This report summarizes volume trends and spot market prices for key seasonal perishable commodities based on sales by first handlers of generally good-quality produce.
Asparagus
Mexican movement through Calexico and San Luis is expected to decrease. Trading began fairly active, then turned moderate. Prices are higher: 11-pound cartons jumbo $36.75–38.75, large $34.75–36.75, standard mostly $32.75–34.75. Peruvian imports through Southern California are increasing, though supplies remain insufficient to set a market. Washington's harvest begins in mid-April.
Avocado
Mexican movement through Texas remains steady. Early trading was moderate, late fairly slow. Conventional 36s and 70s and organic 60s–70s are steady; other sizes are lower. Hass 2-layer cartons: 32s $80.25–82.25, 36s $78.25–80.25, 60s $58.25–60.25, 84s $28.25–30.25. Organic 48s $82.25–84.25, 70s $52.25–54.25. From California, movement is slightly up. Conventional 32–48s are lower, and 6 and 0–70s are higher. Organic 48s are mostly $84.25–86.25.
Cucumber
From Nogales, movement is steady. Trading moderate; prices much lower. 1 1/9-bushel cartons medium mostly $14.95–16.95, fair quality $10.95, ordinary $5.95–6.95. Small $6.95–8.95, large mostly $12.95–14.95. Cartons 24s $4.95–6.95, 36s $7.95–9.95. From Texas, movement is decreasing. Medium mostly $18.95–21.95, ordinary $11.95–13.95.
Green bell pepper
Nogales movement is down. Trading is active; prices are much higher. 1 1/9-bushel cartons extra-large mostly $20.95, large $18.95, medium $12.95–14.95. Florida's movement is steady. Jumbo and extra-large are mostly $20.00–21.35, and large is $16.00–17.35.
Strawberry
From Mexico via Otay Mesa, movement is steady. Prices are much higher. Flats of 8 1-pound containers medium are $8.00–12.00; organic $12.00–16.00. Oxnard and Santa Maria volumes are increasing. Medium mostly $12.00–14.00; organic $16.00–18.00. Texas prices are $8.00–10.00. Central Florida supply is limited. Salinas-Watsonville mostly $12.00–14.00.
Tomato
Nogales movement steady, trading moderate, prices much lower. Vine Ripes 2-layer 4x4s $7.95–9.95, 5x6s $8.95–9.95. 25-pound loose 4x4–4x5 $9.95–10.95. From Texas, movement is decreasing. 2-layer 4x4–4x5s mostly $8.95–9.95, 25-pound loose mostly $10.95–11.95.
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