Oranges – We’re well into California navel orange season and quality has been beautiful. Florida orange growers are expecting their worst season in history, with greening disease still being a factor and dwindling acreage and Hurricane Ian blowing much of the fruit off of the trees.
Apples – The apple market remains tight this week as the new crop is coming in well below the normal crop size. We are projected to have around 106 million cases this year compared to an average crop of around 125 to 130 million cases. This will make the third crop in a row that is considered below average.
Avocados – Remain in a glut situation, with sluggish demand and strong supplies. Prices are about as low as it gets and it remains a great time to feature them on your menus. Avocado Toast anyone?
Broccoli and Cauliflower – Have become increasingly tight in California. Limited harvests and poor weather have created a shortage that is driving prices higher. Local broccoli has begun and we’ll ship that as long as it lasts.
Lettuces – Iceberg and leaf lettuces remain limited this week with lower yields and weather being the driving factors. Yuma has started but overall numbers are down as the colder weather has impacted growth rates. Though prices remain high, we’re seeing some softening in demand as people take it off their menus. This will drive the price down steadily over the upcoming weeks we hope.
Potatoes – Prices didn’t take much of a break after Thanksgiving and they’re already starting to climb again for the Christmas Holiday demand. Larger sized potatoes are at a premium as the harvest ran much smaller this year.
Strawberries – Product availability is even more limited this week due to cold weather in the California growing areas. Mexico production is just starting, but there should be better volume by the end of November. Right before Christmas, Florida usually begins their season and will take a lot of pressure off of California growers.
Tomatoes – Markets continue to increase as we get closer to the time when Florida typically takes over with their harvests. There simply won’t be enough tomatoes coming from Florida to supply demand and prices are destined to get higher.
If you love Christmas so much, Why don’t you Merry it?
