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 .

 

Lettuce​

​​Production is starting  to pick up  in the desert  even though overnight temperatures has brought light to moderate  frost conditions the past week. Slightly more mild temperatures are forecast for next week combined with ambivalent demand the market  is likely headed for a correction even with the current limited supply. The current frost conditions  will cause light blister  to begin showing up  in coming weeks.  Overall  quality other than the blister will  improve along with better weights.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine production and quality has shown signs  of improvement this past week.  Cold overnight temperatures have kept  supplies  moderate but also will cause  blister to form on future shipments.  The market  is adjusting to  lower  demand  and will likely further adjust as production increases next week.  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

Very few large sized celery currently available.  Issues with wilting have plagued the industry causing early harvests to prevent problems in the field, resulting in more small sized product on the market.  These issues are are suspected to be long term and we will most likely see a strong celery market through the first of the year.  Desert production is expected to start in 3 weeks.

 

Broccoli

Good supplies of Mexican crowns are crossing into the Texas Valley prices are $10.00 – $12.00 less than domestic product.  Quality is good, nice green domes with the occasional hollow core.  We are starting to see a little more availability out of California and Arizona and prices seem to be gradually coming down.  Quality is fair.  Product is branchy and knuckly which are  the two main defects, followed by some light purple color on the domes due to the cold temperatures over the last few days.

 

Cauliflower

Unavailable best describes this market.  Product will remain very limited for at least another two weeks. The desert growers will likely start harvesting more volume the week of December 21st if weather allows.  Until then pallet volume type orders will be all that can be covered with advanced booking.

 

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

A wide range of pricing is available out of Oxnard and McAllen. Quality has been variable as well. Sticker shock is starting to set into the marketplace and many buyers are cutting back orders to get out from high priced inventory.  Supplies will continue to increase out of the McAllen area next week and Oxnard expecting average volume.

 

Cantaloupes

Market was demand exceeds very light supplies this week as Guatemala remained the only producing area and they were in a mini gap.  Next areas are not expected to arrive until Christmas week. Meanwhile there should be more Guatemalan fruit next week, but only a bit more. Most supplies have been sucked up by contracts and that should continue next week, leaving precious little supply for the spot market.  Sizes are still running large (mostly jbo 9s) with very few regular 9s and virtually no 12s.  Market should remain tight for the next 10-14 days

 

Honeydews

Nogales remains the place. Off shore could start in a small way next week but we will see when the boats arrive.  Demand for Mexican fruit has been lackluster and supplies moderate.  Market has been steady and dull. Little looks to change next week.  If off shore fruit comes in with any volume market could drop otherwise we see a steady and uneventful market for next week.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon will be done for the most part in Florida next week,  Texas has finished and Mexico’s volume  is increasing. Mexican Melons are crossing through both McAllen and Nogales . Pricing is Nogales is $.08 to $.10 per lb cheaper out of Nogales  the McAllen due to the freight discrepancy. Sizing is 3s,4s,5s with peak being 4s and 5s  .

 

Limes

Limes have firmed up with supplies being consistent but not overly long. There are good supplies to be had in the 150 to 230 range with prices varying on quality between $11 and $13 FOB.

 

Mangos

Mango prices have slid over the  past few weeks with demand being light. Most of the volume has shifted to Ecuador with Peru starting at the end of the month of December . Produce West will have  Mangos from Peru and can work out a program with its customers to transition from Peruvian to Mexican Mangos .

 

Lettuce​

Transition from Coastal California  to  Central Valley and now Yuma  is almost complete.  There will still be limited production from Santa Maria  through the month but Yuma and Imperial Valley will be the predominate lettuce growing area by next week .  Quality and sizing issues still remain in the desert limiting available supplies but overall quality is already a vast improvement. A return to cooler “Normal” weather  pattern will also help improve quality. Anticipate an eventual easing of the market as production and quality continue improving throughout the month.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine heart production is transitioning slightly slower than Iceberg keeping pressure on the market to remain firm. Quality will continue to be sporadic until the desert is fully operational by the end of the month.  Greenleaf and red leaf  are in a similar transition stage with good  demand  keeping markets  firm.

 

Celery

This market continues to gain momentum and supplies are slowly diminishing.  Salinas is finishing up and other growing areas are struggling to keep up with demand.  Santa Maria has light supplies and Oxnard is not yet in full production. Mix that with Thanksgiving holiday pull ramping up and we will continue to see a strong market on all sizes. Fewer large sizes available and most of the volume is on 36 size.

 

Broccoli

Cooler temperatures in California growing regions, transition and holiday demand will cause markets to increase over the next 7 days.  There will be limited availability out of Salinas and Santa Maria for the remainder of the week. Mexican Crowns are available out of Texas but prices are increasing there as well.  Quality out of California has improved with better color.  Mexico product continues to arrive with 40%-60% hollow core but overall quality on domes and color is good.

 

Cauliflower

Demand exceeds continues with cauliflower.  Tight markets are expected for the next 10 days.  Quality has been fair at best. Some riciness and discoloration on the curds continues to show up.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties are increasing from Salinas / Oxnard with mostly large sizes.  Mexico and the desert production will begin later next month as well.  The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until Spring.

 

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues to be heavy with heavy demand to match.  Quality issues with insect and water quality remain keeping yields from being optimal . Demand will continue to  increase as Christmas promotions roll into  next month.

Strawberries

Most suppliers are taking a very large step down this week in production.  With the rain from Sunday and Monday’s thunder storms in the Salinas and Watsonville areas, availability will be volatile with the weather being the biggest driver. Arrivals are going to be rough.  Although we may provide you with volume forecast for a week or two out, this best laid plan could easily be disrupted by weather conditions that surface. We will also continue to provide you with an update on Florida production that is scheduled to begin the back half of November.

 

 

Raspberries

Even though the rain in the Watsonville/ Salinas areas continues throughout most of Monday, our overall production continues to be steady.  Although our supplies forecast for a fall peak the next two week the El Nino weather has had other ideas.  Both

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies started the week ample, but plunged by Wednesday in the face of cooler desert weather and acreage transitioning into its last phases. Mexico is getting going, but since the salmonella scares years ago, domestic buyers still shy away from them.  Off shore (Caribbean) fruit has started in a small way but is due to start picking up over the next few weeks.  Sizes have been running quite large domestically and continue to do so.  Demand has remained fairly steady, which is nothing exciting, but good enough to keep diminishing supplies cleaning up daily.  We look for the market to be firm to stronger going into the weekend and next week, but only moderately so.

 

Honeydews

Domestic honeydew supplies have been light all fall.  Demand has been fair.  Sizes have become more spread out rather than skewed large as they had been.  The domestic market waned a bit but still stayed at above average price levels.

Not so for Nogales.  Sizes are running large, but there are still ample supplies of 5s and smaller. Demand has been fair. There has been deep discounting on 4s and 5s and some discounting on 6s.  Mexico supplies going forward look to be ample and demand fair with markets remaining steady, but perhaps with a bit less dealing.

Lettuce​

Production continues winding down in Salinas while a few shippers are already transitioning out of Huron CA to Yuma AZ .  The market has peaked with shippers trying to price new crop areas higher although most quality issues remain   (see inset picture from Yuma) in all growing areas. We’re expecting quality to improve in a couple weeks when the desert is fully established.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart market continues to be strong. Production from multiple areas has helped supplies although quality continues to affect yields.  Many shippers continue to strip down romaine into hearts reducing overall quality even further. Greenleaf and Redleaf  supplies have slowed and the market has begun to react.  Many shippers will begin production from Yuma  and Coachella next week.  Once the desert is established, supplies should rebound in a couple weeks, barring any further weather issues.

 

Celery

Salinas production is slowing down.  There is product available in Oxnard, although light volume.  This market is expected to continue to gain momentum and remain strong through the thanksgiving pull.  Quality remains very nice with very few issues to report.

 

Broccoli

This market has remained strong, although multiple growing regions are currently in production.  Salinas and Santa Maria continue to produce but lighter numbers than previous weeks.  Mexico production is picking up and should remain consistent through November, though there has been a wide range in quality. Multiple quality issues include yellow beading, hollow core, pin rot, light green color, as well as a rubbery texture to this commodity in all the growing regions.

 

Cauliflower

As Salinas and Santa Maria volume continues to decrease we should see sharper markets into next week.  Yuma is not expected to start full production until the end of this month so we expect production gaps to widen as we near the Thanksgiving holiday.  Quality has been strong up to this point, but there have been more reports recently of yellowing and brown spotting.

 

Artichokes

Production on  seeded / thornless varieties  is starting to ramp up from Salinas and Oxnard.  The better quality chokes are producing larger sizes with most shippers limited on 24’s and smaller. Promotional volumes available on  12’s

 

Brussel Sprouts

Supplies continue to be heavy with an increasing amount of promotions to keep market elevated.  Occasional deals are being offered for volume but the market has begun to firm.  Quality is improving but still issues from insect and water quality remain.

 

Strawberries

The effects of Hurricane Patrica from a few weeks ago, combined with the current rainy & stormy weather, continue to make it difficult to get any fruit out of the 2 main growing areas, Central Mexico and Baja, California. It has been difficult to get product across the borders, as in most cases it is being kept close or rejected all together due to rain related defects. The forecast is for rain in both areas over the next 3 days. The northern areas are finished due the 2 inches of rain we received over the weekend.  There will be a few growers that will still try and harvest in watsonvile, but the fruit will be need to be kept close due to quality. Our best guess is we will see more volume coming into the marketplace late next week. This all depends on the lingering effects of the rains this weekend. The industry will be prorating at heavy levels for the next 7 to 10 days.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies were moderate this week and still skewed to a large sizes. Demand was dull with few if any promotions and consumer focus on more autumnal fruit.  Thus the market was slightly weaker with some dealing.  Quality was adequate.  Next week we could see the very beginnings or transitioning from the Arizona deal to the off shore deal.  Yet we don’t expect demand to be much improved as Thanksgiving is not a melon holiday to say the least.  We look for the market to be slightly weaker next week.

 

Honeydews

The market on domestic dews stayed firm as plantings this year were light and yields have been very low.  Nogales has had adequate supplies. Sizes, for the most part ran large, particularly, in Nogales.  The market finished firm except on 4s in Nogales. Next week domestic dew supplies should stay relatively light, but Nogales should be ample.  We look for a steady market next week.

 

Watermelons: Produce West is finishing this week in Texas and will start packing melons in the Immokalee, FL area as well as Mexican Watermelons in McAllen and Nogales. Sizing on the remaining Texas Watermelons is running smaller with deal on 60s and 80s , carton 5s and personal 6s.

 

Mangos: Ecuador has started with good quality and pricing has remained steady . Brazil quality varies and there have been some arrival issues. There are deals to be had especially on  12s. Peru expects to start around the 1^st of December.

 

Limes: Demand is light. The market tried to pick up some last week but has weakened again . 568  loads crossed  in 7 days as of 11/7/2015 , this coupled with lack of demand will keep prices weak  for at least the next week.  There are deal on most sizes however quality is varied.