Tomatoes
East
· Rounds – As most move past their crown picks, Palmetto/Ruskin supplies are still very light. Despite the lack of supply, demand has been quite lackluster for some time. Therefore, FOBs are remaining high, yet steady. Expect about 2-3 more weeks of light supplies from this area and then we will hit a supply gap until December 15th when our Immokalee crop begins. The late start for this is due to Irma. Note, there is some rain in the forecast that could affect pricing in the next 10-14 days, depending on demand. Quality overall has been nice when available.
· Romas- Eastern supply will from Palmetto/Ruskin will remain limited and scattered for the next 2-3 weeks. Until our Immokalee farms are ready in mid-December that were delayed from Irma, we will continue to see limited supply. However, with light demand in the holiday week, prices actually fall about $1-2. Quality has been mostly good from the area.
· Grapes- There continues to be a significant supply gap in both the east and west, however, supplies are starting to loosen up. Thus, FOBs are down about $5 on pints and $10 on bulk. Expect FOBs to remain somewhat higher than normal until the 1st and even 2nd week of December with the next wave of crops comes on. Quality for the most part has been good.
· Cherries- Demand has perked up on cherries as grapes were tough to find. Thus, prices remain firm moving into next week. Supply relief is expected in about 2 weeks which should put some downward pressure on market prices. Quality has been good.
West/Mexico
· Rounds- Western tomatoes are coming from primarily the Eastern MX & Baja regions. As they continue to work through existing acreage through December, size is expected to drop off. In addition to this, there was a brief flush of product to the market due to expected holiday demand. This is putting downward pressure on FOBs. Beware! This market is expected to snap back in about 10-14 days. Quality is good on these MX vines. In addition, there could still be some remaining CA fruit floating around. This fruit has been through a lot and we are seeing major quality issues with it.
· Romas- MX supplies are steady at this time. Because demand has been so lazy, FOBs are down $1-2. Quality is looking great.
· Grapes- Steady production is coming from Eastern MX & Baja, with supplies expected to increase in the upcoming weeks. Quality continues to be only fair at best. FOBs are down as demand remains lackluster.
· Cherries- Demand has firmed up with the grape market being so high and supplies already limited. FOBs are firm and steady rolling into next week. Relief is not expected until after the Thanksgiving holiday. Quality is fair to good.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Green Bell Pepper
East- Peppers remain in an active market as GA winds down and picks the last of their crop. Florida is producing minimal amount and is not able to cover all demand. FOBs are up another few dollars. Quality is fair from GA and good from FL. Expect relief after the holiday.
West- Snug supplies in the west CA wraps up and mainland MX starts in a light way. FOBs rise about $1-2. Quality from both regions is looking nice. Look for relief after the holiday.
Red Bell Pepper
West- Supplies remain limited, however, some relief has come to the market. Thus, prices are down about $2. Some are still utilized hot house pepper to fill the supply gap. Further relief is expected in early December. Quality is good, however, some pepper may have mixed color.
Yellow Squash / Zucchini
East- GA still has small volume, however, FL is really starting to ramp up. Quality from the east is generally good, however, yellow squash is seeing some very heavy scarring and even some decay, mostly from the GA region. FOBs are up slightly.
West- While green remains plentiful and inexpensive, yellow squash is still experiencing a lower volume. Nonetheless, there is still good supply in the marketplace of both. Quality for green is good while yellow is experience a very wide range. Better quality is calling for higher price points. In addition, heavy scarring is apparent on yellow.
Cucumbers
East- As GA wraps up by the weekend, FL has many areas to pick from with good quality available. FOBs remain weak and steady.
West- Mainland MX continues to pump good supply and better quality to the marketplace. Baja is expected to wrap up in about 3 weeks. Prices remain weak and steady.
Eggplant
East- Due to light volume from GA and FL just starting up, eggs still remain a little snug for large volume. However, prices are down a few dollars moving into next week. Quality overall is looking nice.
West- The desert is finally wrapping up with less than favorable quality. Nogales has good supply and great quality.
Jalapenos
East- Jalapenos remain very snug. GA has completed their season and FL has yet to begin, delayed due to some weather. Look for relief in about 7-10 days. FOBs are up about $2.00.
West- FOBs are up about $2.00 as Mainland MX is the primary source. A strong National Market is keeping prices higher than usual at crossing points. Quality is great.
Beans
East- Beans in the east have entered a pre-holiday blues period as prices dropped faster than a 20lb turkey. Plenty of supply and great quality is coming from FL.
West- The CA desert is winding down and will be wrapped up in about 10 days. Nogales is increasing production with good quality from the area. FOBs are down about $8-10 roughly.
· Western Growing Region(s) Weather Forecast:
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 $2.50 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 $2.50 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 dramat