Lettuce

Transition from the California Central Coast to Southwestern desert winter production region has created a gap in supplies pushing markets to 12 month highs.  Shortages will likely continue for another couple weeks but should peak early next week. Quality from all areas has issues with rain in the north on already weak fields and continued heat on early distressed lettuce from the desert resulting in high core, pale lettuce. Quality should rebound as growers get into their 3rd or 4th blocks.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve increasing yields and softening market especially on off sizes   . Improved demand anticipated for Thanksgiving promotions will strengthen the market next week and beyond as most retailers will promo sprouts through the end of the year.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart production continues along the California Coastal areas from Salinas to Oxnard. A few shippers will start Yuma this week but most won’t start for another 10 days.  Shortages on lettuce have increased demand for Romaine resulting in much higher markets. Quality continues to suffer from twist, seeder, and tip burn.   Greenleaf and Red leaf supplies have been less affected by burn and disease and continue to follow behind Romaine pricing. Yuma / Coachella Valley should be in full production by the middle of November.

 

Broccoli

Look for prices to trend slightly upwards as we head into next week. Lighter supplies out of Salinas and Santa Maria are expected over the next two weeks.  There is availability out of Mendota, Ca as well as product of Mexico out of Texas.

 

Cauliflower

Market is slightly higher and will most likely continue to increase into next week.  Warmer than normal weather over the last month has pushed harvest schedules which will now leave lighter supplies in Salinas and Santa Maria over the next two weeks

 

Celery

This market is just starting to heat up which is normal for this time of year.  Good volume is expected on the west coast, but we will still see a demand exceeds scenario, causing prices to inch upwards throughout the thanksgiving pull. There will be some gaps in production as northern area supplies lighten and more pressure is put on Oxnard product. Quality issues like pith have been reported in all areas.  Small sizes are currently more prevalent.

 

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  Most shippers have been peaking on large sizes with light volume matching light demand on medium and small sizes.  Although still limited Green Globe, Heirloom varieties have begun to increase with the cooler more seasonable weather.  Demand will ramp up as the Holiday season approaches which will have a significant effect on the overall market.

 

Strawberries

The strawberry market is higher due to heavy rain during the past week and stripping of fruit on the plants.  The Majority of the shippers went to the Juicers with anything that was salvageable. There will be very little fruit available for the fresh market until next week. Growers expected some fruit for shipment at the end of the week, but the fruit in the field had very little legs, thus plants had to be stripped or fruit is scheduled for the juicer again. The weather forecast for Santa Maria, California is sunny, highs in the 70s reaching into the 80s on Wednesday with lows in the 50s; Salinas/Watsonville, California is sunny with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s; the forecast for Oxnard, California is sunny skies, with highs in the 70s reaching into the 80s Wednesday and Thursday with lows in the 50s. In Salinas/Watsonville, most shippers are finished for the season. There may be some fruit available mid-week out of this area, but on a limited basis.

 

Melons

The cantaloupe market is active due to light supplies. Central California is finished. Central Arizona is going with light supplies. Mexican fruit is available and quality has been good.

Honeydew supplies are available in Nogales and quality is good.

Quality on both cantaloupes and honeydews is mixed.

 

Watermelons

We are seeing an increased supply of Seedless Watermelon coming from Mexico.  The market is very active as supplies increase to meet demand.

 

Grapes

The grape movement is very good. Most shippers have good inventory on red seedless grapes. The predominant variety on green seedless is Autumn King and they are moving very well at this time. The market is good on most varieties. Seems we still have a good amount of grapes to pick, but we are still waiting for color and sugars. We have good supplies of Red Globes and fair supplies of Autumn Royals.

 

Citrus

Valencia’s – Are finished for the season.

Navels – Are being harvested in CA now… Limited supplies of 72-88 with fruit peaking on 113, 138 and 163’s.  Quality has been the best we’ve seen in years.  High sugar and good color!!!!

Lemons – We are seeing good supplies of new crop lemons. District III and Mexican supplies are in better volume.  Mostly 165-200-235 here, district III is packing out 70% fancy and 20% choice.  The market has adjusted downward for the small fruit. Grapefruit – The market is active and supplies are increasing, but slowly.  Quality has been great.

 

Tree Fruit

Pomegranates are now being harvested is full force.  Good supplies on all sizes in #1 and #2 grade fruit.  Market is strong as demand outpaced supply.  Asian Pears are available with good supply.  Both varieties Shinseki (Brown) and Hosui (Yellow).

Persimmons are fresh and being harvested in the central valley now.  Fuyu and Hachiya are both available for your holiday baking and snacking needs.

 

Dry Vegetables

Green bells are active this week, with sporadic volume available from most regions.  The CA desert is starting up with light supplies and will need pre-books to play ball.

Red and Gold peppers are still available out of most regions.  Central CA is finishing up soon and the market is expected to stay strong.

Cucumbers seem to be coming consistently from Mexico.  The market is steady and so is supply.

Zucchini, and yellow squash is available from Mexico in Nogales with lighter supplies, but good quality.  We should see steady supplies via Baja and Central Mexico