DLJ Produce

Table Grapes

Red Seedless

Mexico will remain the main focus for the red seedless grape crop, as Coachella struggles on promotable volume. Mexico will remain focused on the tail end of the Flames, with a good mix of Arra29 / Passion Fire and Sweet Celebration to round out the mix. Jack Salute will follow closely behind. The FOB market remains depressed due to bad / old flames in the system… but may increase slightly if the crop moves into only premium varieties. Central CA is delayed due to weather during ripening, at least a July 14th start before the transition to Central CA.

Green Seedless

Sugraone and Sweet Globe will make up the majority of the fruit crossing from Mexico harvest. Coachella is struggling for sugar, so focus remains on Mexico. One last push remains over the next 7 – 10 days on Mexico crossings. Quality and sugars are at their peak, now is the time to promote. Central CA is at least 3 weeks away from the first green seedless harvest, so keep the promotions aimed at Mexico products.

Black Seedless

The crop from Mexico has slowly picked up in volume, with better supplies of Summer Royal crossing. Still relatively light in Mexico compared to reds and green seedless coming across. FOB’s will remain stable with enough demand to keep supplies moving.

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

All of a sudden, we have heat now, but still no peach! Avoid yellow peach promotions for the next 2 – 3 weeks, as historically high demand is being seen, with enough harvest just barely clearing to make daily shipments. No excess inventory is building or on the horizon that will alleviate the demand pressures. The southern peach crop failure is putting significant strain on CA fruit. Expect it to stay this way all season. Whites will continue with slightly more promotable supplies. Keep FOB’s high to stay out of trouble on getting covered.

Nectarine

July varieties of both yellow nectarine and Pearl varieties of white nectarine will be starting this week as weather has finally warmed, but may be in the range of shutting down further maturity. 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

Plum volume has finally begun harvest and total crop volume looks to be strong this year. 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 mid-July.

Apricots

This is the end of conventional apricot varieties, as the 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

As CA is at the finish of the last of its navel orange crop, the first arrivals of imported fruit are expected this week on both coasts. Demand will be high for good quality and fresh arrivals. Our first fruit is expected to clear for shipping starting now through late October. Recent weather will shorten the back end of the crop.

Lemons

South American lemons are due to start arriving on 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.

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.