Tomatoes
East
• Rounds- We are entering into the spring gradual transition from our southern Florida
(Immokalee) fields to the central Florida fields (Palmetto/Ruskin). We reported last week that
sizing was toward the minimum side of specs and we expect this to continue during this
transition which will run for about three weeks. This will place a premium price on the larger
sized tomatoes. As is typical, yields are decreased in the older fields. As we move forward
through April, we expect yields to remain lower than they have been all winter due to less
acreage being planted for spring harvesting and some damage that has already occurred in
the new fields due to a freeze. FOB prices are up a couple of dollars for the larger sizes and less
than that for the smaller sizes. Quality remains very good and should remain very good for at
least the next couple of weeks.
• Romas- FOB prices are steady for the large and medium sizes and up slightly for the extra-large
size. Quality this week is very good.
• Grapes- FOB prices are up substantially this week as supplies are having trouble keeping up
with demand. This is the first week this has occurred all winter. Quality remains very good to
excellent.
• Cherries- FOB prices are higher for cherries also. Prices have risen in the four dollar range from
last week. Quality is generally very good.
• Weather forecast- Immokalee, FL: Mostly sunny with highs near 90 through the weekend.
There is only a slight chance of showers each day.
West/Mexico
• Rounds- Demand continues to be light. Good volume continues to cross at Nogales but we
continue to see signs of a slight seasonal slowdown. Crossings also continue at McAllen. FOB
prices remain at Suspension Agreement minimums. Quality and sizing continue to improve.
We expect Mexican fields to continue for about five more weeks. The California crop should
begin around June 10 with one grower. All growers should be going around the first week of
July. Wetter than normal conditions delayed some growers from their normal planting
schedule. Vine ripes from Mexico remain plentiful with poor demand. Prices remain at
Suspension Agreement minimums.
• Romas- Nogales and McAllen crossings continue. Baja crossing should start next week. FOB
prices remain at Suspension Agreement minimums for all sizes. Quality continues to be
variable but has improved.
• Grapes- Crossings primarily at Nogales. Quality is variable. Like in the east, prices are up
substantially over last week.
• Cherries- Quality continues to be suspect and variable this week. We are continuing to see a
wider-than-normal range in FOB prices which correspond to the quality. Overall, repackers are
having to pay higher FOB prices again this week for quality product.
Green Bell Pepper
East- Generally good supply. FOB prices are steady with slight downward pressure this week on all sizes
and grades. Quality is good.
West- Good supplies continue. FOB prices are steady to down slightly. Quality is generally good.
Red Bell Pepper
West- Supplies of field reds are tighter this week putting upward pressure on FOB prices. Quality is
generally good.
Yellow Squash
East- New supplies have caused FOB prices to drop again this week. We have begun to harvest fields in
Plant City. Quality continues to improve but winds have caused some scarring.
West- Increased supplies have also caused FOB prices to fall in the west. We expect the desert fields to
begin to be harvested starting next week.
Green Squash
East- Like the yellow, new fields have increased supply and quality. FOB prices are down again this
week.
West- FOB prices are also down in the west. Quality continues to improve.
Cucumbers
East- FOB prices are steady but we expect downward pressures as more volume is getting ramped up
from new Florida fields. Quality is good.
West- Nogales crossing continue. Baja crossings have started. The market remains active with FOB
prices generally steady to slightly higher from last week.
Eggplant
East- FOB prices for fancy are steady while the prices for choice are generally steady to down. Quality is
generally good.
West- Nogales crossings continue and quality is good.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are steady to slightly higher this week. Quality is generally good.
West- FOB prices are slightly higher this week. Quality is good.
Beans
East- Supplies are up sharply causing a large drop in FOB prices this week. Yields are excellent and we
expect few changes through the third week of April.
West- Supplies remain tight in the west. This is causing FOB prices to remain generally steady but with
upward pressures. Quality is variable.