Produce movement and pricing trends remain mixed across key categories as spring approaches. While avocado and blueberry volumes from Mexico are steady, strawberries from Central Florida are beginning to decline seasonally. Meanwhile, cucumbers and green bell peppers from Mexico are seeing price fluctuations, and tomato shipments through Texas are increasing with notable price spikes. Here's a detailed look at the latest market activity.
Avocado
Movement from Mexico crossings through Texas is expected to remain about the same. Trading is moderate. Prices of conventional 60-70s and organic are higher, others are generally unchanged. Cartons 2 layers Hass 32s are mostly 84.25-86.25, 36s are mostly 82.25-86.25, 40s are mostly 71.25-75.25, 48s are mostly 71.25-75.25, 60s are mostly 63.25-66.25, 70s are mostly 44.25-48.25, and 84s are mostly 27.25-35.25; organic 48s are 84.25-86.25 and 60s are mostly 70.25-74.25. Extra services are included.
Blueberry
Movement from Mexico crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas is expected to remain about the same. Trading is moderate. Prices are generally unchanged. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids are mostly 16.00-18.00; 1-pint cups are mostly 30.00- 32.00. Quality is variable.
Strawberry
Movement from Central Florida is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading is slow as prices reflect very few new sales. Prices are higher on limited sales. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids medium are mostly 10.00-11.00. The quality is generally good. Movement from Mexico crossings through Texas is expected to remain about the same. Trading early was moderate, and late was slow. Prices are slightly lower.
Cucumber
Movement from Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona, is expected to decrease. Trading is moderate. Prices of small and large are slightly higher, others are higher. 1 1/9-bushel cartons medium are mostly 20.95, fair quality are 15.95-17.95, ordinary quality are mostly 10.95-12.95; small are mostly 13.95-14.95; large are mostly 18.95.
Green bell pepper
Movement from Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona, is expected to decrease. Trading is moderate. The price of extra-large and large are lower, medium are slightly lower, and others are generally unchanged. 1 1/9-bushel cartons extra-large are mostly 14.95-16.95, large are 12.95-14.95, medium are 8.95-10.95; irregular size fair quality are 7.95-9.95, small-medium fair quality are mostly 5.95-7.95. Quality is variable.
Tomato
Movement from Mexico crossings through Texas is expected to increase. Trading is fairly active. Prices are much higher. Vine Ripes cartons 2-layer 4x4-4x5s are mostly 20.95-22.95, 5x5-5x6s are mostly 22.95-24.95; 25-pound cartons loose 4x4-4x5 sizes are mostly 22.95-24.95, 5x5-5x6 sizes are mostly 24.95-26.95. The quality is generally good.
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