Current Market Updates

Week 16 2024 market update:

Berries -
Strawberries: California has received rain the past several days hindering the harvest. Should not have too many long-term effects but markets have tightened as a result. North Carolina harvest should take us through the month of April. We expect good quality if the regions are spared any unforeseen inclement weather

Lettuces and Leafy Greens: Transition from the Arizona desert to California’s Huron region is underway. We are still experiencing elevated credits and returns from a handful of stores on iceberg and romaine hearts. Rib discoloration does not mean product is out of grade and if only cap leaves are affected credit is not appropriate... The quality evaluation on all lettuce needs to follow two criteria and credit should not be requested if one of these things is not present:
1. Decay
2. Discoloration affecting the product deeper than the first three leaves
If it is just brown or pink discoloration on the bottom of the iceberg head it is in tolerance and credit should not be requested.

Limes: Mexican supplies have loosened and more supply has become available

Blueberries: The Florida harvest is in full swing and we expect good quality for the next month as Geogia begins as well

Asparagus: Mexican Supplies continue to be flush

Avocados: Mexican crop is fairly limited and markets are high we expect Columbia and Peru to begin by May and will see some relief at that point

Cantaloupe and Honeydew: We will receive off-shore product from South and Central America until Mid may

Clementines: California Clementines will be available going likely through May however this is an off-harvest year and markets are going to be high all season with yields peaking this month.

Colored Pepper: Supplies have improved dramatically and we are now being offered promotions

Eastern vegetables: Little to no change this week… good supply and quality out of Florida
Corn: Very good supply
Cabbage: Good supplies currently available
Cucumber: Florida supplies are good and markets are falling
Green Pepper: Supplies are plentiful.
Zucchini and Yellow squash: Good supply and quality currently available

Grapes: The industry has moved to the Chilean season. We continue to have tightly supplied markets and expect that to be the case until Mexico begins harvest at the end of May

Lemons: California harvest is ongoing. Supplies are good

Mangoes: Harvest has begun in Mexico; supplies have improved significantly, and markets have dropped

Mini Cucumber: Pero has been struggling with the cucumber quality and supply. We have moved to another source of supply to bridge any quality gap

Mixed Berries: Out of Mexico, tight raspberry market with plenty of supply on Blackberries

Onions: White onion supplies have been extremely tight, but we see product starting again next week. The Vidalia season has begun. We expect high markets to persist as the season begins with some leveling by the end of April or early May. This week’s secret message is Lunar Eclipse send it to mdowney@militaryproduce.com for recognition
  
Tomato:
Nature Sweet Snacking tomatoes: We have received our full orders for the first time in months on the snacking tomatoes. We expect supply to be better going forward

Hothouse:
Beefsteak Supply is now meeting demand and we are heading into some promotable opportunities in the next few weeks.
TOV – Supplies are plentiful

Watermelon: Harvest has begun in Florida, but supply is very minimal, and costs are prohibitive… Melon bins will be in store the first week of May.