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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 20, 2015
GENERAL OUTLOOK: The high pressure system over most California growing regions that returned last week brought dry, warmer
weather. This will last until Wednesday when a new storm system will bring cooler temperatures and some rain to most coastal
growing areas up and down the Golden State. By Friday this system will have pushed east and the dry, warmer weather returns.
Most crops are still transitioning to spring acreage, but they are way ahead of schedule because of the unusually warm winter and
spring.
*** T I G H T
I T E M S ***
STRAWBERRIES: Demand exceeds supply! Overall volumes in California were reduced recently because of cold
temperatures and rain impact. We are in a seasonal supply gap because Oxnard is ending and lighter volumes from
Santa Maria and Salinas/Watsonville have not been sufficient to satisfy demand. Many shippers expect volumes to be
limited through Mother’s Day (May 10). Although the northern areas started early this year, cooler weather has stalled
production and reduced berry size. Steady warming temps would make a huge, positive difference. Pricing is firm!
LEAF LETTUCES: Transition has been problematic in California, especially for GREEN and RED. Huron production was very limited. Oxnard, Santa Maria
and Salinas have all started—but volume is far below expectations due to recent harsh weather. It will be at least two more weeks (if Mother Nature
cooperates) before harvesting improves.
CAULIFLOWER & BROCCOLI: Demand continues to exceed available supplies. Santa Maria and Salinas are now the main growing districts, but new
production is light at best. Although supplies are limited, quality has improved. Increasing harvesting volume isn’t expected for about two more weeks.
Firm prices are the result!
FANCY BERRIES: These markets remain active because supplies are not meeting demand! BLUE markets are in flux as Chile and Florida wind down
while Mexico continues in decent volume as California production builds. Cool temps and past rain present some concerns. BLACK quality and volume
have improved significantly as Mexico hits crop peaks. New California production is light with peak harvesting expected by mid-May. Both Mexico and
SoCal RASPBERRY volumes are short of estimates because of weather. New northern CA production should have decent volume by May.
*** PROMOTIONAL ITEMS ***
CELERY: Supplies are plentiful as multiple growing regions compete for business. Larger sizes are especially attractive. We are
currently offering the premium T&A label 24ct size at promotional levels. Call our sales department today to line up your next
ad!
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 pricing!
ZUCCHINI & YELLOW SQUASH: Plenty of “soft” squashes are arriving from Mexico. The larger size container (40-lbs.) is the best value this week. Now
is the time!
CUCUMBERS: Plenty of supplies are crossing from both Mainland and Baja, Mexico.
Warmer, drier weather has finally prompted higher production levels. With labor issues now in the rear view mirror, harvest volumes are higher, as is
quality. Please 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: As of April 1st, 61 million bushels of fresh-market storage apples remained to be shipped nationwide, most of them residing in Northwest
coolers! (This represents 27% more than a year ago!--U.S. Apple Assn.) Our expert apple buyer has secured some tremendous values of normally pricey
varietals. Call to find out how inexpensive FUJI, BRAEBURN, GALA, JONAGOLD, PACIFIC ROSE and PINK LADY prices are!
TOMATOES: With good volumes coming from Sinaloa (the older area) and Baja (the new area), Mexico, overall prices are reasonable this week. Once
Baja becomes dominant in production, quality from this newer area will be superior. ROUNDS, ROMAS and CLUSTERS are promotable this week. Call
for prices!
PINEAPPLES: Finally, increasing production in Eastern Mexico has put these tropical favorites back in promotional
mode. Color, sugar, supply and price are excellent.
Did you Know? The plant is indigenous to South America and is said to originate from the area between southern
Brazil and Paraguay and pineapple does not ripen significantly post-harvest. John Kidwell is credited with the
introduction of the pineapple industry to Hawaii. Large-scale pineapple cultivation by US companies began in the
early 1900s on Hawaii. Among the most famous and influential pineapple industrialists was James Dole who moved
to Hawaii in 1899 and started a pineapple plantation in 1900.
*** FRESH FRUITS & VEGETABLES ***
SEEDLESS GRAPES: On April 10th, the Chilean Table Grape Marketing Order took hold, limiting arrivals on all non-crimson varieties to the U.S. What
this means is that importers have been flooding the West Coast with huge volumes, up to 5 million cases the last week before the deadline. (Regular
weekly averages have ranged from 500,000 to 1 million cases.) Supplies are plentiful, prices are attractive and quality is good. (Note: New crop Mexican
grapes should be available by the end of April.)
CITRUS: NAVEL ORANGE flavor and eating quality are peaking. Production is well past the season midpoint, but supplies are good and pricing attractive.
This market will only rise as the season winds down. The MANDARIN season is ebbing and prices are up. (DID YOU KNOW? Mandarin demand has
quadrupled in the past decade. To meet this 400% increase, plantings have grown exponentially. Consumers have gravitated to these flavorful “easypeelers” in a big way.) MINNEOLA TANGELOS are now available and reasonably priced. While the Texas juicing orange season has ended, small
GRAPEFRUITS are still available and reasonable. The LEMON market continues the normal springtime advance as warmer temps around the country
translate into increasing demand.
MELONS: Caribbean CANTALOUPE production is increasing and supplies to the West Coast are improving. With both Guatemala and Honduras
producing, the supply picture will continue to be good. HONEYDEW arrivals are better from off-shore and Mexico, easing this market. New
WATERMELON harvesting in Sonora, Mexico has been lighter than forecast, but volumes are increasing. MINIS are now available too.
AVOCADOS: With California’s warm winter/spring, volumes should be significantly higher for the big Cinco de Mayo (May 5) push this year. The Golden
State may account for up to a third of the HASS fruit for the holiday this year with the rest coming from Mexico. Imports from south of the border have
picked up since the normal work slowdown for Holy Week. Harvesting has resumed and import volumes are building.
LIMES: Expect prices to continue to be uneven with the best pricing coming on the jumbo 110 count and the smallest 250 count. Recent high prices
have curbed demand causing a break in retail consumer consumption. Supplies continue to improve as Cinco De Mayo draws closer. No real relief on
pricing expected until mid May.
PEPPERS: GREEN BELLS continue to be expensive and better quality tight. Weather in Mexico cause production issues and
new Coachella, CA region has been slow to start due to recent rains. COLORED BELL supplies are still limited due to production
gaps, causing these markets to strengthen. Good supplies of inexpensive Chili Peppers continue to be available with the
exception of Hungarians and Red Chili’s.
DID YOU KNOW -------(HOT PEPPERS: The Carolina Reaper may soon lose its title as the hottest pepper in the world. A new
pepper, HP 56 Death Strain, has been rated at 3 million units on the Scoville Scale (SCU), significantly higher that the Carolina
Reaper’s 2.2 million. Official ratings will be published later this year.--Pepper Heads for Life)
ICEBERG LETTUCE: Unlike LEAF, Iceberg supplies are not limited because of a seamless transition to new growing areas. Although recent rain/weather
damage and signs of insect intrusion are evident in some lots, we are buying the best available.
DRY ONIONS: These markets look to remain fairly steady but active for the next few weeks. Northwest storage supplies of REDS and YELLOWS should
last through April with some deal pricing available. Mexico is winding down while new crops are about to begin in Texas and the Imperial Valley, CA.
However, as the California season progresses and moves to the San Joaquin Valley, the lack of rain and good irrigation water could play a major role in
decreased available supplies. Many Valley growers will have to rely on lower quality and lower volumes of well water.
ASPARAGUS: Not withstanding recent promotions, this market is again active. Mexico is slowly ending while supplies in California are only fair.
Washington is just starting. Grass will be available for Mother’s Day, but prices will be higher.
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 !