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.

Lettuce​​​

​​​Production continues to surge  with  hot weather pushing fields ahead of schedule.  The market has hit bottom as many shippers  are starting to leave lettuce behind due to  heat  induced quality issues such as tipburn and growth crack. Combined with existing peel and blister  ( yes, it’s still around)   overall quality from some production areas is marginal.   A few​  protected areas have fared much better than others.  Cooler , near seasonal temperatures are forecast to return to the desert this weekend improving quality and help extend the season  ​into April.  Currently a few shippers are expected to transition to Northern California production areas the third week of March .  If cooler weather persists it will  help delay transition and   allow the market  firm.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart production continues to saturate the market with an abundance of supplies .  Quality  concerns continue with reduced issues from blister and peel  being replaced by tipburn , dehydration and pale heads  with  red rib discoloration.  While some shippers continue to try to catch up and peel down oversized heads some are electing to  bypass marginal fields  for new ones. Transition still looks  to be a month away and supplies should be sufficient to meet demand  but  could lighten up enough to allow the market to get off current bottom.

 

Celery

Steady supplies on all sizes.  There is better volume large sized celery and shippers are taking offers. Oxnard is still producing in adequate numbers and quality remains nice.  Rain is expected over the weekend in California which could delay harvests, although the storm is expected to be stronger in northern California.  Expect good supplies in the desert growing regions over the next 10 days and steady markets as a result.

 

Broccoli

Trading levels continue to remain on the floor.  There is good availability out of Salinas, Santa Maria the Desert regions and Mexico.  There does seem to be some interest from the retail level with Ad pricing requests for the middle of March and some wholesalers are placing order for next week.  This interest could be a pre cursor to slightly higher prices and better demand starting sometime next week.

 

Cauliflower

Good demand for flower 9’s has brought the market up slightly.  Due to the warmer weather most shippers are getting into fields earlier than normal to avoid sun scar on the domes.  Because of this the product is not having adequate time to size up thus producing mostly 12’s and 16’s.  There is better availability and lower prices available in Salinas if you are able to load there.

 

Artichokes

Unseasonably hot temperatures affected supplies   by promoting propagation of leaves  rather than producing “fruit” on some varieties  while other varieties  thrived overall lightening supplies of medium sizes while producing more larger sizes. Moderating temperatures will help  production heading into heavily promoted Easter holiday although the preferred Green Globe  / Heirloom variety will likely not have much production until after the holiday .

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues mainly from Mexico .  A range of small , medium and Jumbo sizes have allowed for steep discounts on off sizes while the standard #1 size market has firmed heading into a heavily promoted time frame.  Quality is  good but has shown signs  of weakness from the unseasonably warm weather. Good supplies should continue especially  if cooler temperature forecast hold.

 

Strawberries-

Strawberries have been going strong the past couple weeks due to the warmer weather. El Nino is now coming into play, with rain in the forecast through the weekend. Supplies in Oxnard and Santa Maria are expected to tighten next week. After the rain we are expecting colder weather which should slow down harvesting. Florida had its strongest week of the season due to warm weather which should help ease demands on west coast product. This weather should continue through next week.

Watermelon

Off shore supplies this week continued to be ample, with sizes skewing smaller.  There were few jbo 9s and more regular 9s and 12s with even some 15s.  Demand remained lackluster as winter still hasn’t yielded to spring in most of the country.  Thus markets declined about 2.00-3.00. Next week, supplies will remain ample.  Demand should change little until possibly Easter creates some excitement toward the middle of the month. Sizes should skew larger once gain. Market should remain dull and steady to slightly lower.

As anticipated watermelon supplies tightened up with lighter supplies crossing this week as we switch areas in Mexico. Supplies also tightened mot with the advent of two major chains going on a March add.  Produce West will have watermelons during  this transition to the new northern growing areas. Look for demand to spike as temperatures continue to warm. Please keep us in mind for your Memorial  and 4^th of July add on both conventional and organic seedless.

 

Honeydews:

Like cantaloupes honeydew supplies were plentiful this week with sizes skewing smaller.  Mexico and off shore areas were shipping. Demand was uneventful and markets declined a bit.  Next week little seems to be in the offing to improve demand, and supplies look to be steady or possibly a bit less if rains hit Mexico.  Market should change little.

 

Mangos

Offshore mangos are all but finished. Mexican Tommies are trickling in with volume expected around 3/12-3/15. Ataulfos are already going and volume is going to increase about the same time as the Tommies. Volume is expected to increase from the 600,000 per week now to 3,300,000 by May 1 between rounds and Ataulfos. Look for promotional opportunities  in late march and early April.

Lettuce​​​

​​​Unseasonably hot weather in the West  continues especially in the desert. Supplies of iceberg have been slow to match the weather and good demand forced shippers to push the market higher which  inevitably will choke off demand.  Currently moderate look for better size, weights  and overall volume to increase through the weekend.  Quality has improved slightly but concerns continue to include a wide variation of  blister , peel  and discoloration.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine  and Romaine  Heart production continues to surge as they are not reliant on  “heading” to produce a head.  Hot weather may  affect quality with sun burn and dehydration added to ongoing issues of blister, peel and associated discoloration.   The warm weather will eventually help grow through the blister issue within the next couple weeks.   Greenleaf and red leaf  supplies continue to be sufficient with  a wide range in quality.

 

Celery

Warm weather has improved availability in desert regions. Oxnard and Santa Maria continue to produce, as well as Florida.  Demand has come off over the past few days resulting in softer markets.  There has been better volume on large sized product and good quality industry wide, although quality is better out west.  Expect more of the same scenario for next week as warm weather continues in the main growing areas.

 

Broccoli

Supplies are very good in Santa Maria, Yuma and Mexico and will continue to be for the next few weeks.   The quality coming out of all districts is good.  Some shippers in Salinas have started harvesting as well and are looking to make some hot deals as well.

 

Cauliflower

Ample supplies are available for loading out of all growing districts.  Quality is good with nice white domes.  Shippers will be looking to make deals going into next week.

 

Artichokes

Production has finally started to surge on the Thornless / seeded varieties with  mostly large sizes but also some medium sizes .  Most discounted  offerings  continue to show frost damage but many areas have shown improvement over the past week. With  an early Easter impacting demand a strong market is expected for the month of March .  The preferred  Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t peak until after Easter .

 

Brussel Sprouts

Overall supplies continue to increase mainly from Mexico. Quality has also improved and the market  has adjusted.  Supplies should continue to increase through the month as most shippers  are looking to  promote.

 

Strawberries-

Better supplies available this week industry wide with Valentine’s Day over.  Warmer weather in California has helped bring on more new crop fruit out of Santa Maria. Early reports are showing strong structure and product will travel.  Mexican production is coming on strong and pricing is cheap out of Mcallen, although much of the quality is being compromised due to hotter weather in central Mexico.  Florida production is improving, which should ease demand on west coast product, resulting in completive pricing for the coming week.

Watermelon

The watermelon volume out of Mexico is good and the quality is excellent. Expect there to be a gap in mid-March as we switch regions. Right now though we have good supplies  of carton 4s and 5s.  Produce West is currently planting for conventional spring seedless in both Texas  and  Florida . We are also planting organic in Florida for spring. Call for promotional pricing for Memorial and 4th of July.

 

Mangos

Currently Produce West is shipping  Ataulfos from Mexico  out of McAllen. Sizing is peaking in 16s/18s but we have from 12s down to 24s available. We will have our first Mexican Tommy Atkins in McAllen 2/20/2016 . There looks to be good promotional volume in April on both Tommy Atkins and Ataulfos. Call for  pricing.

 

 

Limes: Lime volume has decreased over the past week with only 345 loads crossing from 1/27-2/2. This is less than half of the volume from the previous three weeks. Whit the large amount crossing the previous weeks supply has become backed up. There are deals on large fruit  be had and the overall market is in the sub $10 range.

 

Mangos: Produce West will be starting its Mexican  Mango season next week. We will be starting with Ataulfos and of course transitioning in to Tommies and the other round varieties.  We will go through September with Mangos from Mexico.   Call for more information and to set up programs. We can do untreated Mangos for Canada crossing in Laredo as well.

 

 

Watermelons: The market perked up slightly in the past couple of days as the North East opened back up for trucks and demand spiked. Produce West is planting Watermelons in Florida (Conventional and Organic ) and Texas (Conventional only)for the upcoming season.  Call for more information and to set up programs

Lettuce​​​

​​​Favorable  growing conditions in the SW Deserts has  allowed   production to finally get back on track and combined with a slow down in demand caused by the severe East Coast blizzard the market decline has been accelerated. Shippers have begun to offer steep discounts for volume buyers but the overall tone is weak.  Quality continues to be sporadic with blister,   peel and associated discoloration  still evident.   Quality should start to rebound in a couple weeks but shippers will also now have to be more selective as the market descends to  production  cost levels.  Take advantage while shippers are offering more ad pricing.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and  Romaine  heart supplies have been improving daily  .  There continues  to be a wide range in quality  with  Blister, peel and discoloration  still  prevalent causing some  disconnect in  pricing structure from shipper to shipper.  The  market  has been trailing iceberg  but they will likely end up trading at similar levels  by the end of the week. Red and Greenleaf supplies will  also continue  to increase  with  markets  easing through the week.  Shippers  will offer steep discounts to spur movement .

 

Celery

This market has settled this week as Yumas begins production. The main production areas continue to be Oxnard and Santa Maria. Yuma production is off to a slow start, although we expect volume to increase next week. There is a wide range in pricing among shippers and some are reporting light supplies. Overall we expect this market to settle through next week, and overall volume should improve. Good weather forecasted in Yuma will help production.  Quality is nice and very few issues reported.

 

Broccoli

Plenty of supply currently.  Multiple regions producing. Slower demand from the east has resulted in sluggish markets.  Aggressive pricing and shippers are looking to move. Santa Maria is reporting some pin rot and water spotting.  Expect a buyer’s market though next week.

 

Cauliflower

Sluggish markets this week.  Shippers are looking for volume deals. There is a wide range in quality due to recent rains out west.  This market will remain slow through next week until next week.  Desert temperatures are expected to cool toward the later part of next week which could eventually slow production.

 

Artichokes

Just like most commodities  Artichokes  have gotten a shot in the arm  with ideal growing conditions and  production has begun to increase .  Mostly  large sizes  but supplies of all sizes have begun to increase.  Beware , there are distinct differences in quality.  A few shippers are offering “Frost Free”  artichokes while the majority still  have burn and discoloration from last months  freezing temperatures.

Brussel Sprouts

Supplies continue to be limited  with the vast majority of production coming from  Mexico.  Supplies have been sporadic along with quality . As the weather improves look for a continued improvement in  quality and  production.  The market is  currently holding steady with good  demand as supplies increase look for the market to  adjust in coming weeks.

 

Strawberries

California

California production remains limited and will continue to be throughout the next

several weeks.  With no substantial increases in the forecast expected until the

3^rd week of February, supplies will remain very tight through the Valentine’s day pull.

Weather will have an influence on production as we are looking at rain in the forecast

for this weekend and again early next week.  We have  a slight break and then potential

for another storm the back half of the week.  El Nino looks to be coming into play as

we are getting the call for wetter than normal out west.

 

Mexico

Central Mexico continues to have cooler weather keeping overall production limited.  This week

and next, the berry category should be at a high point in production of our season, however due to the cooler

weather, our production is limited.  We will also begin to feel more pressure to fill orders

that would have been placed in Florida as they experience rain this Wednesday and Thursday.

Look for our supplies to be very stressed out of Central Mexico as our production on the coasts

remain limited due to the weather.

 

Florida

Dover has heavy rain in the forecast for Wed and Thursday.  Some reports show a forecast

in some areas as high as 2-2.5” on Wed, and .75-1” on Thursday.  Rain this heavy will halt

production for Wednesday and Thursday and could possibly take us out  several additional

days if heavy enough. Rain of .10” or better, for all intents and purposes is enough to kill

stem production.  The fruit will surely take in the water and typically this rapid expansion of

the fruit leads to cracked fruit.  Not good for stems.  Certainly this weather is not timely with

Valentine’s day just around the corner.  Look for berries to remain tight out of Florida through

the Valentine’s day pull.

 

 

Raspberries

The cooler nights have had a big influence on our production out of C Mex over the last several weeks.  This will likely continue as temperatures several weeks ago have influenced the smaller fruit that was on the plant at the time and also the bloom. At this point we continue to forecast that supplies will be limited all the way through the Valentine’s day pull.

 

 

Blackberries

Blacks continue to struggle with cool nights and less than ideal daytime temperatures

leaving the fruit in state that is less than ripe, limiting our production   Although forecasted

for larger numbers, like the rasps the colder weather several weeks ago and the cool trend

that continues, will keep production limited.  Expect very tight supplies this week and through

the second week of February.

 

Blueberries

Blue supplies continue to be limited, with minimal arrivals from Chile on both coasts.  Supplies

will stay at steady volume for the next two weeks and then look for an increase the backside

of February. Mexican production from C Mex has continued to help supplement supply offerings

into the marketplace and will continue with steady numbers through February.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon volume from Mexico is picking up slowly this week and prices from the fields  are edging lower. The East coast is opening back up after the storms of last week . Once the East Coast supermarkets assess  their inventory after restocking shelves  there should be a brief surge in demand. The increased demand should not influence the lower FOBs as volume will increase proportionality . Produce West currently has Seedless Watermelon available to load  in McAllen and has watermelon year round.

 

Limes

618 loads from 1/19-1/25, and  the inventory continues to build in the warehouses. Prices have dropped considerably and will continue to drop as supply greatly exceeds demand. Look for deals on pretty much all sizes and be careful of older fruit. The era of $50-100  during this time is over unless there is a catastrophic event affecting the supply chain.

 

Cantaloupes

The market remained dull and steady this week. Lightish supplies kept the market from falling in the face of the East Coast storms and frigid weather but held prices in check in the 10.95-12.95 range with fair quality lower on 9s through 12s. Jbo 9s were about $1.00 higher.

Next week demand will determine the market. With the worst of the storms over and temps warming to the 30s and 40s demand could improve, or rather not stop dead as it had this week.  Supplies should be adequate. Market should be steady to perhaps a bit stronger on best quality. with dealing on #2 fruit

 

Honeydews

We could just echo what was said about cantaloupes. Supplies will be adequate and moslty running 5s and 6s. Demand should be helped a bit by moderating weather in the Midwest and East. Market should be steady to higher with dealing on #2 fruit.

 

 

 

 

Lettuce​

​An improvement in  supplies  along with poor weather in the East has turned the tide on most western veg markets including Iceberg Lettuce.  Markets  are still currently adjusting  and are predicted to bottom out next week .Quality concerns with  fringe burn, blister and peel along with associated discoloration will remain for another couple weeks.   Forecast calls for continued above normal temps through January  with a possible return of light frost early February. Take advantage next week to  secure promotional pricing .

​​

​​​

Mix Leaf

Romaine and leaf production has also been ramping up with  improved weather conditions .  Quality concerns  will remain with  Blister and discoloration being common in all growing districts but still varying degrees by shipper.   Romaine heart supplies should increase  as blister conditions worsen many shippers  will strip some of their romaine into hearts increasing supplies .

 

Celery

Strong markets continue this week as product remains tight in Oxnard and Santa Maria.  Yuma has started production in light numbers, which has eased markets slightly but will not make a significant impact until volume increases.  Production is expected to increase by late next week and markets will correct.  Quality remains nice with very few problems to report.  Temperatures are warming in the desert which will help production over the next 10 days.

 

Broccoli

Supplies have improved over the past week with lower markets as a result. The market has believed to have bottomed out this week and supplies are limited out of Mexico.  With good weather forecasted in growing areas expect sluggish markets through next week.  Shippers are listening to offers.

 

Cauliflower

Good supplies and a flat market. Shippers are overloaded with product and are trying to move product. Expect a flat market through next week.  Good quality industry wide.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties have pick up  slightly although still limited.  The  frost conditions in the desert and in Oxnard have limited production   by  “frosting” the outer leaves,  a characteristic still  frowned upon by most consumers. Limited production from  frost protected areas in Mexico has  started to arrive in the desert.   The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until Spring from Northern California.

Brussel Sprouts

Northern California  season is nearing its end with  recent heavy rains interrupting the final week of harvest. Production in Mexico  has improved slightly  but with  strong demand the market has been  steady.  Supplies will increase going forward  and the market is likely to ease off it’s current high level but the market will  still be good.

 

Strawberries – Oxnard area

The  Weather continues to remain cool, with limited sunshine and cooler temperatures expected to continue. It has rained at least once a week for the last 4 weeks. Not ideal growing conditions.  It does look like there will be a break in the rain after this week’s event and the balance of the month looks to remain cool, possibly dry.  However, this is an El Nino year and we will get more precipitation.

 

 

Strawberries – Mexico

The production areas in the Mexican States of Jalisco have had some weather

challenges.  In particular, Jalisco had some very cold weather

over the past few days, with freezing temperatures in the higher elevation growing

regions.  This will have an impact on future production, as well as an immediate

impact on this week’s forecast.  This cold and continual cool weather has kept one of the industries largest

production regions significantly behind over the last several weeks and this looks to continue

for the next two weeks.

 

 

Strawberries – Florida

Dover has had some heavy rains hit over the last week.  Combine this with cooler weather

the area is experiencing and some of the issues associated with the warmer temperatures earlier in their

production cycle and we will have very light supplies coming out of Florida.  At this point

it looks to remain very short for the next two weeks.  Also, the weather along the

gulf coast states has had an impact on some of the other smaller regional deals in the

area, adding an additional amount of pressure on the already short supplies

 

Raspberries

Production has dropped due the cooler weather in Central Mexico.  This area is one of the largest

production regions for the industry during this time of the year and without much volume from

other districts, it really places a tremendous amount of pressure on this district to cover

the marketplace with supplies.  At this point, raspberry supplies look to remain very

tight for the next two to three weeks, possibly even through the month of February.

Expect the usually boarder delays as well.

 

 

Blackberries

Cooler weather continues to be the nemesis and the Blackberry patch is suffering as

well.  Blackberries need warm sunny days to ripen and achieve their full color potential

as well as flavor profile.  We have not had this ideal weather and  production levels are

far off of forecasted numbers.  It is likely we will see very light volume coming out of

Central Mexico over the next several weeks. Border delays of 12 to 24 hours may be the norm.

 

 

Blueberries

Our offshore program has been limited to minimal arrivals on both coasts.  This has kept

supplies of large packs (pints and larger) to a very limited offering into the marketplace.

Central Mexico  continues to produce and supply  McAllen Texas with blues. Mostly

packing 6oz out of Mexico, but volume is light there as well. We expect better volume in about 2 weeks

out of Central Mexico, but not enough to effect market pricing dramatically.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon supplies are still on the short side. Quality from Mexico has been good, but offshore has been sporadic at best. The Seedless Watermelon market is still strong but demand to the East has wained due to the massive weather fronts affecting the east coast. There will be more availability for other areas but pricing should remain the same for the next few days . Expect volume from Mexico to increase later next weak and prices to soften towards months end.

 

Limes

718 loads crossed from 1/13-1/19 .  Suppliers are trying to hold pricing and keep it from free falling ,but with that amount of volume this week and last expect there to be a significant adjustment down. Quality could become an issues if inventory doesn’t move through the system quickly. The East coast weather will limit shipping possibilities and force the volume on the central and western United States. Produce West has limes available to load in McAllen and in Los Angeles.

 

Cantaloupes

Ample supplies of a wide range of sizes this week, coupled with demand challenges such as cold and story weather in Midwest kept prices on lopes in check and dealing the 10.95-12.95 range.  Some deals were being made for less.  Sizes were skewed a bit smaller with good supplies of 12s and 15s early the week. Next week sized will be running more toward 9s and jbo 9s again. Volume will continue to be ample.  Demand will be even more challenged than this week due to the winter storms bearing down in the East Coast. We look for prices to be lower and dealing on 9 and jbo 9s count. Steady possibly a bit higher on 12s and smaller

 

Honeydews

As has been the case all year, honeydew production has been lower than average. This has kept the market firm in the 10.00-1400 range with fair fruit at the lower end. Sizes ran heavily toward 5s and 6s with 4s becoming scarce.  Mexico got back into production following the holidays and traded a bit higher. Sizes there also ran heavily to 5s and 6s. Next week open weather in all of Latin America should lead to somewhat increased supplies. The weather challenges mentioned above will be afflicting demand. We look for lower market next week.

Lettuce​

​Cold weather forecast came to fruition this past week delaying harvest with lettuce ice limiting supplies and forcing shippers to  firm prices. Forecast continue for below normal temperatures but not critically cold the desert occasionally experiences this time of year. The current frost conditions will extend blister, peel and discoloration well into January.   When temperatures return to normal supplies should improve rapidly.  In the meantime markets will  continue to be firm.

​​​

Mix Leaf

After a surge of Romaine production cold weather has slowed growth and delayed harvest has allowed the market to firm. There is a significant disparity in quality which has allowed a range in the market  but as cold frost conditions continue the market range is narrowing.  Blister, Peel and discoloration will be the norm through January.  Other than the blister, quality has improved but still varies among shippers based on production area and severity of blister.      Greenleaf and red leaf production  has remained  mostly steady along with the market but will also tighten as frost conditions continue.  Blister and peel will be present but with less severity than romaine.

 

Celery

Pricing continues to creep up towards the $50 mark.  Although demand is slowing, supplies remain light and cold weather this week is delaying harvests and slowing plant development.  Soil borne pathogens are limiting production as well, although fewer cases are being reported at the field level this week.  Desert celery is still at least 10 days away from any significant production which will be necessary to ease the strain on California growing areas.  Heavy rain in the coming week will limit harvests and create more gaps in production, keeping markets strong.

 

Broccoli

Moderate supplies for the next couple of weeks. Crowns remain significantly stronger than the bunched product.  Increased volume is expected out of Mexico crossing in Texas which will help with some relief in the market.

 

Cauliflower

The industry continues to experience record low production on cauliflower. Expect some volatility with the market over the next couple of weeks.  There should start to be some price relief going forward as more production enters the market.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties have pick up slightly although limited from cold temperatures the past week .  The frost conditions in the desert will impact  artichokes  by  “frosting” the outer leaves. Many consumers refuse to purchase these “defective” artichokes  but some  shippers have begun to  market these as a characteristic that improves  taste.  There are a few production areas along the coast and in isolated areas of Mexico with limited exposure to frost  and are marketed  as frost free. The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until Spring.

Brussel Sprouts

Production  from Northern California and Mexico continues  to be heavy towards small sizing  with good demand on  Regular and  Jumbos.  Most shippers  are offering discounts on smalls while the standard medium sizes have remained strong. Issues  with insect and water quality remain along with  continued  heavy percentage of small sizing keeping yields far from optimal . Demand will continue to  increase through New Years.

Strawberries

Freezing temperatures that were not in the forecast caught the market by surprise this week out of California. Most growers will hold off harvests until next Monday as temps are expected to warm up over the weekend. Freeze related defect may appear in the market place next week. Expect higher pricing in the near term out of California. The McAllen area will have adequate supplies with prices $1.00 to $2.00 less than California.  Florida will be the best bargain this week as volume has been on the rise and it is expected to continue into next week.

Cantaloupes

Supplies remained tight for off shore melons with mostly fair quality and condition.  Sizes continued to run large. Demand was fairly good with some promotions and robust contract orders at lower prices than the spot market.  Next week there should be more fruit arriving as new islands start their deals. Demand will be slowed by holiday disruptions, so we look for the market to be lower.

 

Honeydews

Mexio finishes but with one last gasp during the first part of the week. Off shores supplies were steady and demand was fairly stable. Sizes on off sore melons continued to peak to the large size (jbo 5s and 5s).  The market remained steady with some dealing early in the week in reaction to the last flurry of Mexican supplies. Next week off shore supplies should increase and sizes should continue to run large. Demand , as with lopes, will be disrupted by holidays. We look for a lower market especially on jbo 5s.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon are short in supply from Mexico and there is very good demand. Weather has slowed production in Mexico and there are virtually no domestic Watermelon. Expect supply’s to remain tight until after the first of the year.

 

Limes

Limes have strengthened slightly as crossings are down. There are good supplies of most sizes , but expect supplies to dry up over the Holidays.

 

Mangos

Peruvian Ataulfos   01/2016

 

 

Lettuce​

​​​Moderate temperatures have allowed production to increase  from the desert  and the Imperial Valley increasing pressure on the market. Improved lower pricing  has created  better movement in some sectors. Many shippers are at full capacity because of labor constraints  and with possible  cold weather forecast for next couple weeks supplies  again could shrink  causing the market to  firm.   Overall  quality other than blister has improved along with better weights.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine production

​ and quality  continue to  improve with a few shippers offering sharp volume discounts.  Quality varies among shippers based on  production area and severity of blister.  Strong supplies  should continue through next week but cold overnight temperatures forecast for upcoming weeks will once again tighten supplies  and further increase blister and peel issues.    Greenleaf and Redleaf  production  looks  like it may  continue to be  moderate  with no impending spike  which will allow the market  to maintain near current levels.

 

 

Celery

This market continues to gain momentum, even in the mid $30 range we can safely say that prices have not yet peaked.  Soil borne disease has plagued coastal growing areas, keeping volume down with little hope of catching up this week.  Quality issues are generally resolved before product leaves the field and overall reports show good quality at the consumer end. Desert production is still weeks away so we will continue to see tight markets and high pricing through the first of the year.

 

Broccoli

Demand exceeds and market will remain strong into next week.  Light volume from all growing regions including Mexico is expected for all of next week.  Cooler weather in California and Arizona is forecast-ed for next week as well which obviously wont help increase volume.

 

Cauliflower

There seems to be a little more product around, yet prices will stay at current trading levels all next week.  Shipper to shipper business and processor demand will remain strong next week.  We should start to see a price decrease and better availability the week of 12/21.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties continues to be limited but will likely start to  pick up in coming weeks ​from Oxnard and Mexico. The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until spring.

 

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues to be heavy towards small sizing  with good demand on  Regular and  Jumbos.  Most shippers  are offering discounts on smalls while the standard medium sizes have remained strong. Issues  with insect and water quality remain along with  continued  heavy percentage of small sizing keeping yields far from optimal . Demand will continue to  increase as Christmas promotions begin.

Strawberries

As the market adjusts due to slightly better supplies and a sudden lack of demand, there will be a wide range in quality and pricing out of California and Mexico.  The market should find a bottom by the weekend. The weather forecast for the weekend is calling for periods of showers and heavy winds and this will continue into next week. If this storm front slides down the coast as forecast, it will help clean up inventories out of Santa Maria and Oxnard.

Cantaloupes

Product was tight all week as labor strife in Guatemala and weather related issues have caused a rather severe drop in production. At the same time there are contracts to fill and promotions set up a while ago to fill.  Production is falling far short of covering these needs.  Mexico is finished.  Prices this week on what little fruit was available shot up into the low 20s, although almost all shipments are at previously committed lower prices.  Next week we could see a slight increase in fruit as promotions will be ending. The following week of 12/21 there should be fruit arriving from newer areas such as Honduras and Costa Rica which should drive prices down.

 

Honeydews

Mexico was wrapping up and running moslty 8s. Off shore production was moderate but demand was slow.  Market was barely steady to lower.  Sizes running mostly to jbo 5s and 5s for Off shore fruit. Market should decline a bit next week with real weakness showing up the week of 12/21.

 

Watermelons

Supplies of Mexican watermelons are good and the quality is very good.  There are virtually no domestic watermelons left and the quality on those is varied. There are good supplies on  45s,60s and 4s,5s. The market in McAllen is slightly stronger than that of Nogales due the cheaper freight rates to Nogales

 

Limes

The lime market has continued to fall off. Supplies are down  considerably, but the market seems to be weaker than the lack of supply dictates due to slow movement. There are good supplies on the core sizes 150s-230s but quality varies do to light demand.

 

Mangos

Peruvian Kent Mangos are on the water and should be available by the end of the month . The will be loading in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles . There are still good supplies of Ecuadorian  Tommy Atkins around but quality is varied container to container. Produce West is working directly with importers for the upcoming Peruvian season and Mexico season .