Most shippers have improved although below budgeted volume but stalled demand has led to a reluctant market correction. Forecast call for mildly warm temperatures which should be ideal for quality . Limited labor will keep supplies from overwhelming the market. Overall quality is good with some variations in color , weight and appearance due to fringe burn and mildew pressure.

​Romaine and Heart production continues to be managed with some shippers harvesting 50% of their product while others continue full harvest. Demand has slowly improved. Labor shortages will avert any potential oversupply. Expect continued variations in quality, availability and price until consumer confidence fully returns.  The Green leaf and Red leaf markets have also been depressed with Eastern regional production eroding demand.

Production from Mexico is winding down with heavy insect pressure forcing an early end to the season. Central Coast supplies have been slow to start but should improve heading into next week. The market has shot up dramatically with most shippers allocating supplies until their new crop gets fully started.

We are seeing tighter supplies industry wide. Salinas production is slowly picking up momentum. Oxnard production is winding down and is expected to be completely finished by the second week of July. Quality has been nice with very few issues to report. There have been more large sizes available, with small sizes are in tight supply. We expect supplies to carry through the holiday and volume will improve post holiday.

Green Bell production looks to be strong from the Central Valley with pricing adjusting from it’s seasonal high. Red Bell production will now be limited until production begins in Central California, expect higher pricing for the balance of the month.

There is higher demand on Valencia oranges. Harvests have been keeping up the pace at this point. There are fewer small sizes available and pricing is reflecting this. Quality has been very good on Valencias with very few problems to report other than some slight greening. We expect this market to strengthen as supplies dwindle in the coming weeks.

Market has weakened and most shippers are looking for business. Both bunch and crown cuts are readily available. Run your offers by us.

The market has cleaned up as we move towards the end of the Holiday pull. Many suppliers have gone the route of the juicers and the freezers in order to clean up the large inventories of fruit. Promotional pricing for the 4th help clean up the large cooler inventories. Expect fruit sizing to continue to run small into next week. Estimates will continue to be down for the majority of shippers out of the Watsonville area. Prices will be of the steady and most likely range from $9.00 to $10.00 next week. The weather forecast for next week the Salinas / Watsonville area is for Sunny and mild temps ranging from 68- to 72 degrees all week.

Expect California supplies to continue to lighten up. The central valley areas have seen warm weather, and it has pushed fruit forward. Quality is being reported as good, but with the recent heat, we can expect to see some softer berries if the cold chain is broken. Maintaining proper ride temperatures is imperative on long trips. Growers are packing mostly 6oz, but Pints are available. North Carolina continues with harvest, but has had a recent set back due to rain. We expect production to recover quickly. Quality is good, and prices have been steady. New Jersey is getting started with light production this week and the Pacific Northwest begin around the 1st of July.

Demand exceeds and extremely limited industry-wide.  Mexico’s seasons has come to an abrupt end and California is slowly ramping up. Georgia has been increasing supplies this week.  Supplies are expected to remain very limited for the next 1-2 weeks out of all other areas. Look for North Carolina to come into play next week. We will have some light central valley harvest starting in California next week. While at the same time the areas of Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville will hopefully bring some relief to the market place.

Status quo for the market. Supplies remain limited. Mexico’s season has come to an end, and California is slowly ramping up. The general feedback from all shippers is that availability will continue to be light until Salinas/Watsonville increase production. The transition will be slow, but we expect improvements week over week for the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Good availability on all sizes. The weather along the Central Coast growing regions of California has been very nice this week and harvest volume has increased. Run your offers by us.

Production of the heirloom artichoke has peaked on large sizes with still good values on medium sizes. Markets on larger sizes have firmed while deals continue to be available on medium sizes. Take advantage of the superior Heirloom variety. while supplies last.  Moderate supplies of the “thornless” variety continue to be available at reduced pricing.

Transition time is here. Desert deal is winding down and could be hastened due to poor market conditions that will be exacerbated by competition from the Westside. Transportation woes continue. A few of the Westside growers are harvesting now, but more will join the pile this weekend and next week. Demand has continued to be tepid at best due to the aforementioned transportation woes and general overall slow trading. Next week demand cold pickup at bit as there seems to be some increased promotional interest from retailers. Transportation will continue to be an issue but that could be offset as Westside loading makes it easier to lad partial trucks and mix it with other products. It has yet to be determined how sizes will run in early fields but 9s and 12s are expected to be peak size. Quality in desert is getting a bit tired but Westside should be nice. We look for a steady to slightly better market next week with less discounting than has been the case in the desert.

Like cantaloupes the transition from the desert to the Westside is well underway. In fact, honeydews have started slightly before the cantaloupes. Sizes as with the desert are running mostly 5 & 6s. Quality is good. Transportation and overall slow trading has kept prices in check with discounting occurring in the desert. Next week the desert should be done for all intents and purposes. Westside should continue to increase supplies. We look for the market to firm next week with less discounting, But no dramatic price rises either.

Desert will continue for another week, and northern districts should be starting about then. Demand has been tepid as the same transportation woes are affecting demand. Supplies have been moderate but have felt abundant due to the lack of demand. That should continue when the north starts. We see little change next week but a possible rise in prices the following week.

Central Valley greens will start towards the middle of July. Current growing areas are Mexico and Coachella Valley. Quality and color is very nice and good sugar is being reported. This market is slipping as Mexico rolls loads and cleans up inventories for the season.

Red grape pricing is coming off as the growing regions overlap . central valley reds are expected to start harvesting this weekend, which will help ease the market. Early quality reports are good on central valley grapes.

Cauliflower production has improved as weather returns to near normal. Expect steady supplies into July. Quality has been excellent.

Broccoli  production has been steady with most shippers expected to be steady for the next couple weeks . Quality is improving with the mild weather.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production although expect some volatility in supplies throughout the month. The market is expected to stay steady.

​​​Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  supplies  continue steady with improved availability and quality.

Lemons:  The crop has been very good quality with mostly large sizing profile . The market has strengthened even on large sizes and is expected to remain strong through the month as we see production limited to Southern California district.

Oranges: Valencia’s supplies have improved with increased sizing and sugar profile.  Demand continues strong.

Limes: Quality is showing signs of improvement from Mexico and the market continues strong​.​ California production is limited.

Grapefruit:  Supplies have been steady with good quality and demand keeping prices elevated. Sizing profiles have increased.

Carrot ​Production has been steady but warmer weather in the Central Valley will help improve supplies although advanced notice is still required with current heavy demand .

Potato supplies from California continue steady supplies on Gold ,  Red and now Russets although sizing has been smaller than anticipated limiting bulk count packs.

Onion demand has been good and production is strong as new crop production has begun from Southern California deserts supplementing supplies from Mexico. Quality should improve as storage supplies have been reduced. The market continues to be strong.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has been hampered by rain and is declining weekly.  Expect lighter volume through the month. Anticipating Flor Loca crop to begin in July. California: California Hass continue with strong demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties. Expect limited domestic supplies to last through the Summer.

​OG Watermelons  Supplies on seedless are steady.  Quality has been good from Mexico with slightly smaller sizing profile. Availability has improved and the market remains strong with reduced east coast supplies keeping pressure on West Coast production. Bakersfield has started with excellent quality and brix levels .Mini seedless ​supplies continue to improve.

OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production from California , Arizona desert region has good volume with excellent sizing and flavor profiles .Overlap supplies should allow for good values heading to the weekend. Honeydews will increase availability this week. as well.

Green & Red :  Mexico and Coachella production has increased and the market has started to settle although many shippers selling out daily. All varieties continue to struggle to reach appropriate color, sizing and brix levels. Central California production is right around the corner but most shippers are reporting to have continued smaller sizing, color and brix levels . Shippers are starting to offer Ad promotions.

Weather continues to be cool and mild throughout the production area which has kept supplies moderate although with demand to match, the market has retreated .Quality has been improving with mildew pressure expected to increase as a result of the persistent heavy marine layer along the coast. Some shippers are still packing lighter lettuce while some are reporting heavier lot.

​Romaine and Heart production continues to be moderate with many shippers harvesting 50% of their product while others continue full harvest. Demand has started to slowly improve from the outbreak debacle which would explain the slow down in iceberg demand. Labor shortages will avert any potential oversupply. Expect continued variations in quality , availability and price until consumer confidence fully returns.  The Green leaf and Red leaf markets have also retreated, with Eastern regional production getting started.

Production mostly from Mexico and Southern California​ has slowed allowing for the market to improve. Production from Central Coast is limited , Quality continues to be mostly good with some insect damage reported from all districts.

This market continues to be steady this week. There have been a few shippers trying to raise pricing on small sized celery but overall we are seeing similar conditions as last week. Shippers are still looking to move product, especially on large sizes.  There is availability in Salinas, although at a premium price above Oxnard. Salinas is not expected to harvest any significant volume until the middle of next month. Quality is very nice overall.

Demand from the East has kept prices strong. Supplies on Green Bells should be steady although transition to Central Valley could create lighter supplies. The Red Bell market has been tiered with better quality from Coachella while deals continue on mostly fair quality from Nogales. Expect lighter supplies as Mexico finishes in coming weeks.

 California Valencias are increasing in volume, mostly on large sizes. Quality is very nice with very few problems to report. There are still some navel varieties available but supplies are diminishing quickly. We expect lower than normal supplies all summer in California due to abnormal weather conditions this past winter.

We are starting to see a slight reprieve in prices, mainly with the crown cuts. Bunch broccoli remains somewhat limited and will finish the week in that manner. Overall quality is fair. Product remains branchy and some yellow spotting is being reported. Make sure your orders are being inspected before loading.

A plethora of supplies will be available thru the front part of next week.continue to Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville are in full production with good quality and heavy volumes. Transportation continue to be tight. Consider Oxnard finished for the season as supplies are dwindling fast. The majority of the suppliers are pulling out of fresh harvest and are using the remaining fruit for juice and processing. Quality has been fair at best in this area. To absorb the sudden onset of volume, Santa Maria growers have also dedicated a big portion of their fruit to processing this week. Although this will help, supplies continue to be heavy with plenty of good quality fruit to push. Aggressive prices and volume opportunities are available. Salinas and Watsonville production saw a boost last week as well. This week, harvest continues to be steady with good availability and good quality. Again, aggressive prices and volume opportunities are available. As we move past this wave of volume and post-holiday demand lull, we hope to see markets begin to normalize. Looking forward, all areas expect to.

Blackberry supplies are gradually increasing. Domestic harvest is still limited, so Mexico continues to be the primary source. However, shippers expecting Santa Maria to start ramping up over the next two weeks and Salinas / Watsonville to start by the beginning of June. Quality is good; berries are large with good flavor. Market prices have been fairly steady and will gradually adjust as volume increases. Georgia has now started with light volume. Quality is good, but price is higher. Supplies will improve in this area moving forward.

Due to weather in Florida, Supplies came to a sudden halt last week their season ended abruptly. Georgia has had light harvest with on and off rain. California is very slow to get started with minimal harvest, and Mexico is winding down. All of this led to an industry-wide supply gap. Demand continues to far exceed supply this week as we wait for production to increase in California. Market prices have escalated, and coverage remains a challenge. That being said, the shortages are expected to be temporary. California growers are expecting supplies to increase rapidly over the next two weeks and North Carolina will begin harvest by the end of the month. Total production numbers are expected to ramp up and hit peak volumes by the first two weeks of June. New Jersey will start the middle of June.

Supplies have started to improve as domestic production in California is gradually increasing. We continue to see an overlap with Mexican fruit being harvested consistently. Quality in both regions is being reported as good, and prices have started to decline slowly. Moving forward we expect to see domestic harvest continue to improve as Salinas and Watsonville areas begin early June. Market prices are expected to adjust down gradually as volume increases.

Slightly better supplies have started showing up over the last few days. It seems as though some shippers have better volume than others thus causing as much as a $5.00 spread between the high and low prices. Quality is good, some light cream cast and soft shoulder is being reported but nothing too excessive. Check with your Produce West salesperson for best quality and price.

Production from Mexico has slowed as supplies shift to cooler production areas. Quality from California has been excellent but limited.  Northwest and Eastern regional production areas including New Jersey and Michigan are expected to help fill in supplies as the weather improves and keep prices steady.  Organic supplies are expected to be tight on limited domestic production..Quality has been excellent.

Production of the heirloom artichoke has peaked on large sizes with still good values on medium sizes. Markets on larger sizes have firmed while deals continue to be available on medium sizes. Take advantage of the superior Heirloom variety. while supplies last.  Moderate supplies of the “thornless” variety continue to be available at reduced pricing.

As expected cantaloupes traded higher this week as a gap developed and there were much lighter supplies; The Offshore deal finished. Mexico enjoyed local demand and the desert areas started inconsistently with larger sizes being very tight. By mid week however, more domestic growers started and the early starters’ yields were becoming more consistent and running more 9, jbo 9s and 12 size. Thus prices began to level and then decline. Quality has been quite good. Next week domestic supplies should continue to increase with more growers starting their harvest. By the first week in June all participants should be producing consistent quality volume and sizes. Demand has been slowed by higher prices and tight and expensive trucks. Also next week by mid week there will be holiday arrival date conflicts. Market should be lower over the course of the next week.

Honeydew prices also rose this week with the demise of the off shore deals and the delay in the domestic deal start. Mexico prices went up in response to the overall lighter supplies as well. Demand was and continues to be hampered by expensive freight rates and competing fruits. Next week domestic supplies should increase, albeit at a slower pace than cantaloupes. Demand will be hampered by holiday conflict dates and continuing logistical woes. Market should be lower on honeydews starting the middle to end of next week.

Nogales has a good supply of green grapes available and good quality is being reported. Domestic fruit is starting in the Coachella Valley. Quality is very nice but supplies are limited and prices high, typical for the beginning of the California summer season.

Chilean red grapes are mostly finished. Most of the product is now coming out of Nogales Az. Quality has been very nice for this time of year. California is starting in light numbers and early quality reports have shown strong fruit.

Cauliflower Production has been slowed by extended cooler than normal weather which is forecast to continue through next week . Supplies have slowly improved but light demand will has kept markets steady. Quality has been excellent.  Broccoli  production has been impacted by cooler than normal temperatures but should rebound with any amount of warmth. Quality is improving with the mild weather.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production although expect some volatility in supplies throughout the month. The market is expected to stay steady.

Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  supplies  continue steady with improved availability and quality.

Lemons:  The crop has been very good quality with mostly large sizing profile. The market has adjusted on larger sizes but the smaller sizes are expected to remain strong through the month as we see production improve from Southern California district.

Oranges: Valencia’s supplies have improved with increased sizing and sugar profile.  Demand continues strong.Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement from Mexico and the market continues strong​.​ California production is limited.

Grapefruit:  Supplies have been steady with good quality and demand keeping prices elevated. Sizing profiles have increased substantially .

Mandarins:  Clementine production has almost finished as the California season nears its’ end.

Carrot ​Production has been steady but warmer weather in the Central Valley will help improve supplies although advanced notice is still required with current heavy demand .

Potato Supplies from California continue steady supplies on Gold and Red with Russets expected to begin June 11th.

Onion demand has been good and production is strong as new crop production has begun from Southern California deserts supplementing supplies from Mexico.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has started to tail off with continued strong demand. Expected steady decrease in supplies through the month.

California: California Hass continue with strong demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties.

​​OG Watermelons  Supplies on seedless are steady.  Quality has been good from Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales. Coachella has started with excellent quality and brix levels. Mini seedless ​supplies look to improve moving forward.

OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production from Nogales is available with good quality and Domestic cantaloupes are increasing daily with excellent sizing and flavor profiles .  Honeydews will increase availability by the end of the month from the California, Arizona deserts.

Green & Red : Mexico production has begun increasing volume this week with reported excellent quality. The market has been strong but should start to ease as supplies increase. Coachella Valley, which is a little behind schedule, has also begun their domestic crop with limited production but is expected to ramp up in coming weeks as well.

The market surged last week and continues to be strong. Initially demand surged as supplies tightened but appears to have peaked at current levels. Unexpected cool weather remains along the coast but a return to near normal temperatures is forecast for the weekend. Adding to demand has been an industry wide shift away from Romaine. Future supplies will also be restricted by labor shortages through the Spring.  Quality has been improving but many variations of weight, color and texture continue to show issues on arrival as some shippers have been in various stages of scheduled harvest.. Las Cruces , NM will continue to run through late May. Quality has been excellent with weights expected to be optimal by the weekend. Transportation has been available.

​Romaine and Heart production continues to be moderate while demand continues to erode on NON and Miscommunication from government agencies regarding E.coli outbreak on Chopped Romaine from Yuma Valley. Ideal weather has improved quality and supplies appear to be steady. Labor shortages will avert any potential oversupply. Expect continued variations in quality, availability and price throughout the month. The Green leaf and Red leaf markets have strengthened with improved demand as some receivers shift focus from Romaine.

Production mostly from Mexico and Southern California​ continues with steady supplies. A few growers have begun limited production from Salinas adding to an already heavy supply. Demand continues steady with volume deals still available. Quality​ continues to be mostly very good.

It seems that the market has bottomed out and some shippers are beginning to take their prices higher claiming lighter supplies over the next 10 days. There are still some shippers that are looking to make deals but this may not last long.

Slightly less demand and increased volume this week, forced suppliers to sharpen prices for a few days. Weather this week in all growing areas is forecast for partly sunny skies with highs in the 60s and increasing to the 70s by Friday and lows in the 40s to 50s. Fruit should be available in Santa Maria and Oxnard, with Salinas/Watsonville increasing their volume. The Santa Maria area has better quality fruit with good size although there are still signs of bruising and some misshapen. Oxnard fruit is running much smaller with counts in the mid-20s to 30s, with some windburn, seedy and overripe. Salinas/Watsonville is reporting some white shoulder. There should be good availability going into the Mother’s Day pull, as long as weather remains as forecasted.

Look for increasing supplies into the weekend. Expect a wide range in pricing between suppliers.

Good supplies at promotable prices loading out of the Salinas and Watsonville area thru the middle of the month

Availability continues to be very limited out of California. Mexico is now past peak production and will continue to trend down moving forward. Domestic harvest is still 2-3 weeks away. We do not expect to see any major disruption in coverage through mid-May, but we may see some more severe shortages late may as we wait for the transition between Mexico and California to take place. The suppliers are expecting Salinas, Watsonville and Santa Maria areas to ramp up mid to late May. Supplies are not expected to fully rebound until June.

Domestic blueberry supplies will slowly improve. California is slated to harvest increasing supplies week over week as we move into the summer season. Florida and Georgia have been consistent on production, but rain in Florida may slow down harvest this week. Central valley should begin in about 10 days. Quality is being reported as good in all areas. Demand seems to be a little lighter, as we wait for markets to adjust down with the anticipation of more volume. Mexico production is trending down. Quality is fair, and prices are lower. We expect to see domestic harvest continue to improve with promotable volumes in California over the next 2-4 weeks.

Raspberries continue to be short and availability is become increasingly limited into next week. Domestic harvest remains steady to limited and we expect volumes to ramp up in the coming weeks. This leaves Mexico as the primary source of production, and they have passed their peak. Demand continues to exceed supply. Market prices are higher. This shortage will continue until Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville areas start up. We expect shippers to begin to scratch the surface of California harvest this weekend and gradually increase moving forward.

Demand has increased and yields are declining. I have had a few shippers in the Salinas Valley inform me that they are having issues with hollow core thus having to walk past quite a bit of product. The market will remain strong for the remainder of the week.

Production from Mexico has slowed as supplies shift to cooler production areas. Combined with limited domestic acreage the market firmed . Demand remains strong with Mother’s Day approaching . Quality from California has been excellent.  Eastern regional production areas including New Jersey and Michigan are expected to help fill in supplies as the weather improves.  Organic supplies are expected to be tight on limited domestic production..Quality has been excellent.

Production of the heirloom artichoke is peaking with large sizing profile although increased volume on all sizes are available. Heavy demand for Mother’s Day will keep supplies moving. Now is the time to take advantage of the superior Heirloom variety. Moderate supplies of the “thornless” variety continue to be available at reduced pricing.

As expected the cantaloupe market struggles this week under the weight of ample off shore production; moderate increases in Mexican supplies and even the start of the domestic harvest (albeit light). Sizes on all areas skewed smaller with few jbo 9s, sufficient regular 9s and abundant 12s and smaller. Demand was slowed going into the week by stubborn stormy and cold weather in Midwest, Southeast and East Coat population areas. By mid week however weather in those areas was moderating and warmer temps were having their spring awakening. Next week off shore production will continue to be ample and skewing small. Mexican production could begin to increase but still looks inconsistent and spotty also with sizes skewing small. Domestic production could increase with a couple of more participants joining the party, but disruptions during planting and the early growing cycle will keep it yields in check for the next 10 days or so. We look for the market to be steady with some discounting on regular 9s, with 12s and 15s continuing to reel, wheel and deal next week. Prices should improve and the market heat up the week after next as off shore production wanes.

Overall volume on honeydews has been less than honeydews all winter and into early spring. Plantings have been decreased in reaction to recent seasons’ market disappointments. That being said, off shores production continued apace skewing towards 5s and 6s. Mexican production as well. Domestic production is still 7-10 days off. Demand was dull and steady and was further impeded this week by the dropping cantaloupe market. Next week the current production pattern looks to continue with offshore bringing in ample supplies, Mexico increasing a bit and domestic not beginning at all until the very end of the week at the earliest. Demand should continue to be lackluster leading to barely steady market with some discounting thought the period.

Cauliflower Production has been slowed by extended cooler than normal weather but should steady as a return to normal temperatures is expected, Quality has been excellent.

Broccoli production has improved and quality is also improving with the mild weather.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production although expect some volatility in supplies throughout the month. The market is expected to stay steady.

​Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  supplies  continue steady with improved availability and quality.

Lemons: The crop has been very good quality with mostly large sizing profile . The market has adjusted on larger sizes but the smaller sizes are expected to remain strong through the month.

Oranges: Valencia’s supplies have improved with improving sizing and sugar profile.  Demand continues strong.

Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement from Mexico and the market continues strong​.​ California production is limited but will improve in coming weeks.

Grapefruit:  Supplies have been steady with good quality and demand keeping prices elevated. Sizing profiles have increased substantially .

Mandarins: Clementine production has begun to decrease as the California season nears its’ end.

Carrot ​Production has been slow but warmer weather has helped improve supplies although advanced notice is still required with current heavy demand .

Potato supplies from California have begun with production ramping up on Gold and Red with Russets expected to be the last variety to start by June.

Onion demand has been very good and the market continues strong as new crop production has begun from Southern California deserts.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has been increasing with continued strong demand. Expected steady supplies through the month.

California: California Hass continue with strong demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties.

OG Watermelons  Supplies on seedless are steady.  Quality has been good from Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales and Florida.  Mini seedless ​supplies continue to be limited until mid month.

OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production from Nogales is available with good quality and Domestic supplies are expected in a couple weeks from the California , Arizona deserts.

Green & Red : Mexico production has begun on limited supplies but will ramp up volume by next week. The market has begun strong but should even out as supplies increase.

With transition fully complete the market has stabilized with slightly firmer pricing. Most shippers appear to be on top of their fields and quality has responded although isolated late season showers could cause some discoloration on arrival.  Las Cruces , NM will begin production in a few days with anticipated excellent quality and conveniently located to Eastern markets.

​Romaine and Heart production continues to be moderate while demand has continued strong, although as long as the usual miscommunication regarding E.coli outbreak on Chopped Romaine from Yuma Valley lingers , sales will likely be impacted. Forecast call for improving weather conditions by the weekend which could improve supplies as well as improve quality. Expect continued variations in quality , availability and price through the end of the month. The Green leaf and Red leaf markets have strengthened with light supplies although warmer conditions are expected to improve quality and supplies by next week.

Production mostly from Mexico and Southern California​ continues with steady supplies.  Demand continues steady with volume deals available.  Quality​ continues to be mostly very good with occasional insect damage reported from Mexico.

Good supplies coming out of Oxnard this week and next week. Quality is very nice with good color and structure, with very few problems to report. Salinas Valley is starting in light numbers. As weather warms in California we will see even better supplies and shippers will be looking to move product.

On Sunday and Monday’s we had Rain and hail storms in the Salinas growing area which postponed harvesting and creating temporary artificial market. Light rains in Santa Maria were causing berries to be picked with water on the fruit and in the packs which can lead to quality issues. With the exception of some passing showers on Thursday morning in Santa Maria and Oxnard, the weather should be mostly sunny for the California growing regions. Santa Maria area was seeing nice quality fruit with good size. Oxnard fruit is running smaller, with most fruit it the low 20’s. There should be good availability in the coming weeks and promotable numbers for Mothers day as long as the weather remains as forecasted.

Raspberry supplies continue to be very limited this week and will be tight into next week. Domestic harvest has yet to ramp up, leaving Mexico as the primary source of production. Unfortunately, Mexico’s production numbers are tapering off as we approach the back end of the season. Demand is strong exceeds supplies. Market prices are high and firm. Quality has been fair. We expect supplies to remain limited until we get some warmer consistent weather patterns.

Blueberry supplies are improving this week as California and Florida harvest volumes gradually increase. Florida has seen a bigger jump in production this week than California, but we expect CA to gradually ramp up over the next 2 weeks. Mexican harvest is winding down and most of the Chilean import fruit is finished. Shippers do have some Peruvian fruit available. Market prices have been higher as we transition into all domestic production, but will start coming down quickly as volumes increase. Georgia is starting production with very light volume.

Blackberry supplies have lightened and demand is good this week. Mexico is past their second peak and production numbers will be decreasing. Domestic harvest has yet to ramp up, so we are left in a demand greater than supply situation. Market prices have been higher and firm. We expect supplies to be limited until domestic harvest increases over the next two weeks.

We anticipate market prices to decline as we head towards the end of the week and going into first part of next week. Warmer temperatures are expected for all California growing regions which should help push production upwards. Quality has been fair with some purpling color on the domes and most heads are branchy. Due to the longer laterals the crown cuts have been a little longer than normal, especially the short cuts.

FOB prices have started to decline as growers anticipate heavier than normal production over the next few days. We should see some pretty aggressive prices as the week comes to a close. Quality is fair, we are still seeing some cream in color and the occasional soft shoulder. Stay in touch with your Produce West sales representative for price deals

Production from Mexico is expected to wind down this week with limited Domestic acreage. The market is strengthening on Domestic supplies while deals are still available on Mexican imports. Expect overall ​ supplies to tighten once Mexico supplies diminish. Also expect to shift back to 11# containers. Organic supplies are expected to tighten on limited domestic production..Quality has been excellent.

Production of the heirloom artichoke has begun to peak with large sizing profile. Heavy demand has forced prices up especially on the popular medium large sizes which will begin to peak next week. Moderate supplies of the “thornless” variety continue to be available at reduced pricing.

Production from Mexico is expected to be steady. Supplies will be more concentrated to the Northern production areas now that shippers have completed their full transition. Quality has been slowly improving.

Navels are currently available in late varieties and predominately large sizes out west. California Valencias are starting but at premium pricing. They are expected to peak on larger sizes. Quality remains very nice with very few problems to report. Expect stronger markets through next month.

Once again there is little change expected for cantaloupes next week. Caribbean supplies are expected to remain ample, and Mexico will be starting its spring deal. Off shore sizes are beginning to skew smaller with more 12s showing up and less jbo sizes. There may even be some 15s available next week. Quality has been good. Demand has been hampered by lingering, intermittent blasts of stormy and/or wintry weather in the delivered markets.  We look for a steady to slightly lower market next week especially on 12 count.

All season Honeydews have been in less abundant supplies than Cantaloupes. This theme continued this week, although there were a few more coming in from the Caribbean and Mexican production was a bit increased as well. Sizes, as with cantaloupes became a bit more democratic with a few more 6s showing up and even a few 8s, mostly from Mexico. Next week off shore supplies should remain ample, and Mexico should increase. Demand could improve somewhat if the weather ever begins to behave in a more seasonal manner in delivered markets.

We look for a steady to slightly lower market next week on honeydews.

West Coast Chilean reds are in good supply, quality has been very nice. We expect good volume and quality to continue through mid may in the LA area. We don’t expect any major fluctuations in price until the end of the season around the first week of June when we could see a spike as supply drops. Chilean Greens are in lighter supply. Quality is suffering on storage greens and we expect this season to end much sooner than reds. Expect the green grape market to gain momentum through the remainder of this month.

Cauliflower  Production has begun to improve as well as quality. Supplies are expected to continue improving into next week.

Broccoli   Production has also improved although quality is still below expectations. Mild weather forecast for the next couple weeks should help improve quality.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production through the transition North although expect some volatility in supplies through the end of the month. The market is expected to strengthen with improved demand.

​Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  supplies  are have slowly transitioned North with improved availability and stong demand.. Expect variable quality and supplies through the end of the month.

Lemons: Production has increased as a result of the rain the past couple weeks . The crop has been very good quality with mostly large sizing profile . The market has adjusted on larger sizes but the smaller sizes are expected to remain strong through the month.

Oranges: Valencia’s have started in limited production with better supplies expected in coming weeks.  Demand continues strong.Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement from Mexico and the market continues strong​.​ California production is limited but will improve in coming weeks.

Grapefruit:  Supplies have been steady with good quality and demand keeping prices elevated.

Mandarins:  Clementine production has improved with good quality and strong demand. Golden Nuggets and Pixies remain available with limited supplies.

Carrot ​Production has been slow but warmer weather has helped improve supplies although advanced notice is still required with current heavy demand .

Potato supplies from California have begun with production ramping up next week on Gold and Red with Russets expected to be the last variety to start by June.

Onion demand has been very good with strong and pricing as new crop production ramps up .

Mexico: Production from Mexico has been steady with strong pricing.

California: California Hass continue with strong demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties.

​OG Watermelons  Supplies on seedless are steady.  Quality has been good from Southern Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales and Texas. Mini seedless ​supplies will be limited until new crop Northern Mexico and Florida start in coming weeks.

OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production from Nogales is expected by the end of the month.

Green & Red : Offshore fruit from Peru is available on the East and West coast although supplies are expected to lighten by the end of the month. Mexico production is forecast to increase this year with reduced exports expected.

Production has slowed significantly and most shippers estimate lighter supplies though next week although not sure they’re taking into account warmer weather forecast in the desert which will eventually advance production once again. Shippers have been proactive in raising prices ahead of the demand curve in fear of running out of acres with many plantings previously 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule. Transition to the Central Valley of California where weather has been much colder , could start in a couple weeks for a few shippers who use this region to bridge their production to the Salinas Valley. Quality remains sporadic with mostly fair condition. Blister and Peel have returned with some moderate to heavy epidermal peel reducing yields for processors and food service sector which will keep pressure on the FOB market through the transition. Expect some discoloration on arrival and keep inventory low.

Production mostly from Mexico and Southern California​ continues with steady supplies. Temperatures have cooled in most of the production areas but not severely, The market has firmed slightly but volume deals continue to be available. Expect a surge in demand for Easter and the market to firm accordingly. Quality​ continues to be mostly excellent.

This remains a steady market overall. Some shippers have bumped their prices up in response to colder weather, however supplies remain plentiful. Most product is coming out of Oxnard areas. Desert celery is also available. Expect better pricing out of California. Quality is very nice and we have not seen any significant issues related to the recent cold weather.

The market will remain tight into next week as inclement weather is expected. The weather forecasts for the California growing regions call for more rain starting later this week. This could possibly delay harvest and affect yields for next week. Oxnard and Santa Maria are expecting some moderate rainfall on Saturday (approximately half an inch) then may see some occasional light showers throughout next week. We do not expect any major disruptions in order fulfillment from California, but we may see lighter supplies and higher prices at the front part of next week. Florida has had a bit of a heat wave recently. The weather is gradually cooling off this week, but forecasts call for rain by the weekend. Unfortunately, these weather patterns can create major issues with quality. This may cause the Florida season to come to an end sooner than expected. Depending on how the weather plays out, we may shippers finish in Florida by the end of next week. Market prices will remain low as growers try to push through as much fruit as they can. We can expect quality in this area to be fair with soft fruit and occasional bruising. Mexico strawberry production has started to wind down with some shippers already done for the season. We can expect supplies to continue to become more limited as shippers wrap up their Mexican season.

Blackberry supplies have improved slightly this week, but are still limited. Due to varietal shifts and cooler weather in both Mexico and California, production volumes continue to be light. The cold and wet weather in California has delayed domestic production but is expected to gradually improve over the next 2-3 weeks. Mexico production has been light, but we will see improvements and overlap with California over the next two weeks. Market prices have been higher, but are expected to remain at current levels.

Raspberry supplies remain limited this week. This is mostly due to cooler temps delaying domestic production. Mexico has been in its lowest production period, but we will see slight increases over the next two weeks. We expect domestic production to gradually improve over the next 2-3 weeks pending weather and we will see an overlap in supplies between Mexico and California. Quality has been good. Market prices have been slightly higher on light volume / yields.

We will start to see reduced inbound arrivals of import fruit over the next several weeks as the Chilean season winds down. We have had reports of some soft berries on the last arrivals for fruit, and we expect quality to slowly diminish as we finish the season. Market prices have been steady to lower. Mexico will continue with consistent production for the next 3-5 weeks. Quality in this area has been good. Prices are slightly higher. Domestic production has started on the west coast with light volumes of organic blueberries. Conventional crops in Santa Maria and Oxnard have been slowed down due to the cold weather and are expected to come on slowly late March to early April. Florida is expected to start by the end of the month, followed by Georgia in late April.

Demand remains good and prices will stay at current trading levels for the remainder of the week. A few shippers have started this week out of Salinas and we should see a few more get started next week. The market will likely begin to decline next week as more shippers get started out of the Salinas Valley as well as Santa Maria. Rain is forecast ed for the Central Coast of California over the next 5-7 days which could hinder harvest, stay tuned. Supplies out of Central Mexico continue although you will begin to see volume decrease as they head towards the end of their winter season over the next four weeks. Quality out of Central Mexico remains good. We are starting to see more hollow core in the product which is normal for this time of year as temperatures warm and the product grows at a much faster pace than a few weeks ago. We will continue to ship our Shui Ling crowns for the remainder of the month.

Demand remains strong. It does sound like we should start to see more product harvested going into next week as a few shippers get started here in the Salinas Valley as well as Santa Maria. Prices should start to decline as we head into next week. Quality is fair, most product has some yellow cast and some soft shoulder.

Production continues mostly from Mexico with limited production from Northern California. As expected cooler weather has slowed production and the market has risen.  Expect the market to remain firm with heavy demand expected by the time supplies increase for the Easter promotions. Organic supplies are expected to be light with limited Domestic acres .Quality has been excellent.

Production of the heirloom artichoke is starting to ramp up and expected to peak in early April. The recent frost “kissed” most of the early crop but it will allow for better value. Once the plants “clean” up expect the market to rise sharply. Take advantage of the substantially superior variety while supplies last. Moderate supplies of the “thornless” varieties are available also showing light to moderate frost damage.

Production from Mexico is expected to be steady. The market for iced firmed slightly while the ice less demand has been better. Quality has been slowly improving.

Steady markets and supplies through the next week. Rain in California has slowed production slightly, although there will be harvests for the next few days. More rain is expected to hit the central coast and that could delay harvest during the latter half of next week. Sizing is larger overall.  Quality remains nice with very few problems to report.

Supplies from the Caribbean basin are looking as if they will increase next week and skew once again toward larger sizes. Quality has been consistent all winter and we see no reason for that to change. Determining market factor next week will be demand. It will need to pick up to hold the market or we will see a decline. Weather across the country looks as if it will be moderating following this week’s Eastern Seaboard and Midwestern late winter blasts, which could help. At the same time it is still the end of winter, which is not a melon consumption season. We look for as steady to lower market next week, with discounts being offered on larger fruit.

Volume looks like it will increase on honeydews as well, not only in Caribbean but also Mexico which is expecting clear weather with temps in the mid 80s. Demand once again will be the driving market force. Warmer and less disruptive weather in Midwest and East could help, but the unseasonable nature of product should offset that. We expect a lower market on honeydews next week.

Markets are fairly sluggish over all. Chilean product is coming by the boatload on both coasts. Some flames are showing some signs of age. Greens are slightly better quality although we have seen some isolated issues reported.

There remains plenty of volume arriving and we expect this to continue through the Chilean season.

Cauliflower: Variations in weather the past month have left supplies short .  Warmer weather in the desert will help improve supplies next week but some shippers have finished their desert production and are awaiting Northern California to begin where temperatures are still below normal.

Broccoli: Production has also slowed with the cooler weather although not as swiftly. Expect the market to firm through next week . Quality has been improving the desert but some water spotting has been seen from Coastal California production areas where intermittent rain is forecast for the next 10 days.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production. The market is expected to strengthen with improved demand.

Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and improving demand. Cooler weather in the desert has led to lighter supplies and higher pricing. The roller coaster weather pattern continues with Warm weather forecast to return to the desert after high winds and frost last week. Quality is mostly fair. Expect Blister and peel to be evident through the remainder of the desert season.

Carrot: ​Production will slow with the cooler weather and advance notice is required

with current heavy demand.

Potato: Supplies continue to be steady from the Northwest Rocky Mountain region. Onion: demand has been very good with strong and steady pricing expected to continue.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has been steady with strong pricing. Light supplies from Peru have started.with good demand.

California: New Crop Hass have started with good demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties.

OG Watermelons  Supplies on seedless are steady.  Quality has been good from Southern Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales and Texas.  Mini seedless ​supplies have slowed ​temporarily.

OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews: production from  East coast offshore fruit now available with improving sizing profile.

Green & Red : Offshore fruit from Peru is available on the East and West coast.