Asparagus – Are seeing a little bit of strength with Easter demand this weekend, but solid supplies out of Mexico and Peruvian fields making strong harvests. Quality has been very nice.
Avocados – Became very scarce very quickly last week. With many farms and farmhands in Mexico taking Easter Week off, and the higher than average demand caused by March Madness parties, suddenly there wasn’t enough avocados to supply demand. Prices quickly rose on the limited availability.
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.
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 – Easter demand for strawberries helped to clean up the oversupply that shippers were feeling last week. Things have settled out to normal pricing now, but prices are still 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: How many Easter eggs can you put into an empty Easter basket? A: Only one. After that it’s not empty anymore.
