Memorial Day was held this weekend to honor those who died in active military service. For many growers/shippers and their customers, the weekend also meant the unofficial start of summer buying patterns. Amid near-record high fuel prices and continuing labor shortages, producers are doing their best to ensure must-haves for a wide range of observances and celebrations are on hand for consumers.
The movement of Mexican asparagus crossing through Arizona, California, and Texas is expected to decrease. Trading was slow at lower prices, with most orders being booked at previously committed prices and very few spot market sales. Demand light due in part to competition from domestic growing areas. Production is finishing up in the Obregon region and is expected to move into Central Mexico by June 6. The movement of Peruvian asparagus through South Florida ports of entry is expected to remain about the same. Trading is slow at much lower prices, with some consignment sales reported.
Production in southern Peru is expected to decrease, while production in northern Peru is expected to increase by mid-June. Shipments for the Memorial Day ad pull are complete, and the market is expected to be slow for the next 10 days in part due to the long weekend with port inspections closed for the holiday. Some retailers are reluctant to devote display space to asparagus in favor of summer fruits and other produce. Shippers also continue to report much competition from domestic growing areas.
The movement of asparagus out of Walla Walla District and Lower Yakima Valley is expected to be about the same as the harvest reached its peak this week. Trading is slow, and a wide range in prices is reported but trending lower overall—many present shipments from previous commitments or prior bookings. The movement of asparagus from Michigan is expected to increase as more growers begin harvesting. The first F.O.B. price report has been issued, and trading was moderate at lower prices.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov