Current Market News for the week of April 21, 2024 

FRUIT

Hass Avocados: Oil content is at the highest of the season, providing a rich and creamy avocado. Prices are expected to increase ahead of Cinco de Mayo, especially on larger sized fruit.

Seedless Watermelon: Pricing will drop substantially with more growers in Florida and Mexico producing. Quality is excellent!

Strawberries: Prices are lower with nice big berries as California production ramps up.

Blackberries: Supplies remain steady out of Mexico. 

Blueberries: Georgia started lightly; harvests are expected to ramp up. Mexico fruit will be available; pricing competitive.

Raspberries: Limited out of Mexico with high pricing. 

Pineapple: Supplies have been disrupted with container delays; limited fruit is available. Larger sized fruit is especially tight. This will last through April and into May.

California Cherries: The first should arrive in May. A huge crop is expected and then the transition into Washington in June.

Eastern Peaches: Expected from South Carolina and Georgia the second week of May. All regions reporting an excellent crop.

 

EGGS + DAIRY

The egg market remained stable. Butter finished the week unchanged. Block and barrel cheese are both higher as the markets closed Friday with big gains.

 

 

VEGETABLES

Round Tomatoes: Limited volume out of Florida and Mexico. Markets are expected to remain strong for the next few weeks.

Roma Tomatoes: The supply out of Mexico is dwindling. Florida volume is steady but pressure from limited round tomatoes is keeping prices high.

Grape Tomatoes: Steady, but Mexico production is predicted to slow in coming weeks.

Broccoli Crowns: The bulk of the supply will come from the Georgia and Florida. There is still West Coast and Mexican supply available.

Brussels Sprouts: There is still a strong supply from Mexico with excellent quality.

Lettuce: Supplies are scarce once again. Red and green leaf are reasonably priced, but the cost of Salinas Valley iceberg is higher. Higher prices are expected through April. Romaine and Romaine hearts are more limited.

Cauliflower: Production is steady, but prices are rising due to lower yields.

Celery: Expect reduced volume and higher costs for April and into May.

Red, Yellow, and Orange Bell Peppers: Promotable with great prices through April from Mexico and Canada.