Market Notes
January 28th, 2021

 

OFF-SHORE AND NOT MUCH MORE

Asparagus remain high for two reasons. First, like almost everything else, there are delays.  This time it is at the ports in Miami. This affects availability, quality, and ultimately price. This is Peruvian product so it should be fine if they ever get around to releasing it. Second problem is the delay of Mexican product. This is weather related. Usually we would be in full swing with Mexican product which would bring price down but cool temps have slowed the harvest. The next few weeks will see the price drop.  Baby veg, on the other hand, are a direct indication of foodservice absence. Both French beans and peeled baby carrots are at the lowest prices we have ever seen. Off-Shore berries are tight basically because the supermarkets are taking them all for ads. With the upcoming holiday both berry and baby veg prices are expected to jump up in price.  

   POTATO NOTES FROM ALL OVER

This story is similar to the baby veg situation in the blurb above.  Retail is doing very well so we are running short on our Organic fingerling potatoes in both Colorado and California.  With the depressed foodservice market, our conventional product is moving slower than we would like.  So it’s going to be deal time. With transportation costs coming down just a bit we will have an opportunity to make some great deals on yellow and red conventional fingerlings. Reds are showing a slight increase for carved holiday hearts but we have plenty to cover all needs. FOB’s are in both Colorado and California and delivery can usually be arranged. Great time to promote these incredibly tasty spuds, please contact us for deals.  

 A POLITICAL STATEMENT?

Like most wise companies, we have learned to stay away from politics and religion, but in this case we can’t resist. Maybe we can call this brilliant marketing, but it has no purpose.  So way back when there was “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing,” which dominated and was great for a soft drink company. Then there was “We Are The World” which dominated and was great for rock-n-roll.  And now there’s…Bernie!?!  Flippin’ Bernie is everywhere.  He dominates and it’s great for what? Humor?  There is no meaning. It’s just fun?  That’s what makes it awesome.   Bernie is dressed for the cold, but the photo has come to portray warmth.  Bernie is wearing a mask, but it’s cold outside. This makes no statement about anything and it is everywhere.  Bernie is not running for office, he’s not behind a podium with the bouncing finger, he’s sitting in a chair representing nothing. Even Trump couldn’t get this type of exposure. Things that make this better, Bernie sees it as fun and is selling shirts with 100% profit going to charity.  Without knowing it the country came together to celebrate something or at least someone who is political with no meaning, and we all love it. Brilliant, just brilliant!!! We are fans.  Maybe we should put potatoes in chairs?  

NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – WHO AM I???

   Pliny said I could prevent fatigue, but he didn’t know my prices and shelf life!  Pilgrims in the Middle Ages put me in their shoes before long journeys on foot.  Named after the French word for “little dragon” I can be strangled by my roots if not regularly divided.  Due to my serpentine root system I am a good treatment for snakebites.  I am also considered to enhance the growth of most vegetables when planted among them.  I will sweeten your breath and numb your tongue if chewed.  I prefer France in the Spring and Russia in the Winter.  Often associated with vinegar or fish, I am also good with mustard, chicken, fresh salads, lamb, potatoes, artichokes, cheeses, eggs and sour cream.  As a pharma-food I am known to stimulate appetite, relieve flatulence, and help ease toothaches.  I am able to protect foods as an antioxidant.  As a useful antifungal I am also an ingredient in perfumes, soaps and cosmetics.

The answer to last weeks quiz was…CHIC PEA or GARBANZO BEAN..Congrats to all winners

Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702 Visit us at www.culinaryproduce.com “like” us @ Culinary Specialty Produce on Facebook© Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2020