DLJ Produce

Table Grapes

Red Seedless

Red seedless will continue to be a problem this week and next, as the empty pipeline immediately drained any arrivals to the West Coast on the first vessel last week. With limited amounts of Peru arriving to the West, along with port-related issues in South America, this trend of limited to no supplies is expected to continue. The next Chilean vessel is due to the West on Friday 1/21, with the following vessel 5 – 7 days later. Supplies of red seedless are moderate and starting to increased, but not enough to meet demand in foreseeable future. Expect some red seedless supplies in a limited way when vessels arrive, but gaps in between boats. FOB’s will remain exceedingly high and no ad volume expected until mid to late February.

Green Seedless

Green volume finally saw its first arrival last week, with the first Chilean vessel to the West, but that may be short-lived. High demand has already cleaned up most supplies of the new arrival. The following vessels appear to be lighter on green seedless. This will help keep a demand-exceeds supply market in place. Avoid promoting greens, as the green market will likely get tighter then the red over the next couple weeks. Going into February, expect promotable supplies not until the end of the month. Availability will be gappy between vessels.

Black Seedless

The first arrivals of black seedless will start in a limited way with Sweet Favor and Sweet Sapphire. Very limited in volume and not enough to program out regularly. This will increase over the next couple weeks going into February. Avoid retailing until guaranteed supplies increase as the current volume is only enough to cover limited day to day supply.

Red Globe

Red Globes will stay non-existent on the West Coast. The lack of Peruvian containers means almost no arrivals. Any red globes in the US are destined to the East Coast, in limited supply. That limited supply is what is keeping transfers from East – West being feasible. Peruvian growers will continue to only ship seedless varieties due to the higher FOB’s and bigger demand, leaving globes on the vine or shipping to other foreign markets. Red globes will not get easier until Chile begin arriving with fresh harvest in mid-March.

• 

Tree Fruit – Imports

Cherries

Vessel cherries will continue to arrive to both coasts over the next 2 weeks, then a fast drop off going into February. Quality is typical of vessel fruit, with pitting being a common cause for concern at retail receiving. FOB prices have bottomed out for the season, being at their lowest marketable price due to a combination of volume arriving and quality needs to move through the crop. Argentinian air flights will continue for another 2 – 3 weeks at a much higher FOB for retailers and wholesalers focused on better quality. Promote for another 10 – 14 days, then time to pull the plug as volume falls of the table.

Peaches / Nectarines

Supplies of Chilean vessel stone fruit have begun on both coasts. Mostly yellow peach and yellow nectarine, with limited supplies of white starting on the early side. The sizing structure is peaking on 56 size trays, along with 60/68 size volume fill. 40 series fruit is limited due to early varieties not throwing larger sizing structures. This will increase as the season progresses and allow for larger fruit to hit for promotable time periods of February and March. With light arrivals so far, it is okay to promote in a light way on peach and nectarine as long as size structure is noted. Apricots will continue for another few weeks. No update from Chile yet on if any plum or pluot will be allowed for export this season.

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.