Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers. Some  shippers are offering discounts on small 30’s , others Jumbo 24’s .  Overall production is slightly heavier with moderate demand. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tipburn. Weather forecast continues to call for normal temperatures which should improve overall quality and increase supplies.

 

Mix Leaf

Red leaf and Green leaf markets continue  to be depressed due to very light demand  due to “local”  supplies . Demand for Romaine  and especially hearts continues to be strong with limited “local” supplies.  Romaine distribution among California shippers continues to be uneven resulting in a range of prices. Quality also continues to impact the market especially romaine with heavy insect and mildew pressure.

Celery

Plenty of product industry wide on all sizes, although large sizes are the most plentiful.  Oxnard is still producing and Santa Maria has picked up volume and looking to move product, especially on 24ct.   Quality is good, nice color and strong stalks with very little seeder.

 

Broccoli

Good availability and quality is very nice. Pricing is in favor of the buyer and shippers are looking to make deals on crown cuts of all varieties so run your offers by us.  It does not feel like the current situation will change going into next week.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have peaked and we should start to see a slight decline by the end of the week.  Look for the market to decline a few dollars by Monday/Tuesday of next week and then settle in the $10.00 – $12.00 range.  Quality is good with nice white domes and heavier weights.  Get with your Produce West representative for July ad pricing.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production  as the Heirloom season picks back up in late Summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Salinas and Watsonville are the main growing areas.  Santa Maria has slowed production after Memorial Day.  The berries are on the small side, with good color and very sweet.  Very few quality problems to speak of.  This market has been slowly strengthening over the past few days due to lack of volume.  With Oxnard and Santa Maria finishing up, more pressure is being put on Salinas area fruit.  Weather is expected to be nice over the next 10 days so that will help with overall production in the coming week.  It should be noted that lack of labor could be another issue this summer as more laborers take higher paying construction jobs in a recovering housing market.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies have gradually been increasing since last week’s rain, although not as rapidly as anticipated in spite of the heat. Spot demand is only fair at current higher prices but there are many ads set at mostly 8.95 which has been sufficient to keep available spot market supplies light. Market is 10.00-11.00 on 9s with few in any jbo 9s and 12s at 9.00-10.00. July 4th shipping should start in earnest next week. Look for market to be a bit lower toward pre committed levels then stay steady through next week. Huron should start mid to end of next week.

 

 

Domestic Honeydews

Plantings were very light this spring. Demand has picked up slightly and market seems to have found a balance at 8.00-9.00 on 5s, 8.99 on 6s; 7.00 some lower on 8s.  This should hold through next week, with sizes peaking on 5s and 6s. Quality is okay.  The following week market could weaken as Bakersfield then Huron phase in.

 

Watermelon – Supplies are beginning to tighten up on the West Coast as Mexico finishes up and the Fourth of July pull begins. Produce West has great supplies of seedless and seeded conventional and organic watermelon and conventional mini seedless out of Cordele GA not through September.

Mangos Supplies on Kents continue to increase and prices are weak. Larger sizes are still in shorter supply, look for deals on  12/14 Kents . Ataulfos are virtually nonexistent look for them to remain tight for at least another 10 days .