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.

 

Lettuce​

Production is rapidly winding down in Salinas while a few shippers are transitioning to Huron in Central California as well as a few more starting in Yuma.  Wild swings in availability will continue for the next few weeks until Yuma is well established.  The market has peaked with some shippers still producing a high percentage of 30’s. Quality issues remain in all growing areas.  Continue to keep inventories low to limit exposure.   A lot of distressed lettuce has slowed overall movement.  The industry is hoping for a quality improvement from the desert.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Hearts continue to be steady matching demand. Production from multiple areas has helped supplies although quality continues to affect yields.  Many shippers have been forced to strip down romaine into hearts. Greenleaf and Red leaf continue to trail. Transition will stretch out for the next 2+ weeks as shippers look to start in the desert by the second week of November.  Overall there shouldn’t be any gaps in supply but logistics is going to be challenging.  Promotional pricing has been limited due to the uncertainty of supplies. Once Yuma is established supplies should ramp up quickly barring any further weather issues.

 

Celery

With Michigan production finished and Oxnard not quite begun, this market is getting stronger.  Santa Maria has light volume and most of the pressure is currently on Salinas product.  Quality is still strong with very few issues to report off the west. Some product has been coming up from Mexico although very light numbers.  We expect this market to remain strong into next month as demand strengthens for Thanksgiving and Oxnard struggles to catch up.

 

Broccoli

There is better availability this week out of California but it may be short lived.  Most shippers are saying they will have lighter volume going into next week which will most likely drive prices higher.  Production out of Mexico continues to increase so this could help fill some of the void out of California.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have seemed to reach a level of trading that is now moving product.  Current prices will remain for this week and we should see higher prices at the start of next week. Quality is fair at best.  Some yellow cast as well as soft shoulders and riciness are present.  Expected start dates for the Imperial Valley and Yuma is the week of November 16.

 

Artichokes

Production is starting to ramp up from Salinas and Oxnard.  The better quality chokes are producing larger sizes.  Eventually medium sizes will also become available.

 

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 those won’t last long heading into the Holiday season. Quality is improving but still issues from insect and water quality remain.

 

Strawberries

Supplies out of the Salinas / Watsonville area are dwindling down as we near the end of the season. We should see some supplies next week out the Central Mexico area if the weather cooperates. Demand is very strong and supplies are light and we expect to be in a demand / exceeds situation for the next 2 weeks. All labels of berries will have wet bruising and overripe’s defects. Counts remain in the 24 -26 area and most suppliers want to keep the fruit locally.
Bush Berries

Very little supply available due to inclement weather out of Central Mexico.  Tropical storm Patrica hit the region pretty hard and even with most of the fruit under hoops, high winds and rains took its toll.  Domestic Production is finished for the season. We will see increased supplies next week.

 

Cantaloupes

Desert regions remained the dominant source of lopes for the past week and should remain so next week. Nogales has lopes but domestic demand for Mexican fruit has never recovered from the Salmonella scares of the past.  Overall demand is only fair as we seem to have shifted into non seasonal demand mode.  Sizes peaked on 9s and jbo 9s with few smaller sizes in the mix.  Next week the weather is due to cool significantly and supplies should be lighter. Demand does not look to pick up soon and should remain steady.  We look for the market to be steady to slightly higher next week

 

Honeydews

Domestic honeydew plantings are much slimmer than in past years.  Also some areas have experienced some crop problems keeping domestic supplies very light. Nogales has had  slightly less than normal supplies.  Sizes have run mostly to 5s and Jbo 5s with few 6s available.  Demand has been okay but with light supplies markets have remained firm.  Next week cooler weather could make supplies even lighter. Demand looks to change little. We see a firm to moderately higher market next  week.

 

Lettuce​

Production from Salinas  and  Santa Maria  is winding down  quickly. Acreage and yields along with quality are declining daily.  Many shippers  are expecting some sort of gap in supply the next 3 weeks .  Not all shippers will  gap simultaneously and some will  only have smaller 30 size available and a few won’t gap  at all  but as an industry there will be  much volatility through mid-November. Flexibility will help bridge the transition to the desert. Production areas in Huron, CA and  Las Cruces, NM will also help facilitate the  transition.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand on Romaine and Romaine hearts continues to be strong.  Production gaps are expected for a few shippers but not as severe as  iceberg.  Many shippers  are being forced to strip Romaine  into  Hearts to avoid issues in the field further putting pressure on carton Romaine supplies  although allowing for occasional values on Hearts .  Transition to the desert will begin  in a couple weeks  although initial fields are reported to have poor stands and  quality issues  from earlier adverse  weather .  Quality and yields  are expected  improve quickly as new fields progress.  Greenleaf  and Red leaf  will  get stronger as well through the transition period.

 

Celery

This market continues to gain momentum.  Michigan is finished and all pressure is being put on the west coast.  Demand is increasing as weather cools and the holiday season is just around the corner.  Production is expected to be lighter than normal on the west coast due to water and labor issues.  We do not expect this market to soften any time soon due to these factors.  Large sized celery is even more limited.  Quality is still very nice, light volume is the main issue at this point.  Get your thanksgiving ad requests in as soon as possible.

 

Broccoli

Market will continue to trade at current levels through next week.  Overall quality is fair at best.  Yellow bead seems to be the most prevalent quality defect.  There is better availability with product coming out of Mexico, loading in Texas.  That quality seems to be improving with better green color and less hollow core.  Pricing on Mexican product is trading at lower levels than from California as well.

 

Cauliflower

There will be better availability going into next week.  Look for prices to decline slightly over the next few days.  Quality is good, not exceptional.  Varieties that are currently being harvested are planted for cooler growing temperatures and due to the warmer than normal temperatures over the last month quality has been affected slightly.  More yellow cast and soft shoulder is what is prevalent at this time.

 

Artichokes

Production from Salinas and Central California has started to improve after a month of little or no production.  Markets continue to be strong and will likely remain strong thru the Holidays.  New crop production from Oxnard may help supplies and offer values starting early next month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues from Salinas with additional production starting in Central California.  Demand has leveled off temporarily resulting in some volatility in the market. Heavy promotions next month will firm market.  Quality is good with some issues resulting from insect pressure and water quality issues.

 

Strawberries

The California Northern Districts will continue to wind down in production. The first substantial rain event will likely shut it down up here.  Currently, they are getting plants in the ground for next spring and Summer.  In Santa Maria, they are moving along well and are through the fall peak.  Production there will start to trend downward over the next several weeks. Oxnard production was forecast to peak this week, however, heat over the last two weeks has had a negative Impact on yields. Central Mexico production continues to increase week over week and will become a larger contributor to our overall volume in the weeks to come.
Raspberries

Raspberry production in the Northern Districts will continue to decline week over week.

Santa Maria and Oxnard will continue to produce, however as we head deeper into the

Fall and winter months, Central Mexico will take over as the largest producing district.  As we head into the rainy season in Central Mexico and in California, be advised that we could be facing some weather disruptions that our beyond anyone’s control.

 

Blackberries

Blackberry production, for all intents and purposes, is finished in the California.  We are now starting to see production in Central Mexico ramp up.  With 90% of the acreage hooped, Driscoll expect to be able to recover from most rain events quickly.  Currently, we are seeing the production out of Central Mexico increase significantly from week to week and look to be very well supplied, barring any adverse weather, by late October, early November.

 

Blueberries

Blues continue to flow into the supply line from Argentina and Mexico.  Argentina fruit has been

hitting the  Southern Cal and Florida in small, flown in quantities.  Central Mex and Baja fruit have been coming in through McAllen TX and into Oxnard California respectively.  Supplies will continue to increase each week through October.

 

Cantaloupes

Cantaloupe production has virtually ended in the Westside but has gotten into full production in the desert areas.  Sizes are peaking on 9s and jumbo 9s.  Demand has quieted as we get into late fall when melons are less seasonal as weather cools off across the country.  Thus market finished fairly weak with some dealing.  Nogales has also started.  Next week we see production to continue to be ample with demand remaining lackluster.  Market should be steady with some dealing.

 

Honeydews

production picked up as well, but there is not a huge amount of acreage planted. Nogales is underway along with the domestic desert areas. Sizes continued to peak on 5s.  Demand was unremarkable but better than cantaloupes because there are less of them and they are more popular in the fall than lopes.  Markets finished steady with some dealing. Next week the market should be steady to possibly a bit weaker as production picks up, particularly in Nogales.

 

Watermelon :

Watermelon have finished in California and for the most part on the East Coast, Mexican production is still very light   . There are a few melons out of Alabama and Georgia with those areas finishing next week. .  Florida will be starting out of Immokalee next week. South Texas has started new fields and quality is good, brix 10.5-11.5 . Produce West can pack bins, cartons and personal seedless to order.

 

Mangos

Brazilian Mango peak arrival is this weekend, look for prices to fall next week. Due to arrival delays from the last vessels some fruit that is currently in the system has had quality issues. Peak size is 10/12s with 9s and large being in short supply due to commitments.

 

Limes

Volume is down over the current 7 day period, however there is inventory built up. Prices should stay weak with opportunities on  230/200s.

 

 

Lettuce​

A surge in  production overwhelmed  moderate demand and the market has softened significantly.  Quality issues still  dominate the industry.  The are still many shippers with tight supplies but enough shippers  have been hunting orders which allowed the market correction.  Look for continued  surplus for another week  and then the market will likely firm heading into the Fall transition.  New production areas will include Huron , CA  and  Las Cruces NM starting in a couple weeks.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and  Romaine hearts production continues to be  moderate with  lighter supplies  looming .  A Few larger shippers have already begun raising  prices  to slow demand.  There are still values available but look for rising markets and stronger demand as local homegrown deals wind down. Quality  still is fair with a range of  problems from  Mildew , Insect  , Tipburn  and  Seeder.  Green and  Redleaf  continue to be abundant but will likely  tighten as Romaine gets  stronger.

 

Celery

Steady supplies on the west coast this week.  Shippers are looking to load volume orders for discounted pricing. Quality is very nice, strong structure and good color. Santa Maria volume is picking up. Oxnard is also starting up in small numbers. Michigan is finishing for the season which will put more pressure on west coast product. Pricing should remain steady for the next two weeks and then we could see markets strengthen and remaining strong through the holidays.

 

Broccoli

Look for a slight decline in prices over the next few days.  Yields are starting to increase due to normal growing temperatures and better quality.  Although some of the local deals on the East Coast as well as the Canadian growers are starting to finish,  supplies out of Mexico are starting to increase which will help offset the loss of local deals.  Quality is getting better, we are not seeing as much yellow bead and the domes are nice and tight with light green to green coloring.  Expect to start to see some purple color on the domes as nighttime temperatures in California growing regions decline.

 

Cauliflower

As we head towards November and the start of transition, shorter days and cooler temperatures we will begin the roller coaster pricing ride on most commodities and cauliflower looks like it will be the first. Supplies look like they will tighten over the next few days.  Prices have already begun to increase and will continue as we head towards the end of the week.  Fields will be yielding predominately 16’s and 12’s, there will be very few 9’s available.  Pre – books are highly recommended in order to get your orders filled as requested.

Artichokes

Production continues to suffer the effects  of the heat a couple weeks ago . Even with only moderate demand  the  market has spiked.  Look for continue lack of supply and high markets  through the month of October.

Brussel Sprouts

Stronger demand  , mainly from  Canadian Thanksgiving ,  has strengthened the overall market  .  Look for a slight respite in demand  for the next couple weeks until  promotions kick back in for the Holidays .  Take advantage of locking up pricing  for the Holidays while there is a surplus.  Quality has improved  with some Insect  and water quality issues affecting yields.

 

Strawberries

Quality continues to be the main concern in Watsonville, Santa Maria, and Oxnard.  Soft and bruising have been the main quality issues.  We are expecting warmer temperatures for the weekend, but volume looks to decline slightly in the coming weeks as number will not pick out of Oxnard area for another few weeks.

 

Cantaloupes

West side continues to wind down and will most likely peter out over the next week. Central Arizona has started and is running mostly large sizes. Yuma in on tap to start next week with Blythe close behind.  That being said, there is significantly less fall acreage planted than in the past. Also desert spring rains could affect yields and quality.    Central Arizona is the more mature fall deal and the sizes there should run a bit smaller next week. Newer areas of Yuma and Bltyhe should run larger.  Overall the market should be firm next week with 9s running 10.00 and higher and 12s running 9.00 some higher and lower.

 

Honeydews

Westside is virtually over but growing areas north of Sacramento have a week to ten days to go. Desert is going with Maricopa going and other areas getting started. Yuma and Blythe are about a week away. Sizes are peaking on 5s and 6s in the north and jbo 5s and 4s in the desert.  Markets are generally ruining in the 8.00-9.00 range with some lower.  We look for a change in volume producing areas with most shifting to the deserts over the course of next week. However, with the north winding down, we see steady market next week.

 

 

After the recent heatwave out west, weather has cooled down to normal fall conditions this week. The damage has been done however, and we will continue to see quality issues as a result of the heat.  A chance of rain is forecasted on the central coast over the next few days, but not much, and should not significantly affect markets.  Truck rates are still cheap and there are still plenty of truckers looking for loads.  Fuel prices are about $1 cheaper than they were this time last year, which should keep freight rates on the lower end for the next 5 weeks.

 

Lettuce​

Demand continues  to ease with  production mostly  steady from  Salinas and  Santa Maria .  Quality  continues to impact supplies .  Quality issues  range from  internal burn ,  weak tip , seeder , mildew and insect damage .  Weights have improved but are still lower than normal.  Current  market has weakened  but likely firm with increased demand  from East Coast  as local production winds down.  Transition  to Central Valley, CA for a  few  shippers  will  begin  in  2-3 weeks  along  with New regional production  from Las Cruces , NM  .  New  production areas currently on track  to have improved  quality.

 

Mix Leaf

Production on  Romaine and leaf  continue  to fluctuate among shippers but  overall  steady.  Quality has improved  slightly  but the range of issues  remain.  Similar transition on  Romaine to  Central  Valley  , CA  but fewer shippers participate due to  limited  water availability . Las  Cruces , NM  will have a  limited  production schedule  as well .

 

Celery

Plenty of product available out of Salinas and Santa Maria. Markets are sluggish and shippers are looking to deal.  Quality is nice, weather is cooler and we are seeing good color and strong stalks with less seeder in the fields.   Product is still coming out of Michigan, keeping markets down.  We should see better markets in a few weeks as holiday business picks up and Michigan production winds down.

 

Broccoli

Demand is increasing out of the Mid West and East Coast as local deals start to dry up.  Couple that with quality issues and lighter yields out of California due to the higher temps from last week and we now have ourselves in a demand exceeds situation.  Supplies will remain limited on all pack styles especially crown cuts well into October.   Export volume out of Mexico is beginning to increase but quality is fair at best due to heavy rains in their growing regions over the last few weeks.  Quality issues we are currently experiencing in California are yellow bead and spread.  We will do our best to find best quality for your orders and pre books are recommended.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have climbed over the last few days.  Deals that shippers were looking to make at the beginning of the week are now disappearing.  Markets will continue to trend upwards as the week comes to a close.  Quality has been nice, white to off – white domes with solid curds and good green jackets.

 

Artichokes

Production  has been limited  due to the heat damage  the last couple weeks .  Supplies look to rebound next month  but demand should keep the  market strong.  The  primary  variety continues to be the Seeded / Thornless  Globe ,   Limited Heirloom  Globes  won’t peak again until the Spring.

Brussel Sprouts

Improved demand, mainly from Canada, has firmed the market although quality issues continue to impede overall demand.   Heavy  promotional  supplies  will be available  but  cooler weather is  necessary to improve quality   heading into  heavy  production  Fall  program.

 

Strawberries

The Salinas and Watsonville growing regions are beginning to wind down for the season. Early reports from Oxnard, California have shippers harvesting very light supplies and Santa Maria shippers sold out until Thursday. The forecast for Santa Maria, California is for sunny skies, with highs in the 70s warming to the 80s on Friday and lows in the 50s. The berries have some bruising and are over ripe, occasional salmon color, occasional white shoulder and tip and average counts in the mid- to upper- 20s, with some 30s. New crop fruit is averaging a count of 22 to 24.

 

Cantaloupes

The Westside continues to wind down slowing with many in their last fields.  Sizes are running smaller and peaking on 12s then 15s.  9s are not short, but not plentiful. Overall quality is average.  Arizona started this week with sizes running mostly 9s. Quality is good, volume is moderate but should be increasing.  Demand has slowed due to fall arriving and prices being somewhat higher than mid-season.

 

Honeydews

Supplies are adequate as the northern areas around the Westside and north of Sacramento continue to ship although with less volume than mid-season peaks. Arizona is phasing in rapidly.  As with the cantaloupes, sizes in the more mature northern districts are peaking on 6s.  Arizona sizing is skewing to jbo 5 and 5s. Demand is moderate as inventories on the delivered end are high priced and consumers tend to gravitate toward fall fruit.

 

Limes

Limes are transitioning in to New Crop with large sizes becoming more available daily. There are still good supplies of 250/230s on hand but expect that to gradually change. There has been rain in Mexico and the is forecast for  rain at the end of next week. So expect volumes to remain roughly the same and prices as well.  So far the volume shipped is down compared to the same time frame last year.

 

Watermelons

The East Coast is expecting a strong weather front that should end the last of the East Coast melons.  West Texas is winding down  and quality is diminishing in that area . Southern Texas is just starting and will have more fields come on line in the next two weeks. Produce West will also have melons to load out of New Mexico next week we feel that the peak sizing will be 50% 45s 50% 60s from that area.

 

 

Lettuce​

Production continues from the Central  Coast , Salinas and Santa Maria . The market  reacted sharply to last weeks heat wave which further reduced supplies. From all indications production has leveled and will likely rebound slightly  causing the market to be  top heavy.  Quality will continue to be an major issue and  add volatility to the market. Intermittent demand  will be enough to maintain  current level but we’d recommend  keeping inventory levels  low.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine  has reacted to the increase  iceberg lettuce market . As a direct substitute ,  Romaine will  generally  mirror the iceberg market.  Quality issues remain namely seeder , mildew , insect pressure and tipburn are reducing available  production levels. Romaine hearts  are still a value with many shippers  peeling Romaine to avoid packing product with problems resulting increasing Romaine Heart supplies .  Green and Redleaf are also seeing similar issues  but limited demand has kept  prices reasonable.

 

Celery

Steady market, availability remains consistent on all sizes in Salinas. Santa Maria is producing adequate numbers, although fewer large sizes.  Quality remains good overall in Salinas in Santa Maria, though some seeder has been reported in areas that received excessive heat last week.  Oxnard product will start trickling in over the next few weeks and should start gaining momentum in about 2 weeks.

 

Broccoli

Demand and prices seem to be declining.  Better supplies are foretasted for next week which should result in lower prices.  Overall quality is improving daily.  Smaller head sizes and tighter domes are becoming the norm.  There is still the occasional yellow bead showing up but becoming less frequent.

 

Cauliflower

Watch for pricing to decline quickly over the next few days.  Most shippers will be looking to make deals for the remainder of the week.  Some product is still showing a light yellow cast but quality is improving.

 

Artichokes

Artichoke production was also affected by last weeks heat wave resulting in spreading and some black heart.  Shippers either had to harvest early or suffer losses resulting in fewer large sizes but increased smaller sizes.  This  eventually  forces customers  to “sub down ” a size or two.  This has led to a reduction in overall volume and market increase .   The plants will likely rebound in a couple weeks with normal temperatures when the plants  go through their normal growth cycle.

Brussel Sprouts

Production has started to increase heading into the Fall .  The added supplies are a direct result of  freezer contracts with overflow volume going to fresh market production.   Increased promotions , initiating with Canadian Thanksgiving holiday usually  offsets the  increased volume but will likely lend itself to occasional discounted values until U.S. Holiday season kicks off.

 

Strawberries

High temperatures continue to plague coastal growing regions.  Hot days mixed with warm, humid nights continue to wreak havoc on berry quality, softening fruit structure resulting in bruising, shriveling and decay.  Normally we experience cool evenings this time of year and the berries are able to recover from warm days. This year has been much different and stressed fruit has been the result.  Santa Maria ‘new crop’ fruit is showing better quality. The berries are pricier but have fewer issues upon arrival. Weekend weather is forecasted tobe warm, with a cooling trend by mid next week. We will however continue to see effects of the recent heat on the berries for at least another 10 days.

 

Cantaloupes

Short supply this week as the heat last week brought fields in early, but the cooling trend this week seemed to delay the next fields.  Some sellers had set up promotions as an increase in volume had been anticipated. The market ended up short with demand exceeding supplies on jbo 9s. 9s and 12s. Most fruit was at previously committed prices.  Few spot sales were quoted a $111.00 fob on jbo 9s thru 12s.  7.00 on 15s.  The fields that were not ready this week, will eventually pop and we are anticipating that will be sometime next week, most likely early.

We look for supplies to be short for the balance of this week but becoming ample as next week unfolds

 

Honeydews

supplies were moderate most of this week but demand was dull and market languished through Wednesday in the 4.00-6.00 range. By Thursday however, supplies went into a similar swoon as cantaloupes did this week and demand picked up as some buyer took dews in lieu of lopes.  Market finished firm in the 5.0– 7.00 range. We expect supplies to start the week light but pick up toward the weekend. Demand will start our robust, but fade as higher priced product hits the markets.

 

 

http://premiuma.accuweather.com/premium/45day-forecast.asp?LocationID=327135

 

Lettuce​

Weather and its’ effects on quality continues to dominate market.  This weeks heat wave has added pressure to already stressed crop. Work stoppages and heat related damage has further reduced available supplies and  keeping market firm.  Insect, mildew, high core,  tip burn and sun scald will all be present . Supplies  look to  be volatile for the duration of the Salinas  Valley season .

 

Mix Leaf

The effects of the weather is also affecting all leaf.  Romaine and Hearts  especially have increased pressure from high core / seeders which is forcing growers to harvest fields earlier than anticipated creating surges of production and leading to a wide range in pricing among shippers.  There’s currently  a few shippers with surging supplies  but this weeks heat  may actually reduce  available  supplies  due to  work stoppages  and  lost acreage to heat damage.

 

Celery

Production continues out of Salinas, although volume is decreasing. Santa Maria is picking up production as quickly as they can.  Michigan is still producing adequate numbers.  Quality has been nice overall, some reports of bottom rot have been reported.  Labor continues to be a factor limiting production, particularly in Santa Maria where there have been labor shortages all year. Water allocation is another factor that could strengthen the market in the coming weeks, as celery requires significantly more water than other veg items.

 

Broccoli

The market remains strong especially on the crown cuts.  We can expect prices to remain high into next week and possibly longer.  The warm weather will cause some sponginess to the stem and possibly some yellow bead.  Dome sizes are still larger than normal for this time of year affecting crown yields.

 

Cauliflower

Heat related issues from the warmer than normal weather in the Salinas and Santa Maria growing regions has disrupted the supply chain.  Expect market pricing to remain high through the middle of next week as we see loss in yields due to the warm weather.  You will see more yellowing and some soft shoulder in most product.  We will keep our inspectors busy trying to find the best quality available.

 

Artichokes

Production continues primarily on Globe/Seeded varieties.   Larger sizes after a brief  return last week are showing signs  of suffering from heat related issues .  Currently very good  availability on medium sizes  The market  varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with  occasional insect pressure but severe heat can cause “black heart” if  conditions continue. Limited  supplies  of  Green  Globe /Heirloom varieties will be available later this  month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues  from the Central Coast . Quality remains good although insect pressure will continue through the Summer. Market should start to ease as supplies will increase from production overflow from  freezer contracts beginning later this month  and  Eastern Canada  will begin its’ local  harvest for their Thanksgiving demand .

 

Strawberries

Temperatures in the Central California growing areas touched triple digits this week. The forecast for the weekend is for a cooling trend for the coastal areas. Though this is much needed relief for the Berry world, the damage may already be done. Expect a wide range in pricing next week as quality will vary widely.

 

Cantaloupes

The market showed resilience this week in spite of the holiday demand dissipating.  There were a few ads still going and extreme heat has shocked vines and delayed the breaking of new fields.  Quality is adequate to good in spite of the heat.

 

Honeydews

Supplies were ample and quality was adequate in spite of the heat. Demand as fair.  Shipping areas remain Westside and Sacramento areas.

 

Limes

There is a two tier market emerging between old and new crop. Sizing is mostly 200s and smaller with the peak sizes in 230/250 range . Old crop is exhibiting some quality issues along with lighter color.

 

Watermelon

East Coast melons are winding down early as is Mid West and prices are slowly rising.  Produce West has Seedless Watermelon available to load in McAllen starting 9/14/15 in bins or cartons to order .

 

 

Lettuce​

Weather and its’ effects on quality continues to dominate market pace.  Quality is affecting production with pressure from insect, mildew, high core and tip burn.  These conditions can be attributed from the higher than normal night time temperatures  the past couple month.  Most shippers are trimming down or entering fields at younger stages to avoid problems. Occasional discounts continue  to be available due to  supply surges from varying shippers.  Check daily for available deals.  Weather forecast for possible near normal temperatures should eventually result in improved quality.

 

Mix Leaf

The effects of the weather is also affecting all leaf.  Romaine and Hearts especially have increased pressure from high core / seeders which is forcing growers to harvest fields earlier than anticipated creating surges of production and leading to a wide range in pricing among shippers.  Normal temperatures forecast for next week will eventually help improve quality in both Salinas and Santa Maria

 

Celery

Supplies have increase slightly over last week’s numbers. Santa Maria and Oxnard production is ramping up for the fall. Quality is very nice overall.  Salinas production is beginning to wind down for the season, although there is still adequate supply expected for the next 2 weeks. Michigan is still in full production.  Market is expected to remain steady this week.

 

Broccoli

We are seeing better yields in the fields which should amount to more available product over the next few days and a lowering of prices.  Ample supplies of local product on the East Coast will also help relieve the high FOB’s out of California. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s and stalk sizes are ranging from 25 cent to silver dollar diameters. Product is still showing branchy and some knuckly with the occasional cat eye and yellowing

 

Cauliflower

Demand has decreased and supplies are increasing creating a market decline.  Prices should continue to decline as we finish the week.  Shippers will be making spot deals especially on volume orders.  Run your offers by us. Quality is up and down. Defects include rough curd, hollow core and some spread.  Nigh time temperatures are lower which should help overall quality.

 

Artichokes

Production continues primarily on Globe/Seeded varieties.   Larger sizes have returned  to be the predominant variety as yields are returning to normal. The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure. Limited supplies  of  Green  Globe /Heirloom varieties will be available later this  month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues from the Central Coast . Quality remains good although insect pressure will continue through the summer. Market should start to ease as supplies will increase from production overflow from freezer contracts beginning later this month and  Eastern Canada  will begin its’ local  harvest for their Thanksgiving demand .

 

Strawberries

A wide range of quality and pricing will continue into next week. Count sizes will vary greatly depending on variety.  Soft shoulders and misshapen fruit have been the norm for most supplies. The demand for fall fruit has increased out of the Santa Maria area.

 

Cantaloupes

After a good week last week with ads in place, demand slowed significantly this week as we faced holiday arrival conflicts and ample supply.

Cantaloupes:  Running a range of sizes with best demand on 9s and 12s.  15s and 18s are lighter in supply but very slow in demand. Markets finished Wednesday as follows:

Jbo9;     8.50 some lower

reg 9      8.00-8.50 few lower

12           7.00-8.00

15           5.00-6.50 some dealing

18           5.00-5.50 few

We look for the market to be a bit weaker next week.

 

Honeydews

Demand slowed this week as sustained high prices and holiday arrival conflicts combined to create a lack of interest. Supplies were adequate and ran a range of sizes but mostly 5s and 6s.  Market finished Wednesday as follows:

jbo 5s    6.00 some lower and premium label higher

reg5s     6.00 some lower and occ higher

6s            6.00-7.00

8s            6.00 some as low as 4.50

9s            few but stuck at 3.50

As we head into fall consumer demand tends to turn away from lopes and toward dews. We look for the market to rebound a bit next week

 

For changing weather patterns and effects on West Coast marine  life …Check Out  PBS/BBC Documentary Big Blue Live ! http://www.pbs.org/big-blue-live/home/