In General – With the post Valentine’s holiday demand way down, restaurants serving at limited capacities nationwide, caterers without events to work at and schools out, many markets are in the basement as shippers and farmers struggle to sell what they’re harvesting. Many items are lower this week and probably headed even lower.
Asparagus – Supplies have increased from Mexican fields as well as Peruvian farms. Supplies are much better this week and pricing is falling downward.
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. They expect these higher prices to go through the end of March.
Bell Peppers – Stronger harvests from Florida have the pepper market on the slide. Quality has been very nice.
Corn – Remains extremely tight and Florida is struggling to find any significant harvests. Expect prices to stay strong until the spring harvests begin.
Cabbage – Chilly weather slowed growth in the fields, but things are warmer in Florida this week and bringing harvests on.
Grapes – Chilean vineyards are having a great year, with high quality grapes arriving on our shores. Quality and pricing have been great.
Pineapple – Windy conditions prevail over Costa Rica, with wind gusts as high as 60 miles per hour, affecting many regions. Many areas have seen significant rainfall. Quality is reported as good but the additional rainfall is causing several issues like lower sugar, and some water spotting mainly on larger fruit.
Potatoes – Strong and steady supplies of all varieties of potatoes are coming out of storage right now and keeping prices very favorable.
Squash and Zucchini – As predicted, volume continues to get better in Florida and Mexico is just getting started so we should see better supplies of both colors in the upcoming weeks. Florida will continue to harvest but don’t expect significant volume from the Sunshine State until March.
Strawberries – After extreme shortages leading into Valentine’s Day, strawberry markets should fall this coming week as demand drops off.
Tomatoes – Mexican and Florida fields are really bringing on the volume and all varieties are lower this week.
Q: Who always has a date on Valentine’s Day?
A: A calendar!
