(USA Week #17, ending April 26th) #producemarketupdate Warm weather drives down prices as commodity supply Surges [AG: Left in the Dust - Australia's Fresh Produce Market Information & Data Deficit]
ProduceIQ Index: $1.28/pound, down -5.5 percent over prior week
Warm weather has led to a surge in commodity supply, driving down prices across produce markets. With new growing regions coming online in the West and Southeast, heavily weighted commodities like strawberries and blueberries are experiencing significant price drops. Spring table grapes from the Jalisco region of Mexico are beginning to arrive, temporarily satisfying demand until growers in Sonora, Mexico, and California's Coachella Valley start in May. Avocado markets are tightening, with prices up by 8%, driven by Cinco De Mayo demand and limited supply of larger-sized fruit. Tomato prices are rising due to low supply on both coasts, while cauliflower supply remains tight due to cold weather affecting plant growth. Lettuce growers in California are facing challenges from mildew and disease pressure, leading to price increases for romaine and iceberg lettuce.
- Grape (red seedless) prices continue above $35, maintaining highs only experienced in 2023.
- Avocado (48ct Hass) prices rise past $50, an increasingly common occurrence.
- Tomato (25lb, 5x6 mature green) has been priced above $25 for five weeks.
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[AG: ProduceIQ Australia? There is a critical deficiency in timely, comprehensive and freely available market information for our horticultural commodities in Australia, leaving our growers uninformed and vulnerable.
Despite the presence of numerous fresh produce industry representatives, bodies, state and federal government departments, the lack of regular updates severely hampers growers' ability to make informed decisions. This absence of meaningful communication not only threatens the profitability, food security and sustainability of our fresh produce industry but also raises concerns about the commitment of these fresh produce representative organisations and government departments.
This information gap benefits our post-farm gate operators enabling them to exploit growers' ignorance to maximize their profits. Consequently, growers struggle with low returns and unsustainable farm gate prices, pushing many to the brink of bankruptcy or exit from the industry.
While post-farm gate operators thrive, growers face an unfair imbalance. This situation not only harms growers, who are the backbone of our industry, but also calls into question the dedication of our fresh produce industry representatives to advocate for growers' interests and address these pressing issues effectively.]
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