The East Coast has been hit by a stormy summer, which has reduced the volume of tomatoes coming in.
In the past few weeks, production in California has held steady, but its prices have risen.
Markon Cooperative crop report to buyers on Sept. 23 stated “East Coast has lower volume due to previous tropical storms that impacted plant health and reduced yields” and “Tennessee and North Carolina regions are expected to have a shorter season this year; additional grading is required.”
It will still be several weeks before commercial production begins in Florida.
The production of California round and Roma tomatoes is consistent.
“Round tomatoes from Northern California are of good quality; 6×6 and 6×7 sizes dominate the crop,” Markon said. “Roma quality is good; large to jumbo sizes are more prevalent. The Oceanside region will harvest ample supplies of vine-ripes over the next two to three weeks.”
Imports from Mexico is steady, though it is causing issues to domestic tomato producers.
On the import front, Mexico sees steady volume as it works through previous weather-related quality issues, and prices have been relatively steady for the last month.
Markon says that due to previous rain storms, the volume of vine-ripe and Roma tomatoes in Jalisco and San Luis Potosi is on the lighter side. “The Baja region is experiencing rain this week, and some grape and Roma harvests are delayed. Overall volume is expected to increase by mid-October.”
Source : Producebluebook
