Extreme weather across much of the Midwest and Northeastern U.S. is curbing consumer demand for many produce items. Road closures and power outages across Texas, temperatures far below zero across the Midwest, and snow cover across much of the country are all contributing to shipping delays and increased truck shortages as drivers choose not to attempt deliveries in such conditions. Cold weather reaching as far south as Florida has delayed or curtailed many harvests, while the post-Valentine’s decrease in demand means prices on many commodities are trending lower.
Transportation and labor issues continue at ports on both coasts with no end in sight. Condition of some product in the marketplace is impacted by the delays in transit and handling.
Peru asparagus shipments are generally done for the season and the last f.o.b. price report has been issued with supplies in too few hands to establish a market on green and very light on white. Reporting of the Peru market is expected to resume in April. Trading on Mexico asparagus is slow as retailers are delaying orders due to widespread
winter weather conditions, with truck availability to the East coast and Midwest difficult to find. Prices are trending lower due to light demand and some shipments were booked open, with prices to be established later.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov