Weekly & Monthly
Market Update Report
Perishables & Non-Perishables
Oil and Shortening Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Soybean Oil | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Corn Oil | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
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| Canola Oil | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Peanut Oil | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Cottonseed Oil | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Lard | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Dry Beans | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Flour - All types | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Margarine | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Sugar | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Rice | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
Dairy Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Eggs | - Steady | 9/21/07 |
| Butter | - Steady | 9/21/07 |
| Milk | - Steady | 9/21/07 |
| Cheese | - Steady | 9/21/07 |
Poultry Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Leg Quarters | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Bnls/Sknls Thigh Meat | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Breast Trim | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Wings | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Jumbo Wings | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Tenders | - Decreasing | 9/24/07 |
| Small Tenders | - Decreasing | 9/24/07 |
| Boneless Breast | - Decreasing | 9/24/07 |
| Small Boneless Breast | - Decreasing | 9/24/07 |
| Georgia Dock | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Turkey - Whole Bird 12/14 | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Turkey - Whole Bird 20/22 | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Turkey - Fresh Tom Breast | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Turkey - Bone in Breast | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
Beef Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Commodity Boxed Beef | |
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| Chuck | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Rib | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Loin | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Round | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Thin Meats | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Ground Beef | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
Pork Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Pork Loin 21dn Bone In | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pork Loin Boneless w/Strap | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pork Loin Boneless Strap Removed | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Back Ribs | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Hams 20 / 23 | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pork Bellies 14/16 | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Pork Butts | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pork Trimmings 42% | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pork Trimmings 72% | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Spare Ribs | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Sows | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
Veal & Lamb Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Domestic Formula Veal | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Imported Bob Veal | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Domestic Lamb | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Australian Lamb | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| New Zealand Lamb | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
Seafood Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Shrimp | |
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| PUDs | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Domestic Green Headless | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Mexican | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Latin American | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Tigers | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Lobster |
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| Canadian Meat | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Canadian Tails | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| South African | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| West Australian | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Warm Water Tails | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Miscellaneous Shellfish |
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| Alaskan Brown King Crab | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Alaskan Red King Crab | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Russian Red King Crab | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Alaskan Snow Crab | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Canadian Snow Crab | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Dungeness Crab | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Pasteurized Crab Meat | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Crawfish | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Scallops | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Fin Fish |
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| Striped Pangasius | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Cape Capensis | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Catfish | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Cod | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Flounder/Sole | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Grouper | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Haddock | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Halibut | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Hoki | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Mahi Mahi | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Orange Roughy | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Ocean Perch | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pollock - Alaskan | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Pollock - Chinese | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Salmon - Atlantic | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Salmon - Pacific | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Sea Bass | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Swordfish | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Tilapia | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Trout Sea | - Increase | 9/24/07 |
| Tuna | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Whiting | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Other Seafood |
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| Oysters | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Calamari | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
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Produce Weekly Market Trend
| Category | Pricing Situation | Last Updated |
| Lettuce | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Strawberries | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Potatoes--New Crop | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Onions | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Apples | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Oranges | - Steady | 9/24/07 |
| Lemons | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Avocados | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Asparagus | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Cucumbers--West | - Decrease | 9/24/07 |
| Cucumbers--East | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Green Bell Peppers--West | - Soft | 9/24/07 |
| Green Bell Peppers--East | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Tomatoes (Round)--West | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
| Tomatoes (Round)--East | - Firm | 9/24/07 |
Dairy
CHEESE: Barrels closed at $1.9000 and 40# blocks at $1.8150. The weekly average for barrels is $1.9295 (-.1595) and blocks, $1.9085 (-.1925). The cheese market is weak as prices continued to trend lower early last week, followed by a rebound at midweek and another decline on Friday (9/21). Traders are sharply divided on their short term price expectations. Buyer interest has been stimulated by the recent sharp price decline. Current cheese supplies are limited with mozzarella generally in the tightest position. While many buyers kept lower inventories at the higher prices this summer, the usually stronger fall cheese sales have depleted inventories and forced buyers to make purchases. Cheese production is steady to occasionally higher where less milk is needed by bottlers and milk component levels are increasing. Cheese and nonfat dry milk (NDM) price forecasts are raised for the end of 2007 and 2008, while butter and whey price forecasts are decreased for the same time period. The Class III price forecast is raised to close out 2007 as a higher cheese price forecast more than offsets lower expected whey prices, but the forecast for 2008 is lowered due to weaker whey prices.
BUTTER: The butter market closed for the week at $1.3700. The weekly average for butter was $1.3820 down (-0.0115) from last Friday. Butter markets across the country are generally steady with prices fluctuating within a narrow range. Churning schedules are seasonally active as cream supplies are available to maintain steady output. Producers and handlers continue to comment on U.S. butter production clearing the country for international needs. Most feel as long as producers continue to fill this buyer interest and domestic supplies remain relatively balanced with needs, international production and clearances will probably continue from the States for the foreseeable future. Domestic butter buying interest is seasonally fair, although producers and handlers are reporting that year end buyer interest continues to build. Some retail feature activity is being scheduled, although projected features at this time appear to be lighter than previous years. Producers and handlers feel that, if prices remain within current levels, more features might develop.
MILK: Milk production is increasing in the Southwest with the improving weather conditions in California and Arizona helping to improve cow comfort. Bottled milk demand is good as school accounts are filled. Good retail movement is seen, especially in areas with feature activity. Processing plants are actively handling the milk supply with milk moving around to find plants with room in the West. Milk supplies are steady to higher in the Pacific Northwest and in Idaho and Utah. Plants are running actively to balance the local milk offerings. Midwestern plants are actively processing the steady to higher milk supply. There has been shifting of milk into cheese plants to help meet orders. Eastern milk production is mostly steady and handlers are reporting fluid, cheese, and butter/powder plants are seeing demand at consistent levels with recent weeks.
EGGS: Current retail demand has slowed to an “Only Fair” level with Larger Sizes “Available” in a market “Under Pressure”. Retail demand has slowed nationwide to an only fair level. There has been no mention made about any in-place promotional activity or its relative effectiveness out in the market. Wholesale trading activities have increased somewhat in volume, but still carry varying degrees of economic support and even lack of support, to existing quotations. Further processors have markedly increased their interest in acquiring additional supplies, but focus their price points for certified stock at the lower end of current ranges requiring additional modification this week. Supplies of the larger sizes are available and the he market is under pressure. Interest in the acquisition of liquid products is moderate, but is unmatched by an equivalent sales interest. A few isolated discussions held today indicated that some softness may be creeping into liquid yolk values. This will be a focus of attention this week.
Commodity Meat: Beef, Poultry, Pork,
Veal and Lamb
Boxed Beef Overview:
Chuck Meat: Steady at higher money.
Packers may trade-off price to achieve a desired inventory position. The Chuck market should remain steady based upon increasing domestic demand and contracted volume for export business.
Rib Meat: Steady but trending higher.
USDA Choice Rib Eye meats will increase steadily throughout the week while lesser grades struggle to find a way into the market place.
Loin Meat: Steady
Strip Loins, Short Loins and Top Butts will remain steady to slightly higher in price due to the limited numbers of USDA Choice graded cattle. PSMO Tenderloins will move much higher in price this week as a result of short supply and strong forward sales.
Round Meats: Transitioning higher
USDA Select and lower Round cuts will trade this week. USDA Choice will enjoy modest price increases as a result of poor grading and excellent forward sales.
Ground Beef: Moving higher
Packer pressure to increase margin and excellent forward sales will lift the value of the Ground Beef complex. Higher prices should be expected.
PORK:
Market Update
Supplies are big and wholesale prices are declining and putting pressure on the live market which saw prices barely steady to lower on Friday. A few buyers were said to be out looking but most packers claim to be full through the middle of the week. Direct sales were mostly lower with the exception of one location that was basically steady. Terminal markets were seen mostly steady in very light volume, tops ranged from $39.00 to $43.00. Hams are steadily traded with the exception of 23/27 hams that saw prices slip a penny. Bellies had some trade at lower levels on a few sizes but volumes were fairly light, the market is expected to settle out near these lower levels. The market for fresh trimmings remained steady but rumors of cheaper fat trim down the road seem to be very common as that part of the complex remains very available from multiple points of sale. The retail side of things saw minimal interest with the majority of sales seen around listed levels.
Hogs:
Carcass base price weighted average: $62.90 up $.77
Average weight: Live 263.64 lbs. Carcass: 200.15 lbs.
Pork Loins: Pricing is steady with little pressure to advance from Retail interest. Watch for packers that are boning loins to offer lower back-rib prices at this time.
Hams: 20/23 Ham prices moved lower from ample supplies. Hams inventories had been balanced but the large slaughter rates push more meat into the market than can be handled. With no export sales support to move hams, the market will be soft causing a delay for the fall seasonal increase.
Pork Bellies: 14/16 Belly prices are stable. There is downward pressure as supplies continue to out pace demand. Watch for continued softness the next few weeks.
Pork Butts: It’s expected that there may be slight upward pressure at current values but with all of the fresh supplies any increase will not hold at this time.
Pork Trimmings: Anticipate continued downward pressure in this segment from ample supplies.
Ribs: Spareribs prices are attractive at current levels and are positioned at the seasonal low to generate buyer interest.
Sows: 5-550# Sows are trading at $45 cwt.
POUTLRY:
Chicken
Tenders and boneless breast continued to slide downward as current supply overwhelms demand. The better weather in the southeast has brought with it larger bird sizes just in time for the historical post Labor Day market downturn. Dark meat has seen some weakness the past two weeks but has not been dragged down as much as white. This could be due to exports due to the weak dollar. One item that we do not see becoming abundant, but quite the opposite is jumbo wings. Wings and especially jumbos will remain firm and may well be short of need later this year.
Turkey
The turkey market continues strong. Market activity is picking up and gaining focus as more parties are attempting to get themselves covered. Whole bird and breast meat pricing continues to increase on limited supply. Pricing continues to trend above last year’s levels for whole birds but has dipped below last year’s level on fresh tom breasts.
Veal and Lamb:
Domestic Veal
Raw material costs have escalated and all producers are seeing the higher contracted calves at this time. These high calf prices have been pushed through to all foodservice and retail levels. There is no relief in sight until end of December or early January 2008 as previously reported.
Imported Bob Veal
Markets are stable. No change
Domestic Lamb
Markets are stable. Legs continue to be the exception as shortages are still being seen on heavy racks and loins. No change
Australian Lamb
Markets are stable. No change
New Zealand Lamb
Markets are stable. No change
Seafood
Shrimp
PUDs
Demand is reported to be fair and inventories are about adequate. Higher fuel costs are causing raw material prices to be up on new landings. Pricing is steady to firm.
Domestic Green Headless
Landings have improved in the last couple of weeks, but most of the product is in larger sizes (21/25 ct and bigger). Demand is said to be fair, but has picked up on some smaller sizes while the inventory is not increasing significantly. Pricing is steady to firm depending on size and packer inventory.
Mexican
The new season will not get underway for the wild caught product until September. Farmers are expecting to harvest some small sizes in August, but will not be in solid production until September or later. Packers are selling from existing inventories with no replacement product in sight. As inventories draw down, holes will appear and pricing is likely to be firm for any product which is available.
Latin American
Supplies are adequate and demand is reported to be good overall. Europe continues to be a strong influence due to exchange rates and demand for head on product. Production is said to be fair and pricing is steady to firm due to the current conditions.
Tigers
Demand is rated as fair while inventories continue to dwindle. The market is awaiting the infusion of new season production which should arrive to the US in the coming weeks. The market is about steady at the current high prices.
Lobster
Canadian Meat & Tails
The Canadian Spring season got off to a late start and there was little carry over inventory. Production has improved recently and there are only about 2 weeks left until the season is closed. Prime and large size tails (5 oz and up) are virtually non-existent and overall pricing is firm. Lobster meat is steady to firm as inventories are lighter than current demand due to the tourist season which is in full swing.
Cold Water Tails
South African – The high season will be coming to an end in the next couple of weeks. Currently shipments are arriving regularly to the US. Prime sizes are about the only ones available at this time and pricing is firm for available product due to tightness in the other Lobster markets.
West Australian – Demand is reported to be good. Inventories are rated as adequate although larger sizes are tighter than the rest. This season is coming to an end and shipments to the US will probably end in August. Pricing is steady to full steady depending on size.
Warm Water Tails
Fishing of Brazilian product was postponed for conservation reasons, but is expected to begin soon. Honduras should be starting in the coming weeks as well. Demand is “pent up” and ready to take any product that is available. Pricing is firm. Caribbean tails are reported to be in fair supply and pricing is steady to firm.
Miscellaneous Shellfish
Alaskan Brown King Crab
Demand has improved especially with the Retail sector buying product for features. Inventories are adequate with larger sizes being tighter. Pricing is firm.
Alaskan Red King Crab
Demand is good, but inventories are said to be barely adequate. Retail has entered this market and helped to tighten supplies especially on larger sizes. Pricing is full steady to firm.
Russian Red King Crab
The Barents Sea fishery saw increased landings through the winter which helped to replenish inventories. Larger product (6/9 & 9/12 count) is the tightest now, but pricing still remains attractive compared to historical levels. Overall the market is full steady.
Alaskan Snow Crab
The market is reported to have virtually no product available. Buyers are now focused on the Canadian season as production is running steadily. Expect pricing for any available product to be firm.
Canadian Snow Crab
The Gulf fishery is over 80% caught and Newfoundland is over 60%. The fisheries are coming down from their peaks and soon all product will be in the freezer. Most significant players have made their extended purchases and pricing is steady to firm for new orders. Little is expected to change in the near term.
Dungeness Crab
Demand is fair and pricing is full steady to firm. The season is virtually over and replacement product is not readily available. Buyers are taking anything they can to cover needs. No relief is expected until the Alaskan and Canadian seasons open in the coming weeks.
Pasteurized Crab Meat
Inventories of product from Indonesia are reported to be lower and a strong exchange rate is also helping to keep prices steady to firm. Production from Thailand has not improved much over the last few weeks and inventories are said to be adequate. Pricing is full steady to firm for most products.
Crawfish
China production will be smaller this year. Prices have been stable due to the price levels of approx. $5.00. Crawfish has become more of a specialty item especially with the competition by lower priced shrimp most notably that of rock shrimp. Expect to see this market stay stable at current levels. Spanish exports have just begun expect to see it in our market in the next few weeks. This product is a closer match to our domestic species.
Scallops
The major news is that scallop fishermen should expect a moderate decrease in the number of days they may dredge for scallops during the 2008 and 2009 fishing seasons, according to Deirdre Boelke a fishery analyst for the New England Fisheries Management Council. A final vote is expected by October 25th.
Fin Fish
Pangasius Hypophthalmus (Striped Pangasius, Swai) / Pangasius Bocourti (Basa)
There has been a steady flow of imported Striped Pangasius into the US market, even with detentions by FDA to confirm species. Fortunately, there has been enough fish to satisfy the recent increases in sales. The bottom line is that with the high prices of many whitefish items, Striped Pangasius is becoming a viable substitute within the marketplace. The short term decline we expected has occurred and is reflected in the current market quotes. We see this as the bottom of the market for some time. Pangasius Bocourti (Basa) This member of the Pangasius genus has the whitest meat color and is preferred by most customers. Cambodia has recently passed US government inspection and expanded its farming operations. Be sure to work only with trusted suppliers as true Basa is always in high demand and susceptible to species substitution.
Cape Capensis
This is another whitefish market which is tied to the “coat tails” of Cod. Inventories are light as sporadic landings continue in the US. European demand and exchange rates are continuing to send more product to them instead of to the US market. Pricing is firm when inventories are available.
True Cape Capensis has the most firm texture. Hubbsi, which is the next quality level, can be much softer and pricing is generally lower. Do your homework and know what you are buying.
Catfish
Pond Bank prices are weaker. The high prices seen lately have made it difficult to sustain center of the plate protein market share. Frozen inventories are still high enough to find deals. Expect to see lower prices in the next few weeks. Chinese production is just beginning and will take many weeks to arrive in the USA. Short term Asian product will tighten especially for the larger sizes.
Cod
Eastern Canadian fishing is poor and Iceland is seeing landings come in but we must remember it is at a 30% reduced level. The Pacific catch is doing well for the relative size of the fall fishery. There is a shortage of larger fillets. We continue to see the price of Cod firming over the next several months. Rumors are, as with Pollock, that there will be a quota reduction next year for the Pacific catch.
Flounder / Sole
Market is firm and we could see slight increases over the next several weeks. Chinese production seems to be disrupted as CIQ audits and approves plants for shipment. We do not see a major supply increase until next spring.
Grouper
Inventories of Domestic Grouper are about in balance with the current demand. China’s Grouper season just began in August with boats expected to return in September. Prices should remain high until such time.
Haddock
Canadian catch is a good number but the size has been running small. Iceland is beginning to catch but they are on the smaller size as well. Look for firm prices on 8-16 oz. fillets unless we see a big change in the size of the fish in the nets.
Halibut
74% of the quote has been landed through August 27th. Fresh demand absorbs the majority of production. Prices are staying strong and inching higher.
Hoki
The New Zealand Hoki fishery has been determined to meet MSC’s standard for environmentally responsible and sustainable fishing. This was the conclusion of the independent third party certifier, SGS, after a lengthily, science-based and transparent assessment process. In this world of ever tightening fish stocks this is good news.
Mahi Mahi
Asian production is over and the inventories are tight. The next significant fishery will be from Central and South America starting mid to late fall. There has been a spike in buying interest as limited inventories around the country deplete slowly. The undertone ranges from steady to full steady.
Orange Roughy
Market appears stable for the traditional shatter pack product. Large fish out of Namibia has found its way to our market place. Although not inexpensive it is large in flake, meaty and an excellent product for a high end restaurant.
Ocean Perch
Pacific Ocean Perch is in full swing pricing is stable.
Pollock
Alaskan – Fishing has been slow in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea is producing small fish. Reports are that it will take right to the end of the season to bring in the total quota. Rumors are that there may be a quota reduction next year. Look for stable to firm prices.
Chinese – Attention must be paid to the Alaskan catch.
Salmon
Atlantic – We have a bit of a divergence in the market place. Urner Barry’s Fresh farmed Salmon index has shown and up-tick over the last several weeks here in the USA. However, information from Intra Fish is that Norwegian Salmon prices have plunged. They quote one source as saying “fish weighing more than six kilos are almost impossible to sell”. As we advised last week look for deals in this market.
Wild– The troll and net Coho markets are firm; supplies are barely adequate for an active demand. The net king market trended higher, while the troll king market adjusted lower. Supplies are adequate for a moderate to active demand. The balance of the wild market is steady.
Sea Bass
Through June, U.S. imports of Chilean sea bass were down nearly 33%, to 10.27 million pounds, from a year ago. Yet the prices are about $1.00 lower from last summer, suggesting that demand is down, too.
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Swordfish / Marlin
Swordfish supplies are ample to meet a dull to fair demand. Market prices are weaker.
Tilapia
Sellers reported a continuous increase in replacement costs, which could further place upward pressure on pricing. In addition, a stricter and longer inspection for soaked, short weight and contaminated product is tightening product availability in the U.S. As o now, pricing levels remain unchanged but with a full steady undertone.
Trout
Domestic market prices are steady and production is meeting demand. This is a small volume item when compared to other white fish but that should not deter one from offering this fish as a center of the plate alternative to high priced Halibut and Cod. Sea Trout: The market is rather tight; 4-6s firmed and 6-8s continue unquoted. The undertone is full steady to firm
Tuna
There continues to be world wide reduction in availability. Off setting this is the high price which is reducing demand. This situation is all that is holding this market where it is currently. Raw materials for canneries worldwide are at all-time highs. An increase in demand will firm this market quickly.
As mentioned previously, be cautious of CO treated Red Tuna. Recent tests have revealed that the Histamine levels of this product can be very high, but with the bright color, it is perceived to be wholesome. Know what you are buying.
Whiting
Skin-on and skinless 2-4 fillets firmed as availability for prime size product continues short of full needs. The situation overseas-Argentina-remains tight, causing no potential softening for destination markets. The undertone is full steady.
Other Seafood
Oysters
The Louisiana oyster season begins and will contribute approximately 33 % of the nation’s production. Estimates call for a harvest of about 250 million pounds. This will be a significant increase since Katrina hit the Gulf Coast two years ago.
Calamari
Still no sign of the fall run of squid and we should be seeing signs of it now. To date, not a single boat as landed a single pound. The squid run is definitely not starting early this year. The positive side is that small squid are being seen and in a few weeks they will be at appropriate size. We need to keep an eye on this market.
Overseas, things are about the same. India’s run seems to have shut down early and Peru’s run o squid, which never was too strong, seems to have stopped altogether (both for the Loligo and the giant squid). They are having a very cold winter at the moment.
Perishables
NATIONAL PRODUCE PROCUREMENT CENTER
Quality You Can Count On Everyday!
ICEBERG LETTUCE:
Steady supplies are keeping the market stable. There is a chance as inventories build it could push the market lower for the weekend. Some shippers may be taking deals to move excess volume causing a wider range in the market. The recent hot weather has sped up growth and increased quality issues, such as mildew, light weights, and some weak tips Salinas and Santa Maria are supplying our market with lettuce. Seeders may become an issue due to the hot weather. The weights of palletized lettuce are in the 45 - 48 pound range on 24 count packs in Salinas and Santa Maria.
ROMAINE & LEAF:
Leaf markets have once again slipped downward from last week’s levels, due mainly to lack of demand. Supplies for this week look to be better than previous weeks. Green Leaf is becoming more in line with Red Leaf, and Romaine. Butter lettuce continues to trade at higher levels than the other leaf packs, mainly due to quality issues from the previous hot temperatures. Prices may vary from shipper to shipper on all leaf packs causing a wide range in prices. The quality out of Salinas continues to be nice on romaine with weights in the 35 to 38 pound range, and just a few reports of mildew. The quality is acceptable on the other leaf packs.
BROCCOLI:
The broccoli market is once again continued upwards. The supply of broccoli has leveled off and looks to lighten up while demand has increased as a result of export activity to Japan, and Korea. Quality will be good this week, however, there are some signs of brown bead, and purple cast to the broccoli. Hollow stem may become an issue because of the recent hot weather. Packers are asking for advance notice on iceless products.
CAULIFLOWER:
Field production is a little ahead of schedule helping to bring the market down after its brief period at higher levels. Supplies look to be increasing for the remainder of the week. Demand has not continued its upward momentum. Prices will still vary from shipper to shipper as their volumes change. The quality of cauliflower is still good with white to off-white color and weighing in the range of 28 to 32 pounds.
CARROTS:
The carrot market is steady on the West Coast. All shippers have adequate supplies and quality is good. With school starting up, all snack pack sizes are in high demand. Production will remain in Lancaster, CA until we move to Bakersfield in November. Michigan has some supplies and will be going through the first part of October, weather permitting. Quality out of Michigan is good and the market is steady. Georgia will start up in Mid November.
CELERY:
The celery market is advancing a little higher, as supplies on larger celery are tight. Michigan and Canada are starting to wind down, allowing shippers to firm up their prices on all sizes of celery. The quality of celery is nice with color ranging from medium to dark green, while weights on celery continue to be in their normal range of 55 to 65 pounds out of California. However, we may start to see signs of pith.
STRAWBERRIES:
Strawberries: Light demand is keeping the market steady. Cooler weather is helping to improve quality but will slow down harvest. Fruit sizes are small to medium. Stem strawberries continue to be in short supply. Driscoll is starting to harvest some new crop straws out of Oxnard. Quality is fair. There is a slight chance of showers on Thursday.
Raspberries/Blackberries: Good demand and light supplies are causing a firming Raspberry market. It will be November before supplies get better. Quality is good. California blackberry supplies are coming in short supplies. Again supplies will not get better until November when Mexico blackberries start up. Market is firming.
Blueberries: Good Demand and light supplies out of the Northwest is causing a firm market. The harvest will slowly transition to South America in November. Look for supplies to stay tight. Quality is fair to good.
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POTATOES:
Idaho potatoes are going strong with good availability and quality. 2’s will continue very limited in their availability through the Norkotah crop until Burbanks start up again. Washington has good supplies of new crop Norkotahs. Colorado and Texas are going with good supplies of new crop Norkotahs. Red potatoes are finished in California. North Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota have good supplies. New crop Mount Vernon product is now available out of Washington with very good quality and supplies. White and Gold potatoes are coming out of North Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin. Quality is good.
ONIONS:
Supplies are very good for Idaho/Oregon onions with good quality and sizes peaking on colossal yellow. Harvesting of California onions is winding down, but there are still supplies available of storage onions. Washington and Colorado both have good supplies now of all colors. Market on all colors remains steady.
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APPLES:
WA markets are basically stable once again. Red Delicious storage supplies are rapidly dwindling but they linger on; new crop continues to lift off the ground. Golden Delicious new crop volume is now actually decent. Granny Smith new crop remains limited but continues to improve; while CA supplies remain good. Harvests on Cameo and Pink Lady have yet to begin. The trucking scene has tightened considerably.
PEARS:
WA Bartlett supplies continue with good numbers while Anjou production continues to lift off. Bosc production has begun with limited numbers. There is continued availability of CA Bartlett supplies with good quality.
BANANAS:
Markets are steady as supplies are meeting demand. With the exception of Petites and Quads, product is readily available. Quality is generally good to very good with the exception of some ripe hands mixed in for both conventional and organic fruit.
SPECIALTIES:
CA stone fruit supplies continue to tighten while overall quality remains very good.
Pineapple volume continues to be tight; we do not expect solid relief until early to mid November. Current production and availability is shifting to larger-sized fruit increasing the price pressure on 6’s-8’s. The best value is now on 5’s.
AVOCADOS:
Markets are soft and easing down as Mexican and Chilean supplies increase and current demand has weakened. CA availability will be totally done by the beginning of next week but should start back up in November. Mexican quality appears to be mixed, ranging from some lots qualified as marginal to some qualified as very good. The consistently better quality will be currently found on Chilean fruit; there are some minor issues with freeze damage and breakers, but quality is mostly very good to excellent.
ASPARAGUS:
Although markets have pretty much stabilized, FOB’s remain high and strong due to solid demand and multiple supply issues. We do not expect volume to rebound until the middle to end of next month. Some potentially better supplies for the weekend may ease pricing a bit. We may see a little bit of a bump up in Mexican supplies early next month due to new acreage breaking. Mexican quality is decent but not great; Peru has the better quality.
CITRUS
EAST
The Florida season is beginning a couple weeks later than usual due to maturity levels. By mid October we should see decent availability on Fallglo Tangerines, Ambersweet Juice Oranges and Navels. By the third week of October, Grapefruit and Hamlin Juice Oranges should be in volume. And, by mid November, Sunburst Tangerines will have ramped up.
WEST
Valencia markets are mostly steady as teens and smaller remain fairly tight. Re-greening remains an issue and puff and crease is also an issue. Navels should start the back half of October.
Lemons have firmed once again on very tight domestic supplies; quality is poor to fair. 115’s and 140’s are the tightest. Standards dominate. New acreage out of D3 has begun to harvest. Mexican and Chilean fruit continues to be available in limited volumes.
Lime markets are active, supplies remain extremely tight, and quality is fair to good with decent juice content. Anticipate strong markets into the next year.
GRAPES:
Red and Green Seedless markets are active and strengthening. Demand and quality are both very good. The transition to 16 LB storage containers continues.
MELONS:
Cantaloupe markets are steady to slightly lower while demand is weakening. Initial, limited, Desert production may begin as early as the first week of next month. We should see some Mexican-sourced product by the end of next month and Guatemala is expected to come online by mid November. Sizes continue to skew on 9’s and 12’s but there are decent supplies of 15’s and 18’s.
Honeydew markets are fairly strong; production has now stabilized. The best availability is on 5’s and 6’s. Quality on both Lopes and Dews is good to very good.
Watermelon markets are firmer and strong; volume out of NM is currently much less than normal. CA production will continue for another 2-3 weeks. We expect to see availability out of Nogales by the middle to end of October. Overall quality is very good.
CUCUMBERS:
Eastern
Markets have softened due to improved production out of GA. NJ quality remains good while MI is ranging from fair to good. GA quality is decent but color has been affected by White Fly. NC and SC have limited supplies with good to very good quality.
Western
Past, consistently-high FOB’s have weakened demand. With volume expected to improve next week partially due to new fields breaking in Baja, markets should gradually stair-step down. Better volume from the west will affect GA’s distribution into the Midwest. Overall quality is improving and is ranging from fair to very good.
GREEN BELL PEPPERS:
Eastern
Markets are firmer. The Canadian deal is just about over while MI and NJ supplies continue. We’ll see more Jumbo’s and Choppers out of GA next week. Quality is good.
Western
Markets have strengthened on lower volume partially due to cooler night temps that are also causing some shriveling and turners. We expect a large range in quality by next week. Production continues out of Stockton/Lodi, Gilroy/Hollister, and Santa Maria.
RED BELL PEPPERS:
Western
Anticipate decent supplies for the next two-week period. Current quality is fair to excellent. WA and OR production continue with more of a local distribution focus.
SQUASH / ZUCCHINI:
Eastern
Supplies continue to increase out of the Carolinas and GA while the Jersey deal continues on. The MI deal has slowed to a trickle due to much cooler weather. GA has some lighter color due to White Fly but overall quality is good to very good.
Western
Markets remain at relatively strong levels with no significant changes expected next week. CA quality continues with a wide range of quality from poor to very good, with Zucchini generally having the better quality. Current primary source areas are Santa Maria & Gilroy/Hollister with a little production volume out of Fresno. We may see some Zucchini cross into Nogales by the end of next week followed by Yellow the week after.
TOMATOES:
Markets are fairly steady coast to coast, partially due to still-sluggish demand. We may see a bump up in eastern markets next week as regional volumes continue to dissipate; Roma availability is tightening faster than all other types. The Quincy deal will start back up within the next three weeks.
In the west, cooler temps have slowed production just a bit and rain is in the picture for the end of this week. Oxnard and Oceanside continue to have good Vine Ripe volume. Overall quality remains good.
Below is a regional update:
Alabama: A lot of recent rain will affect quality that is still generally good.
Western NC & Eastern TN: Harvest volume has taken a bump up. There are some deals to be made on Grapes. Overall quality is good. The TN deal may last another three weeks.
Kentucky: Minimal production lingers on.
Eastern Shore VA & Maryland: The VA deal is really winding down but some shippers may last another three weeks. Quality is fairly good.
Ohio & Michigan: MI Romas have finished for the season and overall volume is dismal; quality issues linger on remaining Romas, Cherries, and Grapes. Some new Mature Green acreage is breaking in OH that may help this deal last into mid October; overall volume is decent and quality is ranging from fair to good.
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