IEO:
Kay Riley at Snake River Produce said the Nyssa, OR, operation has been extremely busy during the holiday season, with a “definite uptick in activity.” Kay added that pricing has been good, which is a “happy thing,” and red demand and pricing are now “pretty well established.” He said, “Everything is moving well. Yellow mediums are maybe a little off, but there is especially good demand on jumbos. We’ve been as busy as we possibly could be.” Supplies will be strong through March, he said, noting that the company’s sweet program will clean up mid to late February.
From Murakami Produce in Ontario, OR, Chris Woo reported that the onion market started out the week at $7, “but that was brief.” Chris said it quickly moved to $7.50, and he hopes the increase will increase to $8 by next week and keeps going into the New Year.
“Movement for all colors and sizes has been fabulous,” he said enthusiastically. “”Murakami is getting a lot of orders this week due to some sheds closing for the holidays, and customers are paying the shot.”
Woo also commented that “the market increase has been long overdue.”
More good news from the Treasure Valley was shared by Dwayne Fisher of Champion Produce Sales in Parma, ID. Dwayne told OnionBusiness.com that it has been a “very positive market for Champion” in the past few weeks. He said Champion has seen “historic movement” for all its sheds, and he added, “We are way ahead on shipments. During the last two weeks movement has been very strong.” Prices have been strong as well, with jumbo yellows “a strong $8 and could be trending higher by the middle to the end of next week.” Red jumbos are up to $15, he added.
“For this time year supplies are light and volume is limited, but quality is excellent. Champions customers are positive about the strong market,” Dwayne said. And he shared some very interesting news – inquiries have been coming from Mexico on 50# mediums reds and 50# medium yellows.”
“We’re very excited about the prospects for the New Year,” Dwayne said.
