Lettuce​

Demand remains light. Supplies continue from Santa Maria and Salinas although Santa Maria production has been lighter with slightly better quality. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers.   Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure, rib blight and tipburn. Warmer than normal overnight temperatures continue to weaken texture and overall quality.  Markets should remain flat until lighter summer plantings take effect next month.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand for leaf continues to be light. ​Romaine and even Romaine​Heart markets have flattened out with increased production​ and local market competition​.Overall quality is good but insect and mildew pressure continue to affect all leaf  and warm overnight temperatures have put further pressure on quality.

 

Celery

After a stronger market last week we have seen pricing once again level off as volume increases industry wide.  Michigan product is in full swing and warm weather out west has sped growth and increased yields.  Quality is very nice with good color and structure.   Freight, which is a big factor in celery pricing has remained high but should start to level off in the coming weeks.  This will most likely keep the market at bay until back to school and Labor Day pull.

 

Broccoli

Supplies remain steady out of the west. There has been better demand over the past few days.  Quality out of Mexico has been marginal, with issues such as yellowing and hollow core. The dirt cheap deals from last week have all but cleaned up and shippers have tightened up pricing.  Quality has been better out west, although not spectacular.  With better demand we should see fresher product as shippers clean up inventories.

 

Cauliflower

A stronger market than last week.  Demand is not high enough to warrant significant market increases over the next week.  Volumes have been on the lighter side over the past 5 days and have strengthened the market somewhat, although demand is not expected to exceed supply and nice weather should continue to bring on steady product.

 

Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in the fall​.  A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.  Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

Brussel Sprouts

Production has started locally in Salinas. Mexico has begun to slow and will likely end soon due to lighter demand caused by overall fair quality.  Drought conditions have hurt overall quality and increased insect pressure.  Improved quality from California should help demand and may strengthen market.

 

Strawberries

The warmer nights continue, so expect to see some bruising and softer fruit into the front part of next week.  There has been a large amount of fruit being diverted to the freezer and that should continue into this weekend. The extra supplies of fruit should clean this weekend and we should be looking at range of $9.00 $10.00 next week.

 

Melons

It has been a stop start deal so far on supplies of Westside melons with gaps striking between fields due to inconsistent temperatures and planting pauses caused by water uncertainty.  Sizes started small but have now shifted to mostly 9s on cantaloupes and 5s on honeydews. Demand has generally been dull, but cantaloupe ads this week along with the spot gaps in production has kept markets firm. Prices are as follows

Mangos

Expect volume to increase for the next 10-14 days until early August, and then taper off as the season winds down. There are Kents and Keitts available from Northern Sinaloa. Produce West will have Mangos available year round.

 

Watermelon

Georgia has had a bout with hot weather and rain weakening the quality of the fruit and shortening supply. Maryland and North Carolina have not started and are about 10 days out. All of this together has spiked the market. Prices and volume is day to day.  Next week most growers are expecting to be into more consistent supplies with the planting pauses past and more consistent weather.  Markets should normalize accordingly.

 

Lettuce​

This market remains steady.  Santa Maria supply has been somewhat limited, with most supply coming out of Salinas valley.  Quality has been good overall, although some isolated reports of misshapen heads, mildew and light insect damage.  Some shippers continue showing up with misshapen heads. Much of what is being packed right now is showing a pale opening as crews trim the product to get off as much of the wrapper leaf as they can. Head size is generally medium to medium plus. Weights are ranging from the upper 30’s to mid-40’s on cello 24’s. Normal production is expected throughout this month.  Local growing deals are keeping demand light and we should see pricing settle over the next 10 days.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand remains light after the holiday and should remain light as long as local product continues to flow in.  Romaine production has increased over the past week and quality has been improving.  Shippers are looking for business on green and red leaf and quality is nice on the west coast, although some insect damage, wind and fringe burn has been detected. Romaine hearts remain tight in supply. Weights are generally 22 to 25 lbs on red leaf and green leaf with romaine ranging from 35 to 40 lbs. Look for markets to remain unchanged going into next week.

Celery

Good quality and color industry wide.  Salinas Valley is the main growing region as Oxnard finishes.  Santa Maria continues to produce as well.  This market has seen some strength this week and more demand is put on Salinas product.  Weights are averaging in the mid to upper 50’s.

 

Broccoli

Broccoli supplies have become more plentiful with good supplies in all growing areas. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s. Stalk sizes are ranging from 25 cent to 50c diameters. Some product continue to show up branchy and knuckly. As far as defects are concerned, cat eye, yellow bead and purple cast are being reported but these quality defects do not seem as severe as the last few weeks. We may see prices increase going into next week as growers on the West Coast come into their lighter summer plantings.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies are much better compared to what they have been most of the summer. Defects include rough curd, hollow core, spread, irregular sizing and yellow cast. Color this past week ranges from cream to white. Weights are ranging from 28 to 34 lbs on 12’s. Prices will remain stable and we could see a small uptick as growers have gotten caught up on their inventories.

 

Strawberries
Recent warm weather mixed with warmer nights has resulted in some quality issues industry wide on west coast fruit. Bruising and soft spots have been reported and causing issues upon arrival.  The warm weather caused berries to color up too quickly and are over ripening the fruit.  Another issue is smaller fruit.  The berries are coloring up and maturing before they can reach adequate size.  Be sure to communicate these issues with your customers so they know what to expect.  Nights are expected to cool slightly over the next 10 days, but we will continue to see the effects of the heat into next week.

 

 

Cantaloupes

Desert is finishing up and West side had begun in earnest. Quality is good. Sugar is good. Sizes running 9s and 12s. Market finished at 10.00-11.00 plus on 9s 8.00-9.00 plus on 12s. 15s still stuck at 6.00plus some higher and lower. Look for the market to swoon a bit next week.

 

Honeydews

Desert is done. West side going. Sizes running mostly 6s and 8s but there are some 5s. Demand is adequate. 5s 1.00 some higher 6s. 9.50 10.00 some higher and lower 8s 5.50 6.5-. Supplies should increase next week as West side continues to increase. Market could be lower next week.

Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers.  Overall production is slightly heavier with moderate demand. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tip burn. A slight spike in temperature is forecast for the end of the week should help maintain or increase  production  and likely put pressure on the market to ease.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand for Romaine  and especially hearts continues to be strong with limited “local” supplies.  Romaine distribution among  California shippers  continues to be uneven resulting in a range of prices. Quality also continues to impact the market especially romaine with heavy insect and mildew pressure . Red and green leaf production has lightened up among some California shippers resulting in slightly higher markets

Celery

Good volume and plenty of deals available on all sizes, particularly on large.  Salinas product has started and supplies are ramping up. Oxnard product is still available and good volume in both growing regions.  Quality has been very nice with very few problems to report.

 

Broccoli

Production continues to be heavy with light demand has bottomed out the market. Surging production of Organic broccoli  and a mix of good and fair quality also has hampered demand.  Most shippers  are projected to have similar production for the next 10 days before any chance of lighter volume.  Shopping quality for good values is a must.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower market continues to be resilient. Heavy production has lead to better deals  last week  but demand has been sufficient enough for many shippers to maintain  pricing,   There continues to be spot deals available vacillating between sizes .

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from  Mexico with some  light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall  fair quality continues with  various sizing and  insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe  varieties have begun to  increase production  as the Heirloom season picks back up in late Summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with  occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Warmer nights have produced some soft berries that show up as occasional bruising to the customer. Some colder night temps are in the forecast so we expect an improvement in quality for next weeks shipments. A handful of Suppliers are finishing up in Santa Maria and moving solely to Watsonville for the rest of the season. Prices will continue range in the $8 – $10 range next week.

 

Cantaloupes

Extreme heat resulted in smaller size yields in the desert areas and ad commitments made 9s and jumbo 9s very tight. Most are pre-committed at 8.95 with few spot market supplies selling as high as 12.95. At the same time, there has been an abundance of un committed 12s and 15s.  12s traded at mostly 8.95 with some spill over demand from shortage of 9s. 15s were weak at 5.95 some higher.  Bakersfield and Huron started in a small way, and more shippers are starting to scratch in their fields there.  Supplies on larger sizes should pick up next week and the market spot market should match up with committed prices.

 

Honeydews

Mexico is but on the wane. The desert had much less planted this year. Sizes are running small (mostly 6s & 8s). 5 are snug.  Bakersfield has one shipper going.  Huron should be starting up next week but is not ready to really ramp up until the following week. Market ended as follows

5s            9.00 some higher occ lower

6s            7.00-8.00 occ higher and lower

8s            6.00  some lower occ higher

Market should be steady next week and lower the following week.

 

Watermelon

Watermelon are very active and will be through early next week there good supplies in California . Produce West has good supplies from Georgia on both Conventional and Organic Watermelons. Produce West will have both Conventional and Organic seeded and Seedless and Minis through September out of Georgia.

Mangos

Round Mango prices are still steady through this week but expect them to slide next week as the 4^th of July pull ends and volumes increase even more. The are some Ataulfos this week mostly 18s-24s.

Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers. Some  shippers are offering discounts on small 30’s , others Jumbo 24’s .  Overall production is slightly heavier with moderate demand. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tipburn. Weather forecast continues to call for normal temperatures which should improve overall quality and increase supplies.

 

Mix Leaf

Red leaf and Green leaf markets continue  to be depressed due to very light demand  due to “local”  supplies . Demand for Romaine  and especially hearts continues to be strong with limited “local” supplies.  Romaine distribution among California shippers continues to be uneven resulting in a range of prices. Quality also continues to impact the market especially romaine with heavy insect and mildew pressure.

Celery

Plenty of product industry wide on all sizes, although large sizes are the most plentiful.  Oxnard is still producing and Santa Maria has picked up volume and looking to move product, especially on 24ct.   Quality is good, nice color and strong stalks with very little seeder.

 

Broccoli

Good availability and quality is very nice. Pricing is in favor of the buyer and shippers are looking to make deals on crown cuts of all varieties so run your offers by us.  It does not feel like the current situation will change going into next week.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have peaked and we should start to see a slight decline by the end of the week.  Look for the market to decline a few dollars by Monday/Tuesday of next week and then settle in the $10.00 – $12.00 range.  Quality is good with nice white domes and heavier weights.  Get with your Produce West representative for July ad pricing.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production  as the Heirloom season picks back up in late Summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Salinas and Watsonville are the main growing areas.  Santa Maria has slowed production after Memorial Day.  The berries are on the small side, with good color and very sweet.  Very few quality problems to speak of.  This market has been slowly strengthening over the past few days due to lack of volume.  With Oxnard and Santa Maria finishing up, more pressure is being put on Salinas area fruit.  Weather is expected to be nice over the next 10 days so that will help with overall production in the coming week.  It should be noted that lack of labor could be another issue this summer as more laborers take higher paying construction jobs in a recovering housing market.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies have gradually been increasing since last week’s rain, although not as rapidly as anticipated in spite of the heat. Spot demand is only fair at current higher prices but there are many ads set at mostly 8.95 which has been sufficient to keep available spot market supplies light. Market is 10.00-11.00 on 9s with few in any jbo 9s and 12s at 9.00-10.00. July 4th shipping should start in earnest next week. Look for market to be a bit lower toward pre committed levels then stay steady through next week. Huron should start mid to end of next week.

 

 

Domestic Honeydews

Plantings were very light this spring. Demand has picked up slightly and market seems to have found a balance at 8.00-9.00 on 5s, 8.99 on 6s; 7.00 some lower on 8s.  This should hold through next week, with sizes peaking on 5s and 6s. Quality is okay.  The following week market could weaken as Bakersfield then Huron phase in.

 

Watermelon – Supplies are beginning to tighten up on the West Coast as Mexico finishes up and the Fourth of July pull begins. Produce West has great supplies of seedless and seeded conventional and organic watermelon and conventional mini seedless out of Cordele GA not through September.

Mangos Supplies on Kents continue to increase and prices are weak. Larger sizes are still in shorter supply, look for deals on  12/14 Kents . Ataulfos are virtually nonexistent look for them to remain tight for at least another 10 days .

 

 

Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Some  shippers  have extreme low levels  of production while others have a surplus budgeted quantities.  Overall production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tipburn.  Long term weather forecast calls for normal temperatures which should help overall quality and maintain a steady supply.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand for  Romaine Hearts continues  with  little production from the East affecting supplies.  Redleaf and Green leaf market has adjusted to  much lighter demand  while Romaine  continues to be steady  with uneven distribution continues among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market especially  romaine with insect pressure and mildew.

Celery

Good volume overall, shippers are looking for business on larger sized celery.  Small sizes are less plentiful and are demanding a higher price. In some instances there is a $4-$5 spread between large and small sizes. All product is coming out of Oxnard and Santa Maria and Salinas will begin production in light numbers next week.  Quality is very nice and very few problems to speak of this season.

 

Broccoli

Good supplies of broccoli will continue into next week.  Crowns still seem to be more available than bunched product at this time.  It does not look like market conditions will change much over the next 10 days. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14’s and stalk size is averaging a 50 cent piece in diameter. We are still finding the occasional branchy and knuckly product but quality overall is good. We may start to see some product with cat eye and possibly yellowing next week out of the Santa Maria area due to the light rains they received on Tuesday of this week.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies have tightened as we come into a supply gap over the next 4 days.   Better supplies are expected by the middle of next week and markets will continue to climb until this time.  Overall quality has been good although there is some irregular sizing and yellow cast being found in both the Salinas and Santa Maria growing areas. Weights are ranging from 26 to 32 lbs on 12’s.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in late summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

Lettuce​

Iceberg production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Overall production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tip burn.  Long term weather forecast calls for normal to slightly below normal temperatures which should help overall quality and maintain a steady supply.

 

Mix Leaf

Markets are currently adjusting with leaf production starting to get back to normal levels while romaine continues to be steady although with uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market especially romaine with insect pressure and mildew. Markets are hitting an equilibrium on all leaf with Romaine and especially hearts surpassing demand for green and red leaf.

 

Celery

Stronger market overall. Salinas harvest is still a few weeks out so the focus is still on Oxnard and Santa Maria product.   Quality is very nice with very few issues industry wide. Expect this market to remain active

 

Broccoli

Supplies are much more plentiful with both crowns and bunched product. Most shippers are looking to make deals on both Asian and regular cut crowns. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s. Stalk size is averaging 50 cent diameters.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower market has seemed to reach the bottom and shippers are now cleaning up their inventory. There are still deals to be had on 9 size flower although that inventory might be cleaned up by end of week. Look for prices to level out next week. Defects include rough curd, some hollow core, irregular sizing and yellow cast. Weights are ranging from 26 to 32 lbs on 12’s.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production. Salinas has added transfer costs, better deals in Santa Maria.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in late summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

The market has hit a lull in demand, while at the same time cooler temps has slowed the berries from coming on strong. The forecast next week is for increasing temperatures and clear skies. We may be looking at better supplies as we towards Father’s Day. Quality remains fair to good with berry counts in the mid-teens.

 

Grapes

Greens remain steady. More Sugar ones available at better pricing.  Very good quality out of all areas and shippers are looking to move. Steady market on flames and perlettes. Now comparable to greens price wise.  Good volumes and shippers are looking to move. Quality is very nice and very few issues with the new crop.

Mangos

Mango volume has temporarily dropped. The harvest is transitioning north into new areas and has provided a temporary but false rise in prices. Volume will jump towards the end of next week and without significant retail support prices will plummet again. The highest volume of Tommy Atkins is expected in the next weeks.
Watermelons

Organic and Conventional Watermelon from Cordele Georgia a Produce West exclusive starting the week of 6/8/2015. Call your PW rep for more info.

Lettuce​

Iceberg production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Mild, cool weather has slowed growth but also increased mildew pressure.  Production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Most shippers are back on budgeted schedule. Quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tip burn are still  common but overall quality is improving. A return of warmer weather will contribute to increased volume.

 

Mix Leaf

Cool overcast weather along the Central Coast of California continues to keep supplies of Leaf short as well as increase mildew pressure.  Overall quality is good but far from fancy as is normal this time of year. Markets are currently steady but poised to weaken pending a return of normal, warmer conditions.  Demand continues to not overwhelm. ​​Romaine volume has been better but with very uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market.  Insect pressure and mildew have been the main issues.   East Coast production from New Jersey is starting to ramp up as well slightly weakening demand for California product .

 

Celery

A wide range in pricing with most product coming out of the Oxnard / Santa Maria areas. Also available in Salinas, however much more expensive due to freight costs as product is transferred from the south. Will not be harvesting in Salinas until mid to late June.  Quality is very nice, good structure and color.  Fewer small sized celery available and pricing shows a $1 – $3 spread between sizes.

 

Broccoli

Supplies are loosening up as demand has seemed to have slowed down over the last few days. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s depending on location and shipper. Stalk size is averaging 50 cent diameters. Many samples continue to show up very branchy and knuckly, making bunched product harder to come by. As far as defects are concerned, cat eye, yellow bead and purple cast are being reported depending on shipper and field location

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies have increased and demand has slowed allowing for market deflation. Prices will continue to decline going into next week. Defects include rough curd, some hollow core, irregular sizing and yellow cast. Color this past week ranges from cream to white depending on shipper and location. Weights are ranging from 25 to 28 lbs on 12’s.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from  Mexico although some domestic production has started earlier than  projected  Lighter demand caused by overall  fair quality continues with  various sizing and  insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season winds down. Large sizes are predominant but medium sizes are also available.  The market is adjusting as more shippers start their summer crop.  Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

This market had slowed significantly after Memorial Day pull, and the market bottomed out earlier this week.  Supplies have once again tightened up as more product went to freezer and less volume is being harvested into the weekend. Expect a stronger market through the weekend and continuing into next week. Quality has been very nice, with good color and strong structure industry wide.  Cooler days in recent weeks have helped quality, although warmer weather is forecasted for the coming days.

 

Grapes

Plenty of product available at bargain prices.  Mexican Perlettes and Flames are still going strong and shippers are looking to deal.  Sizing is on the larger side, very few small grapes available.  California fruit volume is increasing daily and pricing is now fairly comparable to Mexican fruit. There are more hot deals on Mexican product, although there is a wider range in quality. California quality is very nice.

Citrus

Lemons are demand exceeds supply on all sizes. Pricing is reflecting the shortage, and most sizes are non-existent, particularly on large sizes. Beware of hot deals in this environment, as this indicates quality issues and unwanted problems.  Limes are in good supply and shippers are looking to move product.  There will possibly be a supply gap on smaller fruit in the next few days, followed by lighter supplies on all sizes starting later next week. This could turn the market around from the tailspin it has been in the past few weeks. Valencia orange supply is improving daily and markets have leveled out. There have been labor issues as stone fruit season picks up in central California.  This could result in larger sized product over the next few weeks. Quality is very nice overall.

 

Lettuce​

Similar to Romaine, Iceberg production and quality has been inconsistent among shippers. Mild, cool weather has slowed growth but also increased mildew pressure. Showers late last week delayed harvest a squeezed supplies for Holiday demand but production seems mostly back on track and the market has settled down.  Quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tipburn  are still  common but overall quality is improving.

 

Mix Leaf

Leaf continues to be short supplied​although demand has not been overwhelming. ​Romaine volume has been better but with very uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market.  Insect pressure and mildew

​have ​been the main issues.   East Coast production from New Jersey is helping fill needs while  California gets  back to normal production  when the weather is expected to improve this weekend.

 

Celery

Strong markets continue as cool weather and water rationing continues to slow growth. Florida product is finishing up and putting more pressure on west coast growing regions.  Expect a strong market through mid June, at which time Salinas production will be starting.

 

Broccoli

Demand is very strong as yields have fallen off due to the cooler than normal weather in California as well as Mexico finishing up it’s winter program.  For those growers in Mexico that continue with their spring / summer crop they have had bad weather this week and have not been able to harvest any real volume over the last three days.  We do not expect any real change in the weather anytime soon so expect the market to remain unchanged going into next week.

 

Cauliflower

It seems as though the market has hit a saturation point due the fourth week of prices over the $29.00 mark.  Although we continue to see high FOB’s shippers seem to have availability and you can place volume orders and get them covered day of.  I would not get too relaxed thinking the market is falling fast as this cooler weather will not bring on any heavy volume anytime soon.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from  Mexico although some domestic production has started earlier than  projected  Lighter demand caused by overall  fair quality continues with  various sizing and  insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season winds down. Large sizes are predominant but medium sizes are also available.  The market is adjusting as more shippers start their summer crop.  Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Demand has slowed and even with our overcast weather, the market has adjusted to lower price levels. There seems to be a lack of Ads running this week which helps support the market.  As prices come down, growers will begin to look at going to the freezers with their fruit in order to lock in prices.  Temperatures are forecasted to be slightly warmer for the weekend.

 

Grapes

Mexico is in full production on flames and perlettes.  Quality has been very nice, very few problems to speak of.  There is still storage fruit available but quality is very questionable at this point.  California flames are available and pricing is comparable to Mexican fruit.  California sugar ones are also available at a premium price due to limited availability.  Sizing is on the larger side and very little small fruit available.

Citrus

Valencia oranges are peaking on larger sizes.  There is a demand exceeds supply scenario on smaller fruit.  Great quality and bright color. Lemons are peaking on smaller sized fruit.  There are very few large sized lemons available. Drought conditions this year and lack of adequate groundwater caused the fruit to color up quickly and had less time to size up.  The Lime market has dropped substantially over the past few weeks.  The market has mostly bottomed out at this point due to an influx of product.  Supplies have leveled out and we could see some supply gaps in the next few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce​

Mild weather the past week has slowed production which had been 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule.  Light to moderate supplies put pressure on the market to gain momentum heading into this week.  Continued quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tip burn have also reduced fields resulting in further strengthening. Better supplies should be available as the weather improves next week along with production starting in Southwest and New Mexico this week.

 

Mix Leaf

Continues to be very short supplied. Romaine volume has been better but with very uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market. Insect pressure and mildew have been the main issues. The market will continue to see an imbalance for another couple weeks with Romaine market likely to strengthen as leaf should level off.

Celery

Stronger market overall. Florida is gapping and putting pressure on the west. Cooler weather has slowed production and created gaps in supply. Not much difference in pricing between sizes and most product is coming out of Santa Maria and Oxnard. Salinas pricing is understandably pricier due to transfer costs. Good quality in all areas.
Broccoli

Pricing is steady with light supplies. Bunched continues to be limited and overall quality is improving; however we should see better supplies going into next week.  Better availability on crowns, although there seems to be decent supplies of bunch as well.  Look for the market to come off a little. Central Mexico broccoli supplies are steady but volume will begin to wind down starting next week. Most growers will finish their season by the third week of May. Pricing is improving slightly as we finish the season

 

Cauliflower

Supplies in Salinas and Santa Maria will remain very light for the week.  We do not expect much change in this market next week. Quality is good overall.

 

Brussels Sprout

Light Production continues mainly from Mexico. The market continues to be active mostly from light supplies.  Overall quality continues to be fair with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.  New Crop production from Santa Cruz and Salinas is expected next month.
Artichokes

Heirloom / Green Globes have peaked for the spring season and light production of the seeded Globe varieties have strengthened the overall market which will remain strong till mid-May when the seeded Globe varieties will begin to produce mostly large sizes.

​

 

 

 

Strawberries

Strawberries continue to be in a demand exceeds situation for the Mother’s day pull.  Supplier shortages and prorates will continue into mid-week next week. Warmer weather has been forecast for the end of this week followed by cooler temps for the front part of next week. The Memorial Day pull is right around the corner!

 

Grapes

Coachella and Mexico should start in light numbers next week.  Early reports show strong appearance, but light numbers for the first few weeks. This will create a much stronger market on greens, as receivers are wary of storage fruit. The good product that is available is very expensive with as much as $8-10 spreads between quality ranges.  Red Grapes continue to have good appearance and are holding up nicely. Coachella has started small numbers with very nice quality reports.

Citrus

Orange market continues to rise as navels finish and Valencia’s play catch up. Small sized fruit volume is becoming very tight.  Most of the volume is peaking at the 72 count fruit and going up from there. Quality is very nice, very few problems to speak of. Lime volume is up over 500 loads per week for the second week in a row.  Sizes are peaking on 200s, 230s, and 250s. 110,150s, 175s are in shorter supply. Prices continue to slip on all sizes as we approach the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Look for prices to keep falling after Cinco de Mayo with deals on small sizes.

 

Mangos

Mango rounds are beginning  to trend into the 9,10 count sizing down from  7,8 count look for continued deals on large fruit this week with deals to be had after the Cinco de Mayo holiday on the mid and small size fruit. Ataulfos are still in short supply with demand exceeding volume on 12s, 14s. Look for the volume to pick up toward the Cinco de Mayo holiday.

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce
Moderate production from Central Coast and Santa Maria has kept the market steady. Continued quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and now tip burn have reduced availability and the market has begun to inch higher. Some shippers continue to discount palletized lettuce due to trimming off troubled outer leaves.

Mix Leaf
Leaf continues to be very short supplied. Romaine volume has been better withsome shippers offering volume deals but wide ranging quality continues to affect the market. Insect pressure and mildew have been the main issues. The market will continue to see an imbalance for another couple weeks.

Celery
Supplies are tightening up as weather cools and Oxnard volume decreases. Shippers are getting premium pricing on small sizes, with larger sizing more readily available. The Mexico growing season is finishing up and all the pressure will be put on west coast product. Water shortages will also start affecting acreage. Celery requires a large amount of water so farmers will be focusing on less thirsty alternatives. Expect this market to get stronger and remain high indefinitely.

Broccoli
Active market on west coast product. Supplies have tightened up on bunch and crowns on the west coast which has increased demand for Mexican product. As Mexican volume lightens up for the next few weeks we will see some gaps in production as more pressure is put on the west coast growing regions. Overall quality has been strong.

Cauliflower
Very active market over the past 2 weeks. The current gaps in production due to transition have been widened as a result of cooler weather. Many shippers are sold out for the remainder of the week. Quality has been nice overall, good white color and strong appearance. Volume is expected to remain tight into next week.

Brussels Sprout
Light Production continues mainly from Mexico. The market continues to be active. Overall quality continues to be poor with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production. New Crop production from Santa Cruz and Salinas is expected late next month.

Artichokes
Light production of the seeded Globe varieties have strengthened the overall market. Heirloom / Green Globes have peaked for the spring season. The market will continue to be strong till Mid May when the seeded Globe varieties will begin to produce mostly large sizes.

Strawberries
Very tight market currently. Oxnard is finishing up and all of the focus is in Salinas and Santa Maria fruit. Forecasts show lighter volume than previous years. Sting of cold days with very little sun, will make things a little dicey heading into the Mother’s Day pull. The Salinas / Watsonville Area has a forecast for rain this Saturday as well. The fruit will be 60% to 70% color with white shoulders being the norm. Prices should range in the $12 to $14.00 range.

Grapes
Stronger market on greens than last week. Quality has been marginal at best. We should see higher prices over all into the Coachella season. Red Quality is good and should continue to be nice as the Chilean season finishes up. Mexico and Coachella are still planning on starting full production the first week of May.

Citrus
Navel market is getting stronger as supplies tighten up. Quality has been good, although Valencia’s will be in better shape as navels finish for the season. Expect this market to remain active as we head into May. The lemon market is very active, a result of transitioning growing districts and a very wide range in quality. This market will remain active for the next few weeks as northern growing regions struggle to catch up. Beware cheap deals, which usually indicate poor quality. The lime market remains very active, not much fruit available. There are more small sized limes available, larger are harder to come by so expect higher prices on the large fruit. Low supplies are expected into May, which will keep this market strong for weeks to come.

Mangos
Mango volume is increasing coming into the Cinco De Mayo Holiday. The quality so far this season has been good on Mexican fruit with some issues in the offshore fruit. Look for promotions on 10/12 Tommies and 18/20 Ataulfos. There will also be deals on large size Tommies 6,7,8,9 and ataulfos 14/16. Market will ease slightly after the Holiday.