The Lettuce market had begun to settle with improved demand before the 4th of July Holiday but hot temperatures over the weekend resulted in some isolated quality issues in the hotter locations in addition to some reduction in Summer acres , which apparently, was enough to justify shippers raising prices. In response demand has stalled, likely putting pressure on markets to simmer once again or at least become heavily tiered as some growers will continue with full production. So far quality remains mostly good with some tipburn and sun scald but otherwise good color and texture. Temperatures are forecast to moderate for the balance of the month which hopefully keeps insect pressure under control and reduces the likelihood of an increase in INSV or other disease later this Summer.
Leaf Lettuce
Romaine Strong Production and quality pushed the market to below cost levels even through the Hot temperatures this past weekend. Only light damage has been seen so far with occasional tipburn or rib discoloration ( more so on Romaine Hearts) with otherwise good color and texture. Temperatures are expected to moderate moving forward and with reduced Summer acres expected, prices could eventually settle slightly higher even with strong local production.
Red leaf, Green leaf and Boston Markets remain at reasonable levels although varied among shippers, as growers begin to seasonally adjust their budgeted acres to compensate for local homegrown production.
Celery
COME AND GET IT!!!!. Shippers are looking to make deals in all growing regions. There are some light supplies still available in Oxnard but this region will be finished by the end of the week. The majority of the product is now shipping from Santa Maria and Salinas.
Broccoli
Production will continue to be on the lighter side this week although supplies have improved since last week. Demand remains good. Look for markets to remain at current trading levels as we head into next week.
Cauliflower
Good supplies exist in both Salinas and Santa Maria. The market will remain steady as we go into next week. Quality is very nice with bright white domes and dark green jackets with little to no blemishes on the domes.
Artichokes
The thornless varieties have become the dominant variety. Demand remains modestly good for moderate supplies.
Brussels Sprouts
Production from Mexico has mostly finished as domestic production continues to be delayed resulting in sharp escalation in pricing. Domestic quality is ok with many variations in sizing. Supplies are expected to improve early next month.
Green Onions
Production has begun to ease from its early Summer peak as most growers cut back Summer acreage as temperatures rise in Mexico. Reduced labor and limited coastal acres will lower production for the next couple months from Mexico although regional, local production is usually enough to keep prices from escalating too rapidly. Quality has shown signs of heat damage recently but moderating temperatures should help keep quality strong.
Strawberries
The Weather out of the Northern areas this week has been warm and cloudy in the mornings, with the sun coming out mid morning. Daytime temps have been in the high 70’s, and nights in the mid 50’s. Next week is looking to be much of the same. Production for this area has just passed their peak, and we are expecting to see slightly decreased, but steady production over the next few weeks. Overall, sizing is a bit down, with conventional counts ranging 16-22 count a case and organic counts are at 22-28 count a case. We are seeing increased instances of darker, overripe fruit due to higher temperatures as the summer progresses. Berries have shown a good sheen, medium size, strong red color, and good flavor, but all growers are seeing occasional misshapen fruit, bruising, mildew, and overripe fruit. The weather has been warm out of Santa Maria, with daytime temps in the high 70’s and nights in the mid 50’s. Size is staying slightly smaller with counts in the 20-26 range for conventional fruit and 22-32 count for organic fruit. Due to high heat, fruit will ripen quickly, resulting in smaller sizing and softer skin. Spring Crop production in Santa Maria is steadily winding down until Fall Crop starts. We are seeing issues of bruising, soft skin, mildew, and overripe fruit in the fields. Organics will be steady for the next 2-3 weeks, depending on heat.
Raspberries
The weather out of Mexico has been hot and seeing temps in the low 80’s and nights in the low 60’s. Next week is looking to be similar, with daytime temps still in the low 80’s as well. Production for bushberries is back up to a sustainable peak, and between Mexico and California, there should be ample supplies. Overall, fruit is looking good with a strong red color, with some fruit lighter in color in the pack due to picking a bit early ahead of the heat. Sizes are mostly medium with larger berries here and there. Counts are 35-52. We do see some overripe and crumbled fruit sporadically throughout the packs, but crews are doing their best to keep them out of the packs. Volume for raspberries is reaching peak for the summer. Watsonville production has been steadily increasing and is looking great. Production will begin doubling about every week until the peak in late July to early August. Quality has been good with good color and flavor, but we are seeing some overripe fruit.
Blackberries
The quality out of Mexico is good, with sizing between the medium to large range, nice sheen, mostly black and with good firmness. Conventional counts are 22-26 and organic counts are 30-35. Due to high temps in the regions, There will some regression throughout the pack for most suppliers. There have been occasional reports of leaking fruit as the days continue to be hot. Volume for blackberries is at a peak from Mexico. Watsonville’s production is on the rise. Production will begin increasing weekly until the peak in September. Quality has been good for the most part, but there have been a few reports of some dry calyx and an occasional report of leaky berries.
Blueberries
There have been some small issues of shriveling, scarring, and deformities. Overall, the color, size, and flavor of the blueberries are good. Production is trending down due to the high heat. Conventional blues have sized up a bit and are 12-16 mm in general. Conventional wise, volume is expected to dip in late June through July and then start ramping up again towards September. Organic wise, volume has begun tapering off and will have low amounts of small, steady volume through the next few months. Production out of the Central Valley has wrapped for the season. Oregon is expecting some high heat in the 90’s this week and are doing their best to get packs harvested early. Oregon has started off strong this last week with fruit looking excellent. Organics have been slightly delayed and will begin packing this week. Oregon’s volume is expected to be large around the 3 rd week in July.
Stone Fruit
Peaches and nectarines are currently available in good volume across all sizes. Quality has been strong. There is a particularly high volume of smaller sizes, making them ideal for promotions. Red and black plums are also in better supply this week. The cherry season has concluded in California, but Washington cherries are now available.
Grapes
The season in Mexico has essentially come to an end. Operations in the San Joaquin Valley have started in a light way, but overall progress is slow. The current high temperatures in the California central valley are expected to further delay the harvest. The market is now heading into a demand exceeds supply scenario and pricing will be on the rise. Quality has been strong overall on current supplies.
Oranges
Valencias are currently peaking in sizes 72, 88, 113, and 138. The quality of the fruit has been excellent with very few issues to report on the store level. Additionally, there will be a substantial supply of Choice-grade valencias available in the coming weeks which will help keep up with summer demand.
Lemons
Lemons are now available, with District II having better supplies. However, sizes 140 and smaller are in very tight supply, with almost no availability of sizes 200 and 235. Adversely, there are better supplies of sizes 75 and 95. Overall, the lemon market is firming up and prices are rising quickly.
Avocados
After the recent industry shutdown, things are now even more chaotic. Mexican suppliers are trying different strategies to re-enter the market, with some aiming for high prices and others for low. However, no one is making much progress. During Mexico’s absence, California’s large harvest and offshore arrivals filled market gaps with competitive pricing, making Mexico rethink its approach. The good news is that we could see some price correction as the industry welcomes better supplies. The hope is that increasing new crop supply and more motivated old crop sellers will help stabilize prices.
Limes
Supply is improving, but quality issues persist due to the recent drought conditions experienced over the past 90-120 days. These challenges are evident in the current crop cycle, with growers anticipating lower yields from August through October. However, recent rainfall in Mexico over the last few weeks has been beneficial, helping the fruit to size up.
Dry Onions
“Prepare for heat issues in CA, NM market starting to strengthen due to heat and limitations on CA. Quality in NM is improving.” “Today, the heat caught up to the yellows. The onions are not keeping their skin so they are bald. Onions coming in hot, we are letting them sit on the floor to get some air and hopefully they set a skin. I’m not shipping yellows past the Mississippi River.
Reds and whites are in good condition and will ship anywhere” Above are two quotes from onion shippers. On top of everything else, demand is not there either. Maybe this extreme weather will bring supplies down to a point that
the market will “catch” and finally stabilize.
Asparagus
Supplies from Mexico seem to be keeping up with demand and the market remains in the mid to low $30’s.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Cauliflower production continues to show signs of improvement as Quality improves, availability continues to increase. Broccoli supplies have been adequate on the West Coast but Mexican and local supplies have been limited allowing growers to keep prices elevated. Local supplies could improve and put pressure to keep prices stable.
OG Celery
Production remains steady to start the Salinas season . Growers are monitoring fields for any heat related issues that arise from the heatwave over the 4th of July weekend. so far quality remains strong.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Multiple production areas continue to offer sufficient options and good supplies but mixed quality.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Production in Northern California remains steady. Hot temperatures last weekend may lead to some quality issues as well as increased insect pressure as growers monitor fields.
OG Citrus
Lemons, Oranges, Limes and Grapefruit Strong demand throughout the entire Citrus category due to strong retail sales and revived foodservice activity.
Grapefruit production is currently strong with some Fancy , Large size fruit available
Lemon California has limited production with more choice fruit than normal. Prices have begun to escalate, especially smaller fruit , with overall crop acres lower for the season.
Lime quality and supplies remain inconsistent with elevated prices.
Valencia’s improving Flavor profiles although limited acres and strong demand have kept prices elevated.
OG Grapes
Domestic grapes are finishing up the shortened Desert season and will transition fully to the Central Valley next week. Supplies are expected to be good with strong demand at elevated prices for the new crop. Production from Mexico also continues with reduced size and flavor profiles although prices remain competitive.
OG Melons
Watermelons have begun to transition to the Northern California Central Valley along with Cantaloupes and Honeydews. Production came to an abrupt close in the desert with mostly Large sizes as Hot temperatures unexpectedly pushed the crop forward . Transition to the Central Valley is expected to bring strong production , sizing and flavor. Prices are expected to settle at promotable levels starting next week.
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