Produce Supply Update Archives - Fords Produce Company Inc Since 1946

Apples – Western apple shippers are harvesting more and more varieties as the season continues.

Good Morning! Apples – As we wrap up the first month of the year, we are fortunate to have a good crop of apples in storage for many varieties in Washington State. Most varieties are widely available, though, there are a few varieties and packs that continue to be a little tight and are showing some price increases with the Honeycrisp apples the tightest item in the apple category. All Honeycrisp packs, sizes, and grades are tight and rising in price and we expect this trend to continue until the new crop arrives in mid-August. Broccoli – Is coming from multiple areas now and pricing is very favorable and reflecting the strong supplies. Eggs – Extremely limited production due to Avian Flu and the flock kills that were required to combat it are keeping egg prices at their highest levels in memory. Over 41,000,000 birds have been killed in December and January alone, not to mention the months before those. Expectations are for eggs to remain extremely limited for the foreseeable future. Melons and Pineapples- Supplies are catching up to demand on melons, and pricing is starting to slide. Potatoes – Idaho has a great crop and the surge in demand for the holiday season is now passed. Pricing has settled in at very favorable levels for a while. Squash – Yellow squash continues to face issues with scuffing and scarring. While we are not out of the woods yet with yellow squash, zucchini is beginning to show improvement. Both Florida and Mexico are starting to return to normal volumes. Hard squashes are still widely available and great quality. Strawberries- Going into Valentine’s Day, pricing and demand were very strong, but we should see markets easing off this coming week with lower demand. Florida has cranked up their strawberry machine, and supplies are increasing and quality is excellent. My wife asked why I didn’t buy her flowers on Valentine’s Day. But, to be fair, I didn’t know she sold flowers.

Good Morning! Apples – As we wrap up the first month of the year, we are fortunate to have a good crop of apples in storage for many varieties in Washington State. Most varieties are widely available, though, there are [...]

February 14, 2025 featured, Produce Supply Update

White Eggs are cheaper than Cage Free Eggs

Good Morning! Tariffs – We’ve received a lot of questions from customers, friends, and even the news station asking about our opinion on the proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canadian produce. Our opinion is that it will have very little, if any, effect on produce prices. They are dictated more by demand of customers and end users and the available supply. If tariffs raise prices on fresh fruits and vegetables to a point that they are not attractive to the buyer, they simply won’t sell. So, the farmer, importer, or shipper selling the items will be forced to drop the price to a level that they sell again. This balancing of supply and demand already happens every week in the produce world and keeps everything moving. Avocados – We’re in the run up to Super Bowl Sunday (GO CHIEFS) and avocados are generally the star of the show that weekend. This will be the highest demand period of the season. Fortunately, the growers have caught up with demand this week and pricing is down considerably, so enjoy your Game Day Guac! Broccoli – Is coming from multiple areas now and pricing is very favorable and reflecting the strong supplies. Eggs – Extremely limited production due to Avian Flu and the flock kills that were required to combat it are keeping egg prices at their highest levels in memory. Our farmers have had a great run, but they’re running short and pro-rating orders now. We have limited availability on eggs now, much like everyone else in the country. The humble egg is getting a lot of attention now. Melons and Pineapples- Supplies are catching up to demand on melons, and pricing is starting to slide. Squash – Zucchini is widely available from Florida and Mexico, but yellow squash faces troubles from scarring which is limiting the product available to ship. Potatoes – Idaho has a great crop and the surge in demand for the holiday season is now passed. Pricing has settled in at very favorable levels for a while. Strawberries- Going into Valentine’s Day, pricing and demand are usually both very strong. Florida has cranked up their strawberry machine, though, and supplies remain plentiful this week. We should see a good supply going into Lover’s Week. Also, we’ll have Long Stem Berriesyou’re your dessert specials this week. Three conspiracy theorists walk into a bar… You can’t tell me that’s a coincidence!

Good Morning! Tariffs – We’ve received a lot of questions from customers, friends, and even the news station asking about our opinion on the proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canadian produce. Our opinion is that it will have very little, [...]

February 7, 2025 featured, Produce Supply Update

Good Morning! Avocados – We’re in the run up to Super Bowl Sunday (GO CHIEFS) and avocados are generally the star of the show that weekend. This will be the highest demand period of the season. Fortunately, the growers have caught up with demand this week and pricing is down considerably, so enjoy your Game Day Guac! Eggs – Extremely limited production due to Avian Flu and the flock kills that were required to combat it are keeping egg prices at their highest levels in memory. Fortunately we’re blessed to be on a contract price with our cage free eggs, keeping them very reasonable with a bonus of using premium eggs. Melons and Pineapples- The current offshore pineapple, cantaloupes and honeydews are in a demand-exceeds- supply position. Guatemala was one of the most affected regions by Hurricane Sara and experienced up to 40-50% yield losses. This region is wrapping up harvest and Honduran imports have started in a light way. Expect supply to remain tight until mid- to late-February when the next region of Guatemala kicks into harvest. Squash – Chilly weather on the east coast has zucchini and yellow squash slowing production, but hard winter squashes are still plentiful! Tomatoes – Are again much lower this week with better weather pushing the volume up in Mexico and Florida. All varieties are available and at bargain pricing. Potatoes – Idaho has a great crop and the surge in demand for the holiday season is now passed. Pricing has settled in at very favorable levels for a while. Strawberries- Going into Valentine’s Day, pricing and demand are usually both very strong. Florida has cranked up their strawberry machine, though, and supplies are much higher this week. We should see a good supply going into Lover’s Week. Also, we’ll have Long Stem Berries for your dessert specials this week. Q: Why should you never fall in love with a pastry chef? A: They’ll dessert you.

Good Morning! Avocados – We’re in the run up to Super Bowl Sunday (GO CHIEFS) and avocados are generally the star of the show that weekend. This will be the highest demand period of the season. Fortunately, the growers have [...]

January 31, 2025 featured, Produce Supply Update

Avocados – Continue to rise as Mexican farmers make the transition from old crop to new crop fields.

Good Morning! Avocados – We’re in the run up to Super Bowl Sunday, and avocados are generally the star of the show that weekend. This will be the highest demand period of the season. Unfortunately it’s occurring at a time when Mexican avocado production numbers are down 26% and supplies are very tight, causing higher pricing. Eggs – Extremely limited production due to Avian Flu and the flock kills that were required to combat it are keeping egg prices at their highest levels in memory. Fortunately we’re blessed to be on a contract price with our cage free eggs, keeping them very reasonable with a bonus of using premium eggs. Melons – The current offshore cantaloupes and honeydews are in a demand-exceeds-supply position. Guatemala was one of the most affected regions by Hurricane Sara and experienced up to 40-50% yield losses. This region is wrapping up harvest and Honduran imports have started in a light way. Expect supply to remain tight until mid- to late-February when the next region of Guatemala kicks into harvest. Tomatoes – Markets are way down as harvests finally catch up with demand. Prices are much more favorable and getting back to normal. Potatoes – Idaho has a great crop and the surge in demand for the holiday season is now passed. Pricing should settle in at very favorable levels for a while. Strawberries- Have been extremely tight for the past month, but Florida growers have shown up in a big way and are contributing a lot of product to the market. Pricing is getting better all of the time. We have a new online ordering app that we’re really excited about. It has a lot of new features that our old app didn’t have. It’s amazing how technology has changed since our first app launched! Please ask us about it, we think you’ll enjoy using it! Q: What is the coolest vegetable? A: A rad-ish.

Good Morning! Avocados – We’re in the run up to Super Bowl Sunday, and avocados are generally the star of the show that weekend. This will be the highest demand period of the season. Unfortunately it’s occurring at a time [...]

January 17, 2025 featured, Produce Supply Update

Happy New Year! We are thankful for the friendship and business that you shared with us in 2024. We hope that you and your families have a healthy and prosperous 2025!

Happy New Year! We are thankful for the friendship and business that you shared with us in 2024. We hope that you and your families have a healthy and prosperous 2025! [...]

January 3, 2025 featured, Produce Supply Update

Apples – They are now in the last days of harvest on this new crop of apples.

Happy New Year! Apples – Though North Carolina’s crop was devastated by Hurricane Helene, Washington State has now completed their harvest. They had exceptionally good weather for most of the harvest and managed to avoid any significant damage to the crop. The new crop looks good with estimates of around 128 million cases this year. Although this is smaller than last year’s crop of approximately 136 million, it’s still shaping up to be a good season. Due to the good growing conditions this season, the report from the growers is that fruit quality will be very good again this year. Grapes – Are arriving at our ports from South America already, but California is still packing red seedless varieties. The overlap of growing areas should make the transition a smooth one this year. We’ll be making the move to South American grapes this week. Greens – Cabbage, Collards, Kale, Turnip and Mustard are all in their prime right now. They like the cooler weather and harvests are good locally. Southern holidays are not complete without greens on the table! Tomatoes – We continue to see the reeling effects of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Supplies remain drastically short on all varieties and are at critical level currently. All eyes are on Mexico for them to begin their season and take the pressure off the Southeast. Peppers – Product continues to be in a demand that exceeds the supply situation, but it looks like Florida is slowly getting into the game. We are noticing a few more growers starting to harvest. Mexico is slowly getting more product, but limited labor due to the holidays is having an impact on harvesting. Pricing is easing downwards. Potatoes – Idaho has a great crop and the surge in demand for the holiday season has now passed. Pricing should settle in at very favorable levels for a while. Strawberries – California is past their peak season and struggling to fill orders. Quality is not as nice as we’d all like to see and supplies are short. Florida will begin their season in the next week or so, adding some volume to the market and bringing pricing down for everyone. I have the uncanny ability to predict what is in a wrapped present. It’s a gift.

Happy New Year! Apples – Though North Carolina’s crop was devastated by Hurricane Helene, Washington State has now completed their harvest. They had exceptionally good weather for most of the harvest and managed to avoid any significant damage to the [...]

December 27, 2024 featured, Produce Supply Update

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year To You and Your Family! Thank You for Your Business, Have a Great Week!

Merry Christmas And Happy New Year To You and Your Family! Thank You for Your Business, Have a Great Week! [...]

December 20, 2024 featured, Produce Supply Update

Good Morning! Cabbage – is still going locally and quality and pricing has been really nice. Corn – Georgia is finishing for the season as Florida and Mexico start production. Volume will be light for the next couple of weeks and pricing is up. Cranberries – Are here! Get them for your holiday menus and dishes! Grapes – Are arriving at our ports from South America already, but California is still packing red seedless varieties. The overlap of growing areas should make the transition a smooth one this year. Greens – Collards, kale, turnip and mustard are all in their prime right now. They like the cooler weather and harvests are good locally. Lettuces- Iceberg lettuce, romaine, red and green leaf supplies are improving this week. Quality reports are much improved with the completion of the transition to new fields in Arizona. Pricing is much better this week. Tomatoes – We continue to see the reeling effects of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Supplies remain drastically short on all varieties and are at critical level currently. All eyes are on Mexico for them to begin their season and take the pressure off the Southeast. Peppers – Georgia’s season is officially done, as the freezing temperatures over the weekend put an end to it. Markets are still strong, as Florida is also experiencing some cooler weather, along with the lingering effects of the hurricanes this fall. We are still hopeful that Florida will be back to normal volume by the middle of the month. Colored pepper remains tight too, with farmers picking it green to reap the high prices. Potatoes – Especially sweet potatoes are a big part of menus for the holidays and fortunately there’s plenty of all varieties for your menus. Squash – Mexican fields are getting cranked up and quality and volumes are much improved. Florida farmers are getting started, but volumes are still light. I went to a pickle packing plant to see how they do it. It was jarring.

Good Morning! Cabbage – Is still going locally and quality and pricing has been really nice. Corn – Georgia is finishing for the season as Florida and Mexico start production. Volume will be light for the next couple of weeks [...]

December 6, 2024 featured, Produce Supply Update

Good Morning! Broccoli and Cabbage – are still going locally and quality and pricing have been really nice. Celery – Rises every year in anticipation of the increased demand of the holidays. People who don’t buy celery any other time of the year have to have it for their Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes. So, just like clockwork it goes up in price every year in November and then falls off in January. Grapes – Are arriving at our ports from South America already, but California is still packing red seedless varieties. The overlap of growing areas should make the transition a smooth one this year and keep pricing very favorable. Greens – Collards, kale, turnip and mustard are all in their prime right now. They like the cooler weather and harvests are good locally. Lettuces- Of all varieties remain extremely tight as the first fields in the Yuma growing region have been slow to develop, impacted by hotter weather in the early growth stages. This transition between growing areas happens every year, but some are smoother than others. Melons – Mexican farmers are well into their season now and quality and volumes are very good. Pricing is down due to the lower freight costs on shorter delivery routes. They have plenty of cantaloupe, honeydews. Watermelons should be starting in Florida, but the hurricanes wiped out most of their crop and prices have soared on the limited supply. Tomatoes – We continue to see the reeling effects of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Supplies remain drastically short on all varieties and are reaching their most critical level currently. Peppers – Volume in Georgia continues to be down due to the hurricane damage, though Florida is trying to get harvests going. Mexico should be harvesting good volumes now but they’ve been plagued with disease and cool temperatures slowing their volume. Potatoes – Especially sweet potatoes are a big part of menus for the holidays and fortunately there’s plenty of all varieties for your menus. Squash – Especially hard squashes are popular this time of year and we have many varieties for you to choose from. I asked the bus driver “How long will the next bus be?” He said “Same length as this one.”

Good Morning! Broccoli and Cabbage – Are still going locally and quality and pricing have been really nice. Celery – Rises every year in anticipation of the increased demand of the holidays. People who don’t buy celery any other time [...]

December 2, 2024 featured, Produce Supply Update

Celery Stalks and Cut Celery Sticks - Celery Was super-tight and spendy through the spring and early summer,

Happy Thanksgiving! Broccoli and Cabbage – Are still going locally and quality and pricing has been really nice. Celery – Rises every year in anticipation of the increased demand of the holidays. People who don’t buy celery any other time of the year have to have it for their Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes. So, just like clockwork it goes up in price every year in November and then falls off in January. Grapes – Are arriving at our ports from South America already, but California is still packing red seedless varieties. The overlap of growing areas should make the transition a smooth one this year and keep pricing very favorable. Lettuces- Of all varieties remain extremely tight as the first fields in the Yuma growing region have been slow to develop, impacted by hotter weather in the early growth stages. This transition between growing areas happens every year, but some are smoother than others. Melons – Mexican farmers are well into their season now and quality and volumes are very good. Pricing is down due to the lower freight costs on shorter delivery routes. They have plenty of cantaloupe, honeydews and watermelons, though the cooler months see a lot less demand than summertime. Tomatoes – We continue to see the reeling effects of Hurricane Helene and Milton. Supplies remain drastically short on all varieties and are reaching their most critical level currently. Peppers – Volume in Georgia continues to be down due to the hurricane damage, though Florida is trying to get harvests going. Mexico should be harvesting good volumes now but they’ve been plagued with disease and cool temperatures slowing their volume. Potatoes – Especially sweet potatoes are a big part of menus for the holidays and fortunately there’s plenty of all varieties for your menus. Q: Which side of a turkey has the most feathers? A: The outside.

Happy Thanksgiving! Broccoli and Cabbage – Are still going locally and quality and pricing has been really nice. Celery – Rises every year in anticipation of the increased demand of the holidays. People who don’t buy celery any other time [...]

November 22, 2024 featured, Produce Supply Update

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