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Commodity Updates

Jul 6, 2017

Bell Peppers (Western) Berries (Raspberries)

Green Bell Pepper are finishing in Coachella and Unfortunately, raspberry supplies will be getting snug again.
production in Bakersfield is improving, very good quality We expect to see availability become increasingly limited
currently, peaking and large, XLarge and Jumbo sizes. over the next 3 weeks. Shippers were hoping for better
Number 2 choice will become more available as heat starts availability this week, but harvest estimates have been
to effect the quality. Red bell pepper are becoming much decreasing as peak season has past and production is now
more limited as Coachella is finished early due to heat down trending. We do not anticipate any major disruption
and Bakersfield has limited production. Better demand on in order fulfillment, but supplies will be snug. The new cycle
choice grade followed by #1 25lb and 15lb, Yellow bells are of raspberries are expected to come into peak in August.
very limited on field grown in California. Quality should remain consistent and demand has been
strong. Market prices are expected to increase slightly this
Berries (Blackberries) week and remain firm next week.

Berries (Strawberries)
Blackberry supplies continue to be steady with good
availability in Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria. North
Carolina and Georgia production have been more limited. Strawberry production
Pacific North West production will start at the end of July. is finally improving after
Quality is expected to remain solid with good color, size a rough patch due
and flavor. Market prices have been steady. We expect to to weather. Salinas /
have good availability through the month of Jul with another Watsonville growing
peak in production in August. regions are expected to
be consistent for the next
Berries (Blueberries) 3-4 weeks. The weather is
forecasted to be mild with
highs in the 70’s and cool morning fog. Quality is improving
Blueberry supplies have been very limited for the last 3 and we should have a good range of sizes depending on
weeks as we have been waiting on the Pacific North West variety. Market prices have been escalated due to limited
to begin harvest. Shippers finally broke harvest last week supplies, but they will decline slowly as the week moves
and we had our first arrival in Salinas / Watsonville toward forward. Next week should bring some promotable volumes
the end of the week. Unfortunately, production has not and spot buy opportunities. Santa Maria harvest is declining
ramped up as quickly as we would have liked and we are and quality is fair.
still facing challenges this week with order fulfillment. Better
supplies are available if you load direct in Oregon, however,
Salinas / Watsonville will continue to be limited this week. Broccoli
All shippers are anticipating better production next week.
Quality has been reported as very good on the new We are looking at a supply gap out of Mexico which is
harvest. Market prices remain escalated and firm. On the causing pressure out of California. But supplies this week
east coast, New Jersey supplies have been light as weather out of California have decreased and we will see an upward
and labor have been major issues with the crop production. trend to the market. Quality remains really good with
Michigan started harvest last week and we expect volume minimal yellowing, decent crown size, and consistent bunch
to continue to increase moving forward. Quality is being size as well. We will see this trend into next week.
reported as excellent. Price have been firm.

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