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Strawberry Alert
Harvest transitions is severely affecting supplies and quality.
Over the past couple days we have had to reject two large shipments due to poor quality.
If possible, avoid use or substitute with raspberries.
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Eastern Vegetables
A quick update on the damage from Hurricane Michael.
Sweet Corn experienced a 70-80% loss. There is some salvaging going on now, the corn is poorer quality, and most packing sheds are still without power and will be for some time. There is a small percentage of the crop east of the main growing region that is still grading fancy.
Cucumbers and Squash were hurt to some extent. About half the crop had been harvested and a significant acreage is east of where the worst weather was. The market was strong before the storm and it's stayed strong because of the storm, but there is enough volume coming in Florida to take the pressure off.
Bell Peppers were hurt worse than we originally thought. Plants were blown around enough that a lot of fruit was exposed to the sun causing suntan and scalding. A lot of bell pepper is being thrown on the ground and not making it to a box, we estimate yields will be off by up to 50%. With California light on volume and Florida not starting until the first of November, we expect the pepper market will be strong for another couple weeks.
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Commodity Updates
PEAK SEASON! APPLES
Apples are peaking. Great supplies of varieties; excellent quality.
ALERT! BERRIES
Harvest transitions are affecting supplies, quality, and pricing of Blackberries, Blueberries, and Strawberries. Strawberries are of particular concern. As domestic supplies wind down, we're at the mercy of the weather. We're seeing the affects of recent rain (softness and bruising). Expect this to continue until Mexico ramps up; expected by the end of the month.
Quality is excellent! Supplies exceed demand; pricing is aggressive.
LETTUCES
Supplies of Green Leaf and Romaine have tightened due to cooler weather and the beginning of field transition on the West Coast. Quality and case weights have decreased.
Consider Romaine Hearts and other Value-Added items for better quality and cost savings.
PEAK SEASON! PEARS
Ample supplies of several varieties.
Quality is excellent--good sugar levels, decent pressure testing, and firm skin.
STONE FRUITS
Domestic peaches and nectarines are almost finished.
There are ample supplies of domestic plums expected to last through November.
ALERT! TOMATOES
Roma
,
Cherry
, and
Grape tomatoes
have all been affected by Hurricane Florence in the Southeast and heavy rains in Mexico's Baja region. Quality is fair and pricing is higher.
Round tomatoes
are the best cost and quality option. It is likely that October will show a much stronger market with demand shifting entirely to the west.
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Locally-Sourced
APPLES BEETS BELL PEPPERS CABBAGE COLLARD GREENS
HERBS KALE MUSHROOMS POTATOES SQUASHES
SWEET POTATOES SWISS CHARD
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