|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lettuce
The market continues to hold steady with improving quality. Production is reported to be on budget but lackluster Demand seems to be the overriding factor holding the market down with most shippers poised to raise prices at the first hint of interest. Quality has been improving daily although crack ribs , seeder and tip burn are still evident. Mild weather through Christmas should keep production steady with strong cooling trend forecast for after Christmas into the New Year.
Mix Leaf
Production has shifted fully to the desert. Demand has improved on Romaine Hearts with Romaine , Greenleaf and Redleaf lagging behind. Many shippers are reporting slightly lighter volume with improving quality and expecting improved demand for the Holidays. A more realistic scenario has the markets steady through Christmas with a chance to spike if forecast cold weather materializes for the end of the month.
Brussels Sprouts
Continued heavy production from Northern California and Mexico is keeping up with heavy Holiday demand. Quality had been mostly very good with some issues arising from aged inventory. Heavy rains later this week in Northern California could impact harvest in the mist of the Christmas pull.
Celery
Stronger markets on all sizes this week. Christmas demand has ramped up, lightening supply, with production mostly isolated to Oxnard and Santa Maria areas. Demand has increased on larger sizes as the majority of production has yielded small sized celery, a result of cold weather we have experienced these past few weeks. Approaching rainstorms are expected to slow production even further, and this market should continue to trend upwards through the New Year.
Broccoli
Demand and prices have remained unchanged this week. Supplies are in line with demand keeping any price fluctuation in check. The Santa Maria Valley along with Mexico crossing in Texas continue to be the best options for loading best availability and pricing. Supplies out of the Imperial and Yuma growing regions have increased and quality has been nice.
Cauliflower
Demand is beginning to wane as prices north of $23.00 have slowed down the buying. Look for prices to decline going into next week as the Holiday pull ends and better availability out of all growing regions. Quality is fair as expected for this time of year. Winter flower has some fuzziness and light yellow cast domes.
Artichokes
Light supplies from Northern and Central California has firmed the market. Delayed transition to the desert has also lessened available supplies until after New Years . Minimal amounts of the Green Globe or Heirloom variety are being offered at a premium from Castroville.
Strawberries
Lighter demand this week. Markets have eased up which is typical for this time of year. Florida production is increasing and central Mexico berries are starting to trickle in. Quality has improved in most growing areas. Recent rains in California and Florida may affect quality for the short term, although there currently is plenty of volume and harvesters are able pick through damaged product and leave more in the field.
Watermelons
The upward price trend is continuing as supplies decrease to the lower levels of winter. Some offshore melons have arrived on the East Coast affecting the market there, But over all the Nogales and McAllen watermelon markets are active with demand slowly beginning to exceed the supply. Produce West can load out of either McAllen or Nogales to cover your winter watermelon needs.
Cantaloupes
Mexico has all but wrapped up and supplies are now mostly from the Caribbean basin. Sizes from there continue to be running large with the bulk of the volume peaking on 9s and jbo 9s. Supplies of those sizes are ample and look to remain so next week. Demand has been flat as winter weather and holidays have depressed demand melons overall. We look for the market to remain steady at moderate prices with deals below quotes being made when necessary.
Honeydews
Mexico has all but wrapped up this week until after the first of the year. Offshore supplies continue to be ample and running a size range of 4s thru 6s, peaking on 5s and jbo 5s. Like cantaloupes demand has been flat in the face of winter cold and the unseasonable nature of melons. We look for a dull and steady market next week with some dealing off quoted prices.
Lettuce
Production has fully transitioned to the desert Southwest. Most growers struggled early with quality due to a warm Fall season pushing crops as much as two weeks ahead of schedule. Seeder , Ribby poor texture have been common leading to inconsistent quality. Cooler , seasonal light frost conditions have set in and have slowed growth and quality has been improving daily. The market is poised to react at first sign of improved demand.
Mix Leaf
Romaine and Romaine Hearts have been plentiful with scheduled harvest dates nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. Seeder and heavy Rib issues still exist but will diminish as the weather returns to seasonally cooler temperatures. The market range has widened with some shippers still offering deals but will likely strengthen for all by the weekend with Greenleaf and Redleaf following closely behind.
Brussels Sprouts
Heavy production continues from Salinas with Mexico starting to increase. Quality has been mostly good but abundant inventories have diminished some shipments. Heavy promotions for the Holiday season will improve movement and freshness of arrivals.
Celery
This market continues to be steady. Demand has not increased from last week. There are currently good supplies industry wide and quality is nice. There have been reports of supplies tightening up as early as next week. Christmas demand is expected to increase and should create stronger markets towards the middle of this month. Currently there is better volume on larger sizes, with some shippers quoting a 2 – 3 dollar spread between large and small sized celery.
Broccoli
Demand and prices have remained unchanged this week. Supplies are in line with demand keeping any price fluctuation in check. The Santa Maria Valley along with Mexico crossing in Texas continue to be the best options for loading. The Imperial and Yuma growing regions are just beginning their winter harvest and we should see ample supplies out of there over the next couple of weeks.
Cauliflower
Demand exceeds driving FOB prices over $20.00. That type of pricing should slow down purchases going into next week. Supplies will be limited for the remainder of this week so pre book if you are going to need.
Artichokes
Production has slowed from Salinas as the delayed transition to the southcoast and desert will happen late December. Most shippers will transfer supplies to their main production areas to fill mixer orders through the Holidays. Limited amounts of Heirloom or Green Globes are available from Northern California.
Strawberries
Cold weather and sporadic rains have slowed production in Oxnard. Although demand is not at its peak, volume remains light and quality is suffering after recent rains. Although weather related issues are typical for this time of year, heavy early season rains have weakened overall quality. Demand will continue to be strong through the next two weeks, and then is expected to ease up slightly. Rains are expected this weekend, but mostly northern storms and not expected to hit Oxnard growing regions.
Watermelons
As expected with the supply dwindling and with the switch in growing regions there is an up tick in the prices from Mexico. Florida is all but finished with their late growing season leaving the bulk of the supply to come from Mexico until off shore starts. Nogales has gone up on their FOB’s this week and McAllen will rise as well. This price increase will be steady an continue to climb on through Christmas and the New Year and into February.
Cantaloupes
Off shores are the main source of cantaloupes as all domestic production is officially over. Nogales is still going and cutting deals below quotes as buyers generally shy away from Mexican cantaloupes. Off shore supplies are adequate but demand is very slow due to post Thanksgiving leftover inventory in warehouses and the traditionally slow demand between holidays and prior to sunbelt vacation season. We look for these trends to continue next week with a dull market, reasonable pricing and some deals being cut below quoted levels.
Honeydews
All said above applies to honeydews as well, except Mex dews re more accepted domestically than their cantaloupes. Off shores have started and they are funning large 4/5s and jbo 5s with very few 6s. Caribbean supplies should increase next week and sizes should have a more normal skewing toward 5/6s. Demand should be lackluster at best due to same circumstances as above.
Market should be steady to lower next week
Lettuce
The Desert Winter growing areas are in full swing with production running heavy due to the early start brought on by the warmer than normal temperatures this Fall. Cooler more seasonal weather forecast for the next couple weeks should help improve quality but seeder, tip burn and heavy rib discoloration continues to plague arrivals. The market will likely firm by the end of next week as quality improves and production catches up .
Mix Leaf
Similar to Iceberg , overlapping supplies and quality issues have dominated the category. Heavy discoloration on arrival has been the norm. Improved quality is already underway and will likely help improve the market once customers clean up existing quality issues.
Brussels Sprouts
Heavy production continues from Salinas with increasing production from Mexico. Demand has been good and will continue to improve as Canadian regional production winds down this week. The market has been steady despite the excess supplies although there are still deals available for volume orders. Quality continues to be very nice and should continue to improve demand through the traditionally strong Holiday season.
Celery
This market continues to settle after the holiday pull. With product coming out of Salinas and Oxnard areas, we are seeing plenty of supplies for the upcoming weeks. Expect a stronger market in early to mid-December as Christmas business picks up and Salinas production comes to an end. Oxnard will be the primary productions area until Yuma begins. We expect quality issues for the first few weeks of the Yuma season.
Broccoli
Most Salinas shippers have finished shipping for the season, loading will now take place in Santa Maria and the Desert regions. Quality out of these areas is good. Nice color and tight domes. Market on bunch has been depressed and should remain at low levels going into next week. Crown prices remain fairly stable at the current trading levels.
Cauliflower
Good supplies out of Santa Maria and the Desert growing regions for next week. Markets have dropped slightly over the last couple of days. Expect prices to be sub $10.00 FOB going into next week. Quality is good in both areas.
Artichokes
Steady production from Salinas is expected to continue with improving demand . Additional growing areas in Oxnard and the Desert should start up early next month. Predominate sizing will be large sizes with very good quality. Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe not scheduled til the Spring.
Strawberries
The market is experiencing some softness due to slower retail sales and the Thanks giving holiday. We expect a wide range in pricing next week as volume should be picking up out of Mexico. The Oxnard area has a chance of rain for the weekend. Quality out of this Area remains fair at best and the impending rain could compound problems.
Cantaloupes
For all intents and purposes domestic cantaloupes have finished up with only traces left. Mexico is still going, but once again, they are not well accepted domestically. That leaves the Caribbean as the main source of supplies until spring. That deal is going not quite at full speed yet, but increasing consistently. Sizes are skewing large (jbo 6s.Jbo 9s and 9s) with very few 12s and virtually nothing smaller. The market was dull and steady. Next week supplies should be increasing from the basin. Demand will be uneventful in the face of whatever post holiday leftover inventories stores are carrying and the lack of seasonality. We look for a lower market next week.
Honeydews
Like cantaloupes they all but done domestically. Mexico still is going strong with an oversupply of fruit. Demand is dull due to the unseasonable nature of the fruit. Next week off shore supplies should increase keeping the market cheap in Mex and lowering the price of off shore fruit.
Lettuce
As Salinas and Huron are winding down production, Yuma is starting to ramp up. Overall supplies are sufficient with quality a minefield of issues. Warm weather in the desert has caused seeder and heavy rib discoloration on arrival and Northern California continues to have issues from tip burn, mildew and weak texture resulting in a lot of rejected lettuce clogging up the system. Weather forecast shows a return to normal temperatures for the next 10 days which will help improve quality.
Mix Leaf
Similar to Iceberg, overlapping supplies and quality issues are dominant the category. Heavy discoloration on arrival has been the norm. When the temperatures return to normal in the desert look for improved quality and better markets with fewer arrival problems.
Brussels Sprouts
Heavy production continues from Salinas with light production starting up in Mexico. Demand has been good with many value added packs contributing to a relatively steady market despite the excess supplies although there are still deals available for volume orders. Quality has been very nice and should continue to improve demand through the traditionally strong Holiday season.
Celery
High retails have been established for the holiday pull. Stronger demand for smaller sized celery, and there are more deals on large sizes. Quality is still nice industry wide and should continue through the month. We expect the market to soften after the thanksgiving pull and strengthen up soon after, as most of the Salinas production comes to a close at the end of this month. After that we should see a stronger market through the month of December through the New Year.
Broccoli
Lighter supplies are expected as we head into transition. The Salinas Valley production is winding down with the Desert region not expected to be in full swing until the first part of December. There is still decent availability out of Santa Maria and Mexican product crossing in Texas. Prices should remain at current trading levels over the next couple of weeks. Quality is fair, we are finding some spread, bracketing and hollow core in the California product but color is nice and green. We might start to find some purpling going into next week as cooler night time temperatures are expected over the next few nights.
Cauliflower
Steady supplies expected through the Holidays. Trading prices will remain constant as we head into next week. Most supplies will be shipping out of Santa Maria and the Desert growing regions going forward. You can find the occasional dome with some discoloration but overall quality is fine for this time of year.
Artichokes
Steady production from Salinas is expected to continue with improving demand . Predominate sizing will be the larger sizes with very good quality. Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe not scheduled until the Spring.
Strawberries
The market continues to be very active on light supplies out of all areas. Demand is fair as prices have reached levels where the consumer turns to other alternatives. California is forecasting Saturday Rain and Sunday showers with highs in the 60’s and the lows in the 40’s. The quality on most berries has been fair, with most berries showing soft shoulders and light bruising. Counts have been running 22 -26 in the Oxnard and Santa Maria areas. Look for supplies out of Mexico to recover from the recent rain showers the first week in December.
Cantaloupes
The desert deal began to wind down to a precious few. Off shore melons began to kick in with early Guatemalan fruit this week. Mexico continued to ship. Most domestic shippers had smaller fruit. Mexico was staying mostly in country. Demand overall was tepid, as melons are not a Thanksgiving item and higher prices kept buyers at bay. Next week the desert deal will continue to peter out with a few scrapping into the first week in December. Off shore melons will increase as Guatemala gets into the shank of their harvest followed by the other Caribbean counties, the biggest being Costa Rica. Demand should remain lackluster until cruise and vacation season starts to pick up right after the first of the year. We look for a steady market next week and lower the following week.
Honeydews
Domestic is winding down. Mexico continued to ship cheap fruit and off shores just got underway. Demand was dull due to the unseasonable nature of the item. Market was steady. We look for little change over the next two weeks
Florida Veg
Green beans have firmed up a little on the east coast and both machine picked and hand-picked are bringing more money. Supplies are good and will be for most of the winter. If you are looking to promote for December on either Machine or handpicked let us know. Zucchini and Yellow Straight have just started and the market is soft and ripe for promotion. There are good supplies in fancy and medium on both varieties.
Watermelon : There is great quality and good supply on Mexican Melons out of McAllen and Nogales Produce West is able to pack in either bins or cartons out of both areas and we have personals available out of Nogales. Produce West has seedless Watermelon year round and will have early domestic seedless in Florida.
Lettuce
Production continues from Salinas , Santa Maria, Huron and now Yuma . A few shippers are currently overlapping production areas but most are relegated to only one district. Quality is comparable in most locations but Huron has the slight edge with Yuma likely to make the most improvement in coming weeks . Salinas quality has peaked and will likely show some rib discoloration on arrivals. Weights , Color and Sizing continue to vary in all shipping districts. The market is mostly steady with good weather forecast for the next week allowing supplies to increase slightly before leveling out as shippers transition fully into their Winter home. Quality from Las Cruces , NM has been very nice and will continue through mid November. Take advantage of cost savings in freight and fresher production location.
Mix Leaf
Production continues from Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s as well as Yuma for a handful of shippers. Demand has gradually improved especially from the East as regional production areas finish for the season. Most shippers will transition to the desert beginning next week Quality has been good although some discoloration has been showing up on arrival especially after this past weekends rain. Continue to shop for color and lighter weights to avoid problems.
Brussels Sprouts
Heavy production continues from Salinas with light production starting up in Mexico . Demand has been good with many value added packs contributing to am improving market despite the excess supplies although there are still deals available for volume orders. Quality has been very nice and should continue to improve demand through the traditionally strong Holiday season.
Celery
This market has been gaining momentum over the past 2 weeks. With Michigan product dried up, buyers are looking to the west coast and gathering up what they can. Thanksgiving pull will start towards the latter half of next week and shippers are preparing inventory to keep up with demand. Supplies are lighter this week as they stock up. Expect strong markets through the month of November. Quality is nice and is expected to continue with mild weather and minimal rain in the forecasted for the next two weeks.
Broccoli
Supplies remain limited as the Salinas season begins to wind down and most of the Home Grown product on the East Coast and Canada finishes up. Markets will remain at current trading levels into next week. Production out of Mexico will continue to increase but at a slower rate than expected. Mexico will not be in full swing until the middle of December.
Cauliflower
Shippers will be looking to make deals on all sizes to finish up the week. There is good supplies available in Salinas and Santa Maria. Get with your Produce West representative and run you offers by us.
Artichokes
Steady production from Salinas is expected to continue with improving demand . Predominate sizing will be the larger sizes with very good quality. Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe not scheduled til the Spring.
Strawberries
The majority of growers had to strip plants again today as the Monday stripping did not completely clear the fields of the pin rot problems caused by the weekend rains. We had light variable rains on Monday afternoon which contributed to today’s quality field issues. The rains we had 10 days ago of less than a 1/2 inch , interrupted shipments for 3 to 4 days. The 1/1/2 inches of moisture we received over the weekend will certainly effect quality and suppress volume well into next week. Shippers will to continue to ship to less “picky” customers in hopes the strawberries will arrive in the best condition possible given the quality issues we have been dealt. Otherwise, diverting to the freezers may be the best option from a financial standpoint. Currently, there is no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days in the California growing regions.the volume out of McAllen has been very limited, but we are expecting better numbers to start crossing next week.
Organic Strawberries
You can expect the organic berries to not bounce back for 2 to 3 weeks as they are virtually non-existent due to our recent wet weather. Typically, the Organic berries don’t recover as fast as conventional berries, so we are not surprised that we will be in short supply in the short term.
Raspberries
Volumes were projected to be good, but cooler weather has slowed down growth. Even with the fruit being grown under hoops we have limited cases of wet and leaky berries.The main production areas are Baja, Central Mexico, Oxnard and Santa Maria. Very limited supplies out of Watsonville. Golden & Sunshine Raspberries will wind down over the next few weeks.
Blackberries
The main production areas are Baja, Central Mexico, Oxnard and Santa Maria. Supplies out of these combined areas will be plentiful next week. McAllen, Texas will see increased supplies for the remainder of the month. Organic Blackberries will decline in volume and not pick up until the new year.
Blueberries
Estimates for next week are forecasted to be higher and will continue until the end of the month. Quality has been excellent and we have been buying with in a wide price range. The main production areas are Baja, Chile, Central Mexico, with limited supplies out of California. Organic Blueberries are very limited and expected to light thru the end of the year.
Cantaloupes
Supplies are light, as the Westside is history and the Caribbean is 2-4 weeks off. Nogales is going in a moderate way but few domestic users want Mexican cantaloupes. There are only a few players in the Yuma-Phoenix deal and they are left to cover the lion’s share of current needs. Demand has been typically slow as consumers start looking for autumn and winter fruits. Sizes have become more evenly distributed, but with retail demand centered on 9s, they remain snug.
Prices finished steady. Next week we see little change. We see little change, in fact, coming until the Caribbean deal going.
Honeydews
Like with cantaloupes, the northern area are finished. Caribbean is a ways off. There are fewer dews planted in Yuma-Phoenix this year, but there are plenty in Mexico. Demand is typically slow for this off season product. Market was therefore weaker in Mexico & slightly weaker domestically, as typically, Mexican honeydews are more acceptable to US consumer than the cantaloupes. Market should remain dull and uneventful next week.
Lettuce
Transition to the Central Valley has begun for a handful of shippers with Salinas still producing significant volume. Quality continues to vary widely with Weight , Color and Sizing. The market is steady with an edge towards going higher with the threat of rain this weekend. Huron quality has started out similar to Salinas but has the potential to improve rapidly while Salinas quality will only diminish through the transition to the desert later next week. Quality from Las Cruces , NM has been very nice and will continue through mid November.
Mix Leaf
Production continues from Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s. Demand has improved especially from the East as regional production areas finish for the season. Most shippers do not transition leaf to the Central Valley and will transition to the desert beginning next week for a few shippers with the majority transitioning the following week. Quality has been good although some discoloration showing up on arrivals especially anything oversized and stripped down. Continue to shop for color and lighter weights to avoid problems.
Brussels Sprouts
Heavy production continues from Salinas with light production starting up in Mexico . Demand has been good with many value added packs contributing to a relatively steady market although there are still deals available for volume orders. Quality has been very nice and should continue to improve demand through the traditionally strong Holiday season
Celery
A much stronger market overall this week. As Michigan production comes to a close, the focus is now out west, putting pressure on coastal shippers. Salinas and Santa Maria are the current growing areas, and Oxnard is scheduled to begin next week. Salinas production will continue through late November. Shippers are stockpiling product as they prepare for thanksgiving demand, strengthening the market. Expect strong markets through the month of November. Quality has been nice.
Broccoli
Demand has remained relatively unchanged this week. If the forecasted rains come to fruition we could see an increase in price going into the weekend. Quality and availability are improving out of Central Mexico and this might be the location you want to load out of over the next few days.
Cauliflower
The market has a slight uptick and we could see higher prices going into next week. Quality has been very good but forecasted rain could change the quality of product harvested middle of next week. Check with your Produce West representatives on where best loading location may be for end of week and going into next week.
Artichokes
Steady production from Salinas is expected to continue with improving demand . Predominate sizing will be the larger sizes with very good quality. Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe not scheduled til the Spring.
Strawberries
The berry deal is going to virtually non existent over the next few weeks. Shippers are allocating fruit one pallet at a time. Some shippers are shipping under FOB acceptance final guidelines. In many cases if product is rejected by a customer they are stating they will not ship that customer again until the weather and quality issues have stabilized. Below is a e-mail from a berry shipper we use out of Santa Maria.
So we now have our demand exceeds market. The problem is now that we have it, quality is fair at best overall and volumes are way down and will be for at least the next 2-3 weeks. We are all still finding pin rot and other issues stemming from the last rain we had over a week ago, which is creating mold and decay on arrivals for shipping beyond 2 days, and you’ll also notice for the most part, the bruising isn’t too bad and overall the fruit is really firm.
Central Mexico is trickling across fruit, but most fruit is not worth shipping out of Texas at the moment. We will start having some fruit crossing next week but we are not taking any orders against it yet to buffer any issues we may see with our supply out here. Hearing some guys actually finding decay in their fields in Oxnard as well already.
The rain on the horizon for California looks to potentially bring 1-1.5″ in total which could be very damaging. There are also smaller rain cells following this large one on Thursday/Friday which could prohibit getting in the fields and cleaning everything up. Quality will continue to be fair at best for now.
Cantaloupes
The northern areas finished up completely with only one shipper peddling out his last few boxes early this week. Yuma and Phoenix was thus the main source of supply, along with Nogales which is no favorable for domestic distribution. Sizes in the desert deals have been running small but began to skew toward the larger end toward the weekend. Demand was adequate which drove prices up as the week started. However higher prices began to slow demand a bit, keeping the market stable as the week wound down. Off shore melons are still about a month away. Heading into next week we expect supplies to remain adequate and more 9s becoming more available. Demand should be slowed by high prices and by the arrival of colder weather in most of the country. Prices should slip accordingly next week, although moderately.
Honeydews
The north finished. Nogales was going and trading about 2.00-3.00 under the domestic markets. Mexican dews are more accepted than their lopes. Sizes were pretty much evenly split between 5s and 6s, with few jbo 5s and some 8s. Offshore dews are about month off. Next week we look for demand to slow as melons become less seasonable. Prices should decline accordingly, but not drastically
Watermelon
The market is in somewhat of a free fall with volume coming in through Nogales and McAllen. Weather in California will further contribute to the market slide. Some growers have stopped harvest for now. Look for pricing to stabilize by late next week . Produce West has Watermelons in McAllen and Nogales for your winter needs.
Green Beans
The East Coast Green Bean Market has dropped a few dollars this week and will continue to do so through next week . Don’t expect the market to drop too far though. Weather from the last hurricane reduced volume from many growers. Look for an evening out of prices and a slight tightening of the market going into the Thanksgiving pull. Produce West is loading Green Beans in both Georgia and Florida.
Lettuce
Transition to the Central Valley for a few shippers has begun this week which will create overlapping supplies for those suppliers. Most shippers avoid the Fall transition and choose to extend their season until the desert transition next month. The overlap will create an increase in production and will likely depress the market until demand shifts fully to the West. Quality continues to vary in Salinas and Huron with size, shape and color but overall healthy. Additional growing areas in Las Cruces, NM are underway as well shipping good quality with reduced transportation cost.
Mix Leaf
Similar to Iceberg a few shippers will transition to the Central Valley but the majority will continue in Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s until the desert transition in November. Quality has been mostly good with varying defects. Demand also continues to vary waiting for the East coast local production to wind down. Sporadic buying from the east temporarily elevated prices but production is starting to ramp up in California in anticipation of better demand giving buyers affordable options.
Brussels Sprouts
Supplies continue to increase as most growers are well into their freezer production which directly affect fresh market supplies. Much improved quality and yields , ongoing harvest from Canada and early production from Mexico will all contribute to a healthy supply for the Fall season. The market is slowly adjusting but will be offset by the high demand associated with the Holidays.
Celery
Michigan production is coming to an end. The past few months have been productive for Midwest and eastern growing regions, keeping markets sluggish. With production slowing in Michigan we will expect demand to continue increasing in California. Oxnard production is expected to start at the end of this month, which will overlap Salinas production until mid-November. Markets could get very strong by the beginning of November and continue through the Thanksgiving pull. Quality remains nice industry wide.
Broccoli
The week started off with lighter supplies but the light rain we had over the weekend and the warmer weather expected for the latter part of the week should increase supplies. Prices will trend lower as we finish the week. Mexico will continue to increase harvest volume as the month progresses filling the void from lack of homegrown supplies on the East Coast. Quality in all areas has been good. Nice tight domes and good green color.
Cauliflower
Higher harvest volume is expected to finish the week and going into next week. Markets will decline over the next few days. Sizing is flip flopping from the last few weeks as there will be more 9 size and less 16 size available. Quality is nice, bright white color and full green jackets.
Artichokes
The market continues to be mostly depressed with light demand. As the weather cools around the country look for improved demand and higher pricing. Quality continues to be excellent with most supplies being the thornless hybrid varieties. The preferred Heirloom or Green Globe variety will only be available in limited supplies until early Spring.
Strawberries
The rains from this past weekend in the California grower regions will certainly have a negative effect on quality. Expect soft fruit and prorated orders for the next week as growers were forced to strip plants and spraying for Mildew last Monday and Tuesday. There will be a wide range of pricing as quality defects such as bruising, soft shoulder, overripe and white shoulder are the norm right now. Mexico will begin shipments as early as this weekend. Early quality reports have been favorable .
Raspberries
There will be an increase in production this week as the Central Mexico numbers increase. Supplies will be promotable next week.
Blackberries
Though Central Mexico production has been challenging do to varying weather conditions, demand has been off, so we expect steady supplies on fair demand through next week. Blackberries have begun to cross out of McAllen as well.
Blueberries
Currently the growing regions are Baja,Chile,Central Mexico, California, Peru & Argentina. Volume is expected to ramp up over the coming weeks and suppliers will be looking to promote.
Cantaloupes
The Westside is done and there are fewer producers going in the desert than normal. Sizes are skewing to 12s and 15s this week but there could be more 9s next week. Demand is going into off-season mode as is supplies. We look for larger sizes to open active and higher Monday the calm and fade by midweek
Honeydews
Supplies are tight and the market is higher as the desert is just ramping up and northern areas are done. Nogales has taken some steam out of trading as they have ample supplies. Next week the desert should pick up production and the market should be weaker
Watermelon
Seedless watermelon are for the most part done domestically. Imports out of Mexico are beginning to increase with crossings in Nogales and McAllen. Sizes are mostly 45s with a few 36s and 45s. Volume will increase towards the end of next week and market should be weakening. Produce West and its supplier Peacock will have melons amiable daily in McAllen. We are currently packing bins and cartons.
East Coast Veg
Produce West will have a supply of East Coast Veg available . We have started handpicked green beans out of Georgia and will transition into Florida this week. We will also have from Florida , Zucchini, Yellow squash , and Pickles . All will be available in carton or 24oz bags. FS upon request.