After a two month hiatus, we are back out to our local retail stores, doing our research to see what market transitions and changes are happening in the produce industry. There are some signs of life of the seasonal shifts for hothouse, early stone fruit volumes are now available at the store level, and avocados from Mexico are still going strong. Many retailers are gearing up for Mother’s Day; we are seeing a tightening of the supply of trucks in California due to the Mother’s Day pull. Here’s some highlights from the end of April/Early May in the produce department:

Mangos – ataulfo and red varieties were the most prevalent in stores, with all product originating from Mexico. Many of the retailers had mangos on ad this week, with ample supplies for the market. Experts note that  movement this week is expected to be about the same as last for the nation. Quality and condition of the fruit is noted a variable, and crossings from Nogales are now including light volumes of haden.

 

 

Hot House – local greenhouse volumes of cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers are in good supply at the store level. On a national level, experts note that most growers in Mexico are finishing in the south and are starting production in the north; California has started shipping as well. Red pepper is becoming less and less available every week. Yellow pepper volume is lightening with some growers finishing. Supply on cucumber has increased. As for tomatoes, experts note that the market is steady for most varieties. Supplies out of Mexico continue to look good in terms of volume and quality. Florida also looks to be good with supplies, with their spring season in production. Demand is trending to be stronger for the coming weeks.

 

Melons – most product in the local market is still originating from Honduras, with this being especially true for cantaloupes and honeydews. Some stores had volumes of mini watermelons from Mexico. Experts note that these offshore supplies of cantaloupes and honeydews have approximately three weeks left and the Mexican desert supplies have gotten off to a slow start next week, which should mean there will be no gaps in supply. As for mini and large watermelons, the spring crop will bring big volumes to the market, which is already evident by the supplies we saw at store level this past week. Demand is trending to keep up with supply. Reports indicate that product is now being shipped from southern and northern Sonora Mexico, with good quality and condition for both regular and mini sizes.

So, that’s what we saw out at our local retail stores for this mid-Spring period. Remember, you can always contact our sales team  to discuss any of these noted changes to buying patterns, expectations and demand for new crops. We can help you with your operations and shifts in truck capacity!