next week. FOB prices this week are steady to lower on all sizes and grades.
West- We are seeing more volume this week from the desert growers and we expect that volume to continue which will put downward pressure of FOB prices. FOB prices are already lower this week compared to last week.
Green Beans
Beans are now available in Coachella, CA; supply is improving . Mexico will start shipping through Nogales around third week in November. Georgia is shipping new crop, but pricing is out of sight. Don’t expect the bean pricing to ease off too much, Thanksgiving is right around the corner.
Yellow Squash
East- FOB prices are lower this week. We are seeing quality and shelf-life issues but quality is improving. GA and northern FL fields are main sources in the east.
West- FOB markets are lower this week a good volume continues to cross at Nogales.
Green Squash
East- Similar to the yellow squash in the east, FOB prices are lower this week and quality is improving.
West- Market also lower in the west as good volume continues to cross at Nogales.
Cucumbers
East- Southern GA fields are the main source and a few have started to be harvested out of our Immokalee fields. FOB prices of Super grade are steady while the prices for select are steady to higher.
West- Higher production and crossings at Nogales. FOB prices of all grades and sizes are generally lower this week compared to last week.
Eggplant
East- FOB prices are steady to lower on all grades and sizes. Quality is good.
West- FOB prices are generally lower with better quality. The quality of the Fresno product is not as good.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are generally steady to lower and quality is generally good. GA is main sourcing area.
West- FOB prices generally steady. Quality is good.
