Supplies  of  Western veg have surged with annual increased Fall plantings based on the  anticipation of increased demand from around the  country.  Although the Northeast and  Canada have had severe weather this Summer they are currently experiencing ideal growing conditions.  This may help stretch out the local growing season and delay demand out West  causing a  temporary excess supply situation on many core vegetable items .  This is the ideal time  to take advantage of some  special deals being sporadically offered.  Many  are predicting a healthy Fall vegetable  season  once the  homegrown season concludes.

Long range weather shows West Coast below normal this week with highs in the low 60′s to mid 70′s with night time temps in the low 50’s but warming 8-10 degrees through early next week.  Inland Valley’s are predicted to be near normal.  The desert  has had near  normal weather with highs in the mid 90’s   California along with the rest of the country looks  to get a  taste of Fall by October 6th with temperatures starting to fall below normal . The Northeast could see low temps in the 30′s  by the end of the month.

Truck availability remains good but fuel costs  have kept rates elevated  for this time  of year.  Most Independents and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business which will eventually  turn into better rates.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Most shippers will start increasing their plantings to account for increased Fall demand.  Yields  will start to decline  but overall production will continue to climb . Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are starting to show on arrivals.  Loading Fresh  lettuce is  extremely important especially this  time of year.  Weights are a  good indication of the  overall health of the  lettuce.  Usually you like to see weights in the  low 40’s  this time  of year.  Although the lettuce will be  slightly softer it should have a better appearance and greater shelf life.

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings  are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available the market will be saturated for the next few weeks until supplies stabilize.  Quality continues to be  excellent. Volume  deals  are available.

CAULIFLOWER- Production continues to surge as Fall plantings  have increased  to offset lower yields and  increased Fall demand . But similar to  broccoli there continues to  be  plenty of production locally and the  overall market has softened temp. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket. Once supplies  stabilize look for market to firm back up by  next week.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have peaked and lower pricing is available .  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  A  wide range of quality is available and shopping for quality is a must.

CELERY- Production appears to be  steady but improved  quality from Michigan has  weakened demand pressure for Salinas and Santa Maria resulting in the market being off slightly.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will continue to be steady from Salinas with most increases coming from Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico has leveled this week  and demand has stayed strong with overall  market  improving daily.  Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.

GREEN ONION- Logistical issues  have been resolved and production is on the rise.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand.   Supplies of ALL sizes  should continue to increase throughout the week and level off by next week. Quality has been inconsistent but should improve as supplies increase.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Production has be slow coming out of Central California and pricing has been steadily increasing.  Increased supplies are expected but may not be enough to offset the  strong Fall demand.

STRAWBERRIES- Fall production  out of Santa Maria is  starting to increase but the  majority of fruit on the market is still from weakening Summer plants.  Demand  is very good for top quality fruit but most , if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival . Continue to expect 20-25% bruising related issues on arrival. Cooler night should help firm fruit but the plants are starting to look tired and most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit .  Oxnard will start in a couple weeks and help with  available quality .  Raspberry  prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production of Blackberries continues to be shipped almost exclusively to the West Coast.  Driscoll will continue to be the preferred berry for the next  month as F.O.B.’s are continuing to reflect  wide pricing range due to quality.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers  are transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be  excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.

Produce West