DLJ Produce

Table Grapes

Red Seedless

The August 19th – 21st rains are still being assessed, but the widespread rain falls and heavy amounts could be a death sentence for the red seedless crop. CA went from looking forward to a very positive season to being a force majeure demand-exceeds situation overnight. The true damage is still pending, but expect an extreme shortage of red seedless. The damage is extensive on almost all varieties and no fruit was covered due to lack of advance notice. Jack Salute and Krissy faired the worst, with Scarlet Royal trying to harvest now. DO NOT PUT RED SEEDLESS IN PRINT. Supplies will be available, but the market will increase almost weekly and over 50% of the fruit that will be harvested will not make even the easiest retail or wholesale markets.

Green Seedless

Same the thing on green seedless. Sweet Globe and Ivory took a whooping and almost no Pristine seedless were covered in time for the rain. Most export Autumn Crisp late season fruit is a complete loss. Insurance claims will be filled. Autumn King MAY have taken the rain, but crops in the south Valley are showing extensive loss if there was already mildew damage. Some isolated spots in the north Valley faired better on green seedless but the demand will be through the roof for good green seedless and will demand a premium. AVOID RUNNING GREEN IN PRINT. FOB pricing will increase moving into September and October once crop volume is decreased.

Black Seedless

Black seedless are in trouble. Summer Royal and early varieties are done. South Valley is starting Autumn Royal on Monday but it depends on how that crop holds considering the rain. Nothing was covered and all exposed to heavy rain. Expect some light volume, but avoid ad promotions until total remaining crop volume can be assessed.

Red Globe

Throw in the towel. Crop was already short prior to the rain due to extensive heat damage. Now with the weather, the small amount of remaining fruit will demand a huge premium for export.

Tree Fruit – Imports

Peach

The same goes for the stone fruit crop as for the grapes. Yellow peach faired the worst. Staining due to rains will lead to brown rot in the field. Even with the largest growers, pack out loss will be exacerbated by warm temps. Only another 4 – 6 weeks remained, but expect that window to close and not allow for any promotional volume. Growers will struggle to keep up with any previous commitments and pull anything possible. Expect to limp through as the market permits. White peaches are done for the season, as the rains will put a stop to any remaining late season varieties.

Nectarine

Demand exceeds and will finish quickly as we were already on the last varieties of both yellow and white nectarine for the season. Rain damage will be present with staining and streaking. Most of the remaining pack days will go down the cull shoot to be processed for value added. Pull any remaining promotions as we are at the finish line.

Plums / Pluots

Plum and remaining pluot varieties will fair best to rain, but still see some decreased pack outs due to splits and cracking. All growers were moving onto the last late-season varieties like Flavor-Fall and Black Kat that will hold up better to wet growing conditions. Expect plums to continue but FOB’s will jump up as growers assess total crop loss and how far it will continue.

Import Citrus

Clems

We have moved into mostly all late-season clementines or Murcott variety moving forward. Peru and Uruguay will finish, with Chile being the volume for the back of the season. Demand is strong and movement is good, keeping current inventories light on hand. More fruit will continue to arrive. Another round of heavy rains and flooding in Chile will likely shorten up the back end of the crop. FOB’s will slowly increase now due to good demand, then jump in October as arrivals volumes will slow down. Be cautious on promoting in November as we expect to see an early finish due to the lighter crop volume.

Oranges

Promote on all sizes, but especially large bulk. Fruit is peaking on 48’s and 56’s allowing for a good time period to push volume for the next 5 – 6 weeks. 72s and smaller are lighter in volume, but there will still be bagging fruit available and likely subbing larger as needed based on fruit size. FOB’s have continued to peak at a marketable level to allow for movement. Like clems, the back end will lighter and promo volume will finish in early October and allow the crop to finish in late October / early November.

Lemons

Imported lemons remain firm, with solid demand and a pretty open pipeline needing to be filled. With CA being a struggle due to quality, FOB pricing has remained much higher than previous seasons. Argentina will see the finish of their crop and focus will move to Chile to carry the most volume for the next few months. Be wary of demand creating a tight market for the time being. 115’s and larger will be a tight item, as size is a struggle. More focus on smaller bagging sizes will be seen on upcoming arrivals. Rains will shorten the back end; some supplies may peak in September but expect October to firm back up and be short.

DLJ Produce is home to the finest and freshest produce nationwide. Our customers depend on our produce 365 days a year coast to coast. If you want to discuss fruits, vegetables, cold storage, organic produce, or simply want to chat, give us a call today.