Good Grief!

Not surprisingly, Ken Klein does not have good news to share in this week’s Market Report. Executive summary:

• Major problems with oranges.
• Lemon prices are expected go up.
• Pears and grapes are our only hope right now.

Read on for his entire report.

The Market Report, by Ken Klein
Klein’s Supermarket, 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Philadelphia
Our Hours: M-F 8 AM to 8 PM; Sat. 8 AM to 8 PM; Sunday 9 AM to 1 PM

Introduction
Well folks, two hurricanes in less than one month, and it seems like one more is brewing down there and heading towards Florida. Let’s hope that everyone stays safe and the storm does not do too much damage.

I heard a new term on the Weather Channel: salt spray. The hurricane takes the energy of the open ocean as well as the water, which then acts as fuel to move. The salt water carries inland and deposits itself on the geography below. Salt spray might have a serious effect on the crops this year.

The impact of Charlie and Frances is going to show up months from now when Florida is supposed to have crops ready. Expect to pay more for all products. Changes across the entire Southeast portion of the U.S. will be a major problem for more than just Florida—they could disrupt fall harvesting up the entire Eastern seaboard, which would put pressure on other growing areas and force prices upward. It is still early, but don’t be surprised later.

Produce Report

• Oranges. The California Valencia season is ending early—very early. Navel oranges will not be ready for at least 45-60 days. Normally, production of Valencia would cover that time, but not this year. All small size fruit will be gone shortly, and prices are starting to go up fast due to tight supplies. Suppliers are switching from one size to another to fill their trucks and will eventually run out of fruit. Clementines will be coming, but not for several months.
• Lemons are another problem. In one growing area, the projected crop size is 40% lower than normal, a huge loss. Prices that would normally drop in a few weeks are not going anywhere but up. Do not expect to see any relief in lemon prices for awhile.
• Strawberries are still having major issues, but help is on the way in about two to three weeks. Most of the fields in California have been producing since March, so they are getting tired. New fields will be starting, and other areas will follow that. You can get good strawberries, but we have to sort through more lots to find them. Prices are higher.
• Blackberries are high, blueberries are in the process of switching to half pints, and raspberries are still a good buy for now.
• Green grapes are outstanding, and reds are also very good. At this time of year, grapes start to become very large and sweet, so it’s a good time to feature them on your fruit plate.
• Watermelon is higher. The seedless variety that all of us love is just about over.
• Cantaloupe is outstanding, and honeydews are starting to get a little tighter on small size fruit.
• Golden, ripe pineapples are tight as well. My shippers are saying production of pineapples will be affected until December
• Pears are very good, and you have a nice selection: Seckel, Bosc, Red, Bartlett, and Anjou.
• Mangos are higher, and the quality has deteriorated.
• Artichokes, beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, and fennel are down.
• Broccoli crowns and corn are higher.
• Carrots, eggplants, leeks, and green onions are steady.
• The pepper market is steady on green and red, a little tight on yellow, and higher on Jalapeños.

It is going to be a tough fall and winter. What more can I say?

Have a fruitful week!