L​ettuce

​Production levels  continue at industrywide low levels as plants recover from last week’s severe cold.   Weather in the desert has since returned to normal but the ground temps have been slow to warm up. Quality issues are hampering yields although some issues with texture have improved. Blister and peel have replaced tipburn and ribby lettuce as the most common defects. Some shippers are requesting terms of Acceptance Final and feel supplies  will be short for the next month.   Other than some  cooler nights forecast for next weekend the weather pattern appears  to be good.  Sticker shock and poor weather in the East will curb demand and likely impact the market sooner than later although

the highly contracted nature of lettuce has led to an extended length of strong demand.

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico as California product is all but finished. Supplies should start increasing with better quality yields from Mexico.  ​The market should remain steady as  better quality will lead to better movement.

Mix Leaf

​Frost conditions have had an impact on Romaine and leaf  with blister and now discolored peel.  Texture has improved but many fields sustained enough damage to severely reduce yields since pre-frost many fields were being harvested 2-3  weeks ahead of schedule. Romaine Hearts have been affected most due to some deep freezing leading to internal burn.  Some shippers  will continue to reach ahead to lessen blister related issues but some will let the product size up and trim back affected leaves creating a wide range in quality, sizing and especially color.  Similar to lettuce high prices will dampen demand impacting the market.

Broccoli

The market has topped out and we will now begin to see some price relief.  Better supplies and quality are expected for the next few weeks out of all growing regions.  You will still find some light water spotting on product out of Santa Maria for another couple of days and then that quality defect will disappear.  Domes are still on the knuckly side and all growing regions have small, tight beads.

Cauliflower

Prices are falling dramatically so make sure you are purchasing with some type of price protection.  We are finding quality in all areas to be very nice.  Good white color and sizing is getting bigger.  Expect to see better volume on 9 size as we go into next week.

Celery

This market seems to be gaining momentum this week. High markets on other commodities have turned attention towards filling out trucks with celery.  There is a wide range of pricing between shippers.  Smaller sizes are more readily available mostly due to the fact that cooler weather slows development.  Product is still coming out of Santa Maria, Oxnard, Imperial Valley and Yuma. Mexican celery is also available out of Texas and quality remains good overall.

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  More shippers have started limited production  and have been peaking on large sizes with light volume on medium and small sizes.  Production will continue to increase in coming weeks.

Strawberries

The market has perked up due to several large growers that had to strip plants this week out of Oxnard. The forecast is for mid 70’s next week with no rain expected out of this area.  The Central Mexico / McAllen fruit has been good quality with steady volume expected thru next week.