MARKET REPORT
February 28, 2019
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At a Glance…
Blister and peel continue to be significant in leafy greens. This is an industry-wide situation that will continue for at least two more weeks.
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Quality
Price
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High
Avg
Fair
High
Avg
Low
Bell Peppers
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Celery
Onions
Lettuce
Romaine
Tomatoes - West
Tomatoes - East
Sourcing Update:
Bell Peppers
Demand is picking up. Cold weather is slowing Mexico production and new Florida fields will not start for a few weeks. Overall quality is good. Pricing is expected to rise over the next two weeks.
Broccoli
Cold, wet weather continues to slow growth, resulting in a tighter market. Supply should improve when the weather warms up in Yuma. Quality is good with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast.
Cauliflower
Demand exceeds supply. Colder weather in Yuma is slowing growth. Market will remain tight into next week. Overall quality is good with minor bruising and some yellow cast.
Celery
Demand exceeds supply and escalated pricing remains in effect. Rain and cool temperatures continue to impact Oxnard/Santa Maria crop growth. Yuma has minimal production. Quality issues include leafy tops, insect damage, pith and bowing. Availability will be light for at least two more weeks.
Onions
White onions have limited supply and fair quality. Mexico supplies have started to cross into Texas. Overall quality is good.
Lettuce
Demand exceeds supply. Cold temperatures and rain have stopped the growth of this commodity. Demand is very strong. Production is gapping with all suppliers. This industry-wide supply situation will continue for at least two more weeks. Quality is fair, with significant issues with blister and peel, along with mechanical damage, light weights, misshapen heads, and puffiness.
Tomatoes
Florida growers are nearing the end of their winter crops and spring harvests are a week or so away. As winter plants reach the end of their life cycle, blooms slow down and there is less large fruit available. Roma volumes have improved.
Romaine
Blister and peel continue to be an industry-wide issue. Crops in the field have been impacted by past rains and cold weather. Additional quality issues include mechanical damage, ribbiness, insect damage and discoloration. Growers are attempting to clean up the product before shipping but only so much can be done. Quality will remain rough for the next few weeks.
Apples
Demand is moderate with steady pricing across all varieties. Quality overall is still being reported as good.
Logistics
The National Diesel Average is $3.048 per gallon. Crude oil prices are at $55.99. Freshway Logistics offers flexible and dependable refrigerated transportation and logistics services from all destinations in our distribution area. Established in 2003 and headquartered in Sidney, Ohio, Freshway Logistics guarantees a solid cold chain from pickup to final destination.
