UPDATE SUMMARY: WEEK OF FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Asparagus

Quality is excellent: spears are uniform and tips are firm
The season in Caborca, Mexico will begin to wind down by late March; production will transition to Central Mexico in early to mid-April
Peruvian asparagus production is minimal; volume will increase in early April to coincide with the Mexican harvesting transition
Expect low markets through March

Cucumbers
Mexico crossing into Arizona and Texas

The main growing region of Culiacan, Mexico is experiencing abnormal weather
The supply chain has been disrupted by severe weather throughout South Texas, causing power outages and road closures at the Mexican border
Demand exceeds supply; prices are up

Florida

Imported cucumbers from Honduras are shipping; new crop domestic season will begin in early March
Supplies are tight
Expect elevated markets over the next two weeks

Limes

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials Limes are available
Prices are escalating; all sizes continue to tighten
Mexican crossings into the U.S. are below normal levels, keeping availability limited
- Transfers through South Texas have been delayed due to extreme weather conditions and road closures
- Rain is forecast in Mexico’s primary lime growing region of Veracruz through next week; production will be hindered
- Supplies continue to tighten (especially on small fruit, 175-count and smaller sizes) as limes near the end of the crop cycle
Expect elevated markets through March, which is normal for this time of year

Mixed Berries
Raspberries

Recent inclement weather in Oxnard and Baja have reduced supplies
Expect stocks to rebound each week slightly until supplies hit their peak in mid-March
Pricing will begin to decrease slowly as supplies improve

Blackberries

Central Mexico is currently the primary growing region
Expect tight supplies for the next 10 to 12 days
Anticipate elevated pricing until availability begins to increase in late February/early March; the crop will peak in late March/early April

Blueberries

The primary growing regions include Central Mexico, Chile, and Peru
High prices are forecast in late February when the South American seasons wind down

Onions

Texas-grown MFC Onions are currently scheduled to start shipping the week of March 1, but could be delayed due to recent freezing temperatures; cold weather may have a negative effect on the health of the crop in some parts of the state; growers are assessing the damage
Most Mexican growers did not experience freezing temperatures, but did contend with rain this week
MFC Onions remain readily available in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington
The California season is forecast to start in late April (starting in the Imperial Valley desert region)

Severe Weather Impacts Supply Chain

Historically low temperatures continue to keep many without power in Texas
Dangerous road conditions will slow shipments Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19
Expect loading delays in South Texas due to an influx of inbound shipments from Mexico and delayed outbounds waiting to be loaded
Warmer weather will begin in the Southwest and Midwest this weekend; road conditions will start to improve Saturday, February 20

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