Spokane Produce

August 3, 2022

Market News

Apples – As Washington is nearing the end of the current crop on
several varieties, galas and golds are done and Fuji’s and pinks are
in short supply. California galas are the only crop currently until the
new gala crop that will start in 10 days to 2 weeks.
Asparagus – Demand is good and light supplies on both coasts.
Expect supplies to be limited for the next 4-5 weeks until Mexico
transitions to Sonora and Southern Baja with the largest area being
Constitucion.
Avocados – The market has reached the bottom. Flora crop is in
full production with supplies peaking. Overall, good quality and the
market is steady.
Bell Peppers – While Michigan and Ohio are now in full swing with
several southern areas still going with overall good quality, Oxnard
bells have started in a light way with another grower starting next
week out of Arroyo Grande. Western supply has improved with
newer regions starting out of Gilroy and Hollister. Prices are slightly
lower this week as more supply is available on both coasts. Expect
the market to decrease as supply increases.
Berries (Blackberries) – The demand for blackberries continues to
exceed supply for most shippers.
Berries (Blueberries) – It is expected that production will increase
in the Pacific Northwest over the next few weeks, putting downward
pressure on prices. Michigan and New Jersey are also producing
moderate numbers.
Berries (Raspberries) – Availability is still reasonably light on
raspberries. We expect production to increase in the last week of
August.
Berries (Strawberries) – All growing areas are in a downward
cycle based off of greater plant age. We are currently in a demand
exceeds supply market that is expected to last August through
September. New Oxnard crop will not arrive on the market until
the beginning of October. Central Mexico and Florida crops should
begin in mid to late October.
Broccoli – Salinas and Santa Maria supplies are plentiful. Expect
the market to be steady.
Brussels Sprouts – Supplies continue to improve. Expect better
quality and market to be steady going into the weekend.
Carrots – Supplies are plentiful with Bakersfield’s growing region
underway. The demand for carrot snack packs is increasing as
schools start back up.
Cauliflower – Salinas and Santa Maria supplies are good. However,
Mexico continues to experience pest pressures due to the heat and
humidity causing lower yields. Expect market to stay steady going
into the weekend.
Celery –Warm temperatures has created some seeders internally
within the plants. Otherwise, the overall quality is good and demand
is light to moderate. Expect steady availability in both Salinas and
Southern California for the week.
Citrus (Lemons) – Central Valley is finished and Oxnard/Ventura
County is now the main growing region. A gap is expected
between growing regions. Harvesting will end early-June and new
crop production will start early November. Expect good quality and
supplies steady.
Citrus (Limes)– Prices have increased. Quality is adequate;
shippers continue to grade for quality.
Citrus (Oranges) - Supplies of all sizes are extremely tight
throughout the season. Expect good quality and pricing to be
steady.
Cucumbers – Strong supplies on both coasts, overall quality is
good.
Eggplant – Eggplant supply is adequate on both coasts. Eggplant
will further transition north out east. Expect better volume next
week out of North Carolina, Michigan, and New Jersey. Supplies
are steady out of Fresno; the heat has reduced overall yields.
Garlic – The garlic supply remains tight and China’s
imports will help offset it in a minor way. In the next few
weeks, the new California crop for 2022 will begin.
Overall, the quality is good and the price is higher.
Grapes (Green) – Excellent quality and good volume on
green grapes. The market is steady.
Grapes (Red) – Excellent quality and good volume on
red grapes. The market is steady.
Green Onions – Green Onion supplies are starting
to get slightly limited with the incremental weather in
Mexico. Look for this market to be up slightly going into
next week.
Kale – Steady supplies are keeping this market level.
Look for this market to continue to stay steady going
into the weekend.
Lettuce (Iceberg) – Although common defects are
being reported, the market is steady. Expect moderate
production throughout the week.
Lettuce Leaf – Warm temperatures has affected
romaine. However, romaine hearts have moderate to
good availability as demand is off. Expect steady
supplies for the rest of the week.
Lettuce Tender Leaf – Supply is good with fair quality
with size and texture. Expect the market to continue to
stay steady on all items except for cilantro going into the
weekend.
Melons (Cantaloupe) – The market is steady on limited
supplies. The quality has been good.
Melons (Honeydew) – The market is steady on light
supplies. Quality has been mixed.
Melons (Watermelon) – Watermelon demand exceeds
supply.
Mushrooms – Pricing and availability remain steady.
Onions – As California and New Mexico are in their final
weeks of shipping, the Northwest season will be starting in
two weeks. The market is low.
Pears – Good supplies and excellent quality on California
bartletts. Washington will start harvest in 2-3 weeks.
Pineapples – Due to the storm season in the tropics, there
is a light volume of pineapples.
Potatoes – . Demand exceeds available supply.
Washington started harvesting in light way. Idaho will gap
between storage and new crops.
Squash – Supplies are plentiful on both coasts. Over the
next few weeks, expect the same.
Stone Fruit – Good quality and availability on California
stone fruit.
Tomatoes – Weather-related issues have affected supply
along the east coast, but overall supply remains steady.
Mexican supplies are also steady. Due to drought and
water allocations, California tomatoes have moved farther
north and supply will improve, but overall acreage is down
this year. There is a steady supply of Oceanside tomatoes
available. In the coming weeks, we can expect fairly steady
markets.