Bernardi says ‘crazy’ tomato market should settle down after holidays

Adverse weather earlier in the fall combined with light volume out of Florida resulted in a volatile tomato market in December, according to Joe Bernardi of Bernardi & Associates.

“We’re seeing the effects of the hurricane that hit Mexico in October. Baja is normally heavy now, but it is finishing early with light volume,” he said Dec. 8. “At this point, we are usually sourcing Romas and rounds from West Mexico, but that that has been pushed back and probably won’t show up until after Christmas. It’s been a crazy tomato market so far.”

He added that while the tomato fields in eastern Mexico didn’t take a direct hit in late October from Hurricane Otis, the abundant rainfall hampered production from that region as well.

“We’re also seeing less rounds in production and that will continue as we get into the West Mexico deal,” he said. “Water was a serious issue before the hurricane, and so growers adjusted their plantings downward in response to that.”

As a result, pricing has been high, with Romas and rounds selling for mid-$20s per box, and grapes going for around $30 for clams and $60 in bulk.

“I think it will be late January before we see things come back down to Earth,” he said.

Regarding tomato demand, Bernardi said it is “good and constant” despite the economy.

“The U.S. economy is not as good as the media portrays it,” he said. “Prices are so high, and many people are choosing to buy value items in the produce department.”

Bernardi said the uncertainty of the tomato suspension agreement also is a big question mark heading into the Nogales season. “It could have a huge impact on both the Mexican and domestic deals, but at this point we have no idea when we’ll have a definitive answer,” he said.

In the meantime, Bernardi said he will continue to do what his company has done for the last 50 years, and that is to provide excellent service and value to his customers, which are comprised of foodservice, repackers and wholesalers.

“We have our office in Nogales, and we have two locations in California, as well as locations in South Texas and Florida,” he said. “We also have quality control staff on-site in Mexico, so we can assure our customers of year-round supply of top-quality tomatoes. It’s always tomato season somewhere, and we want to be the one-stop shop for all our customers’ tomato needs.”

Aside from tomatoes, Bernardi also offers Bell peppers and cucumbers in sizable volumes, as well as smaller deals on chili peppers, melons and squash.

Bee Positive 5k Fun Walk/Run

Bernardi announced that the ninth annual Bee Positive 5k Fun Walk/Run will be held Jan. 27 in Turlock, CA. The event is held in memory of his daughter, Kayla, who succumbed to leukemia in 2015 at age 20.

He said Kayla, who was born with Down syndrome, endured a number of health challenges during her life, but always maintained a positive attitude. Upon her passing, Bernardi and his wife, Cathie, along with sons Dylan and Jared, started the Kayla Bernardi Bee Positive Foundation, which raises money for a variety of causes that benefit children. Some of the beneficiaries include a children’s museum, medical facilities and scholarship funds.

“She was always so busy as a kid — in fact we called her our Busy Bee — and she was always so positive, taking everything she was going through in stride,” he said. “With the foundation, our goal is to continue spreading her message of positivity.”

Bernardi said the annual fun run/walk draws a lot of support from those within the produce industry as well as people and organizations from outside the industry. Last year, more than 700 people registered, and he said he and his wife want to keep pushing and are hoping to reach 1,000.

“We have gotten to be nationwide and have developed a following from coast to coast,” he said. “It really is a fantastic day with a great vibe and positive energy.”

The event will be held from 8am to 10am on Jan. 27 at the Joe Debely Stadium at Turlock High School. This year, the foundation is partnering with Dust Bowl Brewing Co. and there will be a Dust Bowl Beer Garden from 11am to 2pm featuring music and games, as well as a food trailer. Dust Bowl also will be brewing a special Bizzy Bee beer in honor of the event.

To register, visit Beepositivefoundation.org or go to Runsignup.com and search for Kayla Bernardi. Donations are tax deductible and checks may be mailed to: The Kayla Bernardi Bee Positive Foundation, P.O. Box 307, Turlock, CA, 95381.