Here's a look at today's news!
Tomatoes--this defies gravity. Florida is virtually wiped out for much of the winter, but the tomato market has hit rock bottom this week. Vine ripe tomatoes out of Mexico are flooding the market and prices are much lower. Roma tomatoes are a bargain also, while grape tomatoes are on the high side. Don't expect this pattern to last long. There is already pressure on the tomato market to raise prices, so this weekend could be the bottom of the market.
Strawberries --California is out of the game for awhile and could adversely affect the market if a new wet weather front hits this weekend. Here's what one periodical had to say.
(UPDATED COVERAGE, Jan. 26) Southern California strawberry grower-shippers suffered a series of storms barreled through the state that could keep them from harvest until late in the week of Jan. 25 — placing Valentine’s Day promotions into jeopardy.
The rain started with a few showers Jan. 17, bringing some torrential downpours by the time the wet weather went away Jan. 22. An estimated 6 inches of rain to parts of Ventura County, where Oxnard growers didn’t expect to be picking again until late in the week of Jan. 25.
Even with California temporarily out of the picture, Florida berries have come back from their freeze and volumes are high. Prices are a bargain this weekend, though this too might not last too long.
Asparagus--new crop Mexican asparagus is picking up steam, and 28 pound cases will be available next week for a tad over $2/lb. This trend should continue for awhile. A good time to put asparagus back on your menu.
Cucumbers--both slicers and seedless cukes are lower this week. Mexico, once again, carries the load as supplies begin to increase.
Limes--the market is retreating for limes out of Mexico after hitting their high point last week.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash--usually follow each other when it comes to prices, but strangely enough they are going in opposite directions. Zucchini is quite reasonable in the mid teens, while yellow squash is over $30. Now isn't that something!
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( 0 / 0 )There's been quite a bit of downward price movement in the last week, which should ease the jitters some. The effects of the Florida freeze is settling down a bit and prices are seeking new and better (for us) levels. I imagine the maturing of Mexican product is spearheading much of these changes. Tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini have dropped several dollars over the past few days. California strawberries have filled the gap nicely, while we wait for Florida berries to regain their stride. The biggest issue out there now is the rainstorms pelting California. This the second of two big storms that will are drenching the fields. The timing is poor, here, since California commodities have been quite reasonable lately. Here's a closer look:
Lettuce--prices have settled down nicely, as favorable weather over the past two weeks has enabled product to mature nicely. It wasn't too long ago that romaine and iceberg were in the $40-$50 range. Most lettuces are now under $20, and quality continues to improve. Unfortunately rain has invaded the desert and is supposed to continue through Saturday. This could cause interruptions in the harvest, which we could see by the end of next week. Stay tuned!
Broccoli and Cauliflower--both vegetables are in a supply exceeds demand situation and prices are quite reasonable. Almost all the production is from California so we'll have to see if the rain affects prices here.
Strawberries--rain could be a problem here. These large, new crop, spring berries were beginning to ripen nicely (the first few shipments had white shoulders), and it was quite convenient to be able to shift to California while the Florida berries recuperate from the freeze. Florida berries are beginning to work there way back to the marketplace and we might shift back and forth depending on how things sort themselves out.
Collards and Mustards--for you greens lovers out there (I'm one) Georiga product was frozen in last weeks freeze and product has shifted to Texas. The quality is superb, though prices are much higher.
Celery--a shortage of product from California and Florida has caused the market to climb. There may not be relief in sight until February. Anise/fennel is in the same boat.
Green and Red Peppers--red peppers are quite reasonable as product is available from both Mexico, Florida and Spain. Green peppers after rising quickly post freeze are beginning to retreat.
Mangoes--it's been awhile since I've been able to recommend mangoes, but these Kent mangoes from Peru get my stamp of approval.
Green beans and corn--are both in extremely short supply and very expensive. Shift to other vegetables if you can, as this shortage could last until spring.
Grapes--from Chile are finally coming along as prices drop over $10 per carton. This trend should continue and quality should begin to improve.
Blueberries--another Chilean crop that is in full swing. Prices are very reasonable for the dead of winter (here), and quality is quite tasty.
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( 3 / 5 )Can you imagine taking your only week's vacation and going to sunny Florida in January only to experience evening temperatures in the mid 20 degree range. You poor thing! I'm sure we all empathize. 40 degrees in Michigan is way better than 40 degrees in Florida.
So what happened to the produce in Florida, you ask? First of all, nothing grows in cold weather so even if there was no damage, prices were going to escalate as all supplies shifted to Mexico, who is not ready to supply the whole country. Strawberries, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, sweet corn, and tomatoes, have all taken a hit from the freeze and prices have escalated across the board. It is being reported that Florida has virtually lost its winter corn, green bean and much of its squash crop. The Florida, juice orange crop, has lost about 10% of its crop due to the cold weather. Actually this is being touted as one of the worst freezes since the big freeze of 1989-1990. Twig and leaf damage could be severe enough to affect next years orange crop. Orange juice futures have been on a wild ride, reaching all time highs last week and quickly dropping as the freeze was a bit less than naysayers predicted. Green peppers and tomatoes seem to have been affected greatly due to the cold weather, and will probably show further price issues in the days and possibly months ahead. Greens in Georgia have also suffered, as mustard greens now shift to Texas and prices are higher. Collards are a bit tougher and may have come out okay. Strawberries have a way of rebounding after a freeze, and California berries will help pick up the slack. Luckily southern California weather has cooperated and the spring strawberry crop is progressing nicely to ease pressure from the Florida freeze.
Stay tuned for further updates!
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( 3 / 34 )We, at Frog Holler, want to wish all of you a healthy and prosperous new year. We appreciate and are thankful for the opportunity to service you, and hopefully our relationship will grow in the upcoming years. We encourage feedback as to how we are doing, so don't be shy.
I'm glad the holidays are over so we can get back to "normal weeks."
It might take a week or so for produce prices to seek their true levels, since winter weather often is a major factor in availability and price. As we speak, Florida is experiencing a cold snap which is not making those vegetables (and tourists) happy.
Here's a look at what is happening today.
Strawberries--Florida usually comes on strong in January once the holiday push is over with, though the cold weather down there currently is slowing the ripening of the berries. A large percentage of Florida berries are grown in Plant City which is looking at 5 consecutive nights of freezing weather. We'll know much more about the prognosis of the crop for the upcoming months, in about a week after the last freeze.
Here's an excerpt from a produce news source about Florida and how the cold is effecting the berries:
Florida growers brace for winter freeze
Doug Ohlemeier
Growers are preparing fields for more below-freezing weather this week. Temperatures in Florida's strawberry-growing area dipped to 31 degrees. Forecasts call for temperatures to drop as low as 24 degrees Jan. 8
(UPDATED COVERAGE, 10:15 a.m.) PLANT CITY, Fla. — Florida strawberry growers say they escaped damage during the first night of an expected week of overnight freezing temperatures.
For five nights, weather authorities forecast central Florida temperatures to fall below freezing for central Florida’s strawberry growing region around Plant City.
From Jan. 4-8, temperatures are forecast to hit in the low- to mid-20s with 24 degrees predicted for the early morning hours of Jan. 8.
The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings and temperatures fell to as low as 26 degrees during the early morning hours of Jan. 4.
Growers sprayed water on fields to protect crops from freezing.
Wow, keep your eyes on the weather channel.
What could mitigate a temporary gap in Florida berries could be some progress in the new California crop. The "spring" California crop begins slowly in Oxnard this month, though January is one of the smallest supply months of the California season. Those berries are often quite large and new varieties are being touted as being "more flavorful." The proof will be in the pudding.
Broccoli--markets are much weaker as we enter January. A good veggie to promote for awhile. Cauliflower is behind the curve here as prices remain a tad high.
Celery--prices skyrocketed for the holidays and they have already come back down to earth. Naked celery is back down to around $30 down from almost $50 for the last couple of weeks. Anise on the other hand has been around $50 also and is still up there.
Tomatoes--continue to be less expensive, especially for grape tomatoes and roma tomatoes. Mexican vine ripes have shown a significant drop in price leaving just Florida 5x6 tomatoes as the last expensive tomato standing. This cold weather will not improve the situation.
Green Beans--I forgot to mention that not only has Florida had cold weather, but some wet weather also, which has affected the green bean crop. Prices are much higher. Some fresh cut packers have temporarily raised the price of their clipped beans also.
Garlic--here's a story. The last few years the Chinese government has subsidized the Chinese garlic industry as prices here were unbelievably low. Even with their cheap labor prices were under the cost of production. I believe I read where China produces about 80% of the world's garlic. Other countries, i.e. USA and Argentina have planted less product since they couldn't compete, and whammo a recession kicks in. China planted significantly less garlic, and they're keeping more of it at home thinking that taking it is effective in warding off H1N1. Maybe so, but garlic prices have jumped considerably since last year. Some help will come with the Mexican crop in early spring, though Mexico is not the player in the garlic world it once was. Local growers take note and plant more garlic.
Arugula--once again, Florida weather is wreaking havoc on arugula which has become a staple on many menus. B&W, our regular source is out of action for maybe another week, and Texas has had weather issues of its own (mostly cold) and is not shipping any product currently. We're trying what we can to bring in any arugula product, baby or otherwise. Sorry for the inconvenience.
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( 3 / 61 )As the holiday approaches, markets are beginning to flush out where the supply-demand curve will lead prices. The Christmas week is another huge food holiday which usually causes prices to rise. This year is no exception. Here's a look into our crystal ball.
Berries--up, up and away! Florida strawberries lead the strawberry brigade and prices are higher. The good news is that each shipment seems to be a bit more mature, with larger berries and better color. Prices should recede quickly after the holidays. Raspberries are very tight and controlled by the Driscol Empire. Prices are in the high $40's for Mexican berries. Blueberries are inching upwards, though they are reasonable, and blackberries are moving north, also.
Grapes--Brazil and Peru are bridging the gap between California and Chile green grapes. They are in the right place at the right time this year as prices for perlettes and sugarones are very high. There are still some red and black seedless grapes out of California, though Peruvian Flame grapes have entered the market.
Broccoli and Cauliflower--are rising solely due to holiday demand.
Anise--prices seem to be going through the roof this year. I've seen prices already quoted in the $40's next week for small sizes.
Green Beans--another vegetable prized at the dinner table for the holidays. Prices are higher here for good quality beans.
Lemons--prices inch up a bit as most product shifts to Arizona for the winter. Quality is good!
Limes--prices are up a few dollars here, also.
Red, Yellow and Orange Peppers--product is being sourced from Spain as we wait for Mexican product to kick in. Prices are higher!
There is good news out there, also, as we approach the new year!
Tomatoes--the tomato market is starting to free fall. Grape tomatoes and Florida tomatoes lead the way, with Mexican vine ripes following behind. Next week should show some serious improvement.
Lettuce--good news here, too. Iceberg lettuce leads the way as prices fall under $30. Other lettuce varieties are falling also as the Yuma deal catches up to demand.
Green Peppers and Eggplant--Florida and Mexican product compete for business and demand is not affected much by the holiday.
Remember, it's basically a red holiday.
It's local somewhere!
Say hello to the beginning of the Texas growing season. Texas does a wonderful job growing greens such as parsley, bunch beets, arugula, dandelion greens, dill, swiss chard, cilantro and cabbage. We're also procuring our juice oranges and some ruby grapefruit from the lone star state.
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