Asparagus – Markets remain subdued with strong volumes crossing the Mexican border. We should see an uptick as we get closer to Easter and the strong demand resulting from Easter Brunches and menus.
Blueberries – Market is changing as South American imports end and North America starts. Imported blueberries are wrapping up as their season comes to an end and transitioning to Florida (domestic) and Central Mexico. With the start of the domestic season, the first peak in production will come late-April with Northern Florida/Southern Georgia. Until then, expect volumes to slowly increase and pricing to slowly decrease over the coming weeks as the remaining stragglers out of Chile end. We should start seeing local blueberries around the middle of May with the early warm weather this year.
Corn – The large spring Florida volume is on the horizon with many farms starting in the next 7 to 10 days. Expect pricing and quality to improve markedly at that time.
Cucumbers – Conditions remain the same as volume continues to be short. We hope to have consistent supply from Mexico by the end of March. Florida’s volume has an estimated arrival of early/middle of April.
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.
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 – Continue to yo-yo up and down, but mostly up. Romas are the high value choice, with better volumes keeping markets lower than round tomatoes.
Q:What do you call an Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day? A: A taxi
