Field Report

2 February 2012

Apples/ Pears: As we move later into the winter storage season, shippers will try to move prices higher to cover costs. Demand at this point is relatively light so markets are steady, but the trend will be for increases over the coming weeks/ months. Color and quality of Reds, Goldens, and Grannys are still very good with sizes peaking on 88- 100 count. D’Anjou pears are in prime condition.

Asparagus: This market moved lower again and is back to a typical level for this time of year. Decent supplies can be had out of Mexico or Peru.

Avocado: The Mexican harvest is in decline following the Super Bowl pull. Volume is adjusting. In California, new crop fruit is just starting to hit the market, and Chile is moving a decent amount of product. Expect steady markets for the next few weeks.

Berries: Strawberries: Demand for strawberries will rise in advance of Valentine’s Day, firming up the market. Rain forecasted for Florida and Mexico is likely to impair quality in those regions. Stem-on berries will be in demand and will exceed supply. Book you stem-berries before it is too late. Raspberries- The market is firm and steady with good quality out of all areas. Blackberries- The market is steady to slightly firmer due to lighter supplies. Quality is only good to fair. Blueberries- Growers are packing mostly 6oz clamshells and larger. The market is up slightly and will likely creep higher as the offshore season progresses.

Broccoli and cauliflower: The markets for both of these are very low. Quality is fantastic and supplies are robust. A lack of demand is inducing shippers to move volume at discounted prices.

Citrus: Oranges: Navel production is running at full capacity and fruit quality is excellent. Lemons: The Desert crop is practically done. Normally, lemons will ship from the desert well into March. Central Valley is harvesting and Ventura is slowly bringing fruit to market, buying some additional time to allow fruit to gain sizing. The month of February will likely be marked with limited availability. Demand for small fruit greatly exceeds supply. This will be increasingly felt as the winter progresses.

Lettuce: The lettuce market remains steady and supplies are good. Epidermal peel and blistering is still seen on some lots, but the frequency is declining. Pack weights are improving.

Melons: Cantaloupe- Demand continues to exceed supply. Offshore fruit is very limited. Fewer vessels are expected into port over the next seven days so market conditions are likely to persist. Quality is good. Honeydew- Like cantaloupe, offshore honeydew is in short supply. Mexico is shipping, but in very limited quantities. Quality is good. Both of these commodities are selling out before product comes into port.