Market Report

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next week and we see the demand continue to exceed supply. We are continuing to source product from Mexico, Canada and other growing areas, but they just can’t keep up. Luckily, this should only last another 4 weeks or so. Then we should start seeing things get back to normal. This is more than I can say for the situation in Chile.

As you know, Chile had an 8.8 magnitude earthquake last weekend that centered about 70 miles northeast of Concepcion, the second largest city in Chile. Reports that we have been getting are very conflicting as Chile begins to assess the damages to the ports, roadways and production facilities after this catastrophic earthquake. It appears that the biggest hurdles will be getting the packaging for the products and getting them to the ports.

As it stands right now most Grape shippers are not taking any new orders as they evaluate what orders are already on the books, what product they have on the floor and what is already on the water. There will more then likely be a significant gap in the next few weeks on arrivals into the United States. This will effect the overall supplies and market for the remainder of March and into April. Mexican fruit will be available around the beginning of May so the remainder of the Chilean market will more then likely be very unstable. You are going to see Grape Prices in the forties next week and maybe even hitting fifty bucks Ð If we can get the product.

I would suggest you try some other fruits in the interim. I know it’s a transition time until the California Stone fruit hits shortly, but think Bananas, Oranges, Clementine’s, Pineapples, Pears, Asian Pears, Apples and even dried fruits.

Next.

Many of you have had questions regarding the citrus leaf quarantine affecting our ability to ship Keiffer Lime Leaves and Curry Leaves. The USDA quarantine that went into effect last month is due to the Asian Citrus Psyllid pest that carries the bacteria HLB, also known as citrus greening disease, now a very serious threat to the US citrus industry due to the fact that infected trees die with no cure. Because of this quarantine the growers and importers aren’t allowed to ship the product out. I don’t know when that will be lifted. Again, we have alternate product, call your sales rep for some ideas. Below are some more details:

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) is an invasive pest that causes serious damage to citrus plants and citrus plant relatives through its feeding activities. Burned tips and twisted leaves result from an infestation of psyllids on new growth. Even more serious is that psyllids act as a carrier of the bacterium that causes Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, also known as citrus greening disease, spreading the disease to healthy citrus plants as they feed. Citrus greening is one of the most serious citrus plant diseases in the world. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure. HLB is now a serious threat to the U.S. citrus industry. Infected trees produce fruit that are green, misshapen and bitter, unsuitable for sale as fresh fruit or for juice. Most infected trees die within a few years.

Once the Asian citrus psyllid picks up the disease, it carries it for the rest of its life. HLB is then spread by moving infected plant material, such as potted plants, bud wood and even leaves.

Ok, the other problem next week will be Onions. Spanish Onions (all sizes) have taken a $10 price jump. The storage onions are winding down but Mexico has not yet started in full force. The early crops from Mexico have a lot of trouble in them. If you see cheap prices on Onions, be careful. They will be wet and have quality issues. Look for deterioration on the product. They may look pretty on the outside, but they will be bad and not hold up.

Asparagus is trending slightly higher but the quality remains good and as a veggie, this is still a good deal. This is a seasonal price spike and should come down after the Easter and Passover Holidays. Beans are still tight and expensive but at least we are now getting adequate supplies to cover all our orders.

The Berry situation is also suffering from a combination of events this week. The Chilean situation has hurt the supply and the wild weather in California has prevented the fields getting into the fields to harvest the crops. You are going to see slightly higher prices on Blueberries,

Broccoli is also higher as is Cauliflower. Eggplant and Brussel Sprouts jumped up too. Corn is almost impossible to get as well for the next couple of weeks. We are in a growing season gap and the product isn’t around. Try to avoid it for a couple of weeks.

Citrus prices are consistent and we are seeing some lower prices on limes. Unfortunately the Cantaloupes and Honeydew prices took a jump for next week. Seedless Watermelons are very hard to find and the quality is only so-so.

Lettuce prices are the same. You can put together a nice salad with some beautiful specialty lettuces. We have over 25 different varieties including some packs of mixed varieties. Add some Micro Greens on top. Put on a few mushrooms and throw on some nuts and you have a beautiful salad without the Tomatoes. Great freshness, flavor and color.

I do have a few suggestions for next week. Potatoes, Yellow Squash, Zucchini and Spinach are all looking good and the price is right.

For your reading pleasure in today’s turbulent markets, I have added a little something that I found humorous:

“Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense. Sense had been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons such as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn’t always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Mr. Sense declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Finally, Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap, and was awarded a huge financial settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.”

Market Report archives

What am I?

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In fact, my various colors almost cover the entire rainbow including white, yellow, orange, red, purple, and black. I am produced around the globe largely in China, Poland, Japan, France, England and the Unites States. Need to soothe a burn? Use me in my raw form as a compress. I provide immediate relief. Bloated? Have menstrual cramps? Steer clear of your medicine cabinet, aim for the refrigerator and munch down a few of me. Interested in wine making? I come in handy there as well. But Wait! There’s more! I am commonly used in salads, appetizers, soups stews, quiches, soufflés, omelets, cakes, cookies or simply glazed with a little butter. I also make a fabulous juice. I am a dieters delight with my low calories, absence of fat, and 87% water content. I am rich in vitamin A and Potassium, and also contain small amounts of vitamin C, Thiamin, Folic Acid, and Magnesium. The oil I produce is rich in vitamin E. You may find me without my skin and top (although I hear he is doing stand-up comedy), but I’m still worth munching on anyway.

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What is the hottest chili pepper?

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Red Savina Habanero is believed to be the hottest chili pepper. This pepper originated in 1994 in the U.S.A. This pepper is twice as hot as your average orange habanero and 65 times hotter than the hottest jalapeno chile pepper.

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