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.