The produce industry’s preparation for the upcoming holidays is in full swing with increased demand for fresh fruits and vegetables expected at all market levels.
Further tightening of truck availability is expected due to many long-haul drivers prioritizing time with their families during the holidays over accepting loads for cross-country routes, despite continuing high freight rates and other incentives. The tight supply of short haul drivers at the harbors and ports is still impacting movement from the vessels and into the supply chain.
Mexican avocado crossings through Texas are expected to decrease slightly. Trading was fairly active on 60s and moderate on others with higher prices leading to lower demand. Grower-shippers attempting to harvest as much as possible ahead of the holidays, but supplies remain tight. A wide range in prices is reported as some fruit was picked early in the past few weeks.
Mexican blueberry crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas movement expected about the same. Trading was moderate at higher prices. Quality is reported as variable. The first report has been issued for Chilean imports of blueberries via boat through both various East Coast and West Coast ports of entry. Movement is expected to increase as harvesting increases in Chile, with current supplies in too few hands to establish a market for both coasts.
Movement of Peruvian imports of blueberries arriving through the Philadelphia and New York City areas via boat is expected to decrease as the season is past peak. Trading was fairly active at higher prices on conventional pints, while organics prices were lower and trading slow. Peruvian imports arriving through Southern California ports movement via boat is expected to decrease as the season is past peak. Trading on conventionally grown berries was fairly active but organic was very slow with prices unchanged on both. A wide range in quality and condition is being reported this late in the season.
