APPLES Prices are unchanged. The Michigan Golden Delicious season is over; Storage crop Washington Braeburn, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Red Delicious Apples are available. Quality is very good.
ASPARAGUS Markets are elevated and poised to climb further. Quality is typical of late season crops, with elevated levels of seeder/feathered tips. Large sizes are snug. Mexican production is minimal; the new crop Mexicali season may be delayed by cold weather. Peruvian volume is helping to weaken demand for Mexican supplies but a looming container shortage could limit imported supplies.
AVOCADOS The market is level; all sizes are readily available. Quality is very good.
BELL PEPPERS Green bell prices are up. The California season has ended, while the transition to Mexican supplies has been slow due to previous poor weather. Stocks are adequate in Southern Florida. California red bell pepper supplies are snug. More consistent volume is forecast after the holidays.
BLACKBERRIES The market is level. The California season has ended; fruit will be sourced through Mexico for the winter. Quality is average and will improve as the season progresses.
BLUEBERRIES Prices are low. Mexican berry volume is high. Chilean and Peruvian shipments are arriving into U.S. ports. Quality is very good; berries are plump and sweet.
BROCCOLI Supplies are widely available, but demand is strengthening; markets are steady at slightly above-average levels.
CANTALOUPE Prices are rising; demand exceeds supply. Central American melon supplies are extremely limited following the effects of Tropical Storm Sara. The domestic season has ended; packer-label fruit is being shipped.
CAULIFLOWER Markets are elevated; overall stocks are tight yet should increase as warm weather is forecast this week. Quality is good, but head size is small.
CELERY Expect active prices through the end of the year due to strong holiday demand. Yuma growers will harvest a short season in January/February. Quality is very good; disease pressure is minimal.
CHILI PEPPERS Markets are stable. Volume is average out of mainland Mexico. Florida supplies are erratic due to the effects of past hurricanes. Anaheim, Habanero, Jalapeno, Pasilla, Red Fresno, and Serrano Chile Peppers are available.
CUCUMBERS Prices are low due to decreased demand and ample supplies. Volume is high in Sinaloa, Mexico and stocks are increasing in South Florida. Quality is very good. Honduran imports will start entering Florida in late December.
GRAPES The California season is ending; the market is elevated. Offshore delays are being reported; expect limited stocks for the next two weeks.
GREEN LEAF Prices are low; supplies are abundant in the Arizona-California desert growing region. Quality has improved due to warmer weather.
HONEYDEW Markets are climbing; demand exceeds supply. Central American melon supplies are extremely limited following the effects of Tropical Storm Sara. The domestic season has ended; packer-label fruit is being shipped.
ICEBERG Prices have eased in the Arizona-California desert. Quality has improved; warmer weather has increased growth and head weights.
LEMONS The market is fairly steady. Domestic stocks are ample; 165- through 235-count sizes dominate the crop.
LIMES Prices are rising as volume declines. Production will be minimal next week as harvesting crews take time off in observation of the Christmas holiday. Supplies are dominated by large, 110- through 150-count supplies. Small, 200- to 250-count fruit is extremely limited. This week’s rain may lead to increased percentages of oil spotting, scarring, and stylar.
ONIONS The market is unchanged. Available supplies are dominated by medium and jumbo sizes. White jumbos are limited. Quality is excellent.
ORANGES Prices are low for small sizes and elevated for large fruit. Growers are shipping out of Arizona, California, Florida, and Mexico. Overall quality is very good.
PEARS Pacific Northwest markets are high. Growers expect low volume for the whole season; the crop is dominated by large sizes. Quality is excellent.
PINEAPPLES The market is level; supplies are sufficient. Quality is very good; fruit is firm yet juicy.
RASPBERRIES Prices are stable; stocks are adequate. Size is dominated by medium berries. Quality is good; occasional issues include leaky fruit with light crumbling (individual cells separate from the berry).
ROMAINE Markets are low; supplies are abundant in the Arizona/California desert growing region. Quality has improved due to warmer weather.
STRAWBERRIES The market is steady to slightly higher. The Santa Maria and Oxnard seasons are ending. Mexican supplies have increased and are meeting demand. The Florida stocks remain limited; low temperatures are inhibiting growth and keeping volume low.
TOMATOES Prices are escalating. East Coast stocks are scarce. The seasons in Baja and Central Mexico are winding down; quality issues are increasing. Production is just getting started in Sinaloa; supplies will increase in another 10-14 days.
TREE FRUIT California nectarines, peaches, and plums will not be harvested until next year. The offshore season will begin in mid-January.
WATERMELON The market is elevated. Stocks remain tight in all growing regions. Offshore shipments are not available at this time. Quality is fair; color is light and sugar levels are low.
ZUCCHINI Prices are dropping quickly due to abundant supplies and weak demand. New crop harvesting is now established in South Florida and Sinaloa, Mexico. Quality is very good.
