DRY VEGETABLE MARKET REPORT
June 20, 2017
Tomatoes
East
• Rounds- The South Carolina crop is harvesting at full speed while northern Florida and
southern Georgia wrap up. An abundance of rain in the FL and GA region has resulted in an
earlier than normal end date. Overall quality is holding up better than expected taking into
account the amount of rainfall the growing regions have seen. However, shelf life continues to
remains suspect, therefore, inventories are recommended to stay tight. Good supplies from our
coastal SC farms has resulted in FOB prices for all sizes to fall approximately $3.00 from last
week. Our North Carolina and western South Carolina crop should begin in about 2-3 weeks.
• Romas- Romas continue to be the only tomato commodity to remain tight through next week.
The FOB prices are up a few dollars for medium and large while extra large remain relatively
flat. Quality, like rounds, has held up better than expected. Supplies are not expected to
improve for another few weeks.
• Grapes- Our South Carolina supplies are plentiful. Quality is still good, again, considering the
amount of rainfall.
• Cherries- Demand continues to be weak. FOB prices are up a couple of dollars from last week
and quality is generally good.
West/Mexico
• Rounds- As CA ramps up, temperatures are on the rise as well. The forecast is calling for 100+
degree temperatures over the next week (see forecast on last page). Tender fruit was initially
apparent due to the high temperatures, however, we are currently seeing an overall
improvement recently. We will see if the improvement can hold during the next round of
extreme temperatures. FOB prices have fallen about $6.00 on all sizes in the west.
• Romas- Romas will remain tight for about another week until the CA crop begins. Prices are
generally flat currently, however, are expected to fall once CA is able to harvest and ship.
• Grapes- Baja supplies are plentiful and demand remains weak. This is resulting in FOB prices
to have fallen near suspension agreement minimums.
• Cherries- Although prices are stable, supplies are still very limited out of the western region
due to the few number of growers.
•
NOTE: All the eastern growing regions continue to experience rain in the form of heavy
afternoon thunderstorms. The weather forecast calls for additional rains this week for all
growing regions. This type of weather almost always causes less than ideal quality and
suspect shelf-life. Therefore, we suggest that dry vegetable inventories be kept as tight as
possible until we work through this product.
Fresh
P r o fi t F r om E x p e r i e n c e
Horizons, LLC
Green Bell Pepper
East- NC crop is in full production. GA crops are presenting lower FOB prices; however, this
directly corresponds to the quality the region is producing. Quality defects are becoming more and
more apparent due to the ample rains. Some eastern suppliers are turning to the west to meet
demand due to the eastern quality imperfections. FOB prices are steady for all sizes with some
downward pressure.
West- FOB prices are slightly down as Bakersfield continues to harvest. Although
temperatures are high in the region, quality is still good at this time.
Red Bell Pepper
West- As previously reported, the western FOB prices are high due to a short supply gap.
Prices are anticipated to remain higher than usual for about another week or so until the supply gap
ends.
Yellow Squash
East- FOB prices are generally steady with slight downward pressures on both grades.
Supplies are available from the GA, SC, and NC regions.
West- Supplies are strong as we head into next week. Quality is good and FOB prices are
down sharply.
Green Squash
East- Supplies are available from GA, SC and NC. Prices are currently down slightly from last
week.
West-. Various regions continue in full production. Quality continues to be good and FOB
prices are down moderately.
Cucumbers
East- GA and NC fields have been hit extremely hard with heavy rains, resulting in some
quality issues and shorter shelf life. FOB prices, despite quality concerns, remain steady. The new NJ
product demands slightly higher prices than the older more southern fields.
West- Demand for Baja supplies remains light. FOB prices are down slightly this week. We
expect supplies to improve which will put additional downward pressure on prices.
Eggplant
East- GA remains as the core supplier. FOB prices are up slightly.
West- Desert supplies are almost finished while Fresno has not started yet. FOB prices are
generally steady, but downward pressure is expected when Fresno starts up.
Jalapenos
East- FOB prices are steady to up slightly with supplies coming from the GA region.
West- Supplies remain slightly limited as we wait for the Santa Maria crop to begin. Prices are
steady as we head into next week.
Beans
East- FOB prices are up again as rain takes a toll on the crop. GA, TN and eastern NC are the
sourcing regions and all have been hit with rains. Supplies are very short.
West- Supplies are still very light going into next week and prices are up once again. Prices
and supplies are not expected to see relief until the end of June.
• Eastern Growing Region(s) Weather Forecast:
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• Western Growing Region(s) Weather Forecast:
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Code to Color Alerts:
Market generally with-in normal ranges and steady from last week for both pricing and quality. Any price changes
can be expected to be $1.50 or less with no major changes in quality. Also, no change in the growing region(s) and no
news that could drastically affect pricing in the future.
Some news included concerning the market that may indicate a moderate change in pricing and/or quality. FOB
pricing is generally up or down between $1.50 and $5.00 from the previous week. It will also be used to indicate news
that may have a drastic impact on the price, quality and/or availability in future weeks (versus the following week). Finally,
this color will also be used to indicate a commodity that continues to be outside the normal range as far as price, quality
and/or availability.
News included that indicates a major change in the market from the previous week as far as pricing, quality and/
or availability. May see price changes, up or down, in excess of $5.00 per case. This color will only be used to indicate a
major change from the previous week.
Important note: This market report is only a snapshot of the various commodity markets as of the morning of the date of
the report. When we expect a trend to develop, we will express that expectation. However, commodity markets are
subject to actual supply and demand levels and can change quickly due to weather and other unforeseen factors.
Therefore, please be aware that markets may change from the time this report is published and the time prices are set for
the following week. If such changes are dramatic, we will publish a revised market report.