Market Trends: Week of 24 Oct 2016

Tomatoes

East

• Rounds- Supplies continue to be light. As previously reported, adverse growing conditions in the Quincy region due to weather and a white-fly issue has caused much lighter than normal yields out of those fields. Quality also continues to be variable and shelf-life suspect. Sizing remains on the minimum side of specs. Pricing in the east continues to be dictated by the west. FOB prices for eastern round tomatoes are up again this week with the larger sizes increasing the most. We expect the Ruskin region to start harvesting toward the end of next week but yields will be very light until we get into the 3rd plantings which we forecast will be around the middle of November. Therefore, western yields will continue to dictate the eastern market. We do not see much improvement in quality and shelf-life until that time. We advise to keep inventories as tight as possible until then.

• Romas- Unlike rounds, the supply of romas has increased in both the east and the west.Therefore, FOB prices are lower this week on all sizes by a couple of dollars. A few growers in Immokalee have begun to harvest in a light way. Quality is variable.

• Grapes- Supplies are still tight but is are able to meet demand at current prices. Therefore, little to no change in FOB prices this week. Quality continues to be variable.

• Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and FOB prices are up slightly from last week. Quality and shelf-life continue to be variable.

• Weather forecasts- Quincy, FL: Mostly sunny days with highs in 80s until this weekend. Highs will be in the 70s over the weekend. Lows will be in the 60s until Friday night. Temperatures will drop in the 40s Friday and Saturday. Little to no chance of rain until next week. Ruskin, FL: Mostly sunny skies through the weekend with highs in the 80s and lows in the 60s. Little chance of rain into next week.

West/Mexico

• Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross at Baja, Nogales and McAllen. Supplies should continue to cross at Baja until mid-November at which time more volume should begin to cross at Nogales. CA mature-green growers are expected to continue to harvest for no more than two more weeks. Quality and shelf-life of this product remains variable and suspect.

As forecasted last week, the growing regions did receive some rainfall over the weekend but had little detrimental effect on harvesting. Sunny skies have returned. FOB prices are seeing continued upward pressure, especially for the better quality product. Prices for the largest sizes crossing from MX are also higher compared to last week. Volume is light and we expect it to remain so until January when the Culiacon crop should begin.

• Romas- Supplies are more plentiful this week. Product continues to be available out of Baja and CA with a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit. Supplies are tight out of CA but Baja and new product crossings at Nogales is putting downward pressure on FOB prices.

• Grapes- Sourcing primarily from Baja. Quality is extremely variable. Supplies are tighter andFOB prices are up from last week for the better quality fruit.

• Cherries- Supplies remain extremely tight and market FOB prices remain generally steady from last week. Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- Product remains plentiful this week with the southern GA and FL crops in full production. FOB prices are generally steady with continued downward pressures. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices are lower again this week as more supply comes online. Quality remains good.

Yellow Squash

East- FOB prices are generally steady from last week. Supplies are fragmented all up and down the eastern seaboard. Quality is variable but improving.

West- Crossings have begun at Nogales. Supplies continue to be plentiful causing FOB prices to be lower again this week. Quality is good.

Green Squash

East- FOB prices are generally steady this week. Quality continues to be generally good.

West- FOB prices are lower again this week on all grades and sizes. Crossings at Baja and Nogales. Quality is good.

Cucumbers

East- Harvesting continues in the south GA and FL fields and FOB prices are generally steady from last week with upward pressures on supers and downward pressures on selects. The FL crop is better quality.

West- Supplies have improved with product crossing at Baja and Nogales. Prices are down againthis week on all grades and sizes.

Eggplant

East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices are seeing downward pressure this week. Rains in Fresno is causing quality concerns. Nogales crossings should begin mid-November.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressures this week. Quality is good.

West- FOB price are generally steady this week. Quality is good.

Beans

East- Extremely light yields from the GA fields due to the white fly. FOB prices are up again. We see high market conditions continuing for another week at which time we should start to see some relief as new fields start to produce.

West- Supplies remain tight and FOB prices are higher from last week. Supplies in the west will continue to be tight for the next 30 or so days.

Market Trends: Week of 17 Oct 2016

Hurricane Matthew Update:  Florida fields escaped what could have been a disastrous beginning to the fall and winter season crop.  Those fields all received much rain and wind but seemed to have gone through the storm with minimum additional damage.  Of course, it goes without saying that the storm did nothing to help the early fall crop which was already producing only fair quality fruit with questionable shelf-life and very light yields. We have concluded our VA and SC coastal field harvesting for the season.

Tomatoes

East 

Rounds- Supplies continue to be light and are getting lighter. In addition to the earlier adverse growing conditions in the Quincy region which have been reported weekly in this report, a white-fly issue has also been reported which another cause for the light yields.  Supplies are too light for the USDA to establish a quote.  Sizing on the minimum side of specs.  Pricing in the east continues to be dictated by the west.  FOB prices for eastern round tomatoes are up this week $1-$2 depending on size with additional upward pressures.  We predicted last week that FOB prices would move within a relative narrow range unless the western fields received rain.  Unfortunately, those fields are expected to get rains for up to four days beginning Friday.  If we experience a harvest gap due to these rains, we may see a dramatic increase in FOB prices next week. We do not expect to see much improvement in yields or quality until we get into the third plantings of the Palmetto/Ruskin fields which should be around the middle of November. Shelf-life is suspect.  We advise to keep inventories as tight as possible.

Romas- Like the rounds, supplies are extremely light and quality is extremely variable with a wide range in FOB prices corresponding to the quality.  FOB prices are higher for all sizes this week.

Grapes- FOB prices are up minimally this week. Quality continues to be variable.

Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and FOB prices are steady from last week as supplies and demand remain in general equilibrium. Quality and shelf-life continue to be variable.

Weather forecasts- Quincy, FL: Partly cloudy to sunny days with highs in the low to mid 80s and lows near 60 into next week.

West/Mexico

Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross at Baja, Nogales and McAllen. Supplies should continue to cross at Baja until mid-November at which time more volume should begin to cross at Nogales. CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  However, quality and shelf-life of this product remains variable and suspect.  As mentioned above, the growing regions are expected to receive up to four days of rain starting this Friday.  An extended harvesting gap will put a severe strain on the nation’s supply and FOB prices could rise dramatically.  FOB prices are seeing continued upward pressure, especially for the better quality product.  Prices for the largest sizes crossing from MX are also higher compared to last week.

Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA with a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit.  Generally, FOB prices are steady from last week. Availability of CA fruit is very limited.  We do see the quality improving from Baja but is still only fair.

Grapes- Sourcing primarily from Baja.  FOB prices are up from last week.  Quality is variable.

Cherries- Supplies remain extremely tight and market FOB prices remain generally steady form last week. Due to the lack of supplies, repackers are continuing to have to go east to meet demand. Quality is fair to good.           

Green Bell Pepper

East- Product remains plentiful this week with the southern GA and FL crops in full production.  Appears the crop dodged Matthew’s bullet.  FOB prices are generally steady with continued downward pressures. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices are slightly lower this week.  Quality remains good.

Yellow Squash

East- FOB prices are seeing some upward pressures on all grades and sizes. Quality after the storm continues to appear generally good.

West- Crossings have begun at Nogales.  Supplies continue to be plentiful causing FOB prices to be lower again this week.  Quality is good.

Green Squash

East- FOB prices are generally steady this week. Quality appears to continue to be good.

West- FOB prices are lower again this week on all grades and sizes.  Crossings at Baja and Nogales.  Quality is good.

Cucumbers

East- Harvesting continues in the south GA fields and FOB prices are currently steady from last week.

West- Supplies have improved with product crossing at Baja and Nogales.  Prices are down slightly this week on all grades and sizes.

Eggplant

East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices are seeing downward pressure this week.  Quality is good.  Nogales crossings should begin mid-November.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are seeing upward pressures this week. Quality is good.

West- FOB price are slightly higher this week.  Quality is good.

Beans

East- We are seeing light yields from the new GA fields due to the white fly.  FOB prices are up substantially from last week.  We see high market conditions continuing for a couple more weeks.

West- Supplies remain tight and FOB prices are generally steady from last week.

Market Trends: Week of 02 Oct 2016

Tomatoes

East

• Rounds- Supplies in the east are even lighter and more fragmented with a wide range in quality and FOB prices.

Demand continues to be weak. Growers are in the beginning of transitioning to the southern growing regions. The VA

eastern shore fields continue to get rain most everyday which is affecting quality and yield. It is also causing harvesting of

those fields to come to an earlier- than-normal end. Growers predict they will be able to harvest out of NC, TN and VA fields

for another 10 days to two weeks with limited volume and variable quality. These fields are also coming to an earlier-thannormal

end due to the extreme heat and rains we have experienced this summer. The Quincy fields have begun to

produce in a very light way but it will not be until around the tenth of October before volume reaches full production out

of those fields. Latest field reports from Quincy indicate average quality for a fall crop. Currently, FOB prices continue to

remain in a narrow range with the price of 6x6s and 6x7s falling slightly while the price of 5x6s remain steady. We expect

tomato prices to continue to remain within a narrow range for another 1-2 weeks.

• Romas- Like the rounds, quality is extremely variable with a wide range in FOB prices corresponding to the quality. FOB

prices are generally steady with downward pressure for all sizes.

• Grapes- FOB prices are steady this week as supply and demand remain in equilibrium. Quality continues to be variable.

• Cherries- Demand has improved this week as the west is extremely short which has caused FOB prices to increase

slightly. Quality and shelf-life continue to be variable.

• Weather forecasts- NC/TN Mountains: Partly cloudy skies and cooler this week with highs in the low to mid 70s and lows

near 50. Little chance of rain until early next week. Western SC: Cooler with highs from the upper 70s to mid-80s. Lows

will be in the 50s. A chance of storms tomorrow and mostly clear after that until early next week. Eastern Shore: Cloudy

with a good chance of rain through Saturday. Highs will be near 80 through Sunday with lows in the 60s. This will be the

last forecast this season for the Eastern Shore. We will begin reporting the forecast for Quincey, FL next week.

West/Mexico

• Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja. Supplies should continue to cross until mid-November. Vineripes

are also crossing at McAllen and a limited amount has begun to cross at Nogales. CA mature-green growers continue

to harvest. Supplies are generally light with a wide range in quality and FOB prices. Prices for quality product is down

slightly on the 5x6 and 6x6 sizes and steady on the 6x7 sizes. Prices for the largest sizes crossing from MX is also

generally steady from last week.

• Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA with a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of

the fruit. A few are currently crossing at McAllen. Regardless of quality, FOB prices are down again this week on XL and

medium sizes and generally steady on the large size.

• Grapes- Increased supplies continue to cross mainly out of Baja. FOB prices are down moderately from last week.

• Cherries- Supplies have become extremely tight and prices are up substantially from last week.Due to the lack of

supplies, re-packers are having to go east to meet demand. Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- Product is more plentiful this week as the southern GA crop has started up. FOB prices are down on all sizes and

grades compared to last week.

West- FOB prices are lower for all grades and sizes. Quality remains good.

Yellow Squash

East- Supplies have improved but are still fragmented as growers continue to harvest from NC, GA and FL. FOB prices are

down on all grades and sizes. Quality in general continues to improve.

West- Crossings have begun at Nogales. Supplies are more plentiful causing FOB prices to be lower this week. Quality is

good.

Green Squash

East- FOB prices are lower this week as more supplies become available. Quality continues to improve.

West- FOB prices are lower this week on all grades and sizes. Crossings at Baja and Nogales. Quality is good.

Green Beans

Bean market East-18-20 . A few starting to come out of GA but are seeing evidence of white fly. Market expected to soften

for rest of this week but will not be surprised if it gets tighter as it becomes evident that volume is down from average due

to the white fly.

West- 26-30 Santa Marie

Cucumbers

East- Harvesting has started-up in the south GA fields. FOB prices are down on all grades.

West- Supplies have finally improved. Prices are down this week on all grades and sizes.

Eggplant

East- FOB prices are steady to slightly lower on all sizes and grades. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices have fallen again this week. Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are generally steady this week.

West- FOB price are slightly lower this week. Quality is good.

Market Trends: Week of 26 September 2016

Tomatoes

East

·      Rounds- Supplies in the east continue to be light and fragmented.  The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to remain variable.  Growers are predicting they will be able to harvest out of NC, TN and VA fields for another 8 days to two weeks.  These fields are coming to an earlier-than-normal end due to the extreme heat and rains we have experienced this summer. The Quincy fields have begun to produce in a very light way.  It will not be until sometime during the first week of October before volume reaches full production out of those fields. The first tomatoes out of this crop will show some scaring due to the high winds the fields went through from the tropical storm two weeks ago.  The quality of the fruit behind that looks better. FOB prices continue to remain in a narrow range with the price of 5x6s and 6x6s falling slightly.  We expect tomato prices to continue to remain within a narrow range for another 1-2 weeks.

·      Romas- FOB prices are down moderately for all sizes compared to last week with the medium size continuing to be a couple of dollars down from the larger sizes. 

·      Grapes- FOB prices are down slightly this week. Quality continues to be variable but is improving.

·      Cherries- FOB prices have fallen again this week. Quality and shelf-life continue to be variable but is improving

·      Weather forecasts- NC/TN Mountains: Partly cloudy skies this week with highs in the upper 70s warming into the 80s by this weekend.  Nights will be cool with lows near 60.  Little chance of rain until early next week. Western SC:  A warming trend this week with highs reaching 90 on Saturday.  Little to no chance of rain until Monday. Eastern Shore:  Cloudy with a good chance of rain through Friday.  Highs will be near 80 through Sunday when it will cool to highs of only 70.

West/Mexico

·      Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja.  However, Tropical Storm Paine is bringing wind and rains and will keep growers out of the fields for several days.  Supplies should continue to cross until mid-November.  Few are currently crossing at McAllen and a very limited amount has begun to cross at Nogales. CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  Supplies are generally light with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices are down on all sizes.

·      Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA with a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit.  Few to none are currently crossing at McAllen. Regardless of quality, FOB prices are down again this week on all sizes.

·      Grapes- Product continues to cross mainly out of Baja.  FOB prices are steady from last week.

·      Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are generally steady from last week.  Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- The FOB market in the east remains active with prices generally steady.  The southern GA crop starts up this week.  We will keep an eye out for bacterial pressures due to the recent rain and storms.

West- FOB prices are lower for all grades and sizes.  Quality remains good.

Yellow Squash

East- The West is continuing to determine market FOB prices this week for most dry veg commodities. In the east, there is a wide range of FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the product. Quality in general continues to improve.

West- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure due to increased supplies.

Green Squash

East- FOB prices generally steady with downward pressure. Quality continues to improve.

West- FOB prices are lower this week on all grades and sizes.  Crossings at Baja and Nogales.  Quality is good.

 Green Beans - FOB prices remain steady with a slight downward pressure. Quality is good.

Cucumbers

East- Harvesting has started-up in the south GA fields.  FOB prices are down on all grades. Our eastern NC fall crop is beginning to wind down. 

West- Supplies are still tight.  Prices are down slightly this week but are still strong. More supplies should come on-line toward the end of the month.

Eggplant

East- FOB prices are higher on all sizes and grades. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices are lower this week.  Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure this week.  

West- FOB price are generally steady this week

Market Trends: Week of 19 September 2016

Tomatoes

East

·      Rounds- Supplies in the east continue to be light and fragmented.  Demand is good. The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to remain spotty.  Growers have begun harvesting their  fall crop on the Eastern Shore.  The weather during the growing season has been less than ideal and the result is a crop that is below average in volume and quality.  FOB price on 6x7s are steady this week while the price of 6x6 and 5x6 sizes are up slightly.  Excepting a storm, we see nothing that will cause the market to move very much up or down for the next several weeks.  

·      Romas- There is a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit.  FOB prices are down for all sizes compared to last week with the medium size continuing to be a couple of dollars down from the larger sizes. 

·      Grapes- FOB prices are steady this week for quality fruit and quality continues to be variable.

·      Cherries- Supplies are stronger compared to demand this week and FOB prices have fallen. Quality and shelf-life continue to be variable.

·      Weather forecasts- NC/TN Mountains: Temperatures will get cooler as we head toward the weekend with highs on Friday and Saturday reaching only the mid-70s and lows by Sunday reaching the low 60s.  A good chance of storms over the weekend. Western SC:  Cooler with highs in the low 80s and lows in the mid-60s.  A good chance of storms over the weekend. Eastern Shore:  Much cooler with highs in the upper-70s to low-80s into next week.  Lows will be in the 60s.  Little chance of rain until early next week.

West/Mexico

·      Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja.  Supplies of the larger sizes are good with the smaller sizes getting a little tighter. Supplies should continue to cross until mid-November.  Few are currently crossing at McAllen.   CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  Supplies are light with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices are generally steady on the larger fruit and down slightly on the small. CA mature green growers should continue to harvest for another 3 or so weeks.

·      Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA with a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit.  Few to none are currently crossing at McAllen. Regardless of quality, FOB prices are down sharply on all sizes.

·      Grapes- Product continues to cross mainly out of Baja.  FOB prices have settled down from last week and prices are lower. 

·      Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are generally steady from last week.  Quality is fair to good. 

Green Bell Pepper

East- FOB prices are higher this week for all sizes and grades.  The southern GA crop should start-up around the 25th of this month.  We will keep an eye out to see if the rains from the tropical storm that passed through last week causes bacterial pressure on this crop.

West- Stronger demand is causing FOB prices to be up on all sizes and grades this week.  Quality remains good.

 Yellow Squash

East- The West is continuing to determine market FOB prices this week for most dry veg commodities.   FOB prices for yellow squash are down this week as the growing regions remain fragmented.  Quality has improved and is good.

West-  FOB prices are lower from last week.  We expect supplies to continue to improve as new fields begin to produce.

Green Squash

East- Like the yellow squash FOB prices are lower this week on both grades.  Quality has improved.

West- FOB prices are down this week.  Nogales has started-up in a light way.  Quality is good.

Green Beans

East - Light supplies.  Will remain light until FL starts up.

West- Light supplies until desert production starts up in October

Cucumbers

East- Harvesting has started-up in a light way out of the south GA fields.  FOB prices are down on all grades.  White flies have been reported on preliminary reports out of these fields. Our eastern NC fall crop continues. 

West- Supplies are still tight.  Nonetheless, FOB prices are generally lower this week.  More supplies should come on-line toward the end of the month.

Eggplant

East-  FOB prices are lower on all sizes and grades. Quality is good.

West- FOB prices are lower this week.  Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are steady with upward pressure this week.  

West- FOB price are generally lower this week

Market Trends: Week of 12 September 2016

Note: We have heard from most of the growing regions affected by T.S. Hermine.  Fortunately, in Florida, where the storm came on-shore as a hurricane, the plants are young with no fruit or blooms.  In Central Florida, it was mainly a rain event.  In north Florida and southern Georgia, where the track of the storm was much closer, the fields were located in the southwest quadrant of the storm which was less violent.  The winds only got up to around 35 MPH and was mainly a rain event.  The biggest concerns from both regions will be bacterial pressures brought on by the rains.  It will be several weeks before those affects can be determined.  The biggest concern is the  fall crop on the eastern shore of Virginia which is expected to start producing toward the first of next week.  Fortunately, this area was not hit has hard as we were anticipating.  Like all storms that bring a lot of rain, it will be a couple of days or weeks before the full impact can be determined.  The same is true for the inland NC and SC fall fields that are currently being harvested.  No report was available for the Jersey fields. As was noted last week, practically all of the summer growing regions experienced hotter and wetter than normal weather conditions.  We reported how the weather has affected the quality and quantity of various commodities throughout the summer.  As we get toward the end of the summer season and the fields continue to experience hot and wet weather and now have gone through a tropical depression, quality and shelf-life remain suspect. Therefore, we suggest that inventories continue to be kept as close as possible.

Tomatoes

East

Rounds- Supplies in the east continue to be light and fragmented.  Demand is good. The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to remain spotty.  Being a holiday week, some eastern growers are waiting until tomorrow to come out with pricing for the week.  We expect rounds to remain steady from last week.  The Eastern Shore fall crop is expected to start up this weekend or early next week.  We expect volume and quality out of these fields to be below average. 

Romas- There is a wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit.  FOB prices for good quality product is up for all sizes and the market continues to be very active.

Grapes- FOB prices are higher again this week for quality fruit and quality continues to more variable.

Cherries- Supplies continue to be generally light as demand has strengthened.  FOB prices are up again compared to last week. Quality and shelf-life are variable.

Weather forecasts- NC/TN Mountains: No rain expected until at least the end of the weekend.  Unseasonably warm days with highs in the upper 80s to near 90 and lows in the mid-60s.  Skies will be mostly sunny.  Cooler weather moving in on Sunday.  Western SC:  Sunny hot days with highs in the low to mid 90s through the weekend.  No chance of rain until Sunday.  Eastern Shore:  Chance of storms tomorrow but little chance of rain after that through the weekend.  Daytime highs mostly near 90 with partly cloudy to sunny skies.

West/Mexico

Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja.  Few to none are crossing at McAllen.   CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  Supplies are light with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices on the better quality fruit is slightly higher than last week.  We expect to see slightly more volume later this week.

Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA with a very wide range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality of the fruit.  Few to none are currently crossing at McAllen. Prices on quality fruit is higher from last week on all sizes.

Grapes- Product continue to cross mainly out of Baja.  Markets are active with extremely wide ranges in quality and FOB prices.  FOB prices are up substantially for quality product.

Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are higher from last week.  Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- FOB prices for Jumbo, Extra-Large, and Large sizes are higher this week and choice grade is generally steady with upward pressures.  Too early to tell how the tropical storm rains will affect quality and volume out the southern GA fields.

West- FOB prices are down on all sizes this week.  New fields continues to come on-line.  Quality thus far remains good.

Yellow Squash

East- The West is determining market FOB prices this week for most dry veg commodities.   FOB prices for yellow squash are steady with downward pressure this week as the growing regions remain fragmented.  Quality and shelf-life continues to be suspect due to heat and rain.

West- Supplies are still relatively tight and demand remain light.  FOB prices are lower from last week.  We expect supplies to remain tight until mid-September at which time new fields will begin to produce.

Green Squash

East- Like the yellow squash FOB prices are lower this week on both grades.  We continue to harvest fields in NC, MI and the Northeast.

West- FOB prices are down this week.  Nogales will start in a light way this week.  It will be the 3rd week of September before good volume begins to cross.

Green Beans

Western & Central New York: FOB prices steady no change from last week. Supplies good and quality good.  

Cucumbers

East- Supplies are coming mainly from MI. FOB prices are generally steady with some downward pressure this week on all sizes and grades.  Our eastern NC fall crop starts this week. We will keep a lookout for bacterial pressures due to the rains.

West- Supplies crossing mainly from Baja and quality is extremely variable. FOB prices are generally higher this week.

Eggplant

East- MI is the main source this week.  FOB prices are generally lower on all sizes and grades.

West- FOB prices are lower this week.  Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure this week.  Sourcing mainly from MI.

West- FOB price are generally steady to higher this week

EndFragment

Market Trends: Week of 05 September 2016

Note:  Practically all of the summer growing regions continue to experience hotter and wetter than normal weather conditions.  We have reported how the weather has affected the quality and quantity of various commodities throughout the summer.  As we get toward the end of the summer season and the fields continue to experience hot and wet weather, the quality and quantity continue to decline and this is putting upward pressure on FOB prices for quality product on practically every commodity.  Shelf-life is becoming suspect. Therefore, we suggest that inventories be kept as close as possible.  We are also keeping an eye on two eastern tropical storms that are forecasted to hit current and future producing fields in FL, GA and NC within the next several days.  We will keep you posted.

Tomatoes

East

Rounds- Supplies in the east continue to be light and fragmented.  The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to remain to be spotty.  FOB prices remain variable according to quality but all sizes are bringing higher FOB prices this week.  We expect quantities to remain light and quality to remain suspect until the fall crops come in which is several weeks away. 

Romas- Like the rounds, roma supplies are light and fragmented with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices are stronger this week on all sizes by up to $5.  

Grapes- FOB prices are higher again this week and quality continues to more variable.

Cherries- Supplies and demand continue to be generally light.  FOB prices are up again compared to last week. Quality and shelf-life becoming more variable.

Weather forecast- NC/TN Mountains: Mostly cloudy with a good chance of storms through Thursday.  After that, skies will be partly cloudy with cooler temperatures.  Highs on Friday and over the weekend will only reach 80 with lows in the upper 50s.  Rains from the tropical storms are not expected to reach the mountains.  Western SC:  Daytime highs on Wednesday and Thursday will be in the low 90s with a good chance of storms on Thursday.  Turning cooler and fairer on Friday with highs in the low 80s and lows near 60 through the weekend.  Rains from the tropical storms are not expected to reach this growing region. 

West/Mexico

Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja.  Few to none are now crossing at McAllen.   CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  Supplies are light with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices on the better quality fruit is higher than last week. Quality and shelf-life are variable.

Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA.  Few to none are currently crossing at McAllen.  And like the rounds, quality is extremely variable which is causing a wider than normal range in FOB prices. Prices on quality fruit is higher from last week on all sizes.

Grapes- Product continue to cross mainly out of Baja.  Supplies are lighter again this week with a wide range in quality and FOB prices.  FOB prices are up substantially for quality product.

Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are generally steady from last week.  Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- Green pepper is the one commodity that is bucking the trend on both coasts.  Quality appears to be holding up and FOB prices remain generally steady with some downward pressure compared to last week. We will continue to monitor quality closely.

West- FOB prices remain generally steady with some downward pressures.  New fields are coming on-line.  Quality thus far remains good.

Yellow Squash

East- FOB prices are up slightly this week as the growing regions remain fragmented.  Quality and shelf-life continues to be suspect due to heat and rain.

West- Supplies and demand remain light.  FOB prices are generally steady from last week.  We expect supplies to remain tight until mid-September at which time new fields will begin to produce.

Green Squash

East- Like the yellow squash FOB prices are higher this week on both grades and quality is down.  We continue to harvest fields in NC, MI and the Northeast.

West- There is upward pressure on FOB prices again this week.  Supplies are light.

 Green Beans - Market is tightened up this week, demand is still good. 

Cucumbers

East- Supplies are coming mainly from MI and quality remains only fair due to past rains the fields have experienced.  FOB prices are generally steady with upward pressure this week on all sizes and grades.  Our eastern NC fall crop should begin by the middle of next week.  Hopefully, the wind and rains from the tropical storms will not affect quality from this region and will bring relief from the rising FOB prices.

West- Supplies crossing mainly from Baja and quality is extremely variable. FOB prices are generally steady with some downward pressures on selects.  Demand continues to be weak.

Eggplant

East- MI is the main source this week.  FOB prices are generally steady on all sizes and grades.

West- FOB prices are lower this week.  Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are steady with upward pressure this week.

West- FOB price are generally steady this week.

Market Trends: Week of 29 August, 2016

Tomatoes

East

Rounds- Supplies in the east continue to be light and fragmented.  The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to remain to be spotty.  FOB prices remain variable according to quality.  The 5x6 and 6x6 sizes are higher while the 6x7 size remains generally steady from last week.  We expect the market to remain stronger for the next 2 or so weeks. AL, AK, VA, SC, MI, NJ and NC fields continue to produce to some degree with variable levels of quality. 

Romas- Like the rounds, roma supplies are light and fragmented with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices are stronger this week on all sizes.  

Grapes- Supplies continue to be harvested from our NC and VA eastern shore fields.  FOB prices are higher this week and quality is becoming more variable.

Cherries- Supplies and demand continue to be generally light.  FOB prices are up slightly again compared to last week. Quality is generally good.

Weather forecast- NC/TN Mountains: Mostly cloudy with a good chance of storms continuing this week and into the weekend. It will be cooler tomorrow with highs only around 80 but after that daytime highs will be in the mid-80s through early next week.  Lows will be generally in the mid to upper 60s.  Western SC:  After tomorrow it will be warmer with highs in the low to mid 90s and lows near 70.  It will be partly cloudy with less of a chance of rain. 

West/Mexico

Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja and McAllen.  A few vine ripes continue to cross at Nogales and CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  Supplies are light with a wide range in quality.  FOB prices on the better quality fruit is steady to higher than last week. Quality and shelf-life are variable.

Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja, McAllen and CA.  And like the rounds, quality is extremely variable which is causing a wider than normal range in FOB prices. Prices on quality fruit is generally steady from last week except for the extra-large size which is higher.

Grapes- Product continue to cross mainly out of Baja.  Supplies are lighte this week with a wide range in quality and FOB prices.  FOB prices depend on quality and are higher this week.

Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are up again from last week.  Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- We are seeing more quality issues (mainly in the form of bruising) from the rain that the growing regions have received over the past two weeks.  FOB prices are staying within a narrow range from last week with only small changes depending on sizing and grade.

West- FOB prices are currently weaker compared to last but we expect prices to rise toward the weekend.

Yellow Squash

East- FOB prices are higher this week as the growing regions remain fragmented.  Quality has continued to deteriorate due to the amount of rain and heat the fields have received.

West- Supplies remain light with upward pressure on FOB prices.  We expect supplies to remain tight until mid-September at which time new fields will begin to produce.

Green Squash

East- Like the yellow squash FOB prices are higher this week on both grades and quality is down.  We continue to harvest fields in NC, MI and the Northeast.

West- There is upward pressure on FOB prices.  Supplies are light.

 Green Bean

No change in price or supplies out of Western New York.

Cucumbers

East- Supplies coming mainly from MI and the region has continued to receive rain this week. Demand continues to be sluggish.  We are seeing some quality issues due to the weather.  FOB prices are generally higher this week on all sizes and grades.  We look for quality to slowly improve as the forecast calls for the rains not to continue and the temperatures to cool somewhat.

West- Supplies crossing mainly from Baja and quality is extremely variable. FOB prices are generally steady with downward pressures.  Demand continues to be weak.

Eggplant

East- MI is the main source this week.  FOB prices are generally steady on all sizes and grades.

West- FOB prices are lower this week.  Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are steady with downward pressure this week.  Quality continues to be generally good.

West- FOB price are generally lower this week.

Market Trends: Week of 22 August, 2016

Tomatoes

East

• Rounds- Supplies in the east are even lighter this week and continue to be fragmented.  The hot and rainy weather has caused volume and quality to be spotty.  Demand remains weak but there are some signs of strengthening. We are seeing a spread of FOB prices that correspond with the quality.  FOB prices for 5x6s will remain generally steady from last week with the smaller sizes bringing higher prices. AL, AK, VA, SC, MI, NJ and NC fields continue to produce to some degree with various levels of quality.  

• Romas- Like the rounds, roma supplies are light and fragmented with a wide range in quality.  There is a wider than normal range in FOB prices and those prices correspond with the quality.  Pricing will remain generally steady from last week on all sizes.

• Grapes- Supplies continue to be harvested from  NC and VA eastern shore fields.  FOB prices are generally steady with upward pressure this week and quality continues to be good.

• Cherries- Supplies and demand continue to be generally light.  FOB prices are up slightly compared to last week. Quality is good.

• Weather forecast- NC/TN Mountains: Mostly cloudy with a good chance of storms continuing this week and into the weekend. Daytime highs in the mid-80s through early next week.  Lows will be generally in the mid-60s. Western SC:  Partly cloudy with a good chance of storms through the weekend.  Daytime highs will be near 90 each day.  

West/Mexico

• Rounds- Vine-ripes continue to cross primarily at Baja and McAllen. A few vine ripes have also begun to cross at Nogales. CA mature-green growers continue to harvest.  Supplies continue to be light with a wide range in quality.  The better quality fruit is demanding the higher FOB prices and will be a couple of dollars higher than last week. Quality and shelf-life are variable.

• Romas- Supplies continue to come out of Baja, McAllen and CA. And like the rounds, quality is extremely variable which is causing a wider than normal range in FOB prices. Prices on quality fruit are up on all sizes this week.

• Grapes- Product continue to cross mainly out of Baja.  Supplies are lighter this week with a wider range in quality and FOB prices. FOB prices depend on quality and are higher this week.

• Cherries- Supplies continue to be light and prices are up slightly from last week.  Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East- Growing regions of TN, NC and MI have received much rain this week.  Fields in MI received 2-7 inches yesterday.  FOB prices are steady to slightly higher thus far this week and quality is generally good but becoming more variable.

West- Supplies continue to be weak but demand is even weaker.  FOB prices are down again on all sizes and grades compared to last week.

Yellow Squash

East- FOB prices are steady this week as the growing regions remain fragmented.  Quality is not near as good as in the past several weeks due to the amount of rain and heat the fields have received.

West- A wider range in FOB prices have developed due to the wider range in quality.  Prices are steady to up depending on quality.

Green Squash

East- FOB prices are generally steady this week on both grades.  We continue to harvest fields in NC, MI and the Northeast.

West- FOB prices are generally steady on fancy grade and steady to up on the medium. Supplies are coming from Santa Maria and Washington fields. Quality is good but becoming more variable.

Green Beans

No change from last week, supplies good coming out of New York.

Cucumbers

East- Supplies coming mainly from MI. Demand continues to be sluggish.  We are seeing some quality issues due to the weather.  FOB prices are generally steady this week on all sizes and grades.

West- Supplies crossing mainly from Baja and quality is extremely variable. FOB prices are generally steady. Demand continues to be weak. We expect supplies to remain tight and FOB prices to remain generally steady for the next 10 days to 2 weeks at which time new fields will come into production.

Eggplant

East- MI is the main source this week.  FOB prices are higher on all sizes and grades.

West- FOB prices are steady to down again this week.  Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are seeing downward pressure this week.  Quality continues to be generally good.

Market Trends: Week of 15 August, 2016

Tomatoes

East

• Rounds - Supplies in the East continue to be fragmented and light. Demand remains anemic;

however, the East continues to have to go west to meet even the light demand and the west

continues to set the market. FOB prices are down this week on all sizes. Due to the heat and

afternoon storms, quality continues to be variable. AL, AK, VA, SC and NC fields continue to

produce.

• Romas - Roma supplies are light and fragmented also and FOB prices are down again this

week on all sizes due to light demand. Quality is variable due to the heat and storms.

• Grapes - Good supplies continue to be harvested from NC and VA eastern shore fields. FOB

prices have continued to drop this week and quality continues to be good.

• Cherries - Supplies and demand continue to be generally light. FOB prices are down

compared to last week. Quality is good.

• Weather forecast - NC/TN Mountains: Mostly cloudy with daytime highs in the upper 80s

through early next week. Lows will be generally in the upper 60s. A good chance of storms,

possibly severe, every day. Western SC: Mostly cloudy through the weekend. A little cooler

with highs in the mid to upper 80s. A good chance of storms, possibly severe, every day.

West/Mexico

• Rounds - Vine-ripes continue to cross at Baja and McAllen. A few vine ripes have also begun to

cross at Nogales. CA mature-green growers continue to harvest. Supplies are light but weak

demand is putting downward pressure on FOB prices for all sizes. Quality and shelf-life are

variable.

• Romas - Supplies continue to come out of Baja and CA. Even though the east is having to come

west to meet all of its demand, demand remains sluggish. Like the rounds, we are keeping a

close eye on quality due to the excessive heat the crop has gone through. FOB prices are down

again on all sizes from last week except for extra-large which remains steady.

• Grapes - Supplies continue mainly out of Baja with good volume. We continue to see a wide

range in quality. FOB prices are variable (depending on quality) but are down slightly again

this week.

• Cherries - FOB prices are steady from last week. Quality is fair to good.

Green Bell Pepper

East - Weak demand is putting downward pressures on FOB prices again this week. Supplies continue

to be fragmented with supplies coming from NC to MI. Quality is generally good.

West- Supplies continue to be weak but demand is even weaker. FOB prices are down again on all sizes

and grades compared to last week.

Yellow Squash

East - FOB prices are steady this week as the growing regions remain fragmented. Quality is generally

good.

West- Weak demand and better supplies are causing FOB prices to be substantially lower this week.

Quality is variable but continues to improve.

Green Squash

East- FOB prices are generally steady this week on both grades. We continue to harvest fields in SC, NC,

MI and the Northeast. Supplies of large zucchini are better this week.

West- FOB prices are down sharply this week. Supplies are coming from Santa Maria and Washington

fields. Quality is good.

Green Beans - Still no change from previous week Good supplies available out of Western and Central

New York.

Cucumbers

East- Supplies are down this week in the northeast as the heat in that region as damaged fields.

Supplies coming mainly from MI. Demand continues to be sluggish. We are seeing some quality

issues due to the weather. FOB prices are up this week on all sizes and grades.

West- Supplies crossing mainly from Baja and quality is extremely variable. FOB prices are generally

steady with upward pressure on the supers and downward pressure on the selects. Demand continues

to be weak. We will be moving to new fields within the next week to ten days.

Eggplant

East- There is a split market between MI and NC. The poorer quality out of NC is bringing lower prices

than the higher quality eggs from MI.

West- FOB prices are steady to down again this week. Quality is good.

Jalapenos

East- FOB prices are up slightly again this week. Quality continues to be generally good