Seasonal changes have led to a shift in the commodities of interest for this report. Blueberries have replaced asparagus, as the number of growing areas shipping blueberries continues to grow while demand for asparagus is traditionally light in late summer. This list will be revisited regularly in order to maintain an accurate representation of the current trade situation affecting shippers of perishable commodities in North America.
Movement of avocadoes from Mexico crossing through Texas is expected to increase slightly, as the majority of crossings are now from new 2021 crop fruit. Availability of larger fruit is light. Higher prices on larger fruit have slowed the overall demand somewhat to fairly good. Moderate demand and good availability on smaller fruit has prices trending weaker. For Peruvian imports arriving through the ports of Miami, Philadelphia, and New York, movement is expected to remain about the same, with fairly slow trading and prices generally unchanged. Movement from the South District California is expected to decrease seasonally. Demand remains fairly good with prices stronger on larger sized fruit and lower on smaller sizes.
Movement of blueberries from Oregon and Washington is expected to decrease slightly as some fruit is being diverted to storage or freezers. Trading slow with prices about steady through the week, with continued warm weather forecast in the growing regions. Varieties include Draper, Bluecrop, Legacy, Liberty, Calypso and Hot Shot. High freight rates and fruit from competing growing areas are limiting east coast sales. Movement from British Columbia Canada crossing through Northwest Washington is expected about the same, with trading moderate to fairly light at slightly lower prices and a wide range in prices.
Varieties include Duke, Bluecrop and Draper. Michigan blueberries movement is expected to decrease as the season is past its peak, with cooler weather and dry conditions favorable for harvest of the final variety, Elliots, although finding adequate laborers remains an issue. Trading was moderate at higher prices, but some customers are shopping elsewhere for better prices or different varieties. Reporting should begin soon on blueberries out of Mexico and Peru.
Mexican cucumber crossings through Otay Mesa are expected about the same. Trading was active on large and 36s, moderate on others. Prices large slightly higher, others lower due to increasing volumes. Mexican cucumber crossings through Texas are expected about the same, with active trading and prices trending higher early this week before decreasing slightly.
