Strawberries – As we get closer to Valentine’s Day and the heavy demand for chocolate dipped strawberries for everyone’s sweetheart, product availability is very limited this week. Orders are getting prorated by about 60% currently and we may see more as we get closer to the holiday. Previous rains and cold weather in growing regions are creating the shortages from California and Mexico has limited availability and Florida is also limited due to previous freeze-related issues.
Asparagus – The market remains very short on volume and prices are staying strong as Mexico is not yet showing an increase in harvests yet. Temperatures are still cold there, so the asparagus is not developing at expected rates. Peru is harvesting healthy volume but will only continue to have product until the end of this month.
Broccoli & Cauliflower – Prices continue to slide as harvests and supplies improve seasonally. Mexico is bringing a lot of broccoli across the border and putting pressure on domestic suppliers to lower their pricing also.
Celery – Holiday demand is over, but celery farmers have been struggling with disease in the fields and the heavy flooding in California growing areas. Expect to see some mud in the celery from rain splashing the dirt on the stalks. Prices were very high for the past couple of weeks, but are easing downward with lower demand at the higher pricing.
Cucumbers, Squash & Peppers – Are recovering quickly after the Christmas week freeze. Mexico has plenty of squash and Florida is ramping back up on peppers and squashes also.
Dews & Lopes – Harvests are getting started in Central America, and though supplies are beginning slowly, quality is reported as very good on both.
Grapes – We’re smoothly transitioning to Central American fruit after a solid year from California without all of the craziness at ports that we saw the last two years. Pricing is coming down with the increase in availability from new growing areas.
Lettuce – Iceberg and leaf lettuce supplies are readily available this week with good overall quality. Markets are steadily going down as the supplies are there to fill demand now.
Potatoes – Demand has eased off on potatoes as many consumers count carbs and calories to bring in the new year. January and February are typically slow months for potato consumption. While the shortage of supply, especially for russets, will be an ongoing issue for the overall crop, the downturn in demand will allow for better availability and slightly lower prices for the next several weeks.
Q: Why did the chicken go to the gym?
A: To work on his pecks.
