DLJ Produce

Table Grapes

Red Seedless

The red seedless will remain in a promotional zone for the next 4 – 5 weeks as we see peak harvest volume continue to arrive from Chile. FOB’s have reached their bottom level, but a range of quality will keep the upper end strong on good quality. Freshness will also remain key as older inventory will struggle to move. Variety mix will maintain with Allison, Timco, Sweet Celebration, and Crimson primarily. Now is the time to promote and carry strong numbers into April. Once the marketing order takes affect after April 10^th, all fruit must grade US # 1. This should allow the fruit to carry into late April and possibly early May.

Green Seedless

The green seedless market will remain tighter in comparison to the red seedless crop. Good supplies will continue to arrive, but good demand will keep greens moving faster reds. Expect the market to start firming up in late March and early April as growers move into shipping their storage green grape crop. Once that fruit arrives, expect FOB’s to jump to slow down movement and stretch the crop as long as possible. The current volume consists of Sugraone, Thompson, Sweet Globe, and Autumn Crisp primarily. Continue to push greens, but slow down once the marketing order nears.

Black Seedless

The black seedless crop will continue to plug along with good arrivals for most of March. Varieties will consist of Melody, Midnight Beauties and Autumn Royal. Promotional opportunities will be available for a decent stretch and allow a good mix in with the red and green seedless crops. Quality is expected to remain strong, especially once we move into heavier Autumn Royal arrivals.

Red Globe

As supplies of seedless grapes have started to increase, this has decreased pressure on red globes thanks to demand spreading out. Red Globe volume has increased to help alleviate some pricing pressure. Availability is present on both East and West Coasts. Expect supplies to remain available, but the best volume to be when Chile starts to arrive with its first fruit in late March.

Tree Fruit – Imports

Peaches

We are nearing the tail end of the 2022 import stone fruit crop. Yellow peach saw a small gap last week between arrivals… but is slowly increasing back up as we reach the last varieties of the season. Next will see some okay volume, but will wind down quick once we move into April. Expect FOB’s to remain stable to the finish line with another 2 – 3 weeks to carry.

Nectarines

Yellow and white nectarines are finishing quicker then yellow peach. Arrivals picked back up with fruit arriving to both coasts, but it will be short-lived. Expect a 2-week window before we see the last nectarines of the season arrive. Inventories will clean up by early April. Last chance to carry before the season winds down.

Plums / Pluots

The black plum market will be focused on Black Kat variety this coming week, with red plums focusing on Larry Ann. Plum arrivals are finally picking up some steam after the early season delay in shipping. Plums will overtake the finish of the peach and nectarine crop in volume… but still lighter volume due to the delayed crop harvest. Expect FOB pricing to remain strong, as 40’s and larger have demanded good movement. 50’s and smaller will be the bulk of arrivals and availability moving forward. Expect plum supplies to carry into late April.

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.