Potatoes – Idaho Russet harvest is winding down. Acreage was down considerably in Idaho year over year and most reports are of lower yields and smaller sizing. This will mean higher pricing throughout the year, and a premium for large russets. Red, Yellow, and White Potatoes are coming from multiple growing regions. Pricing and availability are getting better as we transition to the fall crop from the transient summer crop. Look for pricing and availability to remain good until demand spikes for the holidays. There are also good supplies of specialty, fingerling, and creamer-sized potatoes from multiple areas.
Apples – The apple market remains tight this week as we remain in transition between the new crop and the old crop. Markets will be more volatile than normal over the next couple of weeks as we go through this transitional period. The crop in general is harvesting over 2 weeks late on just about every variety of apple. This is causing a more difficult transition than normal and creating tight and short markets on many varieties.
Asparagus – Late arriving vessels from Peruvian asparagus shippers have tightened up the asparagus market. Prices are higher for the limited product available.
Avocadoes – Continue their downward pricing slide. Quality and supplies are excellent.
Broccoli and Cauliflower – Have become increasingly tight. Limited harvests and poor weather have created a shortage that is driving prices higher.
Lettuce – Iceberg and leaf lettuces remain limited this week as soil issues have negatively impacted yields. Overall quality is reported as poor with some reports of internal burn as well as burst and growth crack. Lettuce is coming from the Monterey/Salinas area now, but it’s quickly coming to an end. The weather forecast calls for average temperatures into the weekend. Prices continue to be high and expected to stay high until they transition to Arizona fields.
Peppers – Georgia is cranking up their season and markets are pretty stable. We expect to see changes in that as we transition to Florida due to the hurricane damages, but for now, all is good.
Tomatoes – We’re still learning the full extent of the damages done during Hurricane Ian to the Tomato crop. Fields that were planted in succession to supply the market through January were destroyed. This will be a long term problem.
Q: Did you hear about the explosion at the cheese factory?
A: Da Brie was everywhere.
