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 7th, 2021 Supply Update: Blueberries are in full swing in North Carolina.

Blueberries – Should continue locally well into July and then we’ll make the transition to more Northern states like New Jersey and Michigan.

Asparagus – Mexican growers are reaching the end of their season and California, NC and Washington are getting started harvesting. Peruvian growers are still packing plenty of product. Quality is great across the board and supplies are very strong, keeping prices favorable for all.

Berries – Blueberries are in full swing in North Carolina. It’s a perfect time to feature them as quality and pricing are at peak levels.

Broccoli – Our local growers are finishing their broccoli season, though quality has bee beautiful. Prices will rise as we move back to the west coast.

Cucumbers – Supplies and pricing is improving. We expect NC farmers to begin harvesting very soon.

Corn – Harvests are coming in strong and supplies are very good. Prices have stayed low and quality has been beautiful this week.

Limes – Prices are way down this week as better volume becomes available out of Mexico. Quality is improving too with the increase in supplies.

Onions – Vidalia onions have started! We have our first Vidalia Sweets in stock and are looking forward to a great season for them. Feature them on your menus while they’re available.

Peppers – With Georgia finally getting better volumes, we’re seeing prices easing downwards. Quality remains very good. Colored peppers are plentiful and gorgeous.

Tomatoes – A few local growers are starting to harvest local tomatoes. Romas, Vineripes and even a few heirlooms are available now. It’s really a symbol of Summer in the South when our delicious sweet local tomatoes become available.

Squash – Our local farmers, South Carolina and Georgia growers are all harvesting lots of squash and zucchini right now and they’re at rock bottom prices due to abundance of supply.

Q: What do you call the boss at Old McDonald’s farm?
A: The CIEIO.