Market continues steady but randomly fluctuating throughout the week. Varying temperatures in the has led to production and quality differences among shippers with excellent to fair quality throughout the valley. Tip burn and mildew are visible on many lots. with the best quality having lighter weights and darker color.
Mix Leaf
Romaine market remains steady with mild demand although Hearts continue to be strong with limited homegrown pressure. Quality is good but has lessened with the continued intermittent temperature spikes causing weaker texture and fringe burn while mildew pressure is prevalent along the coast where morning overcast conditions exist. Green and Red leaf are also showing variable quality around the valley. Local Homegrown production areas continue with some weather issues but will continue to put pressure on California market to remain steady although with many shippers in their reduced summer acreage,spikes in demand could lead to sudden price fluctuations.
Brussels Sprouts
Production continues from California with poor quality affecting supplies. Varied sizing, discoloration and insect pressure continue to be prevalent. Market is expected to remain strong through the Summer.
Celery
This market is in correction mode. Michigan and Canadian growing regions are in full swing and lessening demand for west coast product. Salinas and Santa Maria are both producing nice quality, although there have been some isolated reports of seeder in some of the warmer regions. We expect a “buyers market” for the next few weeks as local product floods markets and the summer doldrums kick in.
Bell Pepper
Green Bells are just starting to see improved production from new growers areas in Gilroy and Hollister. Central Valley production remains limited but additional supplies should start to help pressure markets to adjust heading into next week.
Broccoli
Supplies remain steady and harvest volume continues to keep up with demand. Crowns continue to have better demand than bunch out of California. Some of this demand may be coming from customers who would usually be taking Mexican broccoli but quality has been an issue out of Mexico so that is diverting buyers to come out West.
Cauliflower
Supplies exceed demand and shippers will be looking to make deals for the end of the week in order to clean up inventory before going into the weekend. Get with your Produce West sales representative to find the best buy.
Artichokes
Seeded varieties are in full production with sizing profiles starting to peak on medium sizes although demand has diminished entering the Summer season making Artichokes a Great value.
Strawberries
Demand is slowly starting to turn around. The Salinas and Watsonville areas are seeing improvements in quality with fresh fruit, as we have been experiencing some consistent weather patterns. Santa Maria volumes have dropped slightly. Quality is still good as we enter the later stages of this season.
Blueberries
The weather has been favorable in the B.C. production area with no precipitation expected for this week at all. Fields continue to be lighter this season, however quality has been exceptional and is expected to remain this way. Demand has eased over the weekend, and markets are easing as well.
Raspberries
Supplies remain extremely light with much over the industry experiencing heavy prorates. Demand is strong and seems to be driving by promotional pricing for the Chains. The industry will be in a light supply situation for the next couple weeks but volume is forecast to increase in the month of August.
Blackberries
Supplies have been holding steady. Weather is slightly better this week in North Carolina which resulted in better quality. Lower production is expected for the next several weeks which is normal in North Carolina before the fall crop returns with increased volume in 3-4 weeks. California production is steady and will slightly increase over the next month, but not anticipating large weekly numbers over all. Expect steady markets next week.
Oranges
Very strong demand for California Valencias and supply gaps continue just like we expected. Now we reach the point of the summer when schools are preparing to return to session, which will stretch supplies even tighter. Expect pricing to continue to climb higher through this month. The California season will go until mid September. Quality has been good, with very few problems to report.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Broccoli and Cauliflower production continues to be steady with overall light supplies and good demand. Insect pressure is the main culprit limiting supplies. The market has firmed but should settle at sustainable levels.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most of the Herbs and Bunching Greens have experienced quality issues along with persistent insect pressure causing intermittent shortages although local Homegrown supplies have been sufficient to offset any availability issues.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Supplies have improved on Leaf, Iceberg as well as Romainefrom California although heat and insect pressure will continue to impact supplies. Markets continue steady with limited demand to due competition from homegrown supplies.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot production continues to be strong although wind and heat have impacted harvest and quality. Onion & Potato demand has been good with good quality White, Yellow and Red Onion supplies from Central California while Potato supplies are expected to remain tight through the Summer.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Demand exceeds supply on all sizes and grades of fruit; anticipated to last into early fall. Chilean imports are helping overall availability and Mexico is trying to get started, but has been hindered and delayed by the rain. Even with imports, overall supplies will remain tight.
Limes: The market is slightly higher this week. Heavy precipitation continues to decrease volume and increase stylar (a disease affecting the opposite end of the stem, appearing as a discolored, water-soaked spot).
OG Melons
Central Valley Watermelons have been hampered by heat and delays on new plantings leading to limited production from California. Barring any significant hot weather next week should bring better availability on all melons including Cantaloupes and Honeydews.
OG Avocados
Mexico: The summer crop is starting slowly with volume increasing in the coming weeks. Sizes are peaking on 60s and smaller; limited volume on larger fruit. d their field prices and reduced volume available. This new summer fruit has slower maturity level, taking longer to ripen.
California: Sizes are peaking on 48s and larger; limited supply on 60s and smaller fruit. Harvest volume continues to decline with some shippers packing only a few day per week. Supplies will continue to trend downward as move into August and the crop finishes for the season.
OG Berries
Strawberry production from Salinas and Watsonville continue with sizing and quality still hampered by fluctuating high temperatures and overcast weather. The market has tried to strengthen on better quality although bruising remains prevalent. Most shippers are trying to limit problems by sending their marginal fruit to the freezer / processors.
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