Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:62-64hi/40-45lo) calls for oscillating around normal with a few cool days each week before falling below normal for the second half of the month. Lightprecipitation expected mid next week but otherwise fairly dry. The desert and Central Mexico  (norms:72hi/40-44lo) are expected to be closer to normal for the next couple weeks before also dropping below normalfor the middle of the month. Central Florida after finally dipping below normal for a few days returns to warmer temperatures this week before moderating to near normal for the month of February. The only other area of concern will be New Orleans next Sunday but forecast inside is for 72 degrees with morning temperature a balmy 49’r degrees. 

Transportation continues to be steady with some midweek discounts. Plan ahead for best value and service.

****WARNING**** Extended below freezing temperatures have resulted in blister, peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities along with occasional decay.  

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been showing signs of frost damage of late and will continue to have varying degrees of issues depending on production location. Small sizes have become more prevalent due to colder weather and stripping of damaged outer stalks.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast continues to suffer effects of earlier rains, frost and again with more recent rain where pin rot and brown bead are prevalent. The quality in the desert and Mexico is better but far from perfect.  Some epidermal peeling on the stalk with occasional discoloration. Yuma even had some rain over the weekend which may contribute to future decline in quality. The market has eased only slightly off it’s peak especially in the desert.  You’ll continue to find deals on Mexican Crowns and discounts on Coastal broccoli but beware of wide ranging quality

LETTUCE- Quality will start to dictate market direction.  Cold weather causing blister and peel has given way to subtropical moisture which will further breakdown product in the field. Shippers will try to strip down most affected leaves but that will increase mechanical issues and create further discoloration and breakdown. If lettuce stops moving at retail due to quality rejections then the market will slide significantly otherwise it will continue to gradually ease down as temperature warm.

LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine continues to suffer the same effects as iceberg. Quality continues to suffer and with recent rains quality is sure to further decline.  The market looks to to active early this week but likely will start easing by the weekend on all colors and varieties.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to hold as Peru’s volume has continued to drop and Mexico’s production has been delayed by previous cold weather. This time last year most shippers were packing 28#.  Most are still projecting better volume by next week but off their original forecast and with promotions in place the market should continue to be strong.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from Mexico has been slow since the cold weather the last 3 weeks.  Supplies should slowly rebound over the next couple weeks and the market should stabilize. Quality has been good out of Mexico but some residual product from Northern California has been poor. Make sure you are aware of products origin.

GREEN ONIONS-  Production continues to be slowed by labor and weather . The market has been relatively steady. Anticipated increase in production was expected but a few shippers have expressed concern with lost acreage from earlier frost which will keep pressure on the market to remain active.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Recent freezes have had minimal impact on either quality or production.  Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Most vessels are sold before they hit port on either coast. Shipments are expected to increase starting this week . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.

STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production was starting to ramp up last week which contributed to an already saturated market. Prices were at a season low. Now with some rain interrupting supplies in California and production peaked in Florida and Texas combined with Valentines promotions  the market is poised to react.  Quality from Florida has been good but extended warm days have softened the fruit slightly. California was  improving daily  before this weekends rain temporary setback. Stems will be available but limited mainly out of California with sizing limiting Florida and Mexico from producing stems.  Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

CAULIFLOWER- The market gradually eased as prices topped out but short supplies of all other veg items has kept the market relatively active. Further increase in volume is expected by the beginning of February look for the market to continue to ease downward. Quality has been mostly good with some epidermal peel on jacket.

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Most vessels are sold before they hit port on either coast. Further affecting the market is a fruit fly threat with Chilean imports . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.

Weather continues to be the hot topic or cold topic in this case. Weather from coast to coast is cold with plenty of rain amp; snow. Temperatures in most western growing areas continues to be wet amp; below normal with Snow storms throughout the Midwest and East making for an extended White Christmas season. As the cold weather in the West has slowed production , cold weather throughout the country has slowed sales.

Weather for most of the West Coast (64hi/36-45lo)  growing regions has been wet and cold . The deserts (68/39) have seen limited rain but have had a week of well below normal temperatures. Most locations have had frost with late harvest starting times which has begun the blister/peel cycle.  Cold but dry weather is expected to last for the next 3 weeks with only a possible brief  return to normal temps Jan 8-12th before dropping below normal for the balance of the month. Soil temperatures continue to drop below the range where normal growth occurs. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional thunder showers the next couple weeks.

Strong Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady and with some trucks not reloading until after New Years rates unexpectedly rose this week  but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should roll back. With the weather in the Midwest and in the East in decline delivery schedules will be in flex.Plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

****WARNING**** Seasonal cold temperatures have resulted in harvest delays due to ice. This will eventually lead to blister,peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities especially leaf and lettuce. 

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley and now in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  Rain along the coast has degraded quality with widespread pin rot and water spotting making much of the broccoli not suitable to ship East. Central Valley supplies have also diminished from quality and production gaps.  The desert has been 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule for most of the season and now we’re seeing gaps in production. There will still be supplies coming from alternate growing districts such as Nogales, Mexico but  even those areas have seen below normal temperatures. The market will spike , especially on crowns , through next week.

CAULIFLOWER- With the cooler weather the cauliflower market  has unexpectedly NOT been overly active but look for that to change with the continued cold forecast. Quality has mostly been good with some reports of mold spots and bruising.   There are currently values on off size 16 count but even those will start to disappear rapidly

****WARNING****LETTUCE- Production has begun to slow and quality is starting to diminish. Bottom rot and now blister and peel issues will become prevalent , causing lighter color with discoloration on arrival . ALL shippers have contract clauses  that prevent inspections to count blister as a scoreable defect although if serious enough decay will become an issue which is scoreable. The market will likely jump initially but if quality issues persist then sales will start to slow. Order minimum quantities until quality improves.

****WARNING****LEAF LETTUCE- Similar to Iceberg lettuce , abundant supply will start to ease but quality will be the biggest issue with blister, peel and discoloration.  Romaine has also begun to be ribby which eventually leads to mechanical damage and pink rib. Look for the market to get  active  but shopping for the product least affected by the frost will be necessary.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico but also with light rain last week  continuing with cold weather this week and the  lack of labor available needed to harvest the Green Onions the market has been very active with limited supplies. Cooler weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor returns BUT traditionally not until AFTER New Years. Even with the cool weather expect better supplies of small green onions by the end of next week and eventually jump into the bearish section of PWT. 

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally cold weather.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy Holiday promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with medium sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong  demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

STRAWBERRIES- Production is finally starting to increase mainly from Mexico and Florida. Coastal California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East.  The market has begun to adjust until promotions start to get consumer demand peaking once again. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for promotions. Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

We all survived the end of civilization and weather around the country is reminding us that now we can get on with the official start of Winter. Even though Mr Snow Miser is touring across the country his brother (Yes, you know ) is trying to hold onto his territory in the Southwest deserts, where most of our Winter vegetables are grown. In the meantime Hopefully we all get the opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family during the Holidays.

Weather for most of the West Coast growing regions has started to cool with the first frost of the season hitting the desert  yesterday.  Cold, dry weather along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego will  begin to see rain in the forecast through Christmas before turning below normal again for an extended period. Normals for the coast range 63-65hi/38-44lo. The desert should see a similar pattern of normal temperatures (normal 68-70/38-42lo) but without any significant precipitation next week before falling 5-10 degrees by next weekend. Soil temperatures are also starting to drop below the range where normal growth occurs. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional thunder showers the next couple weeks.

Stronger Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should continue to roll back. With the weather in the Midwest and now the East in decline and limited Holiday loading schedules be sure to plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley and now in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  There will still be supplies coming from all growing districts but with much of the crop ahead of schedule and unsettled weather pattern  the market will continue to have upside. The quality from most growing areas is comparable but some signs of pin rot are still showing up on Salinas broccoli and occasionally in Santa Maria as well.  There are volume deals available but not as widespread as last week and will likely further tighten next week.

CAULIFLOWER- The market eased off it’s Holiday high but similar to broccoli look for the market to strengthen next week with cooler weather . There are fewer growing districts than broccoli so the market will be more elastic .

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico. Starting with light rain last week and now continuing with Holidays there is a lack of labor available needed to harvest the Green Onions. Cooler weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor returns BUT traditionally not until AFTER New Years.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally coldweather.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy Holiday promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be heavy with good quality. The cooler weather will eventually have an impact but likely not until the end of next week. Quality has been very nice on lettuce harvested ahead of schedule. Some quality issues continue to be reported on  lettuce harvested over mature mainly over sizing,  bottom rot and discoloration. Continue to monitor weights as the best guide to quality.


LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf  continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good from all desert districts although recent isolated frost will start to have an impact on quality starting with blister and eventually leading to peel and discoloration.The effects won’t be seen for another week or two but may persist as cold weather dictates. Look for the market to get more active by the weekend on product NOT affected by frost.

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong Holiday demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

 STRAWBERRIES- Production is finally starting to increase mainly from Mexico and Florida. Coastal California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East.  The market has begun to adjust and will continue to adjust until promotions start to get consumer demand peaking once again. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for promotions. Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

And TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT !

The Holiday veggy shopping season has gotten off to a good start with good supplies of most Holiday items. That could  change as we enter into a seasonally heavy demand period for snacking fruits and vegetables.  With office, New Years and Super Bowl parties not to mention those annual dieters , fruits and veggies will command more attention. Warm weather on the West Coast has provided an abundant supply of produce the past few weeks. But now the weather has started to cool and most commodities will start to get back on schedule. Lighter supplies and possible higher prices are expected on some  items  while providing opportunities for promoting  other commodities.

Weather for most of the West Coast growing regions has started to cool especially the night time low temps. Along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego will be slightly below normal (63hi/39-42lo) this week before dropping 5-8 degrees next week with possible scattered showers throughout the week. Temps are forecast to remain below normal through the first week of January. The Desert and Central Mexico will be near normal (68hi/38-40lo) this week,  dropping below normal next week with possible freeze for  Christmas week. Rain becomes a possibility for the desert starting 12/29.  Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (73hi/52lo)  other than one strong cold front expected to bring significant rain followed by cool temps this weekend otherwise an occasional thunder storm  and near normal the next couple weeks.

Stronger Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should continue to roll back but plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

LETTUCE- Production has peaked as the weather has been ideal . Slightly cooler weather will steady production and eventually lead to lighter supplies as cold weather will allow shippers the flexibility to hold lettuce a few extra days before harvest if needed. Shippers will also be quick to raise prices to ensure covering contracts. Quality has been very nice on lettuce harvested ahead of schedule. Some quality issues were reported on lettuce harvested over mature..

LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf will continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good from all desert districts. Possible frost is expected next week would could start the cycle of blister and peel although the effects won’t be seen for a couple weeks after the first frost. Continue to promote with confidence.

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley over the weekend has led to lighter supplies.  Combined with Holiday demand the market has reacted upward. There will still be supplies coming from all growing districts which will keep prices from getting out of control but as long as cool , unsettled weather pattern is predominant then the market will continue to have upside. The quality from most growing areas is comparable but some signs of pin rot are still showing up on Salinas broccoli.  There are volume deals available but not as widespread as last week.

CAULIFLOWER- The  market has reacted to a week of strong demand and cooler weather along the coast. There will be available supplies early this week but may tighten with continued strong Holiday demand and cooler weather.   Quality has been excellent.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been abundant but with good demand. Traditionally supplies become limited during the Holidays due to labor and logistical issues out of Mexico. The market has already reacted anticipating lighter supplies  and has possible upside through the New Year. Good values continue to be on smaller sizes and Iceless packs  which have an extended shelf life due to the breathable film.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally cold weather.  The market is steady with possible upside with good  demand which will continue through the heavy Holiday promotional period.
CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong Holiday demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

STRAWBERRIES- Continued scattered showers through most growing areas have kept an already tight supply even tighter.   With Oxnard  production disrupted due to previous rains and now cooler weather the market has been exceptionally strong with a seasonal low in volume due to limited starts in Mexico and Florida. The good news is production in Mexico and Florida are expected to increase throughout the week BUT may get disrupted again by more unsettled weather.  Either way the market has likely peaked and available supplies will again be available soon. Continue to bring in minimum quantities until consistent quality can be seen. Bruising , inconsistent color and occasional soft rot are the issues currently. Raspberry production  should also improve going forward. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

As we settle into the Winter season much of the country has yet to experience any severe cold weather.  California and Arizona have been no exception. Ideal weather in most growing regions have led to a surplus in many vegetable categories due to crops maturing earlier than normal. This excess makes for a great opportunity to promote more veggies. So take advantage while supplies are at their peak because with the short days and possible seasonal cold weather lurking excess supplies could turn into temporary shortages quickly.

This time of year is all about the weather .  Most growers  over budget their production in case of disruptive weather. This year is no exception although there are a few growers reporting a slight cutback in acres due to poor returns last Winter. The overproduction combined with normal weather usually produces bumper crops which is the situation currently in the desert. Not til late December is the weather expected to drop below normal. As a result expect plenty of produce for the Christmas Holiday. Although nothing in the forecast but if cold weather does come it may affect availability for New Years promotions but we’ll update that in the coming weeks. In the meantime get out and do some Holiday shopping.

After a wet (2-5″) weekend along to coast the weather in Californiagrowing districts is predicted to be slightly above normal (65/40-44 Coast ) through most of December  with only a few rain events forecast along the coast . The desert is predicted to be dry and also slightly above normal (70/42 Desert) for December with no severe lows currently forecast

Rates  continue to ease sligh tly  before stronger Holiday demand kicks in by the end of the week. Plan ahead to get the best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Yuma quality is good and abundant. There will be strong supplies this week and shippers  will be  motivated to sell. Color, sizing and weight are all ideal..

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to increase with crowns likely to become more available as most growers are now breaking into their new fields.  Broccoli continues to be grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley ,Yuma and Mexico) . Yuma tends  to be  the most convenient and centralized  loading location and prices generally reflect. There continues to be  plenty of broccoli available in Northern California .  Heavy discounts for volume are being offered but there is the risk of water spotting and pin rot due to the heavy rains over the weekend along the northern coast. The  desert is the  recommended loading location currently. .

CAULIFLOWER-    Salinas and Santa Maria continue to be the primary growing regions and  production has yet to fully get underway in the desert. There is currently light supplies of cauliflower on the market but look for additional supplies as the week progresses as conditions improve in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS-   Good growing conditions have resulted in ample supplies of all leaf  . There is  also a strong supply of Hearts.  Markets should remain steady  through the next couple weeks. Quality is very nice in the desert.

CELERY-  Most shippers  have started their southern production in either Oxnard or the desert .  The shippers who don’t grow in the desert continue to transfer Celery to their desert loading facilities for convenience.  This creates a wide range in markets during the Winter season. Best deals will come from  Oxnard  although heavy rains will delay harvest over the next few days . Look for larger sizes  to become more prevalent next week..

ASPARAGUS–  Mexican production has been steady.  Market is  expected to remain steady as well.

GREEN ONION-   There continues to be an abundant supply of Green Onions on the market especially small sizes Pricing on larger sizes is slightly higher  but look for more uniform pricing as we get closer to the Christmas Holiday demand.

CARROTS- Recent rains may affect harvest but above normal weather forecast should help get production back on track .  Market should remain active through the Holidays with heavy promotions.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Supplies look to continue to be strong.  The  market is repeating its’ performance from early November with a good supply and a weakening market but  significant  promotions for the Holiday will again tighten the market rapidly.  Take advantage of promotional pricing before and during the Christmas Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Heavy rains along the coast have wiped out production  for most of this week .  Mexico will be  the primary source of fruit until fields can recover. Florida fruit is in it’s early stages and will be  limited  Although Oxnard should recover by next week supplies  will be limited everywhere for the next 3 weeks. . Raspberries production will be  setback due to the coastal rains as well. Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value.

With the early Thanksgiving now comes the extended Christmas Holiday Season .  Most everyone has started their Holiday season with Black Friday , Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday.  Usually people eat out more often leading up to the Holidays meaning Foodservice should see a spike in sales the next couple weeks  even retailers have been offering  on the go , ready to eat meals .  Now that we are on the last leg of transition down to the southern  growing regions  quality is improving daily which should help drive sales. The weather will be ideal  which should bring about good supplies of most veg items.   Now is the time to  promote all veg  and most fruit items (except strawberries). Make sure to take time in between the Holiday rush  to enjoy a good meal with family and friends.