Spotlight

Produce Supply Update April 19th, 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. Blueberries – Florida is finally seeing increased production due to warm weather, cool nights, and no rain in sight. Southern Georgia will begin as well this week. While the pipeline is still fairly empty to start this week, expect volume to ramp up and pricing to finally come down over the coming weeks. NC blueberries are expected to begin the second week of May. Cabbage – Supplies are good and steady for the next several weeks. Warmer days have the fields bringing better volumes and heads sizing up. Florida and Texas fields are 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. Mexico is scheduled to continue until the end of the month. Strawberries – We received our first shipments of local strawberries last week and they were absolutely beautiful! The mild winter brought them on early, but some growers experienced a gap after their first harvests. Volume is increasing quickly and we expect smooth sailing going forward. 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. Want to hear a joke about time travel? Nevermind, you didn’t like it.
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

June 8th, 2020 Supply Update: Lots of local products are beginning to come to market.

Strawberry Shortages, Limes available

Lots of local products are beginning to come to market. We have cabbage, cucumbers, blueberries, squash, zucchini all getting started. We’re looking forward to a great growing season.

NC strawberries are finished for the season. Last week’s high temps were the knockout blow for their season. It was gorgeous fruit while it lasted. Blueberry season is just getting started in NC. They’ve been gorgeous so far and pricing is very good.

Russet potatoes from Idaho remain a very good value. Quality has been exceptional and prices are very low for this time of year. New crop red and white potatoes have begun in Florida but they’re starting at typical higher prices like they do every spring. They sure are gorgeous though, with bright thin skins perfect for making mashed potatoes!

Bell pepper availability continues to improve compared to how it was during the past 2-3 weeks, however, supply is still somewhat limited. We continue to experience cloudy skies, rain and overcast weather that have held-up production some. It will be another 7-10 days until
Georgia volume becomes abundant and prices start to ease off.

Limes are hitting peak season in Mexico and prices are falling quickly on the heavy volumes. Great time to feature them on your drink menus!

After about a month of limited volume and expensive prices on asparagus, we’re starting to see relief. Domestic production is finally picking up in all areas including California, Michigan, Washington, and New Jersey. Import volume in Peru and Mexico are also increasing.

Our hearts go out to all of the restaurants in downtown areas hit by the recent rioting. After a grueling 2 months of being closed due to the pandemic, many are now forced to close because busted out windows. If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know.

Q: Why was the goldfish suspected of a crime?
A: Because he was a little fishy.