Freshspective

Offshore cantaloupes are on the very tail end of their season and should be finished in the next week or so. The season has gone later than previous years. Domestic cantaloupes are in full swing out of Yuma AZ, El Centro, CA and the greater phoenix region. Sizing to start has been primarily 9ct and 12ct but should start to see more jumbos in the next week or so. 

Oranges:

• California Navels: The season is nearing its end, with supplies expected to last until late May or early June. Smaller sizes (113- and 138-counts) are particularly limited, and prices are rising as supplies tighten. Quality remains good, with sugar levels ranging from 12 to 13 brix. 
  California Valencias: Season has begun, with the volume projected to ramp up in late June. However, overall volume is projected to be down this season. Early production features excellent color and does not require gassing. Larger sizes (56- and 88-counts) are scarce, while smaller sizes are more abundant. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 12 to 14 brix.
• Florida Valencias: The season is concluding, with supplies dominated by 80- to 100-count sizes. Quality is average, and growers are contending with regreening issues. Expect elevated prices and limited stocks as the season wraps up.
• Import Navels: Navel supplies out of Chile are anticipated to be down this season. South African navel supply should be comparable last year. Overall, imports may be active this summer with uncertainties in the global trade markets. First arrivals are anticipated for late June, with more availability picking up after the first week of July.

Lemons 

• California: Harvesting continues in Districts 1 and 2. District 1 is producing more large fruit, peaking on 95/115-count sizes, while smaller sizes remain tight. Overall supplies are plentiful, though quality varies by size and district.
• Imports: Argentinian imports have started in a small way with primarily larger fruit available 95/115ct. Chilean product should follow with first arrivals in June.

Grapefruit 

• California Star Ruby: The season is in full swing, with fruit exhibiting deep red color and sweet, tangy flavor. Availability is good across a range of sizes, varying by grower.

Mandarins 

• California: The season is winding down, with availability expected through mid June. As temperatures rise, puffiness is becoming more common, particularly in larger sizes.
• Imports: Early-season Peruvian varietals are available, with some Chilean clementines trickling in. Import mandarin supply should pick up mid to late June. South African product should see first arrivals in early July.

Mexican table grape FOB prices remain high due to limited supply before Memorial Day. Although warmer weather in Sonora is boosting production, many growers are delaying harvests for better sugar content. Volumes are expected to rise daily, with prices likely dropping to promotable levels by mid-June. Quality is expected to improve, as early shipments were only fair, and high prices have dampened consumer demand.

Offshore honeydew are completely done for the season. Mexican honeydews are in fair supply and will continue until the end of June. Domestic honeydews should start production this week bringing better supply. 

Region: Veracruz, Mexico

Weather Update: Next week’s forecast shows two days of rain, followed by mostly sunny weather. Temperatures are expected to range between 72°F and 101°F, with humidity levels around 91%. Overall, it"s shaping up to be a favorable week for the continued progress of regular operations

Market Intel: The demand for limes has been steady. The market for mid-size limes is between -36.

Sizing Profile: Peak sizes 200/230/175

Size Distribution: 110-2%, 150-9%, 175-20%, 200-28%, 230-26%, 250-15%

Quality:  Quality issues being reported: oil spots, blanching, scarring, skin breakdown.

Looking Ahead: June is expected to bring a consistent fruit volume. Although it may not reach historically high levels—mainly due to the early harvest of small fruit in April and May—we anticipate having sufficient supply to meet all our established programs. If light rains persist, we should see good availability of medium sizes, particularly 230/200/175. A continued shift in size distribution is expected, favoring medium sizes over larger ones, as current weather and market conditions are driving a continuous harvest, limiting the fruit’s time on the trees and reducing the likelihood of larger calibers.

By the end of June and the beginning of July, the outlook remains positive. We are seeing steady development in the upcoming harvest, with small-sized fruit already visible on the trees. Expectations for a solid crop are high, and if the rainfall continues, improvements in both fruit quality and condition are anticipated. As we move further into summer, the volume is expected to continue, and we should have a robust and steady supply throughout the season. A wider range of sizes is also expected to become available, contributing to a more stable summer market.

Supply conditions improving with better fruit conditions for harvest. Weather is cooperating with more fruit available for export.  Current weather is good for papaya production and growers expect conditions to remain for at least the next two week. Contracts are being serviced with some extra fruit available to offer. Prices are lower in the US market and should be stable for the remainder of May.

Inventories showing SOME availability to offer.

Majority of sizes between 6s – 12s with SOME Surplus FRUIT

Quality is reported as Good with fruit showing less speckling and mostly green.

Color 25%- 50% / 12-14 brix at point of shipping, Ideal temp for Imperial Papaya is 48 degrees to avoid quality issues upon receiving.

Crop Outlook:  Forecast has conditions as with good supply for the next two weeks.

Market Intel:  Enough supply to service demand with prices trending at or above + FOB in TX.

The Northwest pear crop this season is very small, down between 30% and 50% depending on the variety. We are currently shipping Anjou and red pears out of Washington. We expect the market to remain tight and the pricing to remain on the higher side for the foreseeable future. The import season has now begun, and we have imported Bartletts, Bosc, and Anjou available on the East Coast. We have good supplies of Bartlett pears arriving, and although pricing is higher than normal, the quality is reported to be good, and sales are brisk. The imported Anjou and Bosc are now arriving in small quantities, and the pricing is fairly high on these two items; we expect it to remain this way through June. Overall, we have pears to sell, but pricing will remain higher than normal until the new crop starts out of the Northwest in the fall.

Santa Maria and the Salinas/Watsonville growing areas in California are currently in production, but several Santa Maria shippers may start moving fields to processors and the freezer due to weaker markets.  There are plenty of supplies to handle demand at this time so now would be the time to promote strawberries.

Weather Outlook:

• Santa Maria, CA - the week of 5/26 is forecast to be partly sunny.  Highs on Wednesday in the 60s, increasing to the 70s Thursday through Saturday, and then decreasing to the 60s on Sunday and lows in the 50s.  The week of 6/2 is forecast on Monday for low clouds, Tuesday intervals of clouds and sunshine with showers early, Wednesday and Thursday mostly sunny, Friday morning rain and cloudy, and sunny for the weekend.  Highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s.
• Salinas/Watsonville, CA -  the week of 5/26 is forecast for low clouds yielding to sun, becoming partly sunny for the weekend.  Highs in the 60s on Wednesday, increasing to the 70s Thursday and Friday and decreasing to the 60s for the weekend and lows in the 50s.  The week of 6/2 is forecast on Monday and Tuesday  to be cloudy with occasional rain, Wednesday and Thursday partly sunny, Friday mostly cloudy with occasional rain, and then mostly sunny for the weekend. Highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s.

Seedless watermelons are going with good supplies.  Southern Florida is winding down and Northern Florida is going with good supplies.  Georgia will start in a week or two with light supplies.  Nogales AZ is also winding down from Northern Mexico.  Arizona and Southern California are just starting up.  June is a great time to promote watermelons.