Wow, 2020 is over and what a year this has been for all of us. We hope that 2021 is prosperous for you and your families and we thank you for your business in 2020. As we’ve finished the holidays and move into the typically slower months of January and February, we expect most markets to stay lower until something sparks more demand.
Bananas – The banana market is one that doesn’t change much and stays relatively stable throughout the year as most buyers are on contracts that keep pricing the same for years at a time. This year is different in many ways, though. Not only do they have unprecedented demand due to Covid-19, two back-to-back hurricanes have devastated the tropics and many banana groves as well as infrastructure and packing facilities. We’ve been seeing price increases as a result. They expect these higher prices to go through the end of March.
Berries – After weeks of extremely limited harvests and strong pricing, Strawberries from Oxnard and Central Mexico growing areas are increasing their volumes and Florida will also start with limited numbers in the next few weeks. We’ll see heavier production and lower pricing in the coming weeks.
Corn – Georgia has cleaned up their corn for the season and Florida is basically out. Supplies are extremely tight and prices are very high.
Cabbage – is growing in multiple areas now and pricing is lower. Quality has been very good.
Eastern vegetables – like squash, peppers, cucumbers, etc. were in plentiful supply as Florida fields get cranked up, but cold weather slowed production just before Christmas. Mexico is starting their veggie season also, bringing a lot of product to market. Post holiday demand is slowing down the markets even more and prices are staying lower.
Lettuces – Supplies of iceberg and leaf lettuces are plentiful this week with demand lower. Quality reports from Yuma, AZ are showing overall good quality with occasional light blister and wind burn. The weather forecast calls for average temperatures in Yuma, so supplies should stay in better shape.
Potatoes – Farmers are still expecting a great season with high quality packouts. All of the potatoes for the season are long since harvested and in storage and point to a smooth year with good supplies.
Broccoli and Cauliflower – are extremely tight, with limited production coming from Arizona after the transition to new seasonal fields.
I’m going to stay up late this New Year’s Eve—not to ring in
the New Year, but to make sure 2020 leaves.
