DLJ Produce

Table Grapes

Red Seedless

The red grape crop has started rolling again on volume, with Krissy, Sweet Celebration, Scarlet Royal and Magenta all harvesting well. These will be followed by Allison and any remaining Crimson variety as we move into October. A few proprietary varieties will harvest as well. Now is the time to promote for the next 1 ½ months. Volume will be strong and quality will remain at its peak during the current harvest period. Due to high heat earlier in the growing season, we do expect to see lighter supplies on the back end of the crop due to crop loss in the field. This may affect the total volume or finish to the crop, but it is a little too early to tell on total effect. Continue to push for the time being.

Green Seedless

The green seedless crop will continue to transition. Volume of Ivory and Sugraone have started to wind down, as growers move more dated inventory to make way for fresh harvest. Still, some Ivory and Greet Green fields will finish out this week. Central CA will transition into these varieties, while the southern San Joaquin Valley begins picking Autumn King variety in earnest. Expect that volume to increase over the next few weeks on harvest, with Autumn Crisp right around the corner as well. Continue to promote and push volume. Back end of the crop may be light, just like the red seedless crop.

Black Seedless

Summer and Midnight variety have finished harvest for the season. Those will wind down as harvest volume of Autumn Royal just starts to harvest. This will bring on some needed relief on volume. Expect good supplies on the black seedless for the next two months. FOB pricing looks to remain strong as crop volume is going to be lighter then usual.

Red Globe

The red globe market still remains hotter (and higher priced!) then the seedless market due to decreased crop acreage. With more volume coming into harvest, expect FOB’s to drop slightly, but they will still remain at record highs as the crop is expected to move well and clean up easily. We currently have good supplies and are ready to promote as we move through the next two months.

Tree Fruit Central CA

Peaches

Rounding 3^rd and heading home on the yellow peach crop! We are harvesting in both Central CA and Arvin CA on the last of the yellow peach varieties of the season. Autumn Flame will be the biggest volume for the remainder of the season. FOB pricing is remaining relatively attractive to continue to promote through crop end. Expect sizing to peak on larger trays, with only a small amount of volume fills due to fruit size. Continue to push on yellow! Whites are almost done for the season, as growers clean up the last harvest volume.

Nectarines

Almost a done deal. Growers have wound down on yellow nectarine, with some supplies remaining to finish out the crop. Expect another 7 – 10 days before the official finish to the crop. The last white nectarine in the Autumn Mist are harvesting and will stretch through the end of the month. Those will wind down quickly as we hit the finish. Expect a few more days of nectarine supplies, then a quick finish before we hit October.

Plums / Pluots

We have move into the last varieties of the season. Black plums will remain to be Black Kat and Angelino varieties, peaking on 50/55’s and limited on larger fruit as we get towards harvest finish. Red plums will finish out with September Yummy and Flavor Fall, and see much better larger sized fruit compared to their black counterpart. Continue to push on plums for another month, as there is still a little runway left before crop finish.

Citrus – Imports

Clementines

The face another week of zero clementines on both coasts, due to a combination of issues. Port releases have become non-existent because of labor and vessel release delays, as well as decreased arrival volumes and an empty pipeline on both East and West. The demand-exceeds supply market does not look to correct itself and is expected to be a disaster until the crop finish in early to mid-October. The industry will continue to push for solutions, but in general, retailers are best advised to avoid any type of promotion of clementines until California starts harvest in late October / early November.

Navels

The navel market has remained tight as well, mainly due to port issues and delays. Increased volume has started to arrive from Chile, but the fruit is not getting released and creating the same domino effect seen with clementines. Expect releases to remain slow and not consistent in arrival. This will require planning to meet demand needs and continue to keep pressure on keeping pricing staying high. Plan navels in a limited way, mainly constrained by pier release schedules. Expect supplies to stretch into early October, then begin to wind down.

Lemons

Import lemon volume remains light compared to previous seasons. Harvest has finished in both Argentina and Chile, with the last of the remaining supplies either already on the water or shipping. This will mean decreasing volume and supplies in the market. Expect FOB pricing to stay relatively stable or start to firm as we move towards crop finish. Expect another 3 weeks of arrivals, then time to pull the plug and move back to domestic options.

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.