RonnDa J. Peters – Strategic Dining

This Week’s Highlights – June 18, 2018

Green Beans – Overall quality and supplies are good.
Strawberries – Supplies and quality remain steady.
Blackberries & Raspberries – Demand exceeds supply as volume has dripped off from cooler weather.
Grapes – Volume is significantly lower due to weather events, and coloration is poor.
Iceberg – Markets are active due to lighter volume.
Peppers – Red & Yellow – Demand exceeds supply as production declines in the Coachella Valley, high temps could finish the crop early.
Watermelon – Supplies are limited as Mexico winds down, FL production is light, and GA is late to harvest from rain.

Asparagus – Supplies are steady and quality is good.
Strawberries – Supplies are plentiful, although wet weather may cause quality concerns.
Grapes – Volume and yield are significantly lower due to weather events.
Honeydew – The market is to remain strong and supplies tight for the next 10-14 days.
Cantaloupe – Growers are reporting a significant shift to larger size fruit. Quality is strong with good color and high Brix levels.
Tomatoes – Markets are strengthening on all varieties due to rain in Central Florida.

Blackberries & Raspberries – Demand exceeds supply as volume has dropped off from cooler weather.
Broccoli – Supplies are limited as the CA coastal crops are ahead of schedule, then halted by below normal temps.
Broccolini – Demand exceeds supply.
Blueberries – Supplies are below expectations due to the East Coast’s reduction of volume.
Potatoes – Sizing is heavy to 80-120 ct, making 40-70 ct supplies short and markets higher.
Asparagus – Supplies are steady and quality is good.
Squash – Zucchini and Yellow – Supplies are good and prices are low.

Blueberries – Supplies are below expectations due to the East Coast’s reduction of volume.
Broccoli – Supplies are limited as the CA coastal crops are ahead of schedule, then halted by below normal temps.
Green Bell Peppers – Demand exceeds supply.
Oranges – Tightened supplies of 113’s and smaller for both Navel grades.
Tomatoes – Active markets this week due to shorter supplies. Reminder: DO NOT store tomatoes in the refrigerator; refrigerated tomatoes loose flavor and become mealy in texture.

Grapefruit: Texas grapefruit is available, Florida Star Ruby/Red is available and California grapefruit has started. Good availability, flavor and pricing.
Oranges: Supplies are becoming extremely limited on smaller sizes as Navels wrap up before Valencias begin.
Mushrooms: Previous cold weather in all growing regions has disrupted supply for the next few weeks.
Peas – Snaps & Snows: Guatemala is ending soon and Peru is running behind; look for a potential 1-2 week gap.
Zucchini and Yellow Squash: Supplies cannot meet the demand and are expected to be tight for the next two weeks.
Carrots: Good quality and volume.