As summer brings increased temperatures, growing region transitions, and shifts in demand, here’s the latest on what you need to know about fresh produce markets:

Bell Peppers - Transition from Coachella to Bakersfield, CA

Bell Peppers are going through a transition between the California growing regions. 

The dominant growing region is moving from Coachella Valley in southern California to the Bakersfield area in Central California. 

Some growers are noting that there is less supply now than last year at the same time, due to the high level of inflation increasing their input costs and causing growers to plant less crop.  

Source: Fresh Plaza: California Bell Peppers Shift Growing Regions. Read more here: https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9436008/california-bell-peppers-shift-growing-regions/

Apples - Slow market due to off-season and demand for seasonal fruit

May and June were slow months for the apple market, with overall low demand. Supply has also declined as most of the Pacific Northwest packers have successively cleared their warehouses and apple sales enter the traditional off-season period at this time. 

One other reason for the decline in wholesale apple sales is that the types and volumes of seasonal fruits on the market gradually increased in June. As the temperature rises, demand for summer fruits such as watermelon also increases, causing less demand for apples.

Source: Fresh Plaza, Apple sales enter the traditional off-season, and the impact of seasonal fruits is obvious. Read more here: https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9435984/apple-sales-enter-the-traditional-off-season-and-the-impact-of-seasonal-fruits-is-obvious/

Cherries - California harvest is estimated to be down close to 50%

North American cherry prices are about 5.2% higher this year overall than the usual average, mostly due to cold weather during the growing season. The combination of snow and frost-damaged buds caused delays in some production areas.

California’s cherry harvest is estimated to be down almost 50% compared to average, due to a freeze in late February. This freeze was followed by high levels of April rain. These factors caused a smaller crop with a larger fruit size than usual.

The Washington cherry season is getting a later start this year and is also anticipated to be smaller due to adverse weather conditions earlier in the year. April snow and frost that lasted over a week during the peak bloom time, followed by cold temperatures and precipitation, slowed down the harvest. 

Washington shipping will likely go until the middle of August. You can expect peak availability in July, followed by a few weeks of supply in August until availability winds down. 

Source: Fresh Plaza, GLOBAL OVERVIEW CHERRIES. Read more here: https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9434433/global-overview-cherries/

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