Abnormal weather patterns continue across the US.  Warm, dry conditions out west matched with freezing temperatures in the east have resulted in over supply and sluggish demand.  Weather patterns for the next 10 days show little signs of changing.  Southeast and Florida weather has cooled significantly over the past few days with temperatures below freezing at night.  This should slow over all Florida production which up to this point has flooded the markets with an abundance of product.  Truck rates have dropped over the past 2 weeks and should begin to bottom out over the next few days.

 

Lettuce​

​Production continues in the southwest desert region.  Quality has improved but has been very inconsistent.  Most shippers are harvesting at full capacity.  Weather continues to be warmer than normal, averaging 82/55.  These temperatures continue to accelerate growth but also contribute to the wide range of quality. Harvesting crews are having a difficult time getting through plantings before the lettuce over matures.  Starting fields near 40 lbs. and finishing them a day or two later at 48-50lbs.  Poor weather across the rest of the country and closures/ delays of West Coast Ports have slowed overall demand and have depressed the market.  Continue to 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 next month.
Mix Leaf 

Production has leveled off especially Romaine while supplies of Green and Red leaf continue to be plentiful. The market has also began to firm in anticipation of lighter supply and better demand from the east once their weather improves.   Quality issues continue with blister, tip burn, mildew and soil borne disease (Scelrotinia) . Overall quality has improved but the better shippers are being selective. These quality issues will lead to shortages as most shippers are again a couple weeks ahead of planting schedules.

 

Celery

Production continues in Oxnard, Imperial, Yuma, Mexico and Florida.  Plenty of product for now and production is peaking on all sizes, particularly the larger celery.  Quality has been nice overall but some issues of epidermal peeling have been reported due to the cold weather in January.
Broccoli

Market remains unchanged from last week.  We still remain in an oversupply situation in all growing regions.  Shippers are looking to make deals, especially on bunch sizes.  Our inspectors are finding the best quality out of the Desert growing regions.  It has the best overall dome appearance with good green color and tight beads.  The only defect we are seeing is some branchiness.  The Salinas valley has started harvesting product as well and Mexico continues to have good supplies crossing into Texas.

 

Cauliflower

Steady supplies available out of Santa Maria, Imperial Valley and Yuma.  Some shippers have started harvesting in the Salinas Valley as well.  There are a few shippers who have lighter supplies and continue to quote higher than average FOB’s but in general we will not see much fluctuation in the price in either direction for the next 10 days.  Nine size flower continues to be the tightest size out of the three.

 

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 has adjusted but will likely rebound in a couple weeks with better demand for Easter holiday.
Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available but the Green Globe / Heirloom variety will begin its’ annual spring surge.  It is by far the best eating Artichoke available. Take advantage of promotional pricing in advance of the Easter Holiday.

 

Strawberries

Strawberries – The market has quieted down slightly after the Valentine’s Day pull.  Supplies are expected to be better out of the Oxnard and Santa Maria areas in the coming weeks. There is very little rain in the forecast for these growing areas and the forecast is for normal temperatures. Supplies are dwindling in Texas as many of the berry growers out of the McAllen area have diverted fruit to the freezer.

 

Citrus

Similar market as last week, shippers believe pricing is at or near the bottom floor. Port issues will affect the citrus market due to the fact that export is a large percentage of business on the west coast.  Less exported fruit will result in more product on the open market.  Quality is ok, but softer fruit has been reported because of warmer temperatures out west.  Expect similar market conditions over the next 10 days.

 

Grapes

Union disputes continue to plague the port systems on the west coast. Currently there are vessels parked offshore waiting to get unloaded.  This will most likely have an impact on the grape market as supplies clean up and nothing coming in.  Luckily volume has been above normal, which should offset most volume gaps.  There are fewer extra-large sizes available and most of the volume is on the smaller sized fruit.

 

Green Peppers

The green market has increased slightly due to cold weather conditions stunting the growth.  Quality is good and shelf life seems to be strong.  Expect this item to remain active through the next couple weeks.

 

Red Peppers

The red market has adjusted downward this week again and now has hit rock 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 stabilized and supplies are consistently arriving from Mexico.  Quality has been good overall.  This market should remain steady through the week.

 

Zucchini Squash

The market is stable and deals are available on volume.  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. 48’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, but we are seeing limited numbers of larger fruit.  There are also #2’s coming in. Volumes are still somewhat light and will increase in Mid-March.