Eastern Canada's Market Update

ICEBERG- This market is softer. Demand has fallen off. Multiple suppliers are flexing due to excessive lettuce supplies that have come on. There continues to be a gap in pricing depending on the supplier. Some quality issues that have come up upon arrivals include some puffiness, ribbiness, and mechanical. The reports have been minimal. Weights have been ranging from 36-44 pounds. The Huron growing region will begin production approximately the third week in October, and this will go until the third week in November. Expect some early lettuce in Yuma the first week to the second week in November. 

ROMAINE / LEAF- This market is softer on romaine as demand has fallen off. Green leaf remains firm. Expect supplies to be moderate for the week with some flexing on romaine. Romaine hearts continue to be very light in supplies with all shippers and this will continue for the entire week. Demand exceeds supplies on the hearts. Overall, the quality on all leaf items has been fair. Defects reported include fringe burn, twisting, mechanical and some insect damage. Weights on romaine are averaging 33-38 pounds. Green and red leaf have similar defects as romaine. 

SPRING MIX/BABY SPINACH/BABY KALE- The tender leaf market continues to remain steady as supplies on spring mix, baby kale and baby spinach have increased a bit in the Salinas Valley. The recent warmer weather has caused some quality issues such as minimal yellowing and bruising of the tender leaves. This spinach market will continue to stay steady into next week. 

ROCKET ARUGULA / WATERCRESS– Supplies out of Tennessee continue to meet demand. Quality remains very good. Bunched watercress quality and availability is good. There appears to be no damage from Michael. 

IMPORTED BROCCOLI- The broccoli market continues to be a little snug as the colder nights have slowed the growing process in the Salinas Valley and Santa Maria areas. Quality is fair with slight purpling, some mechanical damage, and occasional yellow cast. Look for supplies to continue to remain a bit snug going into next week. 

ASPARAGUS–Volume from both Mexico and Peru is currently lighter than expected. The market may remain there for the balance of the month as it looks like volume will remain steady for this week and next and is not expected to increase until the end of the month. Overall markets are steady with production about the same as last week. Mexico: Southern Baja (Constitucion) is starting to cool off during the day which should help quality, and decrease some of the spreading/seeding issues. Production is about the same as last week, rain was expected in the region over the weekend. Peru: The weather in Northern Peru (Trujillo) has become cooler which has slowed production, Southern Peru (Ica) has become warmer which will help production. More fields will be in production over the next few weeks in the south and we should start seeing bigger sizing across the board from this region. 

IMPORTED CAULIFLOWER–Cauliflower market continues to stay steady as supplies have been consistent. Overall, the quality has been good with minor bruising and some yellow cast with weights in the 25 to 28-pound level. Look for this market to continue to stay competitive. 

BEANS– The green bean market is in a state of flux right now as damage assessments are being done in Georgia. For now, supply and quality is good with light color and smaller sizing being the main issues. Wax (yellow) beans are available in a more limited way and priced higher than green. Snipped: Growers continue to harvest in the Ohio/Michigan region, but were getting ready to transition to Georgia. 

CELERY- Supplies continue to be good in both the north and the southern growing regions of California. All orders are being filled to their entirety. Expect steady supplies throughout the week. Some shippers continue to flex on large sizing in the Oxnard Santa Maria region. Supplies continue to be moderate to good in Salinas as demand has remained flat overall. The quality overall is good with only occasional bowing being reported. The weights are ranging from 48-55 pounds. 

GREEN ONIONS– The green onion market continues to remain extremely tight. The wet weather in Mexico and labor issues have caused product to be extremely snug. The recent heat followed with rain has been causing some occasional leaf minor and some mechanical damage. Growers are assessing the wet fields daily to see if they can even harvest. The green onion market will stay strong going into next week. 

EGGPLANT- East: The majority of eggplant being produced in the east is coming from Georgia and North Florida. Supplies are steady and quality is very good, demand is also good, keeping the market steady for the past few weeks. The region is in peak season and should continue with good volume for another week or two. Harvest will be interrupted for about a week with damage assessments from hurricane Michael. West: Eggplant continues to come out of Fresno. Quality remains good. Growers continue to pack both fancy and choice grade. Volume is expected to be consistent through October. Demand for eggplant exceeds supply, market remains strong. 

ONIONS–Markets are steady at low levels on all sizes and packs. Harvest is all but done in the Washington growing area with about 5 to 10 % left. Idaho is starting wind down with around 20% to go. Rain early last week in Idaho has slowed harvest but growers are already back in their fields and are hoping to get everything under hoops by next week. The onion crop is looking very nice this year with sizing peaking on jumbo’s and larger. 

IMPORTED CILANTRO-The cilantro market continues to stay steady with growers coming in with slightly higher yields than previous weeks. The cilantro quality continues to be good. Look for the cilantro market to continue to stay steady going into next week. 

IMPORTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS-The brussels sprouts market has remained steady in Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Watsonville areas. Oxnard is currently out and will be back in with product in mid-October. The temperatures have been relatively mild, which the brussels sprouts like, so fields are at budget if not slightly ahead of schedule. Quality has been affected by insect pressure particularly the Diamondback Moth and will be an ongoing battle this season. 

CORN- Georgia corn production has been wiped out. There will be very little corn until Florida starts. 

ZUCCHINI– East Coast: There are better supplies of zucchini coming after weeks of low yielding fields. New shippers are starting for the season and fields that have been low yielding are now coming to life. Quality has been good for the most part and should get better as the temperature gets a little cooler. South Carolina and Georgia are assessing damage from Michael but, Plant City, Florida is starting light supplies. 

West Coast: There is plenty of availability out of Northern Mexico. The market price is on the decline due to heavy supply. Within the upcoming week, there should be a steady supply causing markets to drop. Quality is fair to good out of Mexico with minor condition due to tropical storm Rosa. 

EAST COAST PEPPERS- Green/Red: Demand for peppers is very good, supplies in California are very tight. The northern growing regions are on their last legs and will finish this week with most product being smaller and only fair quality. Georgia has steady supplies and had good quality with interruption in harvest due to Michael. The area is still not in peak season, some shippers still haven’t started for the season and most of the ones that have, still haven’t hit peak volume. South Carolina has some supply but some quality issues have been reported on arrival. 

CUCUMBERS– East: Cucumber supplies are very tight in the southeast which is where the primary supply is being produced during this time frame. North Carolina is shipping light supplies after hurricane Florence and remarkably most product is getting received. Virtually all the northern regions of the country have finished for the season. The southeast is experiencing low yield due to above average temperatures for the past month. Plants have stopped producing the yields that would traditionally come this time of year. West: The market is coming down due to more availability out of Mexico. Quality is improving but there are some cucumbers that show signs of stress from tropical storm Rosa. By the end of the week there should be more availability with the market stabling out. 

BUNCHED KALE- The kale market continues to be steady with no signs of changing in the coming week. Supplies continue to be good with steady demand. Quality continues to be good with good color, full bunches, and only an occasional yellow leaf being reported. 

WEST COAST PEPPERS– Green/Red: The California green pepper market is finishing up out of the coastal growing areas. Green pepper volume has dropped. Volume should increase within 14 days as California growers’ transition into the Coachella valley. The quality of the peppers remains good. Currently demand exceeds supplies. Green bell peppers from Mexico are also available to load in McAllen, Texas. There are moderate supplies of red peppers being harvested at this time in Fresno and coastal areas. California growers are getting ready to make transition to the Coachella valley by the last week in October, into November. Red peppers are also available to load out of San Diego, with hothouse peppers being grown in Baja California. The quality of the peppers in all districts remains good. Pricing has firmed up on #1 packs. Lighter volume on large and X-large packs. Growers are packing more choice grade fruit. 

POTATOES– Canadian: Growers in Quebec and Ontario are reporting good quality and yields so far on whites. Harvest on russets has not yet started as growers are hoping to gain some size by leaving them in the ground. Supplies of good quality Yukon Golds are going to be an issue this season as this variety is prone to hollow heart. This happens when dry there are dry hot conditions, followed by lots of rain. The potato stops growing in the heat, rots then starts growing again when it rains. Ontario, Quebec and PEI are ALL going to have this issue. We will have to switch to Yukon Gems to get good quality product. New Brunswick is getting good rains and heat. So far so good. In PEI, the Island, as usual, has the 3 weather zones. The central area has received rains when necessary, the east has been to the points of needing rain and has ultimately gotten them after some time. The west is the driest. Overall, in PEI it has been hot and sunny all summer with minimal scattered rain periods. Growers are certain now that yields will be affected overall. U.S.A: Idaho- Markets are steady on 60 count and larger with good supplies. A slightly firmer market on 70 count and smaller with limited supplies as you get to the smaller sizes. Demand is light on the retail packs this week which has shippers running lighter. Light rain and cold overnight temperatures early last week have slowed harvest. Overnight temperatures in the high twenties were forecasted for last Thursday through Sunday which have growers concerned. Something to keep an eye on over the next couple weeks as harvest comes to close. Look for the larger counts (60 count and larger) to be in good supplies through the New Year with the Norkotah being the main variety. As we transition into Burbank’s being the main variety in April, we will see the sizing shift to peaking on 80 count. Look for the grower/shippers to slow down pack times in an effort to bring the market higher as the potatoes come out of storage. Harvest should finish will all growers over the next couple of weeks. Quality is still very nice will little reports of issues upon arrival. Washington- Market is steady across all sizes and packs. Demand is light. Sizing is peaking on 80 count with a good mix of sizing smaller and larger. Harvest will be complete with most growers. Quality is very nice. Colorado- Market is steady. Sizing is very large and is currently peaking on 60 count and larger at most sheds. Quality is nice. Wisconsin- Markets are steady. Supplies have been interrupted by rain and cool temperatures over the last couple of weeks. Forecast is calling for clear skies for the next 10 days. Something to keep an eye on as grower don’t have much more time to get their crop into the storages. Quality being packed is still being reported as nice. 

SEEDLESS WATERMELON- Supplies continue to be tight on seedless. Delaware and South Carolina will have VERY limited supplies. There are more 60 count around. Edinburg, Texas and Nogales have started with product from Mexico and will increase through the month of October. Rain in Sonora this week could affect production and or/quality. Watermelons are being harvested in the Hermosillo, Sonora growing area. Volume in Central California has decreased with some fields finishing up. Demand is steady. Pricing remains steady. 

GOLD PINEAPPLES– Weather conditions continue as typical of the rainy season with sunny mornings and afternoon rainfall. Yields are now much better on large count fruit with slightly tighter supply on the smaller 7s and 8s. Normal output should return by mid-October. Unions continue to strike with still no end in sight. Export volume has been affected but fruit continues to be exported with farms working around the transportation issues. Quality is reported as good, with a solid 15+ brix reported at the farms. The USDA report shows an increase on inbound volume from Costa Rica for last week at 650 loads vs week prior 540. There is moderate demand with a steady market. 

STRAWBERRIES-Strawberry supplies are steady, but all shippers are working through the effects of last week’s rains. As it turns out, the first rain of the season did hit Santa Maria, Oxnard and Salinas. Luckily, the rainfall was minimal, but it was enough to have an effect on harvest for a day or so and quality for the week. Last week, yields did decrease slightly as growers worked through the rained-on fruit. The damage was not excessive, but as with any rain, it will have an underlying effect on quality. Some growing areas and varieties were more affected than others, but it is safe to say that all areas are aware and cautions of soft berries and bruising. We expect most of this fruit to be worked through by the weekend with quality improving next week. Barring any more rain in the near future, we can expect to see normal supplies in Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria this week. Oxnard production will continue to slowly ramp up through the month. Demand has been slightly lower this week. Market prices have been steady with some more aggressive opportunities in Salinas / Watsonville. Looking further down the road, we expect Mexico to start harvest toward the beginning of November with an overlap of production in Santa Maria and Oxnard. Salinas and Watsonville will continue with production until mid to late November, depending on the weather. 

BLUEBERRIES– Blueberry supplies remain dismal this week. Not much has improved from last week. Blueberries remain tight as imports from Argentina, Mexico and Peru continue to trickle in. With the cooler weather in the South American growing regions, arrivals of import fruit remain limited. This is an industry-wide issue. Supplies will not improve until we see increased arrivals of import fruit and Mexico picks up harvest for the west coast. Supplies are expected to remain tight through October with increasing volumes coming toward the end of October into November. We expect this to be a slow improvement. Markets will continue to be higher and firm. 

RASPBERRIES / BLACKBERRIES– Raspberries: California raspberry production will continue to taper off as we move forward. Mexico has started with light numbers this week and is expected to ramp up as we phase out of California harvest. No gaps or disruptions in supply are expected as we continue moving through the transition. Demand has been steady and the markets are flat. As we begin November, we expect Mexico to become the primary production region. Blackberries: California production of blackberries continues to fall off as we wait for Mexico to ramp up. Supplies in all California loading locations continue to be limited. Mexico harvest is slow to go with the majority of that fruit being sold out of McAllen, Texas. We expect to see this situation continue to be the case for the next 2 weeks. By the end of October, we hope to see some of the bigger players start their Mexican harvest and the pipeline will start to fill back up. Until then, expect limited supplies and firm prices in California. 

MANGO- Volume from Brazil is increasing, however, availability remains limited especially on popular sizes of 9s, 10s, and 12s. The sizing on the Tommy Atkins mangos is mostly between 7 count and 12 count. Quality is good with the fruit exhibiting excellent blush. 

PAPAYA- Papayas are in high volumes with additional acreage being harvested. Weather in the growing region is ideal for growth and harvesting with warm days and cooler nights. Current volume is meeting demand, and will increase through October. Sizing is distributed fairly evenly between 8s, 9s, and 12s. Additional sales are needed to keep up with the supplies. 

LIMES- Heavier rain and thunderstorms in the forecast this week in the growing region of Veracruz Mexico. Under these weather conditions, we can expect the harvest to be affected. Overall quality is fair to good and with a steady market. Plenty of smaller sized fruit (200,230,250). On the larger size fruit (110,150,175) we are seeing a more limited supply. They are in high demand, limited and double the price of small fruit. 

AVOCADOS- Industry arrivals totaled 45.7 million pounds for last week, an increase from the prior week. California came in at 1.4 million pounds, Peru at 2 million pounds, Chile at 4.1 million pounds and Mexico shipped around 38.1 million pounds. Industry inventory levels continue to report available fruit in the 60-million-pound range, led by Mexican harvest and Chilean arrivals; industry inventory levels are expected to drop into a more stable average: beneath the 60-million-pound mark. Mexico- Arrivals for last week closed at 38.1 million pounds. Mexico’s harvest flow has picked up to standard levels with an expectation to maintain at a minimum of 40 million pounds moving forward. Overall availability is significant compared to current industry inventories, almost ready to fully transition with the end of the Peru and California seasons. The weather forecast for the state of Michoacán continues to call for scattered thunderstorms. Rainy season relief is expected mid to late October. California- Last week concluded at 1.4 million pounds. This week, California’s harvest levels are estimated to be 500,000 pounds. Volumes have almost finished. Overall crop total is listed at 310 million pounds. Peru- Peruvian shipments have totaled 2 million pounds for last week. Arrivals are anticipated to reach 1.3 million pounds this week, and 900,000 pounds next week. Total Peruvian arrivals still listed at 190 million pounds for this season. Chile- Volume totaled 4.1 million pounds in week 40 with 2.5 million expected this week. Volumes arriving next week are still expected to be low given the Chilean holiday harvest, approximately 1.3 million pounds. Given market situation in Europe, volumes are expected to be in the 3-4 million pound per week level by mid to late October. Market Outlook- There is still sufficient supply in the pipeline and availability from all origins. In spite of low demand, the market remains stable. By mid-October, Mexico will be the dominant source of supply, as both the California and Peru season come to an end. As long as harvest flow from Mexico is consistent, the market is expected to remain stable. 

LEMONS– California: The lemon market is still trying to find a level of competitiveness. It also varies from supplier to supplier. Supplies have increased weekly, although certain suppliers have limited availability on 165ct and larger. The quality out of Coachella is very nice with limited browning, decay, or soft rot. The quality out of Oxnard is hit and miss depending on the lot. We should see a sense of normalcy by the end of October. 

GRAPES–The grape harvest out of the Central Valley remains in full swing, with a plethora of both red and green seedless varieties still available. Scarlett Royals will remain the dominant red variety over the next few months, with Magenta, Krissy, Passion Fire, Timco and Sweet Celebrations varieties also available in smaller volumes. With green seedless grapes, we will see the large, late-season Autumn King variety continue to be harvested in greater numbers with each week. Outside of the Autumn King, the Pristine, Stella Bella and Princess varieties will also be harvested in good volume. Black seedless grapes have begun transitioning from Summer Royals to Autumn Royals, with availability on seeded globe grapes also increasing through the month. Green: No change from last week. Shippers are seeing excellent yields and quality. Supplies of green grapes remain heavy. Fruit is firm with good size and strong stems. Market conditions have been flat with promotional volumes and opportunities available. Barring any major weather events, we look to have good availability for the next 2-3 weeks. Red: Like the green grapes, reds continue to be in excellent supplies. We have several varieties to choose from in all size ranges. Quality is being reported as excellent and markets have been steady. 

STONE FRUIT- As mentioned last week, the California stone fruit season is winding down quickly. Peaches and nectarines are phasing out quickly with only a limited group of shippers offering a very limited size range (mostly larger). We expect to see the last of this fruit finish up next week. We will finish the month of October with black and red plums. We anticipate black plums to finish first, followed by red plums by November. Markets have been steady and quality is holding up on the remaining tree fruit. 

SOUTH AFRICAN NAVEL ORANGES- We are finally over the hump on the offshore navel season. We are starting to lighter arrivals of containers of navels being shipped. The inventories are still high and quality has been good with a few minor issues. The offshore season will end mid-November. The size structure is starting to change with Delta and Midnights being the primary varieties. The size structure right now is 72, 88, 64, 56 and seeing less 105s. The grade defects are scar, mechanical injuries and sun burn. 

CALIFORNIA ORANGES- Valencia: Growers continue to struggle with small-sized fruit. And now we are starting to feel the pinch of 88 count size valencias and their limited availability in supplies. Quality is fair at best with regreening, decay, stem rot, soft rot, and just an overall ugly appearance. Now we are being told that California navels will be extremely limited the week of the 15th of October. Better supplies of navels will be available the week of October 22nd. The market is still extremely elevated and even with the onset of navel supplies coming, the market will remain high through the month of October. 

GRAPEFRUIT- The California grapefruit season is 94% harvested and the demand for grapefruit has been strong. We are seeing changes in condition of the fruit because of hot temperatures, the fruit is getting pliable, but eating quality is still great. The size structure of the grapefruit is 48, 40, 36, 56, 32 and brix around 14.5 to 15.0. 

CANTELOUPES / HONEYDEWS– Cantaloupes (9’s/12’s): We are seeing a limited supply on 9ct. fruit this week as well as jumbo size fruit. Plenty of 12s, 15s and some 18s available. Overall quality is good and brix levels are ideal at a 12-14 range. Orders calling for 9ct fruit are having to sub into smaller fruit to cover orders as 9s are tight this week and will probably remain tight until we see volume increase from the Maricopa growing region in Arizona. Weather in the Maricopa growing region was calling for rain last Friday and Sunday. That could delay the harvest and drive the market up. Honeydews (4’s/6’s): We are at the end of the Westside season and Arizona has started off with light volume out of Maricopa. Overall quality of California fruit is good and brix levels range from 10-12. Larger size fruit is harder to find as we are seeing a limited supply. On the smaller fruit we are seeing a good supply of 6s and 8s. Maricopa, Arizona was expecting some rain last Friday and Sunday. This could delay the harvest, cause quality issues and also drive the market up as we transition from California to Arizona. 

PEARS– There are several states currently harvesting pears. As well as several varieties such as D’Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, Red Bosc, Seckle, and Forelle pears to choose from. The markets have been stable with all size ranges available. The quality has been excellent out of all growing regions with good sugar levels, decent pressure testing, and firm skin as to not bruise. 

TOMATOES– Markets are active as weather in the east is causing uncertainty about damages from these storms. There is about another 10-12 days left in California, with just average quality due to the summer heat. East Coast: The Quincy Florida region had recently started harvesting tomatoes in a light way. Early reports indicate that the region has now been devastated by hurricane Michael. North Florida and South Georgia are currently the heaviest tomato production areas for the east coast, and this storm will unfortunately have a major impact on all varieties. These growing regions are only 25 miles apart and received 6-12 inches of rain and winds exceeding 80 miles per hour. As the California season winds down, this was going to be the new area to provide fruit to the east coast. The path of the storm will result in a likely 2-3-week gap before central/south Florida has anything to harvest. Palmetto Florida, further south, was scheduled to start production by October 25 but it is too soon to know the status of their crop. At this time, there is little concern for winter production in the south-central part of the state, as the brunt of the storm made landfall further North West. Tennessee finished harvesting crown picks last week and will continue harvesting second and third pickings until their first frost. Tennessee is continuing to recover from previous rains and quality is only fair and volume is light from this area. Alabama and Michigan programs have finished their summer programs. It is likely that October will show a much stronger market with demand shifting entirely to the west, for as long as there is product there. West Coast: The market is growing stronger as Mexico expects heavy rains from tropical storm Sergio and Georgia/North Florida recovers from hurricane Michael. Additionally, California is nearing the end of their season and will be winding down operations over the next 3 weeks. Crossings from Mexico have been reduced from hurricane Rosa last week and Sergio expected this weekend. Mature green tomato prices up and firm while supplies shorten further from heat related issues. There is decent production of romas, but the demand is particularly heavy due to limited crossings from Mexico and those supplies are sold out for the week. Mexico has endured weeks of rain and currently assessing damage from Hurricane Rosa keeping what limited production there is in Mexico to cover national demand there. Both Baja and the east are in very short supply on roma, grape and cherry tomatoes at this time and the market is expected to stay active on these items headed into the first week of October until farming operations can recover. 

APPLES- The October 1st storage report came out of Washington showing an 11% smaller crop compared to the August 1st estimate. A couple notable points from this report: Reds and Grannies show a much smaller crop than originally estimated. Fujis also show 14% less than the August 1 report. We will see if prices will firm up as the season progresses. As we get further into the harvesting season for apples, more varieties are available. Such as Jonagolds, Braeburns, and Pink Ladies. The rest of the varieties are continuously being harvested. The size profile is still leading itself to 113ct and larger with the smaller sizes of 125ct and smaller will be limited as the rest of the season plays out. The storage crop is all finished. All states are in full swing harvesting with availability for local apples. The overall quality is excellent with a full line of grades, good sugar levels, and decent pressure testing. The market is steady with all varieties and sizes. 

QUEBEC ROMAINE / BLACK PLUMS / CASTLEFRANCO / SWEET POTATO SQUASH / CALIFORNIA POMEGRANITE / QUINCE / GREEN OLIVES / FORLELLE PEARS 

PORCINI from BC/ Washington. Big and beautiful. High elevation flush. Top quality.

BUTTON CHANTERELLE from BC. Now available. 

CHICKEN OF THE WOODS- From B.C. First of the season. 

PINE MUSHROOMS- From Oregon and B.C. Just starting.

CHANTERELLE- From B.C. (Haida Gwaii). Beautiful quality, bright orange. Stable prices. 

WHITE CHANTERELLE- From B.C. Starting now. Big meaty mushrooms.

LOBSTER- From BC. Top quality.

SUMMER TRUFFLES- From Spain/ Italy. 

POM POM- From BC. 

CAULIFLOWER- From BC. Season starting now.

SWEET TOOTH (HEDGEHOG)- From BC. Some available.

BURGUNDY TRUFFLES- From Italy. Available now.

WHITE TRUFFLES- From Italy. Should start this week. 

STARTING SOON: Bearstooth and Blue Cluster Chanterelle. 

FLAT BEANS / VALES SOVEREIGN POTATO / RED BELGIUM ENDIVE / FUYU (flat) and HAYCHIYA (pointed) PERSIMMONS / PRICKLY PEARS / SEVILLE ORANGES / CARA CARA ORANGES / BLOOD ORANGE / FLORIDA JUICE ORANGE / FIDDLEHEADS / RAMPS / ENGLISH PEAS / ONTARIO RHUBARB / APRICOTS / CHERRIES / RED CURRANTS / ONTARIO YELLOW PLUMS / GALIA MELONS / ONTARIO PEACHES / ONTARIO NECTARINES / ASIAN PEARS / ONTARIO GRAPES / ONTARIO PLUMS