WHAT’S HAPPENING
IN PRODUCE
Freezing wet weather in both the California and Mexican growing areas is causing
large problems for growers. Supplies, in general, will remain tight as growers struggle
with yields and quality. This will result in higher prices as the demand is now exceeding
the supply and will continue to do so for the rest of January. Items most affected by this
are asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green peppers, iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and
zucchini. The loss of Mexican imports has had a huge impact on Canadian supplies
of peppers, tomatoes and zucchini and reports are that the recovery will not be quick.
WHAT YOU
NEED TO KNOW
THIS WEEK
Prices on green peppers have taken a huge jump and they are now more expensive than
both red and yellow peppers. Tomato prices are down a bit due to the drop off in demand.
There is no change in the tomato shortage and the price of the extra-large 5×6 proves it.5×6
tomatoes are VERY expensive. Roma (plum) tomatoes are the best value in tomatoes.
Two other items that are much higher priced than usual are honeydews and watermelons.
YOUR BEST BUYS
Beets (all colors), carrots (all colors), 50lb cooking onions, red and yellow peppers are
both cheaper than green peppers, grape tomatoes are much cheaper than round cherry
tomatoes, Roma (plum) tomatoes are the cheapest option in a 25lb box of tomatoes and
we are expecting to see yellow zucchini at cheaper prices than green zucchini. In the fruit
section use berries! Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are all a
great value for the money! Also clementines, mangos, pineapples and red delicious apples.