Asparagus – The market has continued to rise significantly after the New Year’s holiday. The holiday pull for Christmas and New Year’s was a lot greater than expected. Also, we have now entered January which is historically a transition month from Peruvian supply to Mexican supply. While volume from Mexican farmers has begun in very small increments, it won’t head into full swing until February, keeping prices strong until we see better volumes.
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 has come on strong with some gorgeous berries. Surprisingly supplies are still staying extremely tight, with strong demand keeping the market higher.
Corn – Georgia has cleaned up their corn for the season and Florida is struggling to find any significant harvests. Supplies remain extremely tight and prices remain very high.
Cabbage – is growing in multiple areas now and pricing is lower. Quality has been very good. Red cabbage on the other hand has been very limited and fetches much higher prices.
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. There are some talks of work stoppages in Mexico and Peru following Christmas where farm workers just didn’t come back after the holidays. We’ll see how that plays out.
Lettuces – Iceberg and leaf lettuces are in good supply with moderate demand to start this week. Colder weather has slowed growth in southeastern Arizona and supplies may be lighter to start next week.
Potatoes – Farmers are still expecting a great season with high quality packouts. Sizing is trending towards smaller spuds this harvest. All of the potatoes for the season are long since harvested and in storage and point to a smooth year with good supplies.
Q: What do you call a hippie’s wife?
A: Mississippi
