Trendspotting: Hurricane and heat wave hampering harvest

Obviously Florida is no stranger to Hurricanes, and the first major one of season is having an impact on the Sunshine State’s southeastern growing areas. It is possible Hurricane Debby could bring historic flooding to these growing areas, leaving uncertainty for commodities such as tomatoes, mixed berries, watermelon, cucumbers and Bell peppers.

According to Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ, round tomatoes, more so than any other commodity, are suffering inconsistent supply, which he said, “is the arch nemesis of price stability.” ProduceIQ reported that prices are up 12 percent over the previous week and will likely climb higher as Debby throws a wrench in Southeast growers’ plans to stabilize supply, and as heat maintains its grip on Western growers.

Speaking of the West, it is the heat — not hurricanes — impacting crops such as grapes, squash, Bell peppers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Campbell said, “Even if things miraculously cool off in the next couple of weeks, the prolonged nature of the heat wave will likely direct Western produce markets through August.”

California Valencia oranges, in particular, are feeling the pinch. Prices are at a 10-year high by a significant margin due to low supply.  Also, spurred on by the heat wave, expect prices for green onions to rise quickly.

Production for the always-popular avocado — in Peru and California — is waning, and Mexican growers are transitioning from the Negra to the Loca crop. “The new Loca crop out of Mexico is stretched due to low dry matter in the fruit,” said Campbell, adding that markets will take a few weeks before there is enough supply to take the metaphorical foot off the price gas.