Tomatoes
East
Rounds- Weak national demand and increased supplies out of the Palmetto/Ruskin fields in Florida have finally caused FOB prices to fall to more normal levels. Quality from these fields is looking good. Sizing appears to be on the small size which may put upward pressure on the FOB prices for 5x6s in the next few weeks. However, prices have fallen substantially for all sizes for next week. Growers will begin harvesting our Immokalee fields within the next 2-4 weeks depending on weather.
Romas- Weak demand and more supplies have caused FOB prices to fall on all sizes again this week. Quality is improving.
Grapes- Weak demand and better supplies have caused FOB prices to fall substantially on both bulk and pints. Quality is improving.
Cherries- Quality is variable and FOB prices are reflecting this variableness. However, all FOB prices are down substantially from last week.
Weather forecast- Palmetto/Ruskin- Daytime highs will be near 90 with lows in the lower 70s. Chances of clouds and storms increase as we get closer to the weekend. Immokalee- Same forecast as the Palmetto/Ruskin area but with a better chance of storms each day.
West/Mexico
Rounds- Rain Sunday night and Monday has caused the remaining CA growers to cease harvesting but they will probably resume for another week or so when the fields dry out. We are seeing a wide range of quality and FOB prices. However, all FOB prices are lower this week compared to last week primarily due to very weak demand. Vine ripes continue to cross at Otay Mesa, McAllen and Nogales. Volume at all crossings points is generally light. With the CA crop at its end and lighter than normal yields from the MX fields, FOB prices may rise in the next week or two if we see any increase in demand.
Romas- Demand is very weak. Crossings continue at Otay Mesa and McAllen. FOB prices are slightly lower due to the lack of demand. Like the rounds, we may see an increase in FOB prices in the near future if there is an increase in demand.
Grapes- We are still seeing a very wide range in quality and corresponding FOB prices. However, weak demand has caused all FOB prices to be lower again this week. Grapes are crossing at Baja and Nogales.
Cherries- Weak demand and slightly better supplies have caused FOB prices to fall substantially for next week. There continues to be a wide range of prices due to a wide range of quality.
Green Bell Pepper
East- The Immokalee crop has begun. The GA crop has all but ended. FOB prices are steady to higher.
West- FOB prices are higher this week compared to last week on all grades and sizes but we expect to see higher volume next week which should cause prices to fall after next week.
Green Bean
The California market remains strong and quality is variable. South Georgia supplies are good market is steady, FOB prices lower.
Yellow Squash
East- FOB prices are lower this week and are at the lowest levels that the market typically settles. Quality is good.
West- Good volume continues to cross at Nogales. FOB prices are lower this week. Quality is good.
Green Squash
East- FOB prices are lower this week with good quality. Like the yellow squash, the market is at the lowest levels that are normally reached.
West- Market prices are lower in the west as good volume continues to cross at Nogales. Quality is good.
Cucumbers
East- Immokalee fields have started. FOB prices are lower on all grades. Quality is good.
West- Good volume is crossing at Nogales. FOB prices are steady to lower. We expect supplies to increase by the weekend.
Eggplant
East- FOB prices are steady to higher. Quality is good.
West- FOB prices are steady to lower with good quality.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are generally steady and quality is generally good.