This week is quite similar to last week unfortunately. Weather pattern continue to severely freeze the east coast and Midwest states with little relief in sight.  This has been a detrimental blow to already sluggish markets.  West coast and desert temperatures remain warm, although there has been some cooler evening temps over the past week, and rain in the forecast for this weekend.  Still, plenty of product continues to flood markets and keep prices at or below break-even levels on most items. Trucks rates have slowly risen over the past week, although the range in rates is widening and there still seems to be plenty of trucks. Rates should remain steady into next week as more trucks return from the east coast blizzard.

 

Lettuce​

​Production continues in the southwest desert region.  Quality has improved but has been very inconsistent.  Temperatures have been 8-10 degrees above normal but are forecasted to be near normal for the next couple weeks. This will help overall quality conditions.  Growers have been fighting blister, mildew, high core, pale color and now rib blight mostly from rapid growth. Better weather forecasted for the east coast next week and re-opening of West Coast Ports will lead to better demand and an upswing in the market sometime next week.
Mix Leaf 

​Production has leveled off especially Romaine while supplies of Green and Redleaf continue to be plentiful.  Quality issues continue with blister, tip burn, mildew and soil borne disease (Scelrotinia).  These quality issues will lead to shortages as most shippers are a couple weeks ahead of planting schedules.  Transition into new northern growing areas will begin the end of next week. Normal temperatures forecasted for the coming weeks should improve quality and tighten supplies.

 

Celery

Similar predicament as last week, plenty of product, wide range of pricing. Quality is very nice out of Oxnard, Yuma and Texas with very few issues to report.  Shippers looking to move on all sizes, now is the time make friends.
Broccoli

Steady supplies from all growing regions and we do not expect prices to increase over the next 7 days.  We are finding better quality product in Santa Maria and Salinas.  Demand for Mexican product has increased and prices are slightly higher.  Mexico will begin to wind down production over the next 4 weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Lighter volume is expected starting next week and prices will most likely begin to trend upwards.  It looks like growers in the desert regions will finish their season starting next week.  Santa Maria and Salinas growers are harvesting daily but there may not be enough volume to fill the gap as the desert finishes.  Look for volatility in that market over the next couple of weeks.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico. Supplies have been slightly heavier from Mexico.  ​The market has adjusted with lighter demand but will likely rebound in a couple weeks with better demand for Easter holiday.

 

Artichokes

Green Globe / Heirloom variety from Castroville will be the preferred variety for the Easter Holiday.  Production should be sufficient for promotions, starting with large sizes through March leveling off to medium and smaller sizes for April.   It is by far the best eating Artichoke available. Take advantage of promotional pricing in advance of the Easter Holiday.

 

Strawberries

Better supplies out of Oxnard. Quality is nice, with occasional white shoulder. Volume will beginning to pick up in the Santa Maria area. Watsonville supplies began packing this week with good quality but only pallet quantities available. The Florida market has plentiful supplies for the next week. That market has been ranging from $6 – $8.00 and is expected to stay in that range. The majority of the McAllen shippers have gone to the freezer with their remaining fruit. Good Supplies on organic straws, available out of Santa Maria and Oxnard. Wide range in pricing and Quality

 

Blackberries

Expect volume on Blackberries to lighten as weather in Mexico will affect the number of crossings. Some quality issues have been reported with red cell and light mold the main issues.

 

Raspberries

The market remains steady with good supplies coming out of Mexico. There have been less quality issues thus keeping the market in the $20.00 to $ 26.00 range.  Good supplies on organic raspberries available next week.  Suppliers will be looking to promote!

 

Blueberries

Supplies are limited with a wide range in pricing.  The Chilean season is coming to a close in the next 2 to 3 weeks.  The California season has started and is expected to come on slowly with better volume still 4 weeks away. Good Supplies on organic blueberries out of Oxnard and Santa Maria. The market will range in the $28 to $30.00 range.

 

Citrus

Now the port disputes are apparently free and clear, we can expect steady volumes good quality on Lemons and Navels.  There has been an oversupply of export sizes waiting for a home and now the pipeline is moving again. Good quality industry wide, and plenty of volume on all sizes.  The Lime market is still very active with fewer loads coming in from Mexico this week. This market appears to have leveled out on the high side for now.

 

Grapes

This market has eased up this week and with port disputes over, the will be more product flooding the market over the next 10 days. After that we could see lighter supply and stronger markets.  Beware of quality issues, product that has been sitting during the strike now has to be moved, make sure you know what you are buying.  Some issues of mold and decay have recently been reported.