Good morning!
Asparagus – Mexico continues to experience tight volumes, though production is gradually increasing as the weather cools down to temperatures more suitable for asparagus. We anticipate improvement around the last week of October, with peak production expected in November, just in time for the Thanksgiving pull. Peru is seeing strong production, and we don’t anticipate any issues in meeting demand as we prepare for the holidays.
Broccoli and Cabbage – are beginning locally and will continue until frost.
Lettuces– Of all varieties are higher this week. Iceberg lettuce, romaine, red and green leaf supplies are limited this week as supplies in the northern growing regions are finishing up. The southern growing region is expected to start over the next two weeks, but until then, expect lettuces of all types as well as salad mixes to be higher than normal levels.
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.
Oranges – Quality has improved dramatically with the start of California’s Navel season. This fruit is one of the best on the market and we look forward to a great season.
Tomatoes – Were drastically affected by Hurricane Helene and Milton. The path of both went right through the growing areas of Florida and Georgia and simply wiped out a large portion of the crop as well as future plantings. Also, Helene went through the Tennessee and NC mountains and wiped out their tomato crop. Prices continue to rise and we’re all waiting on Mexican farms to start harvesting to help ease the markets.
Peppers – Volume in Georgia continues to be down. Yields are lower due to the bloom drop that they had during the storms. Farmers continue to harvest but please be aware that overall volume is lower. Markets are trending higher. Expect colored peppers to increase also, as the farmers will pick the peppers green to get the high prices, not letting the pepper ripen to red, yellow or orange.
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: Where does a rainbow go when it breaks the law? A: Prism. It’s a light sentence but gives it time to reflect.
