Bondi Produce Market Report August 10th 2023

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK

Overview:

Cucumbers supply is slowly improving in the east as more local farms begin to harvest. Volume is also improving crossing through Texas and Otay Mesa. The hot pepper and tomatillo market remains very active with Sinaloa completed and Baja late to start. This is driving prices higher with strong demand on the Mexican national market keeping a majority of the Mexican crop in Mexico. California volume continues to ramp up on hot peppers. Tomatoes remain tight this week crossing from Mexico and volume in the east seems to be getting better in Alabama, Tennessee, and North Carolina, and California has slowed down due to the heat in the valley. Cantaloupe and honeydew production is now in full swing out of Firebaugh and Patterson, and we are seeing tight supply on pineapples and expect this to continue through October.

The shortage on large avocado fruit (48cts and larger) is expected to last into September, possibly longer. Unfortunately, this means most users will be sizing down where possible adding pressure to the 60ct and smaller markets. The next Mexico crop transition will be from Loca into Aventajada in September, and Peru programs transitioning back into Mexico. While the market will continue to adjust up & down week-over-week, the big downward adjustment we would like to see isn’t likely until Q4. Asparagus supplies remain minimal, especially on large and larger sizes. Mexico continues to face ongoing weather issues lowering yields, spear sizes, and seedy tips. Peru is beginning to transition from the north to the southern growing region, which is typical for this time of year, however, we won’t see these volumes until early September.