Lettuce 

Improved but intermittent demand continues  while supplies are shifting among shippers  they are overall steady and  are keeping prices reasonable. Quality continues to be mostly good with a wide range of  color, shape and size. Most shippers are on top of their fields with normal forecast projected for September. The direction of the market will mostly be affected by local , homegrown production on the East  Coast which has experienced issues related to high humidity.
Mix Leaf

Production continues to be steady with increasing demand allowing the market  to move off the bottom.  Quality is starting to vary widely with issues  from mildew , fringe burn and insect damage along with seeder seen scattered around the Salinas and Santa Maria valley’s. Weather in the East has start to affect condition of the “local , homegrown” which  has influenced demand out West.  Most shippers are currently on schedule with their leaf program.

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has  peaked with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal nighttime temperatures this Summer.

​ Production has been  increasing and  will continue to ramp up through November when overflow freezer production ​will  contribute to an abundant supply matching an extremely high demand period.  The crop  appears healthier than past years.

 

Celery

Heavy production continues in Michigan, as well as the west coast.  Markets are still very soft due to high volume industry wide.  Quality remains nice and shippers are looking to move product.   Expect similar markets and conditions through next week.

 

Broccoli

Market has a chance to get slightly better as we head into next week.  Cooler weather along with lighter harvest estimates for the upcoming weeks will limit supplies.  Production out of Central Mexico has dwindled as heavy rains have all but stopped harvest and affected quality.  Short cut crowns have seen a slight uptick and prices should continue to gradually increase next week as well.

 

Cauliflower

Market is very depressed.  Shippers have been looking to make deals all week and looks as though that will continue into next week.  If you have any needs on flower please run your offers by us.

 

Artichokes

Increased activity with retail promotions seem to have improved demand allowing prices to  firm on larger sizes  while medium sizes continue to be affordable.  Quality is  good  and should remain through September  Take advantage of a good  Summer time  alternative.

Green Onions 

​Production  from Mexico has bottomed out and should start to improve with additional growing areas and improved weather.  The market ​currently peaked should start to recede although maintaining an elevated ceiling.

 

Strawberries

Demand continues to be stronger on the fall fruit. The newer crop fruit is averaging 16 to 18 ct. The field inspections are showing a more firm berry with less bruising upon shipment. While the early spring varieties are running 22 to 24 ct.  The Portola and Monterey varieties have been the strongest out of the Santa Maria area.  The Santa Maria Area is expecting Sunny, with partly cloudy skies for the next week highs in the 70’s and low in the 50’s.  Expect demand to remain over sluggish overall thru mid week next week.

Cantaloupes

It’s been a long slow summer of underwhelming demand and disappointing prices for cantaloupes.  This week we had some extra activity and toward the weekend leading to less dealing.  Next week see little occurring to perk up demand. Supplies look relatively steady, but sizes are seeming to skew more towards 9s.  We see market remaining steady at 6.00-6.50 on 9s and 12s with some dealing on slower mid-week trading days.

 

Honeydews

Little has changed for several weeks. Fair demand and ample supplies seems to have kept the market rock steady at 4.00-4.50 on peak sizes (5’s & 6s).  8s and 9s have traded for less when shippers find themselves with extra supplies. Demand next week could perk up a bit as September usually increases consumers’ interest in honeydews.  Supplies look to change little. We look for a steady to slightly higher market next week with less dealing.

Note: Westside deal looks to end during the first week of October.

 

Lettuce 

Production continues to be steady with intermittent demand.  Quality continues to be mostly good with a  wide range of  color, size and shape. Most shippers are on top of their fields and are poised to  push the market higher with the expected surge in demand from institutional back to school business.  The ash from the area wildfire seems to have subsided and should decrease further as the fire is contained.
Mix Leaf

Production continues to be steady with a lack of demand keeping prices depressed.  Quality is good with some fringe burn and insect damage seen scattered around the Salinas and Santa Maria valley. Weather in the East may start to affect condition  of the “local , homegrown” which may influence demand out West.  Most shippers are currently on schedule with their leaf program.

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has  peaked with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal nighttime temperatures this Summer.

​Production should start increasing now through November when overflow freezer production ​will  contribute to an abundant supply matching an extremely high demand period.  The crop  appears healthier than past years.

 

Celery

Market remains steady and most shippers are looking to move product.  Michigan is still producing good volume and harvests are still very heavy out west.  More volume on large sizes. Shippers are listening to offers as they need to move product.

 

Broccoli

Market is steady with little change expected as we move into next week.  Quality is very good.  Nice green color and smooth domes from both Santa Maria and Salinas.

 

Cauliflower

Good supplies and limited demand has caused prices to decrease this week.  Shippers are looking to make deals so run your offers by us.

 

Artichokes

Heavy production with  light demand has lead to good  buying opportunities on all sizes.  Quality is  good  and should remain through August.  Take advantage of a good  Summer time  alternative.

​Asparagus 

Production from  Central Mexico is winding down  leaving mostly offshore supplies from Peru as the main source.  The market  rose sharply but has since leveled  with some shippers still offering discounts  on offsize Mexican product.

Strawberries

The New crop or Fall fruit is moving briskly and we are now looking at a two tier market between the fall and the summer fruit.  Weather related issues will continue to effect the summer crop as soft fruit with occasional bruising has been reported at the field level. Counts will continue to small than the fall fruit. The average count this week has been ranging 22 to 24 count, with some growers picking even smaller fruit. The fall fruit is ranging 16 to 18 count with some light bruising and white shoulder being reported. The weather forecast for next week is status quo as we will continue to have partly cloudy and smoke filled skies with highs in the low 70’s and the nights dipping to the low 50’s.

Raspberries

Production will continue on a downtrend and fruit will become scarce next week due to the continued cool weather and less hearty fruit. Central Mexico will be ramping up production towards the end of September. “Sunshine” raspberries will have an increase in volume as we move into September. We expect the peak in volume to be the 3rd week in September.

Blackberries

Lighter volume is expected next week.  The berry six has been bigger than normal for this time of the year and this has also contributed to the lighter supplies.

Blueberries

the Pacific northwest is expected to taper off as their season comes to a close.  Expect supplies to be tight out of the Baja and California area for September.  Look for suppliers to pack more 4.4 oz. than 6oz. during this time period.

 

Watermelon

The market is looser this week due to lack of business. This should turn around next week with the Labor Day pull. Northeast suppliers are winding down and should finish by the end of next week . Produce west will have seedless watermelons out of Indiana and Texas. Mexico production will follow.

Lettuce 

Production continues to be steady with intermittent demand.  Quality continues to be mostly good with a  wide range of  color, size and shape. Most shippers are on top of their fields and are poised to  push the market higher with the expected surge in demand from institutional back to school business.  The ash from the area  wildfire seems to be minimal and should decrease further as the fire is contained.
Mix Leaf

Production continues to be steady with a lack of demand keeping prices depressed.  Quality is good with some fringe burn and insect damage seen scattered around the Salinas and Santa Maria valley. If the Iceberg market reacts it may help the leaf market but  supplies appear sufficient  for the next few  weeks.

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has firmed​ with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal  night time local  temperatures.  Production should remain steady until October when freezer production ​ramps up.

 

Celery

Steady markets continue throughout the industry. Good quality remains the industry standard and large sizing seems to be in greater supply.  Small sizes are slightly more expensive, with a $2-$3 spread between sizes.  Shippers are looking to move product and are listening to offers. This should continue through next week and should begin tightening up as we near the end of the month.

 

Broccoli

Good availability for the remainder of the week.  Supplies from all over the country have filled the pipelines.  There is availability out of California, Mexico, Maine and Canada.  Overall quality from the regions has been good.  Get with your Produce West representative and set up some ad’s for the next few weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Supplies are starting to lighten up as East Coast demand has picked up the last few days.  Weather interruptions with Canadian product has turned the attention back to the West Coast.  Markets will get slightly stronger going into nest week, especially on 9 size flower.

 

Artichokes

Heavy production with  light demand has lead to good  buying opportunities on all sizes.  Quality is  good  and should remain through August.  Take advantage of a good Summertime  alternative.

Strawberries

Markets are still tighter this week and expected to be the same for the following week. Cool weather on the coast has slowed growth and the berries are slow to ripen. Smaller sized berries have been reported which is typical for this time of year. Bruising is the most common issue reported which has been caused by recent muggy nights and high humidity.These factors mixed with high demand have limited supplies and strengthened markets..

Watermelons:

 

 

Cantaloupes

Cantaloupes finishes last week with the promise of better market as ads were in place.  But by Wednesday the market found itself struggling again, with ample supplies of hearty fruit and ad shipping over.  Demand other than the brief promotional period remained tepid at best. Thus the market was a bit lower with many deals being made below quoted levels. Supplies next week look to be unabated and demand without any promotional impetus looks to remain lackluster. We see the market as dull and steady.

 

Honeydews

Supplies were ample this week and even increased with the Sacramento area joining the pile. Fruit was good and there was no promotional activity. Next week little looks to change. The next time the market has a chance of improving would be closer to September when consumer interest normally improves and retailers look to promote. Like cantaloupes, we see steady prices with dull trading and some dealing

Lettuce 

Supplies have increased ​while demand has been variable causing the market to stall.  Overall quality has improved but continues with a wide range of size, shape and  color.  Temperatures this week are forecast to be mild and should keep supplies from becoming excessive. The wildfire in the area has settled some ash over most of the Salinas Valley and could cause quality issues such as tipburn.

 

Mix Leaf

Overall  demand continues to be weak with a heavy influence from the local , homegrown production in the Northeast. Ash from the local wildfire  continues to fall and may have an impact on  quality with increased tipburn and  ash settling into the heads.

 

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has firmed​ with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal  nighttime local  temperatures.

​Production should remain steady until October when freezer production ​ramps  up.

Celery

Good supplies this season industry wide.  There is better supply on large sized celery and shippers are looking to move product. Small size supplies are lighter, mostly due to the fact that the warmer weather is causing the plants to grow quickly and size up at a faster pace.  Quality remains very nice, with little or no problems to report.   We expect another week or two of flat markets and then better pricing as schools start up again nationwide.

 

 

Broccoli

Good availability for the remainder of the week.  Supplies from all over the country have filled the pipelines.  There is availability out of California, Mexico, Maine and Canada.  Overall quality from the regions has been good.  There has been reports of Maine product arriving with water spotting.  Get with your Produce West representative and set up some ad’s for the next few weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Supplies are ample and shippers are looking to make deals.  Quality has been very good.  It looks like we will have good availability through next week.

 

Artichokes

Heavy production with  light demand has lead to good  buying opportunities on all sizes.  Quality is  good  and should remain through August.  Take advantage of a good  Summer time  alternative.

Strawberries

Watermelons:

We are currently starting production in West Texas and Las Cruces . Expect both areas to be producing by 8/15 . We will also have some melons out of the NC area next week through the end of August. There are a lot of regional local melons around the country at this time. The market is all over the board depending on the region and has no real continuity at this time. Demand this week is very light but will increase as we draw closer to the Labor Day holiday.

 

​Asparagus 

Production from  Central Mexico is  winding down  leaving mostly offshore supplies from Peru as the main source.  The market is firming and looks to  go higher throughout the next few weeks.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies remained ample this week, peaking on 9s with a goodly amount of 12s. 15s were also in decent supply. There was a variance between growers on supplies with varieties peaking at different times, but in the face of stubbornly lackluster demand, the market remained steady with below quoted deals abounding through Tuesday.  Promotions were in place for next week, the shipping for which started Wednesday. Some of those were on 12s which suddenly firmed up.  Thus prices on 12s rose midweek and on 9s prices firmed.  We see continued good production next week with robust demand thru mid week as ad shipping continues. By Thursday demand could slow and market could either retreat or stay steady with below quoted deals re-appearing.

 

Honeydews

Dull and steady as she goes is the only way to describe honeydews. Supplies stayed ample and continued to peak on 5s and 6s with jbo 5s and 8/9s being light. Demand yawned its way through the week. Next week, supplies should remain good and there seems to be nothing occurring to spur demand except perhaps for the higher cantaloupe market.  The following week the Sacramento area should kick in. Steady is the word for now and next week.

 

 

Lettuce

Moderate weather on the West Coast has helped quality and in turn yields have begun to improve as demand was stifled by last week’s sharp rise in pricing. Markets look to be correcting rapidly even though supplies are not overwhelming. Look for the market to steady by mid next week. Quality has improved but wide ranging size, shape and color along with mildew and insect pressure are still prevalent.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart quality along with production has finally improved sufficiently to meet demand allowing the market to adjust. A few quality concerns remain with mildew and insect pressure but overall quality is improving daily. Look for the market to  steady next week as most growers reduce their acreage to

meet curtailed demand due to Homegrown, local production. Greenleaf and Red leaf continue to get pulled or pushed along for the ride.

 

Celery

Steady markets continue industry wide. We expect this to continue through next week as Michigan product is still producing good volume.  Good supplies out of Salinas and Santa Maria growing areas and quality is still very nice.

 

Green Onions

The market improved only slightly with decreases in production. Quality will continue to be fair as most growers have battled hot weather in Mexico the past couple weeks. Barring a significant increase in demand the market is likely only to improve marginally as supplies continue to trend downward, moderate temperatures forecast should help quality rebound in coming weeks

 

 

Broccoli

Broccoli out of Maine will start soon couple that with good supplies of all cuts  out of both Santa Maria and Salinas over the next 10 days will make for plenty of product. Quality has been very nice with tight domes and good

green color. Please run any Ad or daily order opportunities by us.

 

Cauliflower

Weather on the Central Coast of California has made for ideal growing conditions over the last week.  Good supplies of cauliflower are expected going into next week. Quality has been outstanding and even though there is product available from Canada for the East Coast markets, those buyers are still purchasing California product due to superior quality.

 

Artichokes

 

Steady production with light demand continues for most shippers. Quality is good but a lack of summer promotions has kept demand limited with most retailers concentrating on the summer fruits. As all sizes are plentiful consider pushing Artichokes as a mid-Summer grilling alternative.

 

Brussel Sprouts

 

Central California continues to be the main production area with good quality and yields. The market has eased off its’ seasonal high and should remain steady through the early summer.

 

Strawberries

 

There are still decent supplies around, with very few shippers prorating. Strawberry supplies have been a lot stronger towards the beginning of the week with the weekend being a little hard to find. Prices are starting to firm up this week and will continue into next week. Right now there is a lot smaller fruit and production is starting to slowly go down and expect to pick back up at the end of the month. Warmer weather is expected at the end of next week which should help relieve some of the demand.

 

Watermelon

We will have watermelon available from both Texas and Northern Georgia next week. Prices are softer after the

4th of July pull. We have good volume on all sizes and have carton mini 6s available as well. Produce West has

seedless 24/365. Contact your sales person to set up a program.

 

Cantaloupes

The desert has finished up for all intents and purposes, and the Westside is in full production mode.  The weekend and early week had a cool snap and yields were down.  At the same time there were some ad promotions set.  The market thus climbed early in the week, then calmed toward the weekend when deals were being made again below quotes prices. Sizes were split between regular 9s and 12s with Jbo 9s tight and 15s in light supplies. Next week we should see good production of 9s and 12s and new supplies of jbo 9s. Demand should be adequate and the market steady to slightly lower.

 

Honeydews:

The desert is essentially done and the Westside is in production, however there are not an overabundance of honeydews planted.  Sacramento area is about two weeks off.  Supplies where moderate.  Demand was moderate. Market was steady. Sizes peaked on 5s then 6s.  We look for little change next week with perhaps dealing below quotes more prevalent than this week.

Lettuce​​​

Moderate supplies  and continued  hesitant demand has kept downward pressure on FOBs. Quality has been  improving but still varies widely with irregular sizing,  insect pressure and  tipburn still  prevalent.  Supplies and quality could be affected with high temperatures in select hotter locations in the Salinas and  Santa Maria  Valleys this  week.
Mix Leaf

Hotter Temperatures in the  Valley have increased supplies while  demand  has  been easing slightly on Romaine.  Continued  increase in  local production areas will keep  downward pressure on the market.  Limited  local Homegrown  Romaine heart production will allow the market to stay strong  as  long as  California growers don’t convert excess romaine into hearts.   Green and  Redleaf   market continue to be sluggish

 

Celery

Oxnard production will be mostly finished by the end of this month and most of the production will be out of Salinas Valley growing areas.  Michigan production will be starting in mid July.  There is good volume this week and markets are sluggish.  Expect good volume through next week; we should see slightly better markets in the first half of July.  Good quality industry wide, although Salinas quality has been stronger.

 

Green Onions 
The market remains depressed due to high volume crossings from Mexico  the past couple weeks. However, the severe heat (120 degrees) the past few days should lower the volume of crossings from Mexico. Also, due to the depressed market the last 6 weeks, some growers are curtailing harvest on iced green onions which could lead to a slight short term improvement in the market.

 

Broccoli

Good availability for the remainder of the week and going into next week.  There is better volume on crown cuts as opposed to bunch and shippers are looking to make deals.  Run your offers by us whether loading in Santa Maria or Salinas.

 

Cauliflower

Ample supplies for the remainder of the week and quality has been very nice.  Large white domes with nice green jackets.  The market has seemed to settle at current trading levels but there is the spot deal here and there.  Please run any offers you may have by us.

 

Artichokes

Supplies  of Thornless / Seeded have increased allowing the market to  ease on all sizes.   Promotional  pricing is available on the largest sizes.  Quality is very nice.

Brussel Sprouts

Production is winding down from Mexico   with improving supplies  from  Central  California .  The market will remain flat until  Mexico finishes at the end of the month. Some  shippers are pushing discounts  for volume. Quality has improved but the new crop from California continues to be preferred .

Strawberries

A mixed range in berry pricing will continue into next week as quality continues to vary out of Watsonville and Salinas.  Some bruising has been reported by end users.  The forecast for next week is calling for normal temperatures as we wind up the 4th of July pull.

Cantaloupes:

Demand picked up last weekend for the July 4th.  Supplies swooned a bit toward the end of last week, but the  extreme heat that has afflicted the deserts since then has increased supplies once gain.  Quality looks a bit ragged, but it is better than to be expected in the face of record breaking temperatures.  Prices rose between Friday & Monday but leveled by mid week.  The desert deal will begin its end game over the course of the next week to ten days.  The Westside will have a few a few growers harvesting this weekend, with many more phasing in by the first week in July.  Sized have peaked on 9s then jbo 9s then 12s.  Demand should slow as retailer’s pull will abate as we inch closer to the holiday.  We look for the market to remain steady with some dealing on 9s, then prices should drop by mid to end of next week.

Honeydews:

Mexico is finishing up. but the deserts are still going, but like cantaloupes should phase out over the next week. Dews will be starting with the same schedule as outlined schedule above, with a few starting a day or two earlier than lopes.  Demand has remained tepid all spring and does not look to change until late summer when honeydews gain retailers promotional favor.  Sizes are peaking overwhelming on 5s, followed by 6s then 8s.  We look for a dull and steady market through mid to end of next week, with weaker prices starting the first week in July

 

Watermelon

Florida is winding down and melons are transitioning into Georgia and South Carolina.  South Texas is done as well and we are moving North and then to West Texas  and then to New Mexico. Demand is good coming into the 4^th of July and 60s seem to be very snug. Produce West will offer Watermelon year round for the upcoming  season from Western , Central and Eastern shipping points . Please contact your salesperson for info.

 

 

Lettuce​​​

The market  rebounded with lighter supplies  due to lower yields and mild, below normal temperatures reducing production. After the initial surge to beat  rising prices  demand will again stall  until  shippers  volumes  return to normal.  Weather forecast call for continued mild temperatures especially along the coast.  Wide range in quality continues to exist throughout all growing areas.

Mix Leaf

The  market has settled and begun to firm with lighter production from Central California.  Regional homegrown production areas have begun and should keep  a ceiling on leaf prices , especially Green and Redleaf . Romaine Hearts will continue to stay strong as there is limited production at the local levels.

 

Celery

Plenty of deals on larger sizes.  We are expecting stronger markets as growing regions shift to Salinas Valley areas.  Salinas production has been slow to start due to unseasonably cooler weather over the past few weeks.  Quality is still very nice industry wide with very few issues to report in coastal growing areas.  Shippers are currently looking to move product his week and lighter volume is expected next week.

 

Broccoli

Supplies will remain limited for the remainder of this week and for most of next week.  Prices have topped out but there will be no reprieve from current FOB’s this week.  Yields will continue to be below normal for the next few days.  Hopefully some warmer weather forecasted for the weekend and early part of next week will push the plants and increase yields.

 

Cauliflower

Yields continue to be far below normal for this time of year.  Basically due to weather, cooler than normal temperatures, and some planting gaps caused by rains  in the beginning of the year are the main culprits behind the high FOB’s.  Look for prices to start declining by early next week.  Overall quality has been good, nice white domes, good size and weights.

 

Artichokes

Production  of Heirloom /Green Globes  varieties  have dwindled and the Thornless varieties have been slow to produce.  Look for the market to be active on all sizes until the Seeded varieties increase in coming weeks.  Initial production will be  predominately LARGE sizes.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues  to struggle from Mexico with water quality and insect pressure reducing supplies   Domestic production has been slow to ramp up  and the market has strengthened on better quality. Expect  overall supplies  to remain steady  throughout the month  as new production areas in the Central coast  start to replace supplies  from Mexico.

Strawberries

The lack of demand following the memorial day holiday look like it may stick with us the rest of the week. The market is developing into a split market as some suppliers have light supplies, while others need to move fruit. Quality has been good out of the Watsonville and Santa Maria. The weather will dictate next weeks pricing. Currently the forecast is for warmer temps next week. Ad pricing for the 4th of July pull looks to be in the $10.00 to $12.00 range.

 

Cantaloupes:

The market has been trading lower this week as heat in the desert is bringing production on and there is a lack of ad activity.  Wholesale markets are dealing with left over holiday supplies.  Sizes are skewing to 9s and 12s rather equally spread over the entire deal. 15s were plentiful but sizes are starting increase making their supply light.  Jbo 9s are rather sparse as seems to be the case for the entire deal this year. Next week as inventories clean our we look for demand to pick up.  At the same time the desert heat is expected to continue keeping production prodigious.  We look for the market to limp to close this week with deals being made, them level off over the weekend and next week.

 

Honeydews:

Honeydew production increased in response to the heat. Mexico continued to harvest heavily and the domestic deal picked up as well. As with cantaloupes, domestic sizes skewed a bit small peaking on 6s followed by 8s then 5s, of which there were few. The market trading steady on 5s but lower on 6s and 8s with cheap deals being made up to this point.  Next week we see little change other than perhaps the deals disappearing and the market stabilizing at current quoted levels.

 

Watermelons:

Produce West has started our organic seedless out of Florida. Our first pick is running larger in the 36/45 count. We have good supplies in those sizes but are light  on 60s. We also are still loading conventional melons in both Texas and Florida and will do so through 4^th of July. We will then begin to wind down in Texas and continue in Florida .  The market in CV and OG looks like it will recover at the end of this week beginning of next week from the Memorial Day pull or lack of.

 

Lettuce​​​

​​​ Market prices have adjusted on falling demand while supplies have held mostly steady. Salad processors filled in their production gaps purchasing lettuce acreage which attributed to the previous sharp escalating market.  Supplies look to be steady for the balance of the month with slightly improving but WIDE ranging quality.

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine heart markets have been slow to ease but weaker demand and improved quality will lead to better availability and lower pricing.  Quality has been mostly fair with a wide assortment of issues resulting from late spring showers and heavy winds.  Redleaf and green leaf will follow a similar path as most shippers are seeing improved quality production combined with pending regional homegrown production markets are expected to ease.

 

Celery

Good supply industry wide.  Better volume on smaller sizes and we are seeing a $2 spread between sizes.  Good color and quality and very little seeder to report.  Midwest production had been delayed due to cold weather and is slowly getting started.  Salinas production will be getting started later next week which will overlap Oxnard, keeping volume strong.  Expect steady markets and competitive pricing for the next few weeks.

 

Broccoli

Supplies are lighter this week in Salinas and Santa Maria due to a planting gap from rains back in late February and early March. Demand is good and the market is trending upward. Overall quality is good but product has been branchy and knuckly which results in lower yields for crown packs, especially Asian cut.  Light supplies continue to cross out of Mexico and the market is increasing there as well.

 

Cauliflower

Quality is very nice but supplies are limited.  The market will stay active at current trading levels of $25.00 – $27.00 FOB through the week.  There should start to be some reprieve in price by the middle of next week.

 

Artichokes

Production  of Heirloom /Green Globes  varieties  has dwindled and the Thornless varieties are still limited.  Look for the market to be active on all sizes until the Seeded varieties increase next month.

Brussel Sprouts

Domestic production is increasing as  supplies  from Mexico are still showing significant insect issues.  The market has  adjusted and is currently trying to find a proper level.  The likely scenario has Mexico finishing prematurely early eventually leading to lighter overall supplies  until the Fall.

 

Strawberries

This market has been settling over the past 2 weeks and is believed to have bottomed out. The most recent reports show lighter supplies this weekend and into next week as shippers clean up supplies.  Many shippers are close to being sold out for the week.  Strong Memorial Day business mixed with cooler weather and possible rain in the forecast will result in stronger market conditions in the coming days and could last through the remainder of the month. Quality has been good overall, with the better fruit coming out of the Salinas/Watsonville growing areas.

Cantaloupes:

Off shore melons continued shipping this week and domestic production picked up causing the areas to compete with each other driving prices downward.  Sizes ran from jbo 9s thru 15s, with some domestic producers running smaller than anticipated and others running heavy to larger sizes.  There were some retail promotions on domestic 9s, but overall trading was lackluster. Next week off shore product should begin to run down, but needs to work its way through the supply chain. Domestic fruit will pick up in production as those that have started this week will begin to pick up was their deals mature. Central Az and Blythe will also start. Demand will start dull, but should pickup toward the end of the week as memorial day demand will begin in earnest and wholesale markets will begin to clear up the last of their off shore inventories.  Market should start dull and steady but become active and stronger by the weekend.

 

Honeydews:

Off shores were shipping their final inventory. Mexico was in heavy production and domestic just started to scratch the surface of their deals.  Demand was hampered by the legacy of higher priced inventories, the plethora of cantaloupes and falling prices in Mexico.  Market was weak with sizes peaking on 5 & 6s.  Next week off shores will finish.  Mexico will continue to be in good supplies and quality and domestic will pick up. Demand should start slow but could activate as we approach Memorial day and the onset of summer demand.  We look for market to start slow and weak but level off toward the weekend with better demand pointing to a higher market the week of 5/29

 

Watermelons:

Rain has slowed production in both Texas and Florida and Mexican production as decreased from 400 loads a day to 200. This coupled with the upcoming Memorial Day Holliday should tighten up supplies through the early next week . Produce West will have good supplies out of Texas and Florida for any promotions. Contact your salesperson for  more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce​​​

​​​Production  continues  to be below average for many shippers and more importantly processors although slowing demand has stalled the  market with signs of scattered weakness.  Quality has improved slightly with wide ranging issues  from  insect , mildew , burn and rib blight  all  present in the Salinas  and  Santa Maria Valley.   As quality improves  along with yields the market will adjust industry wide by the weekend  continuing into next week.

Mix Leaf

Market  continues  to be steady on Romaine and  Romaine Hearts especially .  Even with softer demand  the market continues to hold .  Quality concerns  continue to exist with  Insect , Mildew , Wind and Fringe burn  being present. Greenleaf and redleaf  market should start to weaken first with  improved quality and pressure from emerging Homegrown production areas.

 

Celery

Steady market continuing into next week.  Florida is finishing up, although there is still a high volume of product still in inventories.  Weather back east and mid-west has been cool and rainy, which is not helping movement.  Seeder is no longer an issue and quality is very nice.  We should see market improvement once Florida product cleans up and weather warms up in the mid-west.

 

Broccoli

Steady supplies and production is in multiple areas.  Good quality in all areas, although some hollow core detected in Mexican product due to high heat.  Expect steady supplies through next week.  Warmer weather over the next few weeks should bring on good volume into next month.

 

Cauliflower

Much stronger market this week with limited supply industry wide.  Some quality issues including bruising and brown spotting have been seen on arrival.  We are seeing the result of recent wind and rains on the west coast but weather is improving and should help quality over the next 2 weeks.

 

Artichokes

The  Green Globe  / Heirloom season is  winding down and the production is starting to shift back to the thornless varieties.  Supplies  are currently peaking on  medium sizes although look for all sizes to to firm heading into a slow down in overall production .

Brussel Sprouts

Quality continues to steer the market.  Production from Mexico has been affected by heavy insect pressure while some  domestic product has begun  with improved quality .  Sales have stalled with a combination of high dollars  and poor quality leading to a softer market.

Strawberries

Demand has slowed after the Mothers day Holiday.  The market adjusted quickly as buyers are turning their attention to the Memorial day weekend.  Oxnard has pretty done except for a few suppliers. The Santa Maria and Watsonvile areas are in full swing now and looking to promote for the end of the Month.  Quality out these areas has been excellent and counts are ranging from 14 -18 ct.

Cantaloupes:

Off shore melons continue to ship but are diminishing in supplies as the last shipments will be coming in this weekend. Sizes were a bit more democratic but still skewed heavily towards 9s and Jbo 9s.  Domestic production was still limited to a couple of producers but one more joined the party this week. Sizes were tilted toward 9s but there were 12s and some 15s as well. Domestic quality was excellent. Demand was okay, but good enough to take up the moderate supply. Markets ended up 8.95-10.95 off shore and 10.95-12.95 domestic. Next week as off shores wind down, domestic will pick up as more producers will be starting. Demand should be pretty good between early retail promotions of domestic product and food service demand. We look market to be firm early in the week then perhaps drop $2.00 toward the end of the week or beginning of the next week as volume picks up.  At that point the market should level and be active.

 

Honeydews:

Off shore supplies increased a bit as the last rush of product arrived.  Mexico had steady supplies as well. Domestic started in a small way.  Sizes ran mostly 5-6s with a few 8s and some larger. Demand was moderate due to highish pricing.  Market was 8.95-12.95 including all sizes and all areas. Next week off shore supplies should begin to dry up. Mexico will be adequate and domestic will pick up just a bit.  We look for a steady market next week.

 

Watermelons

Produce West is shipping watermelon from both Texas and Florida. Volume is excellent in Texas and is beginning to increase in Florida. Prices are slowly easing and there is promotional volume and pricing for the Memorial Day Holliday on both seeded and seedless.   Produce West expects to start a block of Organic Watermelon on 6/15, there will be promotional opportunities on these as well. Contact your friendly Produce West rep for details.

 

Lettuce

Production continues to decrease with slightly cooler, windy evenings along with quality issues from insect, mildew and tip burn.  Most growers reported to be 10+ days ahead of schedule which is correcting itself and leading to much higher pricing. Initially demand was over-inflated by ongoing berry shortages but now appears to be legit

with escalating prices for the next week.

 

Mix Leaf

Cooler temperatures have slowed overall production but quality issues have been the primary reason for lighter supplies.  Mainly pressure from insects and mildew along with a couple ill-timed showers the past couple

weeks. Prices continue to climb on ALL quality levels as supplies have tightened. Warmer temperatures forecast

next week should help get supplies back on track in a couple weeks.

 

Celery

Increasing demand industry wide and markets are getting stronger. Seeder has been an issue in Oxnard and Santa

Maria but growers are picking to avoid any major issues. Florida is still producing although volume is decreasing and quality is suffering. We expect this market to improve more over the next 10 days due to recent cold weather in California. Warmer weather is in the forecast but will not help production until late next week at the earliest.

 

Broccoli

Demand is steady and prices remain steady as well. Market could trend slightly upward starting the first part of next week as Central Mexico winds down its production. Overall quality has been good, nice green color and tight domes.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies will lighten as we head into the weekend.  Expect prices to climb going into next

week. Quality has been outstanding with nice white color and smooth domes.

 

Artichokes

 

The Green Globe / Heirloom variety is well past it’s’ peak and demand continues to push the market higher. The thorn less varieties continue to be available at moderate prices especially medium sizes although will tighten once the Green Globe season comes to a close in a couple weeks.

 

Asparagus

 

Very little imports from Mexico and Peru along with reduced domestic acreage from California and Washington has led to a very active market. Look for continued shortages throughout the Summer.

 

Brussel Sprouts

 

Production continues from Mexico where quality issues, mainly Insect pressure continue to hamper

supplies. Domestic production has started in a few isolated areas with better quality. The market is likely to continue near its’ historic level as most shippers are still barely covering value added contracts.

 

Strawberries

 

The Berry Category really has been a challenge this year for the grower, supplier, trucker and ultimately, the most important, the customer.  We not only have been up against wet weather, but we have had many episodes of high winds and a continuing wide range in fluctuating temperatures. These various factors have put the berry itself under stress, which gives way to quality issues on arrival. The conventional strawberry market will remain extremely tight for at least thru the middle of May, maybe longer.   The Organic Berry category has been very sporadic as it just has not been warm enough to get consistent supplies and the varieties used in the Organic Category have not held up well.

 

Honeydews

 

Honeydews were strong all week and traded at higher prices.  White fly has seemed to cause an early wind down of the offshore deal. Mexico is going but is no in an over-abundance of supply. Demand has been steady.  CA/AZ is not expected to start until the second week on May with not volume to speak of until the following week.  We look for a firm to strong market for the next 10-14 days.

 

Cantaloupes

 

Transition time is descending upon us rather rapidly.  Central America will be ending some time next. Sizes are skewing toward jbo 9s and 9s with very little smaller fruit available. Central Fla is starting its Athena harvest is a small way. California is also starting to phase in next week with volume picking up the second week in May.  There are already commitments for that period.

Markets finished steady on jbo 9s and 9s and very tight with significantly higher prices on 12s and smaller. Next

week this trend looks to continue. California.AZ fruit should pick up the slack in supplies from the ending off shore deal, but demand should be solid due to the onset of domestic supplies and commitments that are in place.  We look for a steady market through most if not all of next week and a potentially lower market the following week.

 

 

Watermelon

 

Watermelon supplies are down. Storms in late December and early January affected the early Florida crop. Mexico is transitioning to a new area helping to create a small gap. Expect seedless to begin to be harvested beginning

next week in Florida and Texas as well as San Juan Mexico. Supplies will increase over the next few weeks into promotional numbers. Produce West will have Peacock label seedless available to provide an alternative to other big name labels and provide exclusivity to our customers.