Produce Trends - Dec 19, 2022

Full Harvest December 19, 2022

Apples

The apple market continues to experience limited supplies and increased pricing overall. According to a recent industry survey, U.S. fresh apple inventories in storage on December 1 of this year were down 7% compared with last year and off 14% compared with the five-year average. Processing grade apples in storage are at around 41 million cartons, which is about 8% less than last year on December 1. See Apple availability.

Celery

Celery markets continue to tighten, resulting in increased pricing. At this time, 30ct product has the highest availability, while value-added product like sticks are especially in light supply. Most product is coming out of the Oxnard/Santa Maria regions and quality is good. We expect tight supplies to last until the New Year. See Celery availability.

orange

Domestic Navels are in steady supply with good quality at this time. The smaller fruits have the strongest availability, but we expect 72ct and large to improve as the season progresses. Brix levels are at 11-12, and upcoming cooler weather will help color up the fruit naturally and increase sugar in the next few weeks. See Orange availability.