Market Minute: Some markets volatile, others show opportunities
By
Ron Pelger
Market Minute: Some markets volatile, others show opportunities
Did you ever think we would have to encounter so many farming obstacles as we’ve experienced the past couple years? Now old man winter returns and is already harassing California, Florida and Mexico with unfavorable cooler weather accompanied by rain.
Currently the berry markets are volatile due to storms in growing areas. Rain could continue on and off in the strawberry fields. If so, it could delay harvesting and limit product temporarily.
The rains damaged some strawberries in Florida and California causing low volume and higher markets. Mexico has lower estimates on strawberries from colder temperatures. Blueberries are steady as Peru will finish soon. New production will be out of Chile in January when there should be good quality supplies for promoting. Mexican blueberries should pick up volume when the weather improves. Raspberry and blackberry supplies are light as well out of Mexico causing higher markets.
On the encouraging side, here are some items that can be considered for advertising promotions in upcoming weeks:
- California and Moroccan clementines have excellent quality and are ready for some massive display promoting.
- Imported cherries from South America are extra large in size with excellent color and quality. The boat arrivals in January should lower the currant costs for promotion.
- New crop grapes from Chile will get us back in business again after losing some aggressive ad timing due to the past hurricane destruction and inclement weather in California and other global growing areas. Prices should hopefully ease off as production again fills the needed gaps.
- The offshore cantaloupe and honeydew melon markets from Guatemala should be in full swing for the winter months. We could see some attractive promotable prices starting in January.
- If favorable weather and marketing conditions occur, there should still be a good quality supply of broccoli for ad promotion.
Get in touch with your suppliers for all these items and put together some aggressive post-holiday ad promotions to start off your new year sales in the plus column.
Happy (almost) new year!
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].