Western US is experiencing unseasonably warm weather, bringing on more volume than anticipated on most commodities. Unfortunately the Midwest and East coast weather has been hit hard by cold weather and storms, lowering demand and softening over all markets.  10 day forecast show more of the same; warm in the west and cold in the east. Trucks are plentiful and rates have eased up from last week.  Lower demand and cheaper fuel prices should keep rates down for the next 3 weeks.

Lettuce​

Lettuce market finally has fully corrected from seasonal highs. Production levels are close to maximum and poor weather in the east along with closures/ delays of West Coast Ports have slowed overall demand.   Quality remains a concern with a range of issues from weak texture, mildew and some residual discolored blister.  Warm weather forecast for the month of February will keep production at maximum levels although this will increase the likelihood of shortages again by the end of the month.  Labor shortages and quality will cap volume and force shippers to leave product in the field.  Take advantage over the next couple weeks to promote lettuce and increase your 8 week averages used by many shippers to allocate volume when markets tighten.
Mix Leaf 

Production levels continue to increase while demand has suffered with poor weather in the East.   Market corrections have been slow coming but they will soon bottom out along with Iceberg.  Quality issues continue with blister, tip burn, mildew and soil borne disease (Scelrotinia). Overall quality has improved but shippers will need to be selective to get the best product available.  Projected shortages will likely happen again early March as the Desert production winds  down a couple weeks early and  Salinas, Santa Maria & Huron  are not projected to begin until  Mid-March .      ​​

 

Celery

Wide range in pricing, mostly trending downward due to lack of demand. Florida celery has largely affected over all markets, keeping prices under $10 out west to stay competitive.  More large sized celery this week than last week, however the majority of product has been the smaller sizes. Very nice quality out west, shippers are looking to deal and taking offers.
Broccoli

Market is depressed and shippers are looking for business.  Perfect growing conditions in all areas has provided ample supplies of product.  Our inspectors are seeing slightly better quality in the Imperial Valley and Yuma growing regions.  There is also good availability of Mexican product crossing in Texas.

 

Cauliflower

Demand has improved over the last few days and shippers are now increasing FOB prices due to the better demand.  Prices will be $2.00 – $3.00 higher than they were at the beginning of the week and we could see more price increases next week.  9 size flower seems to be the least available of the three sizes.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico. Supplies have been steady but should start​increasing with better quality yields from Mexico and additional growers beginning production.  ​The market should remain steady as better quality will lead to better movement.

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  More shippers have started 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 has led to more competitive pricing.  ​

 

Strawberries

The Valentine Day pull is officially over. Many shippers out of the Oxnard area will still have light volume for the remainder of the week, but expect supplies out of California to more available next week as the weather is forecast for the high 70’s over the next 7 to 10 days. Many shippers out of the Santa Maria will be coming more into play with several shippers starting harvest this week.

 

Citrus

Not much change in overall market.  Larger sized fruit is more prevalent because of recent rains mixed with warmer temperatures.  Later season varieties are generally known for sizing up quicker, which creates further sizing issues.  Quality has been very nice on the navels, good color and firm upon arrival.  The lemon market is all over the board, lackluster business has created good supplies.  Smaller sized lemons are in more demand mostly because of foodservice needs.  Chilean fruit has been very nice, very few quality complaints.

 

Grapes

Continued steady markets, product continues to land in Los Angeles and New Jersey with very few problems.  Extra-large fruit has been tighter mostly because Chilean fruit historically tends to be smaller in size.  Large price difference between extra-large and medium fruit.  Thompson varieties have shown much better results upon arrival than sugar ones.  Expect good quality for the next 2 weeks. New boats could have different results but it is likely quality will be similar as there has been mild weather in South American growing regions.

 

Green Peppers

The green market has stabilized and has settled at a reasonable price.  Quality is good and shelf life seems to be strong.  Expect this item to remain steady through the week.

 

Red Peppers

The red market has adjusted downward this week and seems to have settled at the bottom.  Quality will be hit and miss depending on age of shipper’s inventory and days on hand.  This item will remain promotable for next couple weeks.

 

Yellow Peppers

The yellow market has stabilized and rests at a very reasonable level.  Quality is good and should remain that way for the next couple weeks.

 

Cucumbers

The cucumber market has increased a little, due to inconsistent supplies arriving from Mexico.  Quality has been pretty good overall.  This market should remain steady through the week.

 

Zucchini Squash

The market is stable and close to the bottom…  Quality has been very good and expected to become excellent over the next couple weeks.  This market should remain steady for the next couple weeks.

 

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is following the same pattern as Zucchini, for the most part.  Quality is good and getting better as they break new fields.  This market should remain steady through the week as well.

 

Hard Squash

All varieties are getting tighter and the supply has been lower than average.  Quality has been OK and tending to be heavy to the larger sizes and showing some ground spotting and scarring.  The market is expected to remain active for a while.

 

Avocados

Good Supplies coming from Mexico. 36’s and larger are somewhat limited. 60’s and smaller have good availability, as well as #2’s.  Expect good supplies continuing to come in, with deals on the 60’s and smaller and #2’s.  Quality, flavor and oil content is excellent.  Price may be up slightly as Growers in the field are slowing harvest and pushing for higher prices. California harvest continues and fruit is available in Santa Paula, CA. Growing conditions have been very favorable and fruit has matured nicely and tastes great.  There is a supply of all sizes, although growers are choosing to pick 60’s and larger.  There are also #2’s coming in. Volumes are still somewhat light and will increase in Mid-March.