Market Minute: Brighter and lighter sides of markets

What makes the produce markets increase and decrease?

The reason produce markets fluctuate is mainly due to the demand and supply of product. When the growers have a short supply of a harvested item and the demand is greater, the prices elevate. But when they have an abundant amount of fruit or vegetable items, the prices drop, especially if the demand is less.

The supply-and-demand markets are driven by various causes. First, the weather plays one of the biggest reasons the produce markets can fluctuate so much. Other causes are excess product harvests, seasonal changes, transitional crop gaps, consumer trends, transportation and fuel charges, and global crop trade conditions.

Brighter Supplies
California oranges are in good supply. Blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are steady and good quality. Russet potatoes, yellow and red onions are in good supply out of Idaho and Washington. Lettuce supplies are better. Celery market is good.

Lighter Supplies
Asparagus supply is light. Broccoli and cauliflower are still on the lighter side but will improve out of the desert shortly. Green Bell peppers remain tight and extremely limited. Tomato supplies are still on alert with reduced availability but may improve in late January. Grapes are just about finished from California with imports starting to arrive but at higher market costs. Strawberries are on the lighter side and experienced a slower startup out of Florida and Mexico due to weather. Demand exceeds supply on cantaloupes and honeydews.

Check with your produce suppliers on all the above items for more information on availability and costs.

Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].