Produce shipments for the holidays wrapped up for the most part by the beginning of the week, with later arrivals not expected to be in place for shoppers until after the weekend. Sales at both shipping point and wholesale markets were largely demand driven, with some traditional holiday meal items reported to be moving briskly while many others remained flat. Many if not most truck drivers are expected to remain home for as much of the holiday season as they
can, and truck rates are reflecting that shortage with increases of as much as 102% over last week’s rates for some routes.
Mexican avocado crossings through Texas are expected to decrease slightly. Trading was fairly active on 48s and moderate on others at higher prices. Demand is reported as unusually strong for the holiday week, as light supplies keep prices high. Limited truck availability with rising freight rates is also hampering movement.
Mexican blueberry crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas movement expected about the same. Trading was moderate with prices generally unchanged. Quality is reported as variable.
Movement of Chilean imports of blueberries via boat through both various East Coast and West Coast ports of entry is expected to increase as harvesting increases in Chile, with current supplies in too few hands to establish a market for both coasts. The first F.O.B. price
report is expected within the next week. Movement of Peruvian imports of blueberries arriving through the Philadelphia and New York City areas via boat is expected to decrease as the season nears its end. Trading was fairly active at higher prices. Quality is reported as generally good for this late in the season. Peruvian imports arriving
through Southern California ports movement via boat is expected to decrease as the season is nears its end. Trading active at higher prices. Quality is reported as generally good, with port unloading delays, which had been causing aging issues, gradually improving.
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