Transition is in full swing as growers wrap up production in Salinas either choosing to be selective or abandon the last remaining plantings for improved quality in the Desert. Some growers will continue to have lettuce in their transitional production areas ( Huron, Oxnard , Santa Maria ) through the end of the week but anticipate full transition to the Desert next week. Quality should see substantial improvements once weights are allowed to size up. Markets shot up in recent days as demand has fully returned from the East. Planted acres in the Desert appear to be sufficient to fill demand pending any significant weather related issues. In the meantime take advantage of Production from Las Cruces, NM which continues to offer some of the best quality with all the logistical advantages through next week.
Leaf Lettuce
Romaine Romaine supplies continue strong with most shippers starting their Winter district this week. Quality is expected to take a significant jump once settled into the desert as the remaining production from Northern California limps to the finish line.
Romaine Hearts should see the most significant quality improvement once transitioned with strong demand expected as poor arrivals have been weighing down the market.
Red leaf, Greenleaf and Boston Steady supply with improving demand from the East Coast which will result in elevated pricing as shippers look to push prices closer to break-even levels. Quality has been varied and should improve once we get into full production in the desert.
Celery
The holiday pull is upon us and prices have escalated quickly. We expect these price levels to last through the week of 11/18. Shippers are now harvesting in Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard. Quality in all three areas has been nice, general weights are 55# and we are finding good green color and very little to no pith.
Broccoli
Pricing turned a little quicker than anticipated. Light harvest volumes in both Salinas and Santa Maria have helped turn the tide. Although pricing is high it has seemed to hit a ceiling. Pricing is not expected to go any higher and we could start to see a slight decline starting as early as Monday of next week.
Cauliflower
The market has leveled out and we could start to see a price decline begin as early as Friday of this week. There seems to be decent availability in the Santa Maria district and we will start to see production out of Yuma beginning the end of next week.
Artichokes
Fall production of the thornless variety has slowed with minimal new plantings to harvest. Most growers are cleaning up their last remaining fields in Salinas and will gap before starting Oxnard , Coachella or Mexico later this month.
Brussels Sprouts
Domestic production continues to be strong in Northern California as quality, higher yields and acres increase with growers mechanically harvesting which leads to a surge in production. Strong demand for Thanksgiving as well as the homegrown season winding down will inevitably lead to firmer pricing but take advantage of promotable offerings for the Holidays while they last.
Green Onions
Production has mostly returned to normal as growers in Mexico concentrate on improving quality and yields. Supplies as expected to remain steady while demand will continue to increase for the next couple weeks boosting prices higher. Supplies should be good through the month before weather and labor interruptions commence next month.
Strawberries
Supplies will continue to light and we expect this trend to continue for the next several weeks. The Salinas and Watsonville areas is finishing their season, with most orders being booked in the Santa Maria and Oxnard areas. Their is rain in next weeks forecast which will add to our already demand-exceeds-supply situation. Yields are down in this area due to colder weather. Mexico volumes should increase mid- to late-November. California fruit has fair color with white shoulders, occasional misshapen, bruising, occasional mechanical damage, and occasional green tip.
Raspberries
Raspberries are rebounding more quickly from Hurricane Otis than blackberries and good supplies are expected by end of this week.
Blackberries
New crop from Central Mexico is going; however, we are still seeing quality concerns from the aftermath of Hurricane Otis. It will take at least another 1-2 weeks to clean up everything and for the plants to rebound.
Blueberries
While demand has fallen off due to higher market pricing, supplies are only slightly increasing. Overall, there will be more blueberries available over the coming weeks, but expectations are that the market will remain fairly high.
Stone Fruit
Yellow peaches are done being packed for the season. Red plum supplies are much tighter this weeks and markets are reacting. In contrast, black plums are abundant and available in various sizes. Domestic yellow and white nectarines have concluded their season. White peaches are also finished for the season, while yellow peaches will be available for one more week. Offshore fruit season is still a few weeks away.
Grapes
Improving supplies of red, green, and black seedless grapes this week. Current supplies are projected to continue for the remainder of the month. All grape types are currently boasting exceptional quality.. With market conditions stabilizing, producers and shippers are looking to move product and offering deals on volume orders.
Oranges
Valencia oranges are almost done for the season, and Navels are just starting, but extremely tight. There’s a problem with low sugar content in most orchards, but over the next two weeks, the quality and sugar levels will improve each day. Orders might still face delays and adjusted rates, so it’s a good idea to pre-book. Prices are high now but expected to drop by the end of the month. Expect excellent quality fruit expected for the upcoming season.
Lemons
District 1 is now up and going, and lemon supplies will likely improve over the next two weeks. pack outs are showing higher volumes on 115 to 200 count. We expect a higher proportion of choice fruit available in the coming season and thus a wider price difference between choice and fancy grade.
Limes
Fresh Lime market pricing has stabilized following a week or so of small declines. In general, we are seeing some better volume of fresh limes with significantly improved quality. Small-sized limes continue to dominate the market, while larger-sized ones remain limited in comparison, accounting for a relatively small portion of the available crop, and this trend may persist until the second quarter of 2024. We anticipate an adequate supply until the end of this month, after which a decline is expected in December.
Avocados
Lighter demand and increased production. Current oversupply has led to lower spot FOB’s as growers rushed in to fill a gap in supplies following several weather events that slowed production. Not a big seller for this time of year, suppliers are struggling to gain the attention of buyers who tend to be focused more on items popular for Thanksgiving. Sizing is still heavier to small fruit, yet we are seeing a bit more of the 48’s and 60’s which is welcomed by many. #2 fruit remains short, but due to the lighter demand overall, there is fruit to be had. Reports of some light Lenticel damage as a result of the rains, though this defect does not impact the interior of the fruit, but rather the skins as the fruit ripens.
Dry Onions
Remember the song “hello Mother hello Father” Camp Granada? “Wait a minute it stopped hailing, guys are sailing, playing baseball! Gee that’s better…that was all the Onion market needed was for Demand to increase…some guys are already cleaned up for the week and the market is stabilizing. The East will be coming in heavy for next week followed by the Midwest customers to probably carry us through the Christmas business.
Asparagus
Demand this week is still low and will not change until next week when the East has to come in for the “Thanksgiving Pull”. Peru is still stuck with high priced grass in Florida. Rumors have it that there is a lot of product on the tarmac in Lima with no destinations. Ugh!
Cantaloupes
The westside is done except for one producer still going to rapidly coming to an end. Yuma production is ample and peaking on jbo 9s and 9s. Offshore has been increasing arrivals peaking on large sizes jbo 9s/6 and reg 9. Mexico is going as well with a run of sizes. So may choices that buyers seem to have little if any interest in, as they are not in seasonal demand. Market is weak with many sellers looking for orders and willing to deeply discount off their quotes. Yuma has about a week more to go. Mexico should be winding down in exporting to U.S. due to lack of demand. Offshore sellers depend heavily on contract deals which have yet to kick in but should start to over the next two weeks. We look for markets to continue to struggle thru next week then possibly improve with diminishing districts and supplies.
Honeydew
Honeydew production is much lighter than cantaloupes, except for Mexico. Yuma is quite light and offshore arrivals have yet to start. Demand however has been anemic and does not look to improve anytime soon due to seasonal consumer tastes. Thus domestically markets are struggling but without much volume, discounts are not so significant. Mexico is practically giving their production away as drastic discounts. Little looks to change ahead and could get worse with offshore supplies on the rise, unless Mexico calls it quits. Market should be steady next week or possible a bit lower.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Broccoli production in Salinas and Santa Maria will slowly wind down before transitioning to the Desert. Patience and flexibility will again serve you well as this annual ritual of transitioning right in the middle of the Thanksgiving pull continues. Prices have escalated and Supplies should be overall sufficient but logistical challenges will be inevitable.
OG Celery
Production from Salinas and Santa Maria and now Oxnard has been steady allowing for flexible loading options . Quality remains mostly good to fair with some insect pressure. Demand has been improving daily pushing prices higher.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Steady production in Northern California will give way to sporadic but available supplies as Growers transition to multiple production areas for the Winter including Mexico. Improved supplies and quality are expected once the desert settles into full production later next week.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg & Romaine Lettuce production winds down rapidly in Northern California and will transition to the desert with expected significant quality improvements. Markets remain mostly steady this week as demand remains steady. Improved supplies and quality are expected once the desert begins in coming weeks which will likely lead to improved demand
Green and Red leaf Steady supply with improving demand as Prices remain mostly steady.
OG Citrus
Lemons, Oranges, Limes and Grapefruit Strong demand throughout the entire Citrus category due to strong retail sales and revived foodservice activity.
Lemon Mexico supplies continue to peak on smaller Choice fruit. California has limited production and size in the desert.
Lime quality and supplies remain inconsistent with varied prices.
The California Navel crop has begun with limited availability and size to start.
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