There is  no shortage of items to choose from this time of year. Most Veg commodities are in full production and Spring Veg is starting to increase as well. Add in all the Fruit categories either peaking or just getting underway and the promotional opportunities are endless.

Weather forecast for The West calls for mostly sunny and warm throughout the state.Temperatures are expected to be near normal for the next 3 weeks. Only the desert is expected to have above normal temps. CaliforniaCoastnorms 68/46-50 . TheSouthernInland Valleynorms 79/52 and The Desert  norms 92/58.

Transportation rates rose slightly throughout the week and are expected to continueheading higher into next week. Limited trucks due to Holidays and increased fruit has kept rates firm. Look for rates to continue to climb as we approach the Summer season.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

CELERY-  Seeders continue to drive the market with reduced sizing and overall yields. Larger sizes will command a premium although the market on  all sizes has strengthened.  The quality issues are expected to continue for 3-4 weeks.

ASPARAGUS- Limited Production from Central Mexico has Salinas andStockton as the primary production areas until the coastal Baja region of Mexico starts next month. The market  strengthened  significantly and will continue to firm with fewer supplies available. Most shippers have started to pack exclusively 11lbs.  Promotional supplies are not expected to be available for the next month.

GRAPES-   Supplies of Reds are expected to improve but the Green varietals  continue to be limited.  Quality continues to be sporadic from the southern Chilean district. Production from Mexico will start later than normal but should have good supplies by late May.

LETTUCE-  Salinas production is starting to improve as well as quality which has led to a softening of the market. There continues to be wide ranging quality from shipper to shipper daily. Rib Blight, Blister and discoloration  continue to be present but lessening daily. Color and texture should start to improve next week .

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be heavy with wide range of quality. Blister and discoloration are still present. Green and Red leaf supplies have been sufficient with good quality. Continue to monitor qualityreports daily to ensure best possible arrivals.

CAULIFLOWER-  Production continues to stall in Salinas and Santa MariaValley. The market  ended this past week firm but could finally ease  next week as production picks up in the North . Quality has mostly been good with occasional spotting on arrivals.

BROCCOLI- Production has shifted fully to Salinas and Santa Maria. As Central Valley production has finished till the Fall and cooler than expected weather  tightened supplies and the market firmed.  Warmer weather next week should help bring on supplies and steady the market.  Quality has been mostly good.

BELL PEPPERS- Production has started in the California desert.  Greensizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo.  Production from Mexico will continue to decline. Red and Yellows are scheduled to start by late next week.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and goodflavor and sizing profiles. Packout is heaviest towards fancy, large sizes but there continues to be deals available on choice packs.  Production on Navels has peaked and a few shippers are ready to start Valencia’s.

STRAWBERRIES- Production continues from all three districts,Watsonville, Santa Maria and Oxnard. Quality has improved mostly in Watsonville with most Oxnard fruit being kept close to market and priced accordingly.  The market has steadied on  better quality fruit  and with significant demand  for Mother’s Day promotions  the market will continue to be firm throughout the week.  There are still good opportunities to promote through the month of May.  Good supplies of stems are alsoavailable.  Raspberries continue to be in short supply although production and quality will increase as the weather warms.  Blackberries supplies are improving as well as quality.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing.  The market is firm with steady demand.

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production  has peaked especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville. Additional globe varieties are still available.Most shippers continue to actively pursue promotions and lower pricingreflects. Quality is excellent. Sizing will start to peak on medium sizes and willeventually give way to the smaller sizes before overall production slows.

CHERRIES-  California Cherry production is on schedule for an early May start with light availability next week.  Promotional volume will be available in a couple weeks and should last through the first week of June . Good weather is anticipated to help provide a bumper crop. Schedule promotions now while supplies last.