DLJ Produce

Table Grapes

Red Seedless

The grand finale for the Mexico grape crop is upon us. Flame seedless still remains, with Sweet Celebration and Passions Fire still crossing, as well as a few Jack Salutes. But only another 7 – 10 days remain for the crop, pending how industry movement continues. Quality has been average to above average from Mexico, with slightly stronger fruit harvesting in Coachella still. Expect a fast finish to harvest but no guarantees supplies will finish as quickly. Central CA has started harvest in Arvin, with true harvest volume starting by the end of the week. Even at higher FOB’s, retailers may jump ship quickly for guaranteed quality and 19 lbs. of fruit. Expect Central CA to be off to the races by the week of the July 17th.

Green Seedless

Another week or so of Sugraone and Sweet Globe harvest in both Coachella and Mexico, as growers see the finish line for this seasons harvest. Good supplies are on hand in Mexico, showing slightly better quality and sugar levels then Coachella. With harvest continuing and current inventories, expect fruit to carry for another 10 – 12 days. Central CA is right around the corner, with the crop start on Ivory in Arvin. Continue to stretch the Mexico fruit as long as possible until Central CA gets underway.

Black Seedless

Mexico is almost on its finish of black seedless, with only a few Summer Royal left and Candy Dream also still continuing. Supplies will finish quickly as not a lot of fruit remain. Central CA will be slightly delayed to later in July for a start.

Red Globe

Red globes harvest started in a very light way, with demand exceeding supplies. This is expected to slowly increase over the next few days. Globe supplies will carry after seedless are done, with consolidation to Central CA to match that crop start. FOB’s will remain much higher than seedless.

Tree Fruit – Imports

Peach

Still a struggle and looking to stay that way. The East Coast crop shortage continue to put massive amounts of strain on Central CA harvest. We are progressing into July varieties that throw good harvest volume, but still remaining tight on supplies. White peaches are slightly easier due to lower demand. Avoid promotions on yellows until there is guaranteed volume, especially as FOB’s stay at record high levels. Hopefully local state crops in August slightly loosen up supplies.

Nectarine

July varieties of both yellow nectarine and Pearl varieties of white nectarine will be starting this week as weather has finally warmed. The ultimate goal is to help alleviate a little bit of the peach pressure. Quality and size look to remain outstanding, but seeing good solid demand as well. More supplies available compared to yellow peach, but definitely not flush with inventories as fruit is continuing to move at a brisk pace. Favor nectarines on ad, compared to peach, to avoid issues.

Plums / Pluots

Harvest volume has finally come on for this seasons plum crop. Quality is strong, but seeing some scarring and stem puncture due to growing conditions. Crimson Punch and Red Sangria make up most of the red plum volume, while Black Splendor still carry’s much of the black plum weight. Early mottled varieties of Pluot has begun as well to start that commodity. Expect supplies to build as we reach better volume in late-July.

Apricots

This is the end of conventional apricot varieties, as Patterson variety and growing region are reaching a finish, especially with this heat wave at the finish. Proprietary varieties will stretch into August, but eating quality will be less favorable then classic varieties.

Import Citrus

Clems

Clem volume will continue to start arriving from Chile, Peru and Uruguay on both coasts. Starting FOB’s are historically low for the first fruit of the season, driven by a late CA finish and expected good crop volume from Chile and other harvest regions. Promote, promote, promote from now through October… with the only possible lighter volume being between variety gaps. Recent heavy rains and weather may shorten the back end of the Chilean crop by 20%, but early reports are still waiting to finalize.

Oranges

The first arrivals of imported navels have started, just in time as California is on its last week of navel supplies. Import navels from Chile on the West should move at a good pace as demand will kick in. The quality looks good at the start… but recent weather in Chile may have an effect on total volume on the back end of the season. Promotional opportunities will remain August through October.

Lemons

South America lemons are due to start arriving to the East Coast this week, with our first West arrivals right behind. Expect to see the first import lemons landing the week of July 10th, pending pier release. Ready to transition right out of the gate to bring additional needed volume to the West Coast. District 2’s shortage will spell success for imports at the start. Chile will start with Argentinian fruit right behind it once arrivals start.

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.