Lettuce​

​​Production is starting  to pick up  in the desert  even though overnight temperatures has brought light to moderate  frost conditions the past week. Slightly more mild temperatures are forecast for next week combined with ambivalent demand the market  is likely headed for a correction even with the current limited supply. The current frost conditions  will cause light blister  to begin showing up  in coming weeks.  Overall  quality other than the blister will  improve along with better weights.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine production and quality has shown signs  of improvement this past week.  Cold overnight temperatures have kept  supplies  moderate but also will cause  blister to form on future shipments.  The market  is adjusting to  lower  demand  and will likely further adjust as production increases next week.  Greenleaf and Redleaf  production  looks  like it may  continue to be  moderate  with no impending spike  which will allow the market  to maintain near current levels.

 

 

Celery

Very few large sized celery currently available.  Issues with wilting have plagued the industry causing early harvests to prevent problems in the field, resulting in more small sized product on the market.  These issues are are suspected to be long term and we will most likely see a strong celery market through the first of the year.  Desert production is expected to start in 3 weeks.

 

Broccoli

Good supplies of Mexican crowns are crossing into the Texas Valley prices are $10.00 – $12.00 less than domestic product.  Quality is good, nice green domes with the occasional hollow core.  We are starting to see a little more availability out of California and Arizona and prices seem to be gradually coming down.  Quality is fair.  Product is branchy and knuckly which are  the two main defects, followed by some light purple color on the domes due to the cold temperatures over the last few days.

 

Cauliflower

Unavailable best describes this market.  Product will remain very limited for at least another two weeks. The desert growers will likely start harvesting more volume the week of December 21st if weather allows.  Until then pallet volume type orders will be all that can be covered with advanced booking.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties continues to be limited but will likely start to  pick up in coming weeks ​from Oxnard and Mexico. The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until spring.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues to be heavy towards small sizing  with good demand on  Regular and  Jumbos.  Most shippers  are offering discounts on smalls while the standard medium sizes have remained strong. Issues  with insect and water quality remain along with  continued  heavy percentage of small sizing keeping yields far from optimal . Demand will continue to  increase as Christmas promotions begin.

Strawberries

A wide range of pricing is available out of Oxnard and McAllen. Quality has been variable as well. Sticker shock is starting to set into the marketplace and many buyers are cutting back orders to get out from high priced inventory.  Supplies will continue to increase out of the McAllen area next week and Oxnard expecting average volume.

 

Cantaloupes

Market was demand exceeds very light supplies this week as Guatemala remained the only producing area and they were in a mini gap.  Next areas are not expected to arrive until Christmas week. Meanwhile there should be more Guatemalan fruit next week, but only a bit more. Most supplies have been sucked up by contracts and that should continue next week, leaving precious little supply for the spot market.  Sizes are still running large (mostly jbo 9s) with very few regular 9s and virtually no 12s.  Market should remain tight for the next 10-14 days

 

Honeydews

Nogales remains the place. Off shore could start in a small way next week but we will see when the boats arrive.  Demand for Mexican fruit has been lackluster and supplies moderate.  Market has been steady and dull. Little looks to change next week.  If off shore fruit comes in with any volume market could drop otherwise we see a steady and uneventful market for next week.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon will be done for the most part in Florida next week,  Texas has finished and Mexico’s volume  is increasing. Mexican Melons are crossing through both McAllen and Nogales . Pricing is Nogales is $.08 to $.10 per lb cheaper out of Nogales  the McAllen due to the freight discrepancy. Sizing is 3s,4s,5s with peak being 4s and 5s  .

 

Limes

Limes have firmed up with supplies being consistent but not overly long. There are good supplies to be had in the 150 to 230 range with prices varying on quality between $11 and $13 FOB.

 

Mangos

Mango prices have slid over the  past few weeks with demand being light. Most of the volume has shifted to Ecuador with Peru starting at the end of the month of December . Produce West will have  Mangos from Peru and can work out a program with its customers to transition from Peruvian to Mexican Mangos .