Seasonal perishable products weekly update:

Peruvian asparagus up 23% as Mexican avocado stays steady

As the fall season progresses, supply and pricing trends vary across key fruit and vegetable categories imported and traded through U.S. ports. The following summary highlights current movement and pricing conditions for asparagus, avocado, blueberry, cucumber, green bell pepper, strawberry, and tomato.

Asparagus
Imports from Peru through Southern California are expected to increase. Trading for jumbo sizes is fairly active, while other sizes are moderate. Prices for jumbo are slightly higher, with 11-pound cartons of bunched green jumbo mostly at US$47.75–48.75, extra-large at US$46.75–47.75, large at US$36.75–38.75, and standard at US$33.75–34.95.

Avocado
Movement from Mexico through Texas is expected to remain steady. Trading of 32–36s is slow, while other sizes are moderate. Prices for conventional 40–48s and 84s are slightly higher. Hass two-layer cartons are mostly US$34.25–35.25 for 32s, US$26.25–30.25 for 36–40s, US$26.25–28.25 for 48s, and US$21.25–23.25 for 60–84s. Organic 48–60s range from US$36.25–38.25.

Blueberry
Peruvian imports via Miami, Philadelphia, and New York are increasing. Trading is very active, with slightly lower prices. Flats of 12 one-pint cups with lids, large, are mostly US$35.99–40.00. Mexican supplies remain limited, and the first F.O.B. report is expected the week of November 2. Chilean imports through Philadelphia are also expected to rise, with reporting to begin the week of October 26.

Cucumber
Mexican movement through Texas is slightly increasing. Prices are lower, with 1 1/9-bushel cartons medium mostly US$11.95–12.95 and large US$16.00–18.00. Quality is generally good. Shipments through Otay Mesa, California, are decreasing, while Nogales, Arizona, is seeing seasonal increases. Georgia supplies are steady, with medium mostly US$14.35–16.35 and fair quality US$6.35–8.35.

Green bell pepper
Movement from South Georgia is steady, with moderate trading. Jumbo and extra-large 1 1/9-bushel cartons are mostly US$10.35–11.35. California volumes are decreasing seasonally, while Mexican production through Nogales is increasing, with reporting expected the week of October 26.

Strawberry
California’s Oxnard and Santa Maria districts expect higher movement after weather-related harvest delays. Prices are slightly higher, with flats of eight 1-pound containers mostly US$22.00–24.00, and organic ranging from US$24.00–28.00. Mexico’s volume is rising, but not yet sufficient to establish a market.

Tomato
Mexican movement through Texas is expected to increase slightly. Prices are slightly higher, with vine-ripe two-layer cartons (4×4–4×5) mostly US$15.95–16.95 and 5×5–5x6s at US$13.95–14.95. California’s Central District is nearing season’s end, while Florida’s light harvest continues through October. The first F.O.B. report for new production areas is expected the week of November 2.

To view the full report, click here.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: press@usda.gov
www.mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov