Market Minute: Veggie markets opening up for promoting

After a rough winter with erratic weather conditions in many growing areas, it looks like the spring crop is ready to be moved from the fields to the stores. The vegetable category is now opening up in many areas whereby the growers and shippers are ready to help retailers move the product through the system.

Bell Peppers: Central and south Florida and the west are shipping product now. Mexico's supply is very light with a moderate demand and a slightly higher market.

Cucumbers: Supply out of Mexico is good with promotable prices and good quality.

Sweet Corn: Looks like there is a good supply for promoting. Demand is moderate on a steady market. The quality is very good.

Celery: Demand is good and the market is starting to get stronger. Supply is lighter out of Santa Maria, CA. There are some areas finishing up.

Carrots: Demand is moderate on a steady market. There is a good supply available from California for promoting.

Eggplant: Market is lower with good supplies in the East. Lighter supplies in the West.

Green Zucchini Squash: Fairly light supplies. Demand is moderate. Product and quality out of the East is good and the market may go lower. Supplies out of the West are lighter and the market is steady.

Broccoli: The supply is getting better with a fairly light demand and a lower market. The supplies will start to increase.

Cauliflower: The demand exceeds supply on an elevated market. There should be more supplies within a couple of weeks.

Discuss all product with your suppliers for some attractive early promotions.

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].