Apples – The apple market remains firm this week as demand remains good. We expect this tight market to remain this way for the next several weeks as inventories are less than last year at this time. The tightest items are Granny Smith, large Fuji, Golden Delicious, large Red Delicious and large Galas. Over half of the varieties have now started up with new crop apples out in Washington and the rest will start up in the next couple of weeks. It is too early to predict the size of the new crop but the impact of the heat wave in Washington will certainly be a negative on the overall size and storability of the new crop.
Asparagus – Market remains extremely tight as demand exceeds volume at this time. The market will remain high with limited availability for the next couple of weeks or so.
Broccoli – The industry has been hit with substantial drops in yields in these past few weeks. Recent heat and humidity are the primary reasons, along with disease pressure associated with the weather causing issues. These conditions have affected growth and quality, resulting in reduced supplies and an extreme industry shortage and a spike in market prices.
Corn – Is getting started in Georgia and supplies should be better as their harvests increase. We’ve kind of been in a short term gap as the Northern states finished their seasons, but we’re back in business with the beginning of Georgia’s crop.
Cucumbers and Squash – Are still coming in locally and supplies are strong and quality has been gorgeous.
Dry Goods – I’m sure everyone has seen this themselves, but the entire industry seems to be running out of products. Shortages, discontinued items, and out of stocks are a daily deal. Many of these items are made overseas and the shipping companies are having a difficult time getting them to our shores and aren’t sure when things will improve. Bare with us as we all work through this difficult time and we’ll try our best to find substitutes as we’re able.
Honeydews – Honeydew are extremely tight in California and are expected to stay that way throughout the rest of the California season. Demand is exceeding supply at this point. We are currently transitioning to Arizona as one grower has already started. We are still a couple of weeks away from any kind of stronger volume.
Squash – We still have not seen the surplus volume of zucchini from Georgia. Cooler weather has slowed down yields, but quality of both green and yellow has been outstanding! The Mexican season has started and there is some zucchini being reported in Nogales.
Q: Why is it best to throw a party at a haunted house?
A: Because the ghosts bring all the boos.
