L​ettuce

​​Perfect growing conditions the past couple weeks in the Southwest desert has finally started to make lettuce plants to grow. ​Production levels are still not at full capacity due to quality issues of blister, peel and discoloration but they have improved. Combined with lack of demand from sticker shock the past couple weeks  the market has started to adjust. Most shippers will remain conservative giving long term advanced pricing. With warm weather likely to accelerate supplies over the next couple weeks leaving only 6 weeks supply for the final couple months which could lead to eventual shortages near the end of the winter deal. There will be daily deals being offered by an array of shippers.

Brussels Sprout

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

Mix Leaf

​​Severe frost conditions affected both mature and younger plants leaving continued light supplies even though the weather has been ideal.  Romaine and leaf both will continue to show blister and discolored peel.  Texture has improved but many fields sustained enough damage to severely reduce fields. Romaine Hearts have been affected most due to some deep freezing leading to internal breakdown.  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.

Broccoli

This market has been slowly settling as volume increases out of Arizona and Texas.  Warmer weather has brought on more product, creating better volume and quality.  Shippers are looking for business.  We could see numbers come off with rain in the forecast next week for Imperial and Yuma valleys so there is a possibility of a market rebound later next week.

Cauliflower

Good availability currently.  Warm temperatures have created plenty of supply, although wet weather could create a better market as early as next week.  Be sure to take advantage of cheap pricing while it’s available, next week’s markets are likely to change with rain in the forecast.

Celery

Multiple shipping locations currently. Some reports of blistering due to recent freeze, but no significant issues to report. Small sizes are more readily available, with larger sizing hard to come by.  Look for deals on 30 count and larger.

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 which will lead to more competitive pricing.  ​

Strawberries

A very tough week is behind us as loading any volume out of Oxnard was next to impossible. Oxnard will continue to a tough area for the next few weeks as the volume is light as field are down. If Valentine Ad commitments are to be filled, expect to load out of McAllen and Yuma. Higher pricing may slow movement down, but with Florida expecting some rain and Oxnard with light volume, we could be in for a tough Holiday pull.