Phone: (801) 359-2081
Fax: (801) 532-3859
[email protected]
www.azproduce.net
366 West 500 South
P.O. Box 1782
Salt Lake City, Utah
84110-1782
*** THE A & Z MARKET REPORT ***
A Weekly Produce Report for Our Produce Buyers
April 6, 2015
GENERAL OUTLOOK: Finally, a Pacific low pressure system will push into California on Tuesday and bring significant rain to
most growing regions north of Los Angeles. By Thursday, the storms will have moved eastward out of the state and warmer
temperatures will return. Harvesting will be interrupted, but the benefits of any moisture during the state’s severe 4-year
drought are welcomed. Although there are some tight markets, many short term deals are available this week.
*** T I G H T
I T E M S ***
HAWAIIAN PAPAYAS: This commodity remains very tight with little availability and very high pricing. Growers
are still struggling to get past the devastation from last August’s hurricane that wiped out as many as 80% of the
Aloha State’s papaya trees. It could be another nine months before there is significant new production because
new trees don’t typically produce until 12-13 months after they have been planted.
FANCY BERRIES: RASP, BLUE and BLACK markets continue to be impacted by recent inclement weather in Central Mexico that has not only
limited production but also affected quality. Improving weather this week should allow berry production to rebound in both numbers and
condition. Post-holiday demand will be lighter too, allowing supplies to build. The California season is demonstrating signs of an advanced
harvest as volumes build due to recent warm temps. By late April, overall production in the Golden State should be dominant. The Chilean
blueberry season is winding down.
CAULIFLOWER: This market is stronger because Yuma, AZ has all but finished while Salinas and Santa Maria, CA have just light supplies. With
less post-holiday demand and improving production in Salinas, available supplies should improve.
LIMES: Rains in Mexico combined with a seasonal lull have limited exports to the U.S. and pushed up prices dramatically. However, more limes
are now entering the country as shippers recognize a higher profit gain here than in Mexico--333 truckloads this week vs 241 the week before.
Improving weather conditions in Eastern Mexico will allow pickers back in the orchards. Overall, there are more limes available now than a year
ago when wholesale prices soared above $100. Also, new crop harvesting will begin soon that will help gradually alleviate this very active
market moving into May.
MUSHROOMS: Our local supplier continues to be very, very light on production as they work through internal issues with composition concerns
and spore growth. We will continue to have sporadic supplies for the near future.
*** PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ***
ASPARAGUS: More shipments have arrived! Although this market has been steady, post-Easter demand will be light. As a
result, shippers have sent their extra “grass” to us to move. Quality is good. Pallet pricing is exceptionally low—call for
details!
SOFT SQUASHES: ZUCCHINI and YELLOW soft variety markets are settling as new production in Sonora, Mexico is plentiful. Quality and supply
are up and price is down especially on Zucchini!
ICEBERG LETTUCE: Supplies are coming from multiple growing areas. Light post-holiday demand will keep this commodity in promotional
position. While pricing is good, quality continues to be a concern. We are purchasing the best quality available. Call!
C h e c k
O u t
A Z P r o d u c e . n e t
f o r
S o m e
G r e a t
R e c i p e s !
T H E
A
&
Z
M A R K E T
R E P O R T
( c o n t i n u e d )
APPLES: Our expert buyer has been in the Northwest securing some very special promotional opportunities for
our customers. Due to the huge volumes still in storage, some tremendous values are available. Price, supply and
quality are all aligned. Call!
CITRUS: When it comes to drought, California’s citrus growers are facing some big challenges. Tulare County’s $1 billion citrus crop is reeling
from four years of drought and decisions to withhold irrigation water that growers have relied on for over 60 years. In the Terra Bella area, 600
growers with 6,000 acres are facing a total loss of their orchards because there is no access to ground water (wells) because of the typography.
Steady demand and lighter NAVEL supplies expected this week will boost prices soon. Thus, now is the time while quality, condition, flavor and
price are excellent. Murcott MANDARINS remain plentiful and value priced as are small Texas RED GRAPEFRUITS. LEMONS are starting the
spring price ascent. Call for citrus deals!
CUCUMBERS: This market is again settling as various Mexican growing areas are in production. Supplies from the main part of the country are
crossing at Nogales, AZ while Baja is sending product north to San Diego, CA. Most Baja farmworkers have accepted a 15% wage increase and
have returned to the fields. Supply, quality and price are good!
SEEDLESS GRAPES: With the anticipated early start to the domestic season, South American shippers are sending larger shipments to the U.S.
However, the heaviest flooding in decades in Chile’s Atacama region will cut into the late-season crop. The actual harvest in the region is mostly
finished, but the floods caused extensive damage to grape packinghouses and cold storage facilities. Several million carton equivalents will be
lost. Now is the time to feature REDS and GREENS before prices advance. Call! (Note: California table grapes set a record for overall crop value
in 2014 at $1.76 billion. The upcoming season is expected to be similar 2014 in timing, starting late this month.)
POTATOES: Large Idaho count baker RUSSETS will remain in short supply (and expensive) through the duration of the storage season. Poly
retail packs are abundant and inexpensive—by far the best spud value. Pallet deals are even cheaper. Call for details!
TOMATOES: In Mexico, improving weather conditions and an adequate work force (as striking laborers return
to the fields) will push more volumes across the border. ROMA and GRAPE tomatoes are more prolific and
cheaper than ROUNDS this week. Call!
*** FRESH FRUITS & VEGETABLES ***
BROCCOLI: Steady supplies from various growing areas and easing demand this week should keep prices in line. BUNCH supplies are still not
as abundant as CROWNS.
PINEAPPLES: The scenario here hasn’t changed much recently. Supplies from Central America remain light while Mexico has good, normal
production--but not enough to satisfy the stronger overall demand.
BELL PEPPERS: GREENS are slightly higher this week due to good demand and weaker supplies from Mexico. The California desert crop is just
starting. RED BELL supplies are more abundant and much cheaper than either ORANGE or GOLD BELLS.
HONEYDEWS & WATERMELONS: Steady demand and light imports combine to keep the DEW market
elevated this week. Gapping production in the Caribbean and little harvesting in Mexico are the reasons for
the activity. The Jalisco, Mexico WATERMELON season is ending while new production to the north in
Sonora is still light. Demand last week exceeded supplies, resulting in higher pricing. This market will slowly
settle as production improves.
STRAWBERRIES: Heavy supplies early last week gave way to very light availability by the weekend. Heavy Easter demand forced this market
much higher as a result. Because of recent heat, many fields in SoCal are now being targeted for the processers. The season is moving north
(Santa Maria and then to Salinas / Watsonville) for better fruit. Expected rains may hinder harvesting in the short term, but any moisture is well
received.
C h e c k
O u t
A Z P r o d u c e . n e t
f o r
S o m e
G r e a t
R e c i p e s !