Happy Valentine’s Day!
Apples – The apple market remains firm with rising prices this week as demand remains strong as we approach February. Movement has been above expectations the last several months leaving growers with less inventory than expected; therefore, pushing prices higher. They are also experiencing more shrink loss as they pack the fruit this year due to weather issues during the growing process.
Bananas – Remain extremely limited in supply, while demand is extremely high, causing chaos in the market. They’re selling so fast that shippers aren’t able to hold fruit back long enough to ripen, causing everyone to be out of ripe bananas at the same time. We’re working to buy extra fruit in order to allow it to ripen in time for shipment to you, but it’s been difficult keeping up with demand.
Dry Goods – Worldwide supply shortages have driven virtually all dry good prices much higher. Limited quantities and weekly out-of-stocks are the rule right now. We’re continuing to do our best to source what you need for your disposable supplies but it’s been a challenge for us and our vendors.
Grapes – We’re seeing much better availability for grapes as importers finally seem to have been able to unload their grapes off of the waiting ships. Supplies are better and pricing should begin to follow as the shortages are reduced.
Melons – Imported cantaloupes and honeydews are a great buy right now, with super high quality and plentiful supplies keeping pricing low.
Onions – Remain extremely short and prices continue to rise as shippers pro-rate orders to make their storage supplies last until the new crop begins harvest down in Mexico. We’re in for another couple of months of tight supply until they get started down there.
Peppers and Squash – Freezing temps in Florida cranked up last week created a situation in these two markets. In anticipation of the freeze, farmers picked all of their harvestable peppers, causing an oversupply which we’re seeing now. But they’re expecting a gap in 2 weeks due to the heavy harvesting last week. Squash and Zucchini were short last week, with the plants stopping production in the cold. Warmer weather this week has the plants pumping out production again and prices should fall.
Strawberries – Are always in high demand for Valentine’s Day and we have some beautiful fruit for you. We also have very large Long Stem strawberries, perfect for chocolate dipping and impressive desserts.
Q: What did the French Chef give his wife on Valentine’s Day??
A: Hugs and quiches.
