Unloading backlogs at ports on both US coasts continue to delay arrivals of offshore produce. Border crossings from Mexico face fewer transportation issues and are in many cases filling the availability gap. Domestic growing areas, especially in Florida, are experiencing cold weather which is impacting harvests and product quality. Additionally, the severe winter weather in the northeast was delaying deliveries and the return of trucks to the area, creating some spot shortages of transportation. The expected bump in demand as more foodservice venues reopen has not yet materialized, since many businesses are taking a cautious approach towards buying as restrictions are relaxed.
Shipments of Peru asparagus continue to decrease and should drop sharply next week as the harvest season winds down for most growers. Trading remained moderate as port delays continued to limit supplies. Mexico supplies are expected to continue to increase seasonally, with continuing good weather creating perfect growing conditions. Trading was moderate on conventional asparagus but very active on organic at lower prices. Demand decreased due to inclement weather in the northern US which limited produce sales.
Table: USDA
Blueberry movement out of Chile is expected to continue to decrease to both east and west coast US ports due to a combination of very heavy rains in the growing areas and COVID-related delays for shipments and arrivals. With light supplies, trading was active at higher prices this week with a wide range in quality. Mexican blueberry crossings volumes are expected to remain about the same. Trading was active with prices generally unchanged to slightly lower and with variable quality.
Supplies of bell peppers from Mexico crossing through Nogales, Arizona are expected to increase seasonally. Trading was active to moderate at slightly lower prices, with light demand for heavy supplies of generally good quality. Mexican bell peppers crossing through Texas are in few hands, with very light supplies at much lower prices and of variable quality. Movement out of Central and South Florida is expected to continue to decrease slightly as some shippers face a gap in production, due mostly to weather issues. Harvest was running heavy to smaller peppers, while jumbo and extra-large supplies are fairly light, with prices trending lower for all sizes.
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