An early April storm has settled over California with rain showers continuing off and on through this week.  There is also a cold front on the west coast and inland valleys with low level snow and hail at sea level.  This cold snap will slow growth in most items, and the rain will slow harvesting because of wet muddy fields.  This will result in stronger markets industry wide.  A slight warming trend next week could create some quality issues for certain items like berries, leaf and head lettuce.  Warmer temperatures in the east should help demand as Easter pull begins.  Truck rates remain consistent with last week. As demand picks up next week we could see slightly higher freight bills.  Still plenty of trucks available into next week.

LETTUCE – the waiting game continues as this market remains sluggish.  Huron has produced above average yields and demand has been sluggish.  If rain continues, harvest delays could lighten supply and we could see better markets early next week. As for now, there is still plenty of product. Yuma production ran longer this year with higher than normal volume, filling the transition gaps.  Heavier weights and red ribbing are some current issues we have seen, although overall condition is good.

BROCCOLI – market could firm up next week as a result of the cold weather and rain. For now, plenty of product and sluggish demand has kept this market steady.  Supplies are coming out of multiple areas throughout California and Arizona.  Quality is fine.

CAULIFLOWER –Prices have bottomed out and could get stronger into the weekend.  The cold weather and rain will certainly have an effect on the next harvest.  Currently supplies are steady but shippers are selling out daily.   Demand is still below average; we don’t expect huge changes but more coastal rain later in the week may turn things around.

LEAF – Huron will be finishing up this weekend and most production will shift to Salinas and Santa Maria. Green leaf has tightened up slightly.  Romaine Hearts are getting very active, we could see a 20 dollar market later next week, especially if rain continues and production slows. There is a warming trend in the forecast following the storm that could create some quality issues like mildew, particularly on romaine.

CELERY – Not much change here.  More deals on larger sizes with a few dollar spread between sizes. Easter pull is expected to firm up the market and we could see some higher priced celery early next week.  The rain shouldn’t affect quality, although cold weather and muddy fields could delay harvest.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Markets are soft, although current rains will lighten the supply. Florida has finished for the season.  Watsonville has started but in a light way.  Expect rain related issues moving into the latter part of the week. Heavy rains have already hit central California and more is on the way.  We should see lighter supplies next week and higher prices as we near Easter pull.  Warm weather is expected after this weekend so we will be seeing weaker fruit next week.  Expect some bruising and soft fruit in the coming weeks. California is the main production area, so these issues will be industry wide.

Raspberries – Light supplies overall.  Quality has been ok overall, but reports of soft, leaky fruit coming in from Mexico. Prices have leveled off for now but the market will improve as Easter pull starts next week.

Blackberries – Market remains active, volume is not expected to increase throughout April and into May. Sluggish markets in January and February created a gap in supply, and warmer weather in the south has hurt quality resulting in soft, leaky fruit.

Blueberries – With the Chilean season winding down, prices are expected to climb as California and Baja attempt to pick up the slack.  California production will not pick up until mid-April at the earliest.  Expect higher prices until then.  Once California production picks up, prices will level off and ease into May.

ASPARAGUS – This market keeps inching upward as we near Easter pull. Mexico is finishing up and demand has shifted north.  Salinas and central valley production is beginning to pick up but demand has been increasing daily.  Easter ads start next week and production will be light.  FOBs could hit $50 range on 28#, and if current weather conditions continue we may see the market get even stronger.  This will be a high priced item for the entire month.

It’s that time of year again, product is moving north, with only bits and pieces still available in Yuma.  Overall this transition has been smooth, although that all could change as rain is expected later this week.  Precipitation is not expected to be extremely heavy but a few days of showers could lighten production and damper quality on most items.  A cold snap is also expected to hit northern California which will slow development and cause gaps in harvesting.  There may be benefits to this, sluggish markets have been the norm for the past few months and light supplies will improve market conditions.  The east however is unfortunately still feeling effects of the hated arctic vortex so they are still buying light.  Trucks are readily available in good supply, rates remain steady and consistent with previous weeks.  Emissions laws and high fuel prices have resulted in 15% higher rates than this time last year.

LETTUCE – Huron volume began on a strong note, not because of more acreage planted but because demand has been sluggish.  Nice weather over the past few weeks has produced some better than average product for Huron, quality issues have been minimal, limited to some misshapen heads and red ribbing. Some shippers are reporting they will be lighter next week, and if we get significant rain this market could turn around.

BROCCOLI – Market remains slightly firmer, with most production limited to Salinas and Santa Maria areas.  This market could take off if there was more Eastern and Midwest demand, but so far sales remain sluggish.  Quality is ok, some brown bead and branchy crowns reported.  Easter ads are mostly locked up and availability should be consistent with last week.   Some large Huron growers have opted out this season because of strict water regulations, which will put more pressure on coastal regions.  If rain is heavy this weekend and east coast weather warms, we could see a better market later next week.

CAULIFLOWER –Currently not much change in the market.  Fewer quality issues with west coast product than we had with late Yuma crop.  Supplies are expected to decrease later this week, expect a slightly stronger market by the weekend.  Quality will get better this week as Salinas progresses.

LEAF – Available in Huron, plenty of volume. Fringe burn has been reported but weights are good and overall appearance is above average for this time of year.  Salinas has started with light numbers, mostly on romaine. Volume is increasing daily.

CELERY – Oxnard is in full production with good quality and consistency.  Shippers are reporting more volume on large sizes, creating a 2-3 dollar difference in price on opposite sides of the size scale.  Not much change expected here in the coming week.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Most production is now on the west coast, with some remaining berries coming out of Mexico.  Florida has mostly finished up and demand is stronger out west.  Currently there are plenty of berries but demand should pick up for Easter and remain strong for the month of April.  Quality has been nice with strong outer texture and deep green calyxes.  Reports of white shouldering have been made, although complaints have been minimal.  Supply is expected to increase but coming rains could slow production over the weekend causing a supply gap early next week.  Salinas/Watsonville fruit is starting in light numbers.

Raspberries – Light volume in Oxnard and Mexico. Some soft fruit has kept many shippers from going east with product.  Volume is expected to improve in the coming weeks.

Blackberries – Volume is expected to be substantially light through the month of May. Overall quality has been ok on arrivals, berries are holding up and plenty of sugar.

Blueberries – South American fruit is finishing up and product is now coming out of California and Mexico.  Quality has been adequate, but the market will remain active until volume improves in California in the coming weeks.

ASPARAGUS — Much stronger market and expected to remain strong in the upcoming weeks. Mexico supply is diminishing with Salinas as central valley California tries to pick up the slack.  Easter demand has caused a dramatic upswing in the market, and shipper are quoting extremely high lids for Easter ads.  Supplies will continue to be tight through Easter and expect high prices in the weeks to come.  Quality has been consistent with previous weeks.

As temperatures rises in the desert, it is time to transition to northern growing regions.  Items like broccoli and cauliflower have been available in Salinas for the past few weeks, and will soon be followed by lettuce and mix veg.  California weather is expected to be sunny and mild, which should help speed up development, easing the transition pains normally associated with this time of year. Some rain expected late next week, which could affect the back half of transition as the remaining items head north.  Freight costs remain steady, with slight increases expected for Easter pull two weeks from now.  Plenty of trucks available.

LETTUCE – Yuma product is finishing up later this week. Some shippers will stay around for another week as long as quality holds up. Heavy weights in desert product, a result of warmer weather. Although quality is good overall, there has been some bruising from the bulkier heads in the box.  Early reports from the Huron show- ok quality, although availability will most likely decrease as demand picks up in California.  Santa Maria lettuce volume and quality is improving daily.  Salinas production is still a few weeks out and quality is expected to be marginal at best.

BROCCOLI – Availability in all areas, although lighter in the desert. Salinas / Santa Maria volume starting to pick up, quality has been very nice.  Mexico is still growing as well, although be careful with quality, some branchy product and yellowing.  Demand remains steady, bunch broccoli has been pricier than crowns, which is highly unusual.

CAULIFLOWER – Yuma production is finishing up. Some quality problems include yellowing and brown spotting.  More volume in Salinas and Santa Maria. Early reports from the north show better quality. Volume improved this week, with increasing numbers next week.  Market expected to remain steady next week.

LEAF – Huron has started and early inspections show some quality issues including blistering and fringe burn.  Quality is not much better in the desert as Yuma production finishes up, including broken/red ribs and wilting.  Expect minor problems over the next few weeks, typical for transition time, especially if we get significant rains later next week.  Overall product is not pretty, although better than it has looked in recent years during transition time.    

CELERY – Yuma will be finishing up by the end of this month.  Oxnard is in full production and currently plenty of volume. Warm winter months have brought on plenty of product, more large sizes available.  Quality is fine, production expected to be strong at least for the next few weeks.  Demand should pick up as weather improves in the eastern half of the US. 

STRAWBERRIES – Focus is now on west coast fruit as Florida and Mexico wind down production.  Currently there are plenty of berries available in Oxnard and Yuma areas this week and next. If we get rain later next week in California, we could see gaps in production during Easter pull. Salinas berries have started, although very light supply, and no significant volume is expected for at least 4-5 weeks. Quality has been generally nice in California and Arizona, strong fruit, although some minor problems like white shouldering have been reported.

ASPARAGUS – This market is finally showing signs of life as we enter into transition time. Mexico is slowing production and California product is in light supply. Salinas and central valley have begun production.  Mexico production is lighter, quality not what it was a few weeks ago. High Easter ads have pushed the current market significantly higher. Expect production as a whole to be moderate at best throughout this week and prices to remain high through Easter.

As the Yuma season draws to a close, sluggish markets are a continued reminder of a dismal winter.  Too much product, too much snow in the east and Midwest, too little demand, for too long. As Yuma comes to a close, weather is warming up and affecting quality. Adversely, warm weather up north should inhibit quicker development in younger plants in Salinas and Huron, hopefully helping to fill the transition gaps we will be seeing later this month. Truck rates remain strong, although there are plenty of rigs available, recent emissions laws in California have resulted in costly upgrades for older rigs. We expect freight rates to remain strong, and increasing into the summer months as demand for west coast product increases.  Weather for the next 10 days remains warm and dry, with heat being the only significant factor affecting quality on desert items.

LETTUCE – the market has been too low for too long, and as volume drops and demand increases, shippers will not hesitate to boost up prices.  Huron transition will host a new array of challenges, lack of water being the main issue causing drops in overall acreage.  Expect the lettuce market to strengthen in the upcoming weeks.  Production is expected to begin in Huron later this month, weather has been nice which could speed up development, however planted acreage is only a small fraction of what it was in previous years.

BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER – Yuma will be winding down over the new few weeks and gaps are expected as Salinas struggles to keep up. Demand has improved and market is reflecting this.  With multiple areas currently producing, that should help keep up with demand, however we expect a stronger market as demand increases. Shippers are anticipating light supply in late March and April.

LEAF –Market on green and red leaf remains flat. Romaine however is firm with a few suppliers flexing on price. The weights are reported to be good on all leaf items. Some blister peel and fringe burn upon arrivals. There have been some seeder issues in the romaine. Recent rains and warming temps are all factors that will continue affecting quality.

CELERY – plenty of supply, less demand, cheap celery. Deals are everywhere and everyone is your friend….for now.  Warm weather could bring on some seeder issues, don’t be surprised if this becomes a larger problem in weeks to come. Pricing should stay flat through the week.  Shippers are looking to move on all sizes. More large size available, especially 24’s.

STRAWBERRIES – Main region is now Oxnard/Santa Maria.  The recent rains set back production last week, but supply is rebounding. Quality is ok overall, some softer fruit, but good color. Some white shoulders; and green tips, typical for the time of year. Warm days and cool nights should bring on a lot of nice fruit, and we are expecting nice weather for the next 10 days in California.  A storm is expected in Florida and their supplies should be winding down by the end of March or the first part of April. Mexico supplies will also be drying up. Oxnard / Santa Maria supply is improving daily.

ASPARAGUS – Still coming out of Mexico, California and Peru. Mexico will begin to wind down in the upcoming weeks and put pressure on California product.  Supply is expected to be short in April. Easter ads are very pricey if you can get them at all.

Weather continues to be the story across the country with mild sunny days out West and severe cold in the Northeast. Lack of demand and continued steady production have made for depressed markets.

Above normal temps on the West Coast and Desert have warmed soil temps to necessary levels for growth even though daily low temperatures have been slightly below normal. No change in the forecast is expected for another week especially in the Desert where dry warm conditions will continue.

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 40 low    Central Valley 57:38  Desert/Mexico 73:39.

Transportation rates eased only slightly as more trucks got back into circulation, although tighter regulations have continued with elevated rates from previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for the best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week with most shippers leaving acreage untouched.  Quality is much improved with most frost issues only minor. Many fields are as much as two weeks ahead of schedule with most shippers cautious about giving aggressive promotional pricing in fear of weather changing and quickly reacting markets.

Leaf Lettuce – Similar to Iceberg, Mix lettuce supplies have advanced two weeks ahead of schedule and fortunately most of the blister and peel caused by the frost have been reduced by the rapid growth. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality are also improving daily.
Asparagus- Production from Mexico is improving daily with most shippers converting to 28lb containers. Some shipments have even begun from the Salinas Valley. Promotional pricing is currently available.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Better sizing is expected as ground temps improve.
Broccoli-   Broccoli production continues to be good from most growing areas including Mexico. Supplies will continue to be plentiful until cooler weather arrives. With production up to two weeks ahead of schedule any change in weather will tighten supplies rapidly but no weather is currently forecast.

Cauliflower- The market has maintained adequate levels with moderate demand.  Historically supplies escalate early February.  This year should be no different with increasing production forecast for next week.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard, Mexico and Yuma. It appears more shippers have increased plantings near Yuma and combined with above normal temps supplies have flooded the market.   Quality has been improving from all locations. The market has been soft in all locations.

Bell Peppers- Production from Mexico has been increasing but with good demand from all areas of the country especially Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice.

Berries- Production from all locations has been limited but new crop production has started to increase with warmer temperatures in Oxnard and Mexico. Florida has dodged through cold and rain and should start to see increase production as Valentine Day approaches.  Once the holiday passes the market should ease significantly barring any additional weather issues.  Raspberries production has been limited with increased pricing but Blackberries supplies should start to increase mainly from Mexico by the end of the week.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been reduced with recent assessment of the December freeze damage.  Higher prices the past few weeks will continue with limited volume on smaller sizes. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from Coachella and Coastal valley although the December freeze has reduced the quality and overall available yields as well.  Look for the market to continue to be strong.

Weather continues to be the story across the country with mild sunny days out West and severe cold in the Northeast. Now that the Holidays have past most production, shipping and transportation activities will get back on schedule.

Normal temps for the West Coast the past week are now forecast to continue for the next couple weeks with only a minor disturbance for the end of the week.  Slight frost in the morning with abundant sunshine has been the norm. Ground temps are still slightly below necessary levels for normal growth.

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 39 low    Central Valley 53:38  Desert/Mexico 71:37.

Transportation rates spiked during the Holidays but should ease as more trucks get back into circulation.  Although tighter regulations will continue to have rates elevated from previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week but continued lettuce ice delays have kept supplies from completely saturating the market along with a reduced labor force.  The market has been mostly weak with few promotions and Quality slowing sales with signs of blister, peel and discoloration for the next couple weeks.

Leaf Lettuce – Light Frost also has slowed production of most leaf items slightly but a return of a full labor force after the Holidays will help shippers cover more ground even if further frost delays continue. Blistering and peel will be the norm for most shipments for the next few weeks. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality are also being affected by the previous freezing temperatures but should rebound quicker than Romaine.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico and Peru continues to be light to moderate. Increased production was forecast to begin in the West Coast as soon as ground temps get above necessary levels.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Better sizing is expected as ground temps  improve.

Broccoli-   Broccoli production has improved but demand is still soft.  Quality should start to improve especially in the desert locations.  The market will likely remain soft until further promotions are put in place to help jump start demand.

Cauliflower- The market softened last week but looks to gain strength this week with better demand  and lighter supplies as Yuma and Santa Maria are the only production areas available. Quality has been ok but should start improving.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard but a few shippers have plantings in Mexico and or Yuma which allows them to avoid transfer costs  of moving product from cooler to cooler.  Quality has been fair out of Santa Maria with significant blister and peeling. The market has been much softer in Oxnard and Santa Maria mainly because of quality but also convenience. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.

Bell Peppers- Production from Mexico has been steady but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice.

Berries- Production in Oxnard have been limited due to previous freezing temps but new crop production has started to increase with warmer temperatures.  Previously the only fruit with sufficient quality to ship East was from Mexico/Texas and Florida but some weather issues have stalled production and strengthened the market.  Supplies will take at least another week to get back to sufficient levels.  Light supplies of Raspberries will continue with increased pricing but Blackberries will continue to be available.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from Coachella and Coastal valley although the recent freeze has reduced the quality and overall available yields.  Look for the market to continue to be strong.

_________________

Tim  Tomasello

A slow start to the Holiday pull should start to heat up as we get closer to Christmas.  There have been abundant supplies in the coolers and fields in anticipation of cold weather slowing production during the peak Holiday demand but inventories will be reduced quickly as most shippers have had limited harvest the past 5 days because of the frost conditions.

The severe arctic cold wave that hit the West Coast the past week is now headed East and should be replaced by normal mild temperatures the rest of the month. Although ground temps will take a week or so of mild temps to reach levels necessary for normal growth.

OUTLOOK:  Warming to above normal Sun – Wed Dec 15^th – 18^th as a ridge develops over the deserts.  Gusty winds and cooler temps Thu – Sun Dec 19^th – 21^st. as a Gulf of AK trof digs, that could bring a chance of rain Sat – Sun Dec 20^th-  21^st.  Max temps could cool to the mid 50’s to low 60’s and morning lows to low to upper 30’s.  Minor warming follows Sun – Tue 22^nd- 24^th. 

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 62 hi : 40 low    Central Valley 56:38  Desert/Mexico 70:36.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady. There are some signs rates will ease this week but with Holiday demand and regulations scheduled to be enforced Jan 1 truck rates look to stay above previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week but limited production due to slower growth and limited harvest hours will shorten supply.  Quality will also start to show signs of blister, peel and discoloration over the next couple weeks. 

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Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be heavy but should also slow as the cold weather will have an effect on growth and quality.  Yuma valley which is normally cooler than the Coachella valley seemed to be spared the extreme cold temps but some blistering and

peel will start to show up with this week shipments. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality will also be affected by the freezing temperatures this past week.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico and Peru continues to be moderate. Increased production should commence once the weather on the West Coast returns to normal.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Cooler temps will likely result in smaller sizing moving forward.

Broccoli-   Broccoli production has peaked.  Great values on bunch and crowns were available earlier this week but supplies will likely shorten as the effects of the past weeks cold front will slow growth.  Supplies will be available but look for higher pricing through the Holiday demand period.  Supplies should rebound by the end of the month.

Cauliflower- The market has already reacted to shorter supplies due to the cold weather.  Looked for continued bump in prices until normal weather pattern sets in. Quality will also suffer to due exposure to the curd when the foliage freezes then thaws.  Cauliflower is much more significantly affected by change in the weather due to the limited production areas available.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good but now with the freezing temps especially along the coast the celery quality will suffer mainly from blister and peel and possibly black heart. The market on larger sizes is likely to strengthen due to the fact the celery will have to be trimmed down significantly to remove the severe blistering. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.

Bell Peppers- Production from the Deserts and Mexico have been steadily increasing but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice but freezing temperatures will have an impact on quality and supplies for the upcoming weeks.

Berries- Production in Santa Maria has been halted by the severe cold temperatures this past week. Whatever fruit was available has to be stripped down to the blossom. Even some blossoms were damaged.  Oxnard had slightly warmer temperatures but has similar issues.  The only fruit with sufficient quality to ship East will be from Mexico/Texas and Florida.  Supplies will take at least a month to rebound from the West Coast but should be improving daily from Texas and Florida.  Light supplies of Raspberries will continue with increased pricing but Blackberries should start to see better supplies. 

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from  Coachella and Coastal valley but it is yet to be determined if the recent freeze had the duration to affect the Navels or Lemons which tend to be heartier than the Mandarins.

An overabundant supply is the general theme to most vegetable items in the concentrated winter growing areas in Desert Southwest andMexico. Many items are 1-2 weeks ahead of budgeted harvest schedule but changes in the weather forecast may slow production and may impact supplies in coming weeks.  Unfortunately the perishable nature of produce won’t allow for stockpiling supplies but aggressive purchasing and planning will be needed to insure fillingHoliday orders.

Weather for most of the West Coast has been mild but forecast calls for a major change in temperatures…..

Weather forecast DESERTS of SE CA amp; ARIZONA for Mon Dec 2nd thru Mon Dec 16th, 2013

Temps above seasonal averages today (Mon 71 to 78 degs), cooling up to 20 degs mid to late week as the anticipated unseasonably cold trof of Arctic origin envelopes much of theWestern US.  Wind gusts increase late tonight/early Tue up to 45 mphSECAand 30 mph elsewhere.  Winds increase Tue afternoon gusting to 60 mph SE CA and 50 mph western AZ.  Chance for isolated showers late TueSE CA.  Much cooler temps Wed, 56 to 65 degs cooling further Thu, 52 to 59 degs.  Light lettuce ice Wed easternYumavalleys, becoming widespread moderate to severe Thu.  Moderate-heavy to severe lettuce ice Fri as lows cool a few more degs, while max temps stay relatively the same.

OUTLOOK: Expect widespread lettuce ice from Sat Dec 7 thru Tue Dec 10 as a series of cold trofs from the Arctic pass thru the deserts, reinforcing the unseasonably cool temps.  Little change in max temps Sat – Sun Dec 7^th - 8^th as another trof passes.  Temps remain unseasonably cool Mon – Wed Dec 9^th - 11^th despite warming to the mid to upper 60’s while lows stay cold upper 20’s – upper 30’s.  High pressure builds from Thu – Sun Dec 12^th - 15^th warming max temps well into the 70’s and lows upper 30’s to mid-40s. Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 42 low    Central Valley 60:40  Desert/Mexico 71:40.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady. There are some signs rates will ease this week but withHoliday demand and regulations scheduled to be enforced Jan 1 truck rates look to stay above previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

 Lettuce –  Heavy production and postHoliday demand has kept the market flat. Limited labor seems to be the only thing keeping the market from completely bottoming out.  Look for tightening supplies with cooler temps forecast.

Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be steady with the best quality available in the desert.   Green and Red leaf supplies are also steady but with a wider range in quality.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico andPeru continues to be moderate. Increased production was predicted but with the change in the weather forecast look for continued light supplies.

 Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Cooler temps will likely result in smaller sizing moving forward.

Broccoli-   Broccoli production has peaked with most fields 2 weeks ahead of budget.  Great values on bunch and crowns can be found with even the top labels but with the change in the weather forecast broccoli will be one of the first items to be affected. Fortunately broccoli is grown in many areas (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley, Yuma and Mexico) which will help reduce the affect of the weather.  Quality is much better and should continue to improve daily.

Cauliflower- Similar to broccoli, production has jumped significantly. The market looks to bottom out this week with cooler temps slowing production. With fewer growing areas Cauliflower will be much more significantly affected by change in the weather.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good. The market is slightly easier with a few more shippers willing to deal from inventoried supplies. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.  Cooler weather will also impact supplies.

Bell Peppers- Production from the Deserts andMexico have been steadily increasing but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice but could be impacted by possible freezing temps scheduled for next week.

Berries- Supplies fromOxnard have peaked and with possible rain and cooler temps forecast for later this week supplies will further tighten out West.Florida and volume fromMcAllen have been limited but should start to increase weekly.  The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring. Look for the market to continue to be active untilFlorida andMexico can replace production  from the West. Lighter supplies on Blackberries and Raspberries will continue with increased pricing.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production appears to be increasing as Coachella and Coastal valley volume and quality are improving daily.

With the Thanksgiving Holiday and transition to the Desert production areas upon us the markets should start to settle down after a historic run over the past couple months.  Production in most areas could resume “normal” volume barring any extreme weather conditions in the concentrated Winter growing areas in Desert Southwest andMexico.

Weather for most of the West Coast appears to be near normal after unexpected heavy rain showers in the Desert this past week. The long term forecast calls for possible showers this weekend and below normal temperatures with threat of showers and possible frost for next week but nothing extreme currently forecast. Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 66-68 hi : 42 low    Central Valley 62:41  Desert/Mexico 75:40.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady but elevated above last year at this time.  Transition to the Desert Southwest will help reduce miles but may increase load complexity. Teams remain in high demand with increased regulations. Plan ahead for best values and service.

 Lettuce – Production has fully shifted to theYumaValley. The market continues to be soft with light demand other than the rain delay late last week. Delays continue with wet fields but should improve daily. Quality has been good but wet lettuce will result in discoloration especially if shippers don’t bypass some over mature fields created by the rain delays.

Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be steady with supplies still available in Santa Maria and the desert. Quality is mostly good with some shippers showing slight to moderate fringe and tipburn along with seeders. Green and Red leaf supplies have increased but with a wide range in quality as well.
Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico andPeru has been begun to increase slightly and should be sufficient forHoliday promotions although sizing is heaviest to Standards.

 Carrots- Demand from the East has picked up significantly leading to periodic shortages but overall supplies are good although sizing is slightly off. Quality has been excellent

Broccoli-   Broccoli production after a prolonged period has finally begun to increase from all areas (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley, Yuma and Mexico).  This has lead to the market dropping significantly.  Shippers are offering deals on load volume and are once again interested in offering ad pricing. Best deals will come from the Coast and Central valley as truck traffic will be predominantly in the desert.  Production may again slow if the weather forecast for colder temps holds.  Quality is much better and should continue to improve daily.

Cauliflower- Similar to broccoli production has jumped significantly with few promos in place the market looks to bottom out this week but may rebound late next week with cooler temps slowing production.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good and the market has been steady for the past week with occasional deals available varying from shipper to shipper.  Celery was one of the few items shippers gave promotional prices and demand has been good. Now that the ads are finishing up look for the market to ease especially in Salinas and Oxnard.  Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.

Bell Peppers- Moderate production currently from the Deserts andMexico. The market has been active through theHoliday especially the Reds and Yellows.  Sizing has been off and between the significant rain and possible cooler temps forecast the market could continue to be strong.

Berries- A few showers last week put an end to theSalinas /Watsonville production.Oxnard and the limited volume fromMcAllen are the preferred loading locations. The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring. Look for the market to continue to be active untilFlorida andMexico can increase production within a couple weeks. Lighter supplies on Blackberries and Raspberries will continue with increased pricing.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production fromMexico continues to suffer from previous weather related issues but is picking up in the Desert and Coastal California.

Happy Thanksgiving

_________________

Tim  Tomasello

Overall markets have eased this past week but there is an overriding sense markets could rebound by next week .  Currently there appears to be a significant reduction in demand as a direct result of high retail prices and marginally more volume but with pending Holiday demand, uncertainty of budgeted volume with transition to new production areas  and cool temperatures in the forecast the markets could likely spike once again.

Weather throughoutCaliforniaand the West Coast has cooled this past week .Light showers earlier in the week have given way to sunny but cool days.  The forecast is for cooler temps the next few weeks with possible showers next weekend.Mexicois expecting possible Thunder showers next week. Norms for Coastal California are 71hi:46lo  ,Central Valley  72hi:48 lo , Desert norms 85hi:49lo
Transportation rates held steady this past week even though there is an abundance of trucks and demand has slowed significantly. Transition to Southern production regions has begun and will add volatility to the market in coming weeks but overall supply appears to be strong. Teams will remain in high demand with increased regulations putting pressure on drivers ability to make on time deliveries. Plan ahead for best values and service.

LETTUCE – Production has begun in the Central Valley , Huron region and continues in theSalinasValley for those shippers  who choose to stretch their production fromSalinas straight to the Desert region.  Other than a few showers earlier in the week the weather has been cooperating for a smooth transition. The market is off and starting to settle although there is a significant range in quality leading to a range in prices.  As the old saying goes , Pay now or pay later.  Quality concerns of Mildew, Fringe burn and seeders.

LEAF LETTUCE-  Romaine production continues to be light to moderate with ranging quality from fringe and tipburn along with mildew and seeders. Fewer shippers are choosing to transition to the Central Valley and are taking a chance their quality will hold.  Green and Red leaf  supplies have increased but with a wide range in quality as well.

ASPARAGUS- Production  from Coastal Mexico  andPeru has been begun to increase slightly and should be sufficient forHoliday promotions.

 CARROTS-  Demand from the East has picked up significantly this past week leading to periodic shortages but overall supplies are good. Quality has been excellent

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BROCCOLI-   Broccoli production has increased this past week with improved quality which allowed most shippers to pack more crowns. The market eased with a steep decline in demand but the first near frost temperatures of the year have again slowed growth along the coast. Mexico production had a similar surge in supplies which attributed to the easing of the market but supplies there have also started to slow.  Central Valley production is set to begin next week which will help stabilize pricing heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday.

CAULIFLOWER- Lighter production continues with extreme high market.  Supplies should start increasing as we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday season.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

CELERY- Production continues mainly from Salinas and Santa Maria but Oxnard has begun with a few local shippers.  Quality has been good and the market has been steady for the past week.  Celery was one of the few items shippers have given promotional prices for the past several weeks so demand will likely be good right through the Thanksgiving pull. Several shippers are already talking about raising prices to slow demand so they can cover their “Ads”.

BELL PEPPERS- Production in the California Central  and CoastalValley will wind down this week and production from the desert and Mexico has begun. The market has been active but should ease with increased production from the Desert.  Reds and Yellows have continued to be active and should follow the same pattern with lighter supplies through the transition to Coachella and Nogales. Eastern Bells quality has been improving as new production areas in Georgia and Florida have had better growing conditions.

STRAWBERRIES-  A few showers slowed production during this past week and will likely put an end to theSalinas /Watsonville production with much of the fruit either bring diverted to freezer or shipped  to close by markets. The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring.  Good production on Blackberries and Raspberries continues with steady demand.

Citrus -Oranges  California Navel’s have begun. Earlier than anticipated with light volume. For the season the crop is forecast to be off from last years  but with overall better size and flavor profiles.Valencia’s are still available but are expected finish next week.  Lemons of all shapes and sizes have very limited availability, but volumes are starting to increase. Production is currently light out of District 2 (Coastal). Sizing is on the smaller size as they are peaking on sizes 140/165 and 115, heaviest to fancy. All sizes are in a demand-exceeds-supply situation, so be sure to pre-book your orders. District 1 (California central valley) is slated to begin in the fall. District 3 (California desert) has started and volume is starting to become more consistent. The Mexican season loading inTexas has started, but has been decimated by the near flooding in and around growing and packing regions.