Regional Production Highlights - Week of July 25th:
Overview:
Leafy greens remain abundant and well supplied due to strong harvests and lower demand, while green beans, jumbo asparagus, potatoes, onions, apples, and smaller citrus are tightening as older crops finish. Improved weather has boosted lime supply and tomato quality, and summer melons, berries, squash, zucchini, and many eastern vegetables continue to offer excellent availability.
Weather:
Tropical Storm Bertha is bringing storms to Florida's Panhandle while heat persists across the state; California will see a brief cool-down from Tropical Storm Elida before temperatures rise again; Arizona is returning to extreme heat with highs in the 110s and gusty winds; and Mexico will experience warm weather with only light, isolated showers through July 26.
PRODUCT AVAILABILITY
Fruits
Avocados: Good overall supply and quality. Larger Mexican fruit (48ct+) and #2 grade remain tight, while smaller fruit is plentiful. Market is steady to slightly higher.
Pineapples (Escalated): Costa Rican supply is steady, but Mexican production is declining. Crownless and organic fruit remain limited.
Grapes: Supply is improving as the San Joaquin Valley season begins.
Bananas: Stable supply with very good quality despite strong school demand.
Apples & Pears (Watchlist): Season is ending. Small fruit, Honeycrisp, and Gala remain tight, while Red and Fuji apples are more readily available.
Berries: Blackberries and raspberries have improved supply; blueberries are stable. Strawberry supply is good, but warm weather is affecting quality and reducing prices.
Oranges (Escalated): Tight supply with strong demand; small fruit remains limited while Valencia production is increasing.
Limes: Improved weather in Mexico has increased availability, especially large fruit.
Stone Fruit: California production is nearing full volume. Peaches and nectarines are sizing up, while smaller fruit is becoming limited. Cherry season is beginning to wind down.
Lettuce
California lettuce supplies continue to improve, easing markets. Iceberg, romaine, and green leaf remain readily available with generally good quality.
Vegetables
Bell Peppers: Stable supply supported by domestic production. Greenhouse colored peppers remain tighter.
Eggplant: Availability improving as more growing regions begin harvesting.
Cucumbers:
Slicer cucumbers remain steady overall, with stronger demand in the East.
English cucumbers: On alert due to reduced yields, though supplies are beginning to improve.
Squash: Plentiful supply with favorable pricing.
Green Beans: Tightest vegetable market, particularly in the East, with rising prices and strong demand.
Melons
Cantaloupe: Abundant supply with softer pricing.
Honeydew: Good, stable supply.
Watermelon: Supply remains limited, with weather delays increasing prices and demand.
Mixed Vegetables
Strong Supply: Artichokes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, kale, mushrooms, parsley, Napa cabbage, and spring mix.
Tight/Watchlist Items:
Asparagus (Escalated): Jumbo sizes remain very tight.
Broccolini: Strong demand exceeds limited supply.
Celery (Watchlist): Supply tightening.
Cilantro: Very tight supply with high demand.
Corn: Tight in the East; improving in the West.
Fennel: Low yields continue to limit supply.
Green Onions (Watchlist): Tight supply and elevated prices.
Rapini: Light supply with strong market.
Red Cabbage (Watchlist): Limited supply.
Snow & Snap Peas (Watchlist): Steady supply with fair to good quality.
Spinach (Watchlist): Limited supply, good quality.
Onions
Escalated: Supplies remain tight due to lower yields, with elevated pricing expected through summer until Pacific Northwest production begins.
Potatoes
Escalated: Supply continues to tighten, particularly for larger potatoes. Sweet potatoes also remain tight with ongoing upward price pressure.
Tomatoes
Weather improvements in Tennessee and North Carolina have increased harvest volumes, leading to better quality, color, and overall supply.
Ever wondered what all the hype is surrounding the truffle? The fact that these fabulous fungi are considered the world’s most expensive food says a lot about just how special and highly regarded it is.
To consistently provide delicious, award-winning pork, meticulous care is taken in raising Naiman ranch pork. Find out about all your favorite cuts of pork! Featuring Niman Ranch all-natural pork and cooking tips and tricks by our very own butcher: Steve Toms.
Every year McCormick, the pioneer of taste, develops the "Flavor Forecast” for the coming year. Identifying emerging culinary trends and pinpointing the direction flavors will take us, the McCormick Technical Innovation Center is dedicated to finding what’s next in flavor.
