9/29/11

Schools are back in session, tree colors are changing from green to yellows and reds, and local gardens are fast coming to an end. From what we see, east coast items, such as celery, broccoli, lettuces, and mixed items will go another 2-3 weeks and then the attention will head west for those items. The east will continue to have local apples and other seasonal items, but will look to California for most other vegetable needs. Believe us, shippers out west are CHOMPING at the bit for better demand.
Trucks have been tight and higher priced these past 3 weeks, but now it appears there should be more out west, and rates should start to drift downward.
Long range weather in the Salinas and Santa Maria areas show typical Fall weather, with highs in the 70s, while Fresno area will remain in the 90’s for highs.

LETTUCE–no change. Still plenty of supplies, nice quality, and flat market. We don’t see much change until the transition starts, where we go from Salinas to Huron, which won’t be until the 3rd week in October.

BROCCOLI–continued wide range in price, depending upon the area and shipper. Maine looks to continue another 2-3 weeks, but there is already more interest in California broccoli, due to the excellent quality. Still, product delivered from California is reasonably close in price to Maine, so its worth it to switch. Supplies out of Salinas or Santa Maria.

CAULIFLOWER–supplies aren’t overly heavy, but demand is very slow, keeping this market steady to slightly weaker. Some shippers are looking to move product, and discounting off their board prices. Good item to shop around for. Again, supplies coming out of Salinas or Santa Maria.

LEAF ITEMS–not much demand or price change on red, green, or boston, and those markets are fairly low. However, high freight costs are keeping delivered prices high. Romaine is the active item here. With quotes $12-14.00 FOB, that makes delivered prices $21-23.00 to the east coast. Romaine hearts are also up there  in price.

CELERY–still dragging on the bottom, except for Dole. Dole quotes are $3-4.00/box HIGHER than the general market, and they don’t care. The overall market continues flat, and will be that way until Michigan and Canada dry up, which may not be for another 3 weeks, depending upon the their weather.

STRAWBERRIES–a FLOOD of berries, and mostly due to quality. This means that quality is poor, and receivers are rejecting arrivals, and THOSE berries are flooding terminal markets. However, overall demand is slow, which is typical for this time of year. Even Driscoll isn’t pro rating. But, this could also be short lived. Driscoll’s supplies are light, and will get even lighter by the weekend, and their market could firm right back up. But, again, watch the quality. DON’T carry  berries and expect them to hold up. Get them IN, and get them OUT as quickly as you can.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com9/29/11

FALL IS UPON US

Schools are back in session, tree colors are changing from green to yellows and reds, and local gardens are fast coming to an end. From what we see, east coast items, such as celery, broccoli, lettuces, and mixed items will go another 2-3 weeks and then the attention will head west for those items. The east will continue to have local apples and other seasonal items, but will look to California for most other vegetable needs. Believe us, shippers out west are CHOMPING at the bit for better demand.
Trucks have been tight and higher priced these past 3 weeks, but now it appears there should be more out west, and rates should start to drift downward.
Long range weather in the Salinas and Santa Maria areas show typical Fall weather, with highs in the 70s, while Fresno area will remain in the 90’s for highs.

LETTUCE–no change. Still plenty of supplies, nice quality, and flat market. We don’t see much change until the transition starts, where we go from Salinas to Huron, which won’t be until the 3rd week in October.

BROCCOLI–continued wide range in price, depending upon the area and shipper. Maine looks to continue another 2-3 weeks, but there is already more interest in California broccoli, due to the excellent quality. Still, product delivered from California is reasonably close in price to Maine, so its worth it to switch. Supplies out of Salinas or Santa Maria.

CAULIFLOWER–supplies aren’t overly heavy, but demand is very slow, keeping this market steady to slightly weaker. Some shippers are looking to move product, and discounting off their board prices. Good item to shop around for. Again, supplies coming out of Salinas or Santa Maria.

LEAF ITEMS–not much demand or price change on red, green, or boston, and those markets are fairly low. However, high freight costs are keeping delivered prices high. Romaine is the active item here. With quotes $12-14.00 FOB, that makes delivered prices $21-23.00 to the east coast. Romaine hearts are also up there  in price.

CELERY–still dragging on the bottom, except for Dole. Dole quotes are $3-4.00/box HIGHER than the general market, and they don’t care. The overall market continues flat, and will be that way until Michigan and Canada dry up, which may not be for another 3 weeks, depending upon the their weather.

STRAWBERRIES–a FLOOD of berries, and mostly due to quality. This means that quality is poor, and receivers are rejecting arrivals, and THOSE berries are flooding terminal markets. However, overall demand is slow, which is typical for this time of year. Even Driscoll isn’t pro rating. But, this could also be short lived. Driscoll’s supplies are light, and will get even lighter by the weekend, and their market could firm right back up. But, again, watch the quality. DON’T carry  berries and expect them to hold up. Get them IN, and get them OUT as quickly as you can.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com

The Salinas Valley is finally getting some much deserved warm weather.  After a cold and misty summer, we are finally seeing the sun.  Temperatures are expected to stay in the high 70s and low 80s all week in Salinas, a stark contrast to the 60 degree days we had in weeks past.  Markets are beginning to finish up on the east coast and Michigan and more focus is being put on west coast product.  Quality is nice across the board on most items and shippers are looking for business.  There are deals out there

Truck rates remain in the mid 7000 range for the east.  Trucks were scarce last week because if the Labor Day holiday, but there are more trucks this week, which could bring prices down a few hundred dollars by weeks end.

LETTUCE — Quality is actually improving, we are seeing some beautiful heads and weights coming out of the field.  This warmer weather will improve volume as well as quality.  We are seeing less mildew because there have been fewer misty mornings that keep product wet.  Days are shorter so we can get a way with warmer mid day temps for shorter period of time.

BROCCOLI — Tighter supplies this week as Eastern growing regions finish up.  Quality is good and no problems to speak of these past few weeks.  Warmer weather should bring on more product, but with higher demand, we could see an improvement in market.  Crown material is scarcer and will continue to be light for the next 2 weeks.

CAULIFLOWER– Pretty much the same report as broccoli.  Nice product has been coming out of the field and we see it continuing in to the weekend.  Like broccoli, supply has decreased over the past few weeks, but we won’t see a stronger market until eastern growing areas are finished for the season.

LEAF ITEMS — Romaine continues to be active, prices have actually gone up a few dollars since last week.  Supplies are minimal but steady and quality is excellent.  Green and red leaf sales are still sluggish, but we expect things to turn around and improve by a few dollars by next week.  Warm weather is bringing on some nice product.

CELERY — Some shippers are seeing tight supply on celery, mostly on the small sizes.  This has been the general report for the past few weeks.  We could see some movement by mid week due to Michigan areas finishing up.  Be sure to get orders in early to take advantage of improving markets.  Quality is very nice, good hearty product that can go anywhere.

STRAWBERRIES — Product is more available this week than last week.  Although there are still pro rates, a better percentage of our Driscoll orders are being covered.  Don’t expect excellent berries, these are marginal quality at best.  Warmer days wont help quality, however days are shorter and the nights are cool.  All shippers are seeing problems; this is not limited to any particular label or area.  Get product in and out quick, and inform customers to work through them as much as they can.

Ed Brem

www.producewet.com

Slow markets continue to plague the industry out west; however there are a few factors that could create some activity later this week.  East coast storms have created flooding in urban areas, which has caused serious damage to homes and businesses, not to mention washing away roadways.  Many stores remain closed as the cleanup begins.  Eastern growing areas have been hit hard by the rains, some are still harvesting but quality of surviving product is marginal at best.  This could create more demand as the East assesses the damage and stocks up once again.

Trucks are available, rates have begun creeping up from last week’s lows, but mixer loads remain in the mid to upper 7000 range.

Weather has been warm in the Salinas Valley these past few days, although temperatures will hit a cooling trend, expected in the low 60s later this week.

LETTUCE — Quality has been very nice.  Nice weights and presentation out of the West. There is hope that the market improves later this week as Colorado and Eastern producers begin to see lighter numbers; something that normally happens this time of year.  We could see prices rise by the weekend.

BROCCOLI — Steady supplies out west, but not much of a market.  Little change from last week and good quality on all sizes.  Shippers are reporting that numbers could decrease towards the end of the week which should improve this market by early next week.

CAULIFLOWER — We are seeing lighter supply on cauliflower, although the market is currently poor.  Demand is not strong enough to create any type of market increase.  Like many of the other items, we could see a change by this weekend.  Quality is very nice.

LEAF ITEMS — Romaine is making a move, it has been stronger than green and red leaf for the past month, but as more East and Midwestern buyers are looking to the west for better quality it is creating a stronger market coming in to the new week.  We expect this market to get stronger into the latter of the week.  Green and Red leaf have also made a slight upward move but not quite the momentum as romaine.

CELERY — Still plenty of large sized celery around.  Good quality and prices.  Good growing weather has brought on plenty of nice quality product.  Large sizes are everywhere and at dirt cheap prices.  Smaller sizes are harder to come by, nice weather sizes up the plants and with the poor market, harvesters are in no hurry to get product out of the field.

STRAWBERRIES — Very light supplies for the entire week.  Driscoll is pro rating upwards of 80% of regular orders just to cover everyone.   Weather has been warm and muggy in Watsonville resulting in poor quality.  Quality is very poor, many reports of soft, leaking berries and bruising at the receiving end.  With conditions like these harvesters are leaving much of the product in the field, hurting supply even more.  Make customers aware that these are not the same berries we had in June, close one eye and move through them quick.

Ed Brem

www.producewest.com

With Labor Day here and gone, we are now dealing with the challenge of squeezing 5 days into 4.  Short work weeks not only add more hectic days logistically, they can also create false markets that stir up attention initially, and then die out as the week progresses.  Eastern growing regions are still producing product and will continue for the next few weeks. Weather is going to warm up this week.

Salinas is warming up and temperatures will be in the low 80s for the middle of this week.  This time of year called “Indian summer,” one of the warmest times of the year in the Salinas Valley.

Truck rates continue to slowly decline, and we are now seeing rates in the low 7000 range to the East Coast.

LETTUCE — Market continues to be steady, at near rock bottom prices, industry wide.  Good quality and shippers are confident in sending product anywhere.  Good shelf life and normal weights.  Some shippers are reporting slightly lighter than normal head weights, mostly attributed to cooler weather in the Salinas Valley over the past few weeks.  With warmer weather forecasted this week, we could see some change in quality.

BROCCOLI — Steady market and excellent quality is the general report.  There is still plenty of East Coast broccoli, keeping the western market at bay.  Even though supplies may be slightly lighter here on the West, it was anticipated by growers, and they don’t plant heavy for this time of year.

CAULIFLOWER — good quality and shippers are looking to deal.  Cool temperate weather has kept product looking nice. Warmer weather may result in quality issues 2 weeks from now, but no problems currently.

LEAF ITEMS — Not much change from last week. Leaf market remains at the bottom, not much movement.  Local Eastern product will continue to produce for a few more weeks.

CELERY — Lighter supplies but not much demand.   Good quality industry wide.  Larger sizes are more readily available than small sizes.  Demand has not yet created any type of market on celery and FOBS continue to be lower than freight it takes to move product to the east coast. So, delivered prices continue fairly high, making retail demand sluggish.

STRAWBERRIES– Driscoll continues to pro rate 75% and HIGHER this week, so other shippers are riding on their coattail. Driscoll continues to push their prices weekly, hoping to kill demand, based on their dropping volume. Other shippers are hanging back $2-4.00/box less than Driscoll, but don’t want to go to the east coast. Quality is only fair, at BEST, and shippers are quoting their fruit “with 20-30% defects”, and don’t want to hear about any problems. While this isn’t saying “acceptance final”, it’s pretty close.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

SEPTEMBER IS HERE

Hard to imagine, but 2011 is 2/3 done. Fall is right around the corner, even though it seems like we just started summer. On the other hand, folks on the east coast are looking forward to fall, and cooling temperatures after record high temperatures and humidity. Kids are back in school, and a more “routine” life and pace for most families are now in place.

Not much change for long range weather, with the next 10 days in Salinas/Watsonville still mild with days in the high 60s-low 70s, and the central valley in the high 90s to low 100s.

Trucks are plentiful, and rates are finally drifting down. Very typical for this time of year, as local deals continue, and demand for tree fruit, melons, and grapes start to drop off.

LETTUCE– Fairly consistent with last weeks market. Shippers are desperately trying to bring it into the double digits but demand has not quite been there.   With the extreme weather on the East Coast, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a few quiet days this week.  Quality is ok, some reports of breaking down on the store level so it is important to run product through as quickly as possible.

BROCCOLI — Supply is slim on most broccoli items out west.  Fobs are scattered around the 11- 15 dollar range, not very competitive with East Coast product once freight is factored in. Quality is nice, keep the West Coast broccoli in mind when eastern quality begins to slip.

CAULIFLOWER — Plenty of deals out west and good quality to boot. As Indian summer temperatures heat up out west we may see some quality problems, however current weather has been somewhat mild and heads are developing and coloring nicely.

LEAF ITEMS — Plenty of product to move. FOB prices have been painfully low this summer with not much relief in site.  Romaine is the only item that has made any type of move in price, and has left a 4-5 dollar spread in price between shippers. The quality is there and don’t be afraid to go outside the big 3 for good deals.

CELERY — Plenty of celery industry wide, larger sizes have been more prevalent mostly because shippers aren’t in a hurry to pull product out of the field.  As freight rates decrease, we hope that eases the freight pains we are currently experiencing.

STRAWBERRIES –Driscoll is very tight, orders are being pro rated 50 – 75 %.  We don’t see much improvement in supply for the remainder of this week.  Misty weather has resulted in marginal quality and many berries are being passed by in the field because of soft condition.  Driscoll is leading the pack as FOBs near 15 dollars. Other shippers may have plenty of berries but they continue to follow the upward trend in price with Driscoll leading the way.  Be happy with what you get, and move through it quickly.

Ed Brem

www.producewest.com

8/22/11

This has been an unusual Summer out West. Salinas area has had  well below normal temperatures for all of July and August, with highs only in the mid 60s, while the San Joaquin Valley has been HOT for the past month, with daily temperatures in the low 100’s. This is what usually happens. When it is cool on the coast, it is hot in the San Joaquin Valley. The cool, sea breezes blow in from the west, and keep the inland areas hot. When the wind switches, the coast gets warm and the San Joaquin Valley cools off. We haven’t seen that for this Summer, which is unusual. This trend keeps produce from growing, quality problems with mildew showing up in some head lettuce, romaine, and leaf, and is also effecting strawberries, which we are seeing more bruising  and lighter colored fruit.
Long range weather shows more of the same, with a slight warming in Salinas this week, but still below normal. The San Joaquin Valley will continue hot.
Trucks are a bit more available this week, as there isn’t much demand for produce, due to local markets and gardens producing. Rates, which peaked out several weeks ago, are still relatively high, with rates $7000-8000 to the east coast, depending upon how far east you are going, amount of pickups, and area you are covering.

LETTUCE–still not much action, and prices are flexible. Most shippers start out with strong quotes, but by the end of the day, they are looking for business, and “flexing”. Quality is mostly okay, although size and weights are only fair. Condition is mostly good, but there is some mildew showing up, due to cool, damp nights and mornings.

BROCCOLI–still plenty of crowns in Maine and Canada, which is taking care of those eastern areas. Out west in Salinas and Santa Maria, there aren’t too many crowns available, and prices are firm. Growers plan their fields that way, knowing full well that this time of year demand is usually slow, so they don’t plant heavily.

CAULIFLOWER–a wide range in price, depending upon area, quality, label, and shipper. We are seeing as much as a $5.00 spread in price on 12s, so its worth shopping around.

LEAF ITEMS–plenty of romaine, red, and green leaf, and shippers are dealing. Quality is nice, overall, but, like head lettuce,  there is some mildew showing up.

CELERY–no change. Most shippers dealing, while Dole is $3-4.00/box higher than the “mostly”  market. Supplies coming out of Salinas or Santa Maria areas.

STRAWBERRIES–the cool, damp nights and mornings are effecting supplies and quality. Driscoll has raised their price AGAIN, and pro rating 50% and HIGHER this week. Other shippers, while looking for business, are capitalizing on the Driscoll shortage, and raising their prices, too. But, many shippers want to keep their fruit west of the Mississippi, due to heavy bruising, and other issues. Even Driscoll berries are only fair to fairly good, with smaller size, lighter color, and their own share of bruising.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com

8/15/11

Here we are in the middle of August, plenty of good quality product and quiet demand.  Prices are very low on most items to compete with East coast product.  Truck rates remain higher than average for a number of reasons. High fuel costs and lack of westbound freight are major factors in truck availability.  Package that up with new emissions laws and costly upgrades and fines, and we have a heavy freight bill.

Weather on the east coast continues to be hot, and product is coming steadily.  Salinas weather remains cool and mild producing nice quality product. Deals are here and product is looking nice so come and get it!

LETTUCE — Quality remains generally nice.  We have had very few hot days and the plants are less stressed, increasing their ability to fend off diseases and pests.  Some mildew has been spotted in select corners because of some misty mornings, but overall product looks good.  Shippers are doing all they can to get Fobs’ up into the double digits but have been unsuccessful up to this point.

BROCCOLI — Lots of local and eastern broccoli, but, quality out west is very nice, bunches are tight and good color.  Supply will continue to be good into next week.  Good item to promote, shippers are looking for creative ways to move product in slow times like these.  3 dollar spread in price among shippers

CAULIFLOWER — Plenty of product this week.  Condition is excellent, many of the pest problems from 3 weeks ago have been taken care of and we are left with nice durable product.  Also a good item to promote.

LEAF ITEMS — Once again, nice quality product, dirt cheap prices industry wide.  Shippers are looking to move.  Some fringe burn associated with the wind, but nothing major to report.   East coast product has been plentiful, taking the steam out west coast production. Even with low fob’s, high freight costs push up delivered prices, and retail.

CELERY — Freight has kept this item from making any sort of move.  $10-11.00/box cost to haul to the east coast is a touch pill to swallow.  Consumers will tend to substitute fruit items for celery, which is another costly blow to this item. Dole still KING, commanding $2-3.00/box MORE than the general market.

STRAWBERRIES–There is a 3 – 5 dollar spread between Driscoll and ‘other’ berry shippers.   There are a few reasons for this; one being the obvious is the Driscoll name. Another is the fact that Driscoll is one of the only strawberry shippers that are willing to go all the way east with their product.  Other shippers would rather take the safe route and keep deliveries west of the Mississippi or go to the freezer or processing.  Because of this, Driscoll is pro rating orders this week due to high east coast demand.  There have been some quality issues, but current varieties have held up nicely even though we had some misty mornings last week.

Ed Brem

Produce West

Back to school time means several things to the produce injury. First, and foremost, changes in eating habits, as more meals are spent at home. Less eating out at restaurants, and more home cooking. Along with that, lunches for kids going to school, means more sales of items such as oranges, apples, grapes, vegetables such as lettuce for sandwiches, carrots, celery, and other items that go in the lunch bags. All getting back to normal and more “routine” living in the homes across the country.
Trucks still a bit snug this week, which is reflective of the overall economy, with slow westbound freight to get the trucks to California to load produce. Rates are unusually high for this time of year, as a result.
Long range weather show typical for Salinas, with early morning and night overcast, burning off by midday, and clear, cool days. Cooler than normal, this has been the trend ALL summer, so far. Fresno is HOT, typical for these summer months.

LETTUCE–shippers trying to get this market off the floor. The market has been fairly stagnant for the past several weeks, and it is only a matter of time before it starts to get stronger. Our cooler than normal temperatures for this time of year is slowing growth. We are also seeing smaller size, and firmer heads.

BROCCOLI–another item that shippers are trying to push up in price, but with so much product coming on in Maine, and other areas, prices continue to flounder out west. Quality is VERY nice in Salinas, so it could be worth the extra money.

CAULIFLOWER — a wide range in price, depending upon the shipper and label. There is good quality with even the most obscure labels, so its worth the shopping around, if you aren’t “label conscious”.

LEAF ITEMS–not much change on red, green, or romaine. There is not a lot of interest this time of year for leaf items, which is typical for summer. On the other hand, there are quality issues with romaine, in particular, so the market could get stronger. The cooler, damp nights and mornings are lending itself to more mildew showing up, so it is important to get the best quality out there.

CELERY– no change. There is a continued price spread between the “mostly” market and preferred labels such as Dole an T&A, with as much as a $3-4.00/box SPREAD. Freight continues to be the biggest stumbling block, with a $10-11.00/box cost to haul to the east coast. That still puts a delivered cost for a box of celery at $22-26.00. Tough to put out a decent retail.

STRAWBERRIES–the cool, damp weather is starting to take its toll on quality. The main result of these conditions is BRUISING, which is caused by picking a “wet” strawberry. Put that wet berry in a box, and it pushes up against the container and other fruit, travels on a truck for 5-6 days, and the result is bruising. We are now suggesting that you order for a “fast turnover”, and order just what you need.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com

Record breaking heat continues to hammer the entire East coast, with days in the 90s, and stifling humidity. This week looks to be hot and muggy, with some forecasted relief by the middle of next week. Still, these conditions are really hurting business, as people just don’t want to go outside. Also, local items, such as broccoli, cauliflower, leaf, berries,  and other items are coming on quickly, but there will probably be some problems down the road.
Trucks, for some reason, are VERY tight today. Not sure why, although part of the reason is that westbound freight, east coast items delivering to California, is extremely slow, and truckers say they have rigs stuck in the east. Regardless, rates are up $300-400 over last week.
Long range weather in the growing areas of Salinas/Watsonville show cooler days by 5-7 degrees, while the Fresno area is forecasted for the mid to high 90s, which is a bit below normal for this time of year. We already know what is going on on the east coast.

LETTUCE–slow demand, low market, as shippers are ALL looking for business. Quality for product in Salinas has improved a bit, with better size and weights. The cooler weather this week may slow down growth and production, and we could see the market perk up by this weekend.

BROCCOLI–with all the available product on the east coast, demand for broccoli in California is very slow. Still, there is a shortage of crowns out west, and shippers are looking to raise their prices by $1-2.00 over last week. It may be short lived, as no one really cares, and will buy their product in the east.

CAULIFLOWER–a very wide range in price on 12s and 9s, with as much as a $5.00/box spread, depending upon the shipper and area. Overall quality is very good to excellent, so it is worth shopping around for the best deal.

LEAF ITEMS–no change. Market at, or near the bottom on red, green, and romaine. What is keeping it there is, not just local product, but freight. Currently, the freight for a box of these items is costing more than the FOB! As a result, delivered prices are not too attractive, and retails aren’t priced to move.

CELERY–market fairly weak on the large size 18s, 24s, and 30s, while the smaller size 36s and 48s are tight, and priced $3-5.00/box more than the larger sizes. The main reason is that demand for hearts is VERY strong, so shippers, lacking in heart material, are moving to 48s and even 36 size for the their heart material.

STRAWBERRIES–good demand and strong prices. August and September are usually Driscoll months. Quality usually starts to fall off during this time, and buyers want Driscoll, due to their overall consistent quality. But,  as Driscoll’s demand goes up, so does their pricing, as well as pro rates. If you’re “in” with Driscoll, that’s good. If not, you are on the outside LOOKING in.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com

Not that we had to remind anyone, but, we are entering the Dog Days of August. As if record heat throughout the midwest and east coast isn’t enough of a sign. Normally, local deals kick in throughout the areas with lettuce, celery, fruits, broccoli, cauliflower, and other items appearing in local fruit stands and stores. While there should be plenty of product to go around, the record heat waves could effect certain items and put pressure on the west coast. At least, that is what the shippers out west are HOPING for.

Long range weather in the growing areas of Salinas and Santa Maria show continued mild days and nights, with highs in the 70s, and overcast(fog) in the night and early morning. Fresno area show continued hot, with highs in the high 90s and low 100s. Both areas are normal for this time of year.

Trucks are available for all areas of the country, with steady rates for this time of year.

LETTUCE–after a run up last week, demand has fallen off, and prices more “flexible”. Even with volume and yields down, and shippers thinking they can raise prices, “fruit” salads are replacing “lettuce” salads for lunch and dinner this time of year. Lettuce quality is mostly good, but we would like to see a bit more size and weight.

BROCCOLI–volume down, but the shippers can’t push their markets up  too much, with supplies out of Michigan, Canada, and Maine areas producing good numbers. We don’t see demand for broccoli improving out west for another month, or so.

CAULIFLOWER–this market is also going south, after higher markets last week raised retail prices. There is quite a spread right now, with as much as a $5.00/box difference on 12s, depending upon the shipper and area. Good item to shop around for.

LEAF ITEMS–no change. Romaine, which had gotten stronger last week, has come down. Red and green leaf can’t establish any momentum at all, and are at, or near, the bottom.

CELERY–there is a real price spread between Dole and the rest of the pack. For instance, on 36 size, there is as much as a $6.00/box SPREAD between Dole and the “mostly” market. Do they warrant this kind of difference? Some people think so. Still, if you don’t have to have Dole, there are plenty of deals out there. Michigan is getting hammered with record heat, so we could see the California demand and market go up next week.

STRAWBERRIES–most shippers have PEAKED, and are starting to drop off in supplies. There will still be plenty of fruit around, especially with local markets in the east, so not to worry. Still, Driscoll says they are going to raise their prices by $2.00/box next week! We’ll see.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com