Sluggish post-holiday demand and increased Covid shutdowns nationwide are seeing very low demand for many items. We’re expecting to see many markets falling over the next week or two until we start to see Christmas demand picking up. And then, barring any weather related troubles, markets should slip again after Christmas which is a typically slow time. Mexican and Florida vegetable fields are starting to harvest and should have increased volume over the coming weeks.
Lettuces of all varieties have been extremely short for the past few weeks. But new growing areas are beginning in Southern California and Arizona and bringing much needed volume to market. Prices are much lower as the heavier production is meeting with light demand.
Domestic cantaloupe and honeydew production is all done until this coming May. We’ll be seeing Central American melons for the next few months. Quality should be very nice with the new fields beginning.
After the yearly heavy thanksgiving pull for asparagus, we’re seeing much lower prices as farmers are lowering markets to keep their product moving. Prices should stay lower until we begin to see Christmas demand soon.
Potato farmers are well into their harvest and quality has been beautiful on this year’s crop. They’re expecting a very good year. The crop is trending toward smaller sizes, creating premium pricing for the larger spuds. With the high demand of Thanksgiving past us, we will be seeing heavy supplies and hopefully some lower pricing.
Most California vegetables are way down this week. Celery, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. have been high for weeks but they’re plentiful and much cheaper this week. Post-holiday demand and the move to new growing areas has made a big difference.
We received our first Florida citrus of the season last week! We have gorgeous tangerines, grapefruit, navel and juice oranges. The quality has been awesome and we’re excited to seem them because it’s starting to feel like Christmas!
Strawberries remain limited, and pricing remains elevated. Colder weather this week will limit California harvests and markets will be strong.
Q: How did the hipster burn his mouth?
A: He ate his food before it was cool.
