Produce Supply Update Archives - Fords Produce Company Inc Since 1946

North Carolina Tomatoes are in full swing

Produce Supply Update April 12th, 2024: Asparagus – The market is getting tight on volume and prices are rising. This is due to volume declining in the fields because of curtailed harvests by farmers due to the cheap market that had growers upside down for a period and weather conditions that have been less than favorable for a few days which is tightening the volumes and raising the prices in the market. Avocados – Now that Mexican holy week is over, they’re settling down a little bit as the pickers get back into the groves. The next big driver will be Cinco de Mayo, and until then the market will drive pricing downward I think. Cabbage – Supplies are good and steady for the next several weeks. Warmer days have the fields bringing better volumes and heads sizing up. Florida is going strong and they’re already looking forward to the transition to Georgia farms. Corn – Florida is reaching strong volumes on sweet corn and flavor is improving as well as the quantities harvest. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Squash- The quality of yellow squash is starting to have some issues. We are noticing a higher amount of scarring and scuffing from both regions. We are also starting to hear of some folks discarding their fields because of depressed markets. Mexico is scheduled to continue until the end of the month. Georgia is around the corner, and we will start seeing some product by the end of the month. Strawberries – We received our first shipment of local strawberries this week and they are absolutely beautiful! The mild winter brought them on early and we’re expecting a great season. Strawberries are always the first crop harvested for the spring so get ready for more items to appear very soon. Tomatoes – We thought pricing was coming down, and that big storm system came across the US and damaged the fruit and shut down harvests. Prices jumped again on the short supplies, but I think we are trending downward as warmer weather brings on the spring season. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Asparagus – The market is getting tight on volume and prices are rising. This is due to volume declining in the fields because of curtailed harvests by farmers due to the cheap market that had growers upside down for a [...]

April 12, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Florida’s corn season finally cranked back up and prices are way down this week.

Produce Supply Update April 5th, 2024: Asparagus – The market is getting tight on volume and prices are rising. This is due to volume declining in the fields because of curtailed harvests by farmers due to the cheap market that had growers upside down for a period and weather conditions that have been less than favorable for a few days which is tightening the volumes and raising the prices in the market. Avocados – Became very scarce very quickly last week. With many farms and farmhands in Mexico taking Easter Week off, and the higher than average demand caused by March Madness parties, suddenly there wasn’t enough avocados to supply demand. Prices quickly rose on the limited availability. Cabbage – Supplies are good and steady for the next several weeks. Warmer days have the fields bringing better volumes and heads sizing up. Florida is going strong and they’re already looking forward to the transition to Georgia farms. Corn – New seasonal harvests from Florida fields have got the corn deal rolling. Pricing is remaining good and we’re starting to see some size on the corn now that the temperatures are climbing. Lettuce – Iceberg and leaf lettuces are somewhat limited. Overall quality is fair with some weak tip burn reported. The primary shipping points are currently Yuma and the Imperial Valley. They haven’t made the transition yet to new fields in the Salinas Valley. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Colored peppers rose last week on lighter volumes. Strawberries – We’ll be starting local strawberries this coming week! They came a bit earlier this year because of the mild winter we’ve had. Looking forward to a great season. Tomatoes – We thought pricing was coming down, and that big storm system came across the US and damaged the fruit and shut down harvests. Prices jumped again on the short supplies, but I think we are trending downward as warmer weather brings on the spring season. Pricing on grape tomatoes and mixed baby heirlooms are much improved already. Insurance companies are warning campers that if their tents are stolen they will no longer be covered. Q: What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A: A carrot.

Asparagus – The market is getting tight on volume and prices are rising. This is due to volume declining in the fields because of curtailed harvests by farmers due to the cheap market that had growers upside down for a [...]

April 5, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Produce Supply Update March 29th, 2024: Asparagus – Are seeing a little bit of strength with Easter demand this weekend, but solid supplies out of Mexico and Peruvian fields making strong harvests. Quality has been very nice. Avocados – Became very scarce very quickly last week. With many farms and farmhands in Mexico taking Easter Week off, and the higher than average demand caused by March Madness parties, suddenly there wasn’t enough avocados to supply demand. Prices quickly rose on the limited availability. Cabbage – Supplies are good and steady for the next several weeks. Warmer days have the fields bringing better volumes and heads sizing up. Corn – New seasonal harvests from Florida fields have got the corn deal rolling. Pricing is much better and we’re starting to see some size on the corn now that the temperatures are climbing. Cucumbers – As predicted, the market has begun to fall off on cucumbers. Florida finally has started their harvest and Mexican weather has warmed to allow better volumes. Prices are down considerably this week. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain limited this week with most growers reporting good supplies of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. A recent hailstorm, combined with colder than average temperatures over the past two weeks, have impacted iceberg quality and decreased yields. Harvesters are trimming off outer leaves at field level to help keep the pack nice, but weights are lower as a result. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Colored peppers rose last week on light volumes. Strawberries – Easter demand for strawberries helped to clean up the oversupply that shippers were feeling last week. Things have settled out to normal pricing now, but prices are still very favorable right in time for Easter weekend. Tomatoes – Are finally settling downward as warmer weather in Florida is bringing on the crop. Quality and pricing are both improving rapidly on all varieties. Q: How many Easter eggs can you put into an empty Easter basket? A: Only one. After that it’s not empty anymore.

Asparagus – Are seeing a little bit of strength with Easter demand this weekend, but solid supplies out of Mexico and Peruvian fields making strong harvests. Quality has been very nice. Avocados – Became very scarce very quickly last week. [...]

March 28, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Cabbage– We’re stocking and shipping local Cabbage and the season has been great so far.

Produce Supply Update March 22nd, 2024: Asparagus – Are seeing a little bit of strength with Easter coming next weekend, but solid supplies out of Mexico and Peruvian fields making strong harvests. Quality has been very nice. Cabbage – Supplies are good and steady for the next several weeks. Warmer days have the fields bringing better volumes and heads sizing up. Corn – New seasonal harvests from Florida fields have got the corn deal rolling. Pricing is much better and we’re starting to see some size on the corn now that the temperatures are climbing. Cucumbers – As predicted, the market has begun to fall off on cucumbers. Florida finally has started their harvest and Mexican weather has warmed to allow better volumes. Prices are down considerably this week. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes demand remains light across the country. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. With sluggish demand, importers are looking to make deals. Quality remains very nice. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain limited this week with most growers reporting good supplies of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. A recent hailstorm, combined with colder than average temperatures over the past two weeks, have impacted iceberg quality and decreased yields. Harvesters are trimming off outer leaves at field level to help keep the pack nice, but weights are lower as a result. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Colored peppers rose last week on light volumes. Strawberries – Are in a glut situation with several growing areas overproducing more berries than the market can use. Prices are very favorable right in time for Easter weekend. Tomatoes – Are finally settling downward as warmer weather in Florida is bringing on the crop. Quality and pricing are both improving rapidly on all varieties. Q: Why do cows have hooves? A: Because they lactose

Asparagus – Are seeing a little bit of strength with Easter coming next weekend, but solid supplies out of Mexico and Peruvian fields making strong harvests. Quality has been very nice. Cabbage – Supplies are good and steady for the [...]

March 22, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Blueberries – Should continue locally well into July and then we’ll make the transition to more Northern states like New Jersey and Michigan.

Produce Supply Update March 15th, 2024: Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus. Blueberries – Market is changing as South American imports end and North America starts. Imported blueberries are wrapping up as their season comes to an end and transitioning to Florida (domestic) and Central Mexico. With the start of the domestic season, the first peak in production will come late-April with Northern Florida/Southern Georgia. Until then, expect volumes to slowly increase and pricing to slowly decrease over the coming weeks as the remaining stragglers out of Chile end. We should start seeing local blueberries around the middle of May with the early warm weather this year. Corn – The large spring Florida volume is on the horizon with many farms starting in the next 7 to 10 days. Expect pricing and quality to improve markedly at that time. Cucumbers – Conditions remain the same as volume continues to be short. We hope to have consistent supply from Mexico by the end of March. Florida’s volume has an estimated arrival of early/middle of April. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes demand remains light across the country. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. With sluggish demand, importers are looking to make deals. Quality remains very nice. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain limited this week with most growers reporting good supplies of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. A recent hailstorm, combined with colder than average temperatures over the past two weeks, have impacted iceberg quality and decreased yields. Harvesters are trimming off outer leaves at field level to help keep the pack nice, but weights are lower as a result. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Strawberries – Are in a glut situation with several growing areas overproducing more berries than the market can use. Prices are very favorable right in time for Easter weekend. Tomatoes – Continue to yo-yo up and down, but mostly up. Romas are the high value choice, with better volumes keeping markets lower than round tomatoes. Q:What do you call an Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day? A: A taxi

Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus. Blueberries – Market is changing as South [...]

March 14, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Broccoli – Remains extremely limited in California, but our North Carolina farmers are getting started with better volume this week

Produce Supply Update March 8th, 2024: Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus. Broccoli and Cauliflower – Rain in California growing areas is causing major quality issues for cauliflower. We’re hearing about and seeing a lot of brown discoloration on the curds. Broccoli is in good supply from several regions. Corn – Florida corn season is progressing and pricing and availability are rapidly improving. We should continue seeing more volume as the season continues and the weather warms. Cucumbers – After months of tight supplies and record breaking pricing, we should begin to prices fall this month. Florida and Mexican farms will be harvesting better volumes, and pricing should follow. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes demand remains light across the country. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. With sluggish demand, importers are looking to make deals. Quality remains very nice. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain limited this week with most growers reporting good supplies of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. A recent hailstorm, combined with colder than average temperatures over the past two weeks, have impacted iceberg quality and decreased yields. Harvesters are trimming off outer leaves at field level to help keep the pack nice, but weights are lower as a result. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Tomatoes – Continue to yo-yo up and down, but mostly up. Romas are the high value choice, with better volumes keeping markets lower than round tomatoes. Q: How many apples grow on a tree? A: All of them.

Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus. Broccoli and Cauliflower – Rain in California [...]

March 7, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Produce Supply Update March 1st, 2024: California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability. Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus. Cauliflower – Rain in California growing areas is causing major quality issues for cauliflower. We’re hearing about and seeing a lot of brown discoloration on the curds. Corn – Florida sweet corn will start with volume toward the end of March. Until then, volume remains light and price remains high. Mexican farmers are sending some across the border, so markets are down a bit. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes demand remains light across the country. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. With sluggish demand, importers are looking to make deals. Quality remains very nice. Mixed Vegetables – Cold, wet weather in Florida and Mexico have shut down production on peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Supplies are extremely tight on many commodities right now and pricing is surging as buyers struggle to find product. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies are limited this week with most growers reporting good supplies of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. A recent hailstorm, combined with colder than average temperatures over the past two weeks, have impacted iceberg quality and decreased yields. Harvesters are trimming off outer leaves at field level to help keep the pack nice, but weights are lower as a result. Peppers – We are finally starting to see both Florida and Mexico with decent volume at the same time. We do need to remember that Florida will continue to experience peaks and valleys on yields due to previous weather. For now, we should see steady volume in the next two weeks. Tomatoes – Continue to yo-yo up and down, but mostly up. Romas are the high value choice, with better volumes keeping markets lower than round tomatoes. Q: Why did the car have a flat tire? A: There was a fork in the road.

California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability. Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the [...]

March 1, 2024 Produce Supply Update

Bell Peppers - stronger harvest in Florida

Produce Supply Update February 23rd, 2024: California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability. Asparagus – Markets are much lower with Mexican farmers entering their season. Supplies are strong now and quality has been very nice. Cauliflower – Rain in California growing areas is causing major quality issues for cauliflower. We’re hearing about and seeing a lot of brown discoloration on the curds. Corn -Florida and Mexico both have winter crops going. Volume is extremely limited and price is very high. No change on either of these things for the foreseeable future. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes are widely available at all ports. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Demand is sluggish and importers are looking to make deals. Quality and sugar have been good. Mixed Vegetables – Cold, wet weather in Florida and Mexico have shut down production on peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Supplies are extremely tight on many commodities right now and pricing is surging as buyers struggle to find product. Lettuce – With most product coming from Arizona currently, the heavy rains in California have not had a negative impact on Iceberg, Romaine, and Green Leaf. Supplies are good and quality has been very nice. Peppers – Pepper markets continue to be on fire! Florida is harvesting but yields have been a disappointment. We are seeing a high percentage of poor quality peppers being left in the fields. Mexico is bouncing back from last week’s shortage, but we are still in a deficit from previous years. Tomatoes – Have been EXTREMELY limited for the past couple of weeks, but we’re seeing some softening of the market, especially on romas. Many will choose romas instead of round tomatoes if they can, so we hope the round tomato market soon will follow the romas. I have never trusted trees. They always seem kind of shady.

California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability. Asparagus – Markets are much lower with Mexican farmers entering [...]

February 22, 2024 Produce Supply Update

February 16th, 2024 Produce Supply Update: California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability Cabbage – Texas and Florida fields are starting to get some better volume right in time for St. Patrick’s Day pull. We expect pricing to stay pretty steady until after the holiday. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes are widely available at all ports. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Demand is sluggish and importers are looking to make deals. Quality and sugar have been good. Mixed Vegetables – Cold, wet weather in Florida and Mexico have shut down production on peppers, cucumbers, and squash. Supplies are extremely tight on many commodities right now and pricing is surging as buyers struggle to find product. Lettuce – With most product coming from Arizona currently, the heavy rains in California have not had a negative impact on Iceberg, Romaine, and Green Leaf. Supplies are good and quality has been very nice. Peppers – Pepper markets continue to be on fire! Florida is harvesting but yields have been a disappointment. We are seeing a high percentage of poor quality peppers being left in the fields. Mexico is bouncing back from last week’s shortage, but we are still in a deficit from previous years. Potatoes – There are still plenty of potatoes in storage as Idaho is still trying to move a bumper crop. There are plenty of good deals baking potatoes out of Idaho as well as reds and golds out of other areas. We are 2-3 weeks from Florida starting with fresh-crop reds and golds. Erratic weather (rain, sporadic cold) over the past couple of months has disrupted the planting schedule and will impact the crop. Strawberries – Light supplies due to limited harvesting caused by recent rain in Florida, California and Mexico. Product planned for the Valentine’s Day pull was impacted by the rains last week. There will be a slowing down of demand after the Valentine’s Day holiday. Tomatoes – Have been EXTREMELY limited for the past couple of weeks, but we’re seeing some softening of the market, especially on romas. Many will choose romas instead of round tomatoes if they can, so the round tomato market soon will follow the romas. A limbo competitor walked into a bar. He was disqualified.

California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability. Cabbage – Texas and Florida fields are starting to get [...]

February 14, 2024 Produce Supply Update

February 9th, 2024 Produce Supply Update: California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability Cucumbers – Supply continues to be a struggle. They’re not grown in any significant volume domestically during the wintertime. Honduran product is in high demand due to the shortage from Mexico. Mexico is still not producing the volume that they normally produce during this time due to their cold and wet weather. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupes are widely available at all ports. Most of the production is currently arriving from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Demand is sluggish and importers are looking to make deals. Quality and sugar have been good. Mixed Vegetables – Cold weather in Florida and Mexico have shut down production on peppers, cucumbers, and squash. Supplies are extremely tight on many commodities right now and pricing is surging as buyers struggle to find product. Potatoes – We are still seeing softness in the market as multiple regions still have lots of storage potatoes. Russets are abundant from multiple areas and can be promoted with confidence. We may start to see some upward pressure on reds, whites, and yellows as storage starts to dissipate and we move to fresh product from Florida over the next month or so. Strawberries – Light supplies due to limited harvesting caused by recent rains and the forecast for rain later this week and early next week. Orders for the Valentine’s Day pull may also be impacted by the rain forecast for next week. There will be increased demand due to the Valentine’s Day holiday. Tomatoes – Have been EXTREMELY limited for the past couple of weeks, but we’re seeing some softening of the market, especially on romas. Many will choose romas instead of round tomatoes if they can, so the round tomato market will follow the romas. Q: If it takes 6 men 3 hours to dig a hole, how long does it take 3 men to dig half of a hole? A: There’s no such thing as half a hole. It’s a whole either way.

California Weather – Multiple storms on the west coast have caused flooding and disruption in harvesting. We expect to see over the coming weeks delays and shortages in product availability Cucumbers – Supply continues to be a struggle. They’re not [...]

February 8, 2024 Produce Supply Update

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