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