Back to school time means several things to the produce industry. First, and foremost, changes in eating habits, as more meals are spent at home. Less eating out at restaurants, and more home cooking. Along with that, lunches for kids going to school, means more sales of items such as oranges, apples, grapes, vegetables such as lettuce for sandwiches, carrots, celery, and other items that go in the lunch bags. All getting back to normal and more “routine” living in the homes across the country. Combined with the hot weather around the nation look for continued strong demand on quick meal and snack items.
Long range weather starting to warm on the West Coast with highs in the mid 70’s to high 80’s and continued above normal temperatures for the inland valley’s, deserts and the rest of the country.
If solicitations were an indicator of truck rates look for a drop in rates soon even with diesel prices starting to inch upwards. Rates for now are holding steady for most of the country. Preferred rates are still available for mid week, advanced notice loading.
LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited. Quality is ranging from ok to good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn. Weights have been mostly in the mid 40′s. Market appears to be stable with potential upside due to limited local production.
BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent. Market has held steady with production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. The market appears to be steady for the next 7-10 days with slight upside.
CAULIFLOWER– Lighter supplies has firmed up the market but still with a wide range. Local production continues to be limited but expected to increase going forward which should cap upside. Look for market to ease by the weekend. Quality continues to be good with occasional black spotting reported.
LEAF ITEMS– Production continues to be moderate and demand has been good. Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere. Market will continue to see surges of demand even with East Coast quality improved but still fair. Quality issues also in California have limited volume and have kept markets active.
CELERY– Production has leveled and the market seems to have settled. Quality from Michigan and subsequent demand from the East will dictate market direction . Currently quality from Michigan is reported as fair at best but improving. Quality on California celery continues to be good with few quality issues to report.
STRAWBERRIES– With Summer production past the peak the market will start to firm . Quality ranges from fair to good with most fruit showing some signs of bruising and fair quality showing occasional decay at shipping point. Even with the best, expect some bruising on arrival. Demand continues to be strong and shippers will be able to choose which markets they want to ship. Raspberry amp; Blackberry production also peaked from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most production being shipped to nearby markets. Quality won’t likely improve until the Fall crop starts in 2-4 weeks.
ASPARAGUS – With Mexico production winding down , leaving imports from Peru as the primary source look for markets to become more active especially as we near the end of the month.
ARTICHOKES- Lighter Summer supplies have led to a boost in the market on all sizes. Quality has been excellent. Market should remain active for the duration of the month.
WESTSIDE MELONS-Cantaloupe production continues to peak from the Westside with Honeydews starting to increase volume. Both peaking on the larger sizes and most shippers eager to promote.
