The Unseasonably warm “Winter”: continues out West. Other than a few cool evenings the West Coast has seen temperatures 15-20 degrees above normal. This has pushed harvest schedules nearly 3 weeks ahead of schedule once again. Depressed markets have forced many shippers to limit harvest to 4 hour minimums in order to keep the labor force working daily otherwise risk losing crews altogether. Many shippers are leaving partial or whole blocks unharvested to maintain quality resulting in a wide range in quality. This will add some potential volatility to the market if demand improves in coming weeks. Fresh harvest and lower weights are your best defense against arrival issues.

Production from Northern California continues along with Mexico and Southern California, creating a glut in supplies as the market has slumped post holidays. Now is a good time to promote Brussels with bulk and value added packs available. Quality has been excellent.

Good supplies and plenty of deals as shippers are looking to move product. Oxnard and Santa Maria are the main loading areas. Yuma also has product available. Quality is very nice overall with very few problems to report.

As we near the end of the Valentines day pull, look for better supplies next week and slight decrease in demand for the week. The main growing areas will continue to be Santa Maria, Oxnard, Central Mexico and Florida. Quality has been generally good, but there have been a few reports of Bruising on arrival. The forecast for the weekend could help keep the market firm as Central Mexico and Florida are calling for Rain.

Good availability from all growing regions. Santa Maria, Imperial Valley, Yuma and Central Mexico are all shipping product. If current weather conditions exist we could see the Salinas Valley start as soon as the last week of this month. Perfect growing conditions and light demand has created a surplus of product. Run all offers by us.

Market has declined and shippers are looking for business. Run all offers by us. Quality is good coming out of Santa Maria or the Desert. Some light yellow cast and the occasional soft shoulder can be found but is not prevalent across all shippers.

Production from Mexico continues to surge ahead with warm weather in Mexico. Unlike other Veg crops shippers cannot push off harvest as the crown continues to produce spears with the unseasonably warm weather.Northern California production has also start nearly 2 weeks ahead of schedule adding to the oversupply. Take advantage of these while volumes are on the rise.

Production continues to be moderate and demand has slowed along with most western veg. Quality has been improving with no frost for the past few weeks which should help improve demand. The Heirloom season is right around the corner an NOW is the time to lock in promotions Northern California is the Primary loading location for Heirloom o Green Globe varieties.

Green Onion production continues heavy mostly to smaller sizes. Demand has picked up marginally . Look for promotional volume through February.

Better supplies available this week of California navels, although small sizes are still less available due to warmer weather. Quality has been nice overall and we are seeing very few issue on arrival. Mexican oranges are not meeting sugar specifications, resulting in stronger markets out of Nogales.

Little change is expected in the cantaloupe market next week, other than some shifts in size distribution. Volume could pick up a bit especially from Costa Rica. Sizes should skew toward larger sizes. Demand should not change much but could start picking up toward the end of the month if winter starts to loosen its grip on the Midwest & East Coast. We see a basically steady market next week with some discounting on 9s on slower trading days;

Little looks to be changing here as well. Volume should be steady to slightly increased from the Caribbean with sizes peaking on 5s and 6s. Mexico could be increasing a bit as the weather there has been ideal. Demand will be determined by weather in the Midwest & East. Market, as with cantaloupes should be steady to slightly lower next week.

Cauliflower Hot weather has production surging once again. Currently quality is good but continued Hot weather will eventually take its’ toll.

 Broccoli Production has been fairly steady and has started to increase with warmer weather although heavy insect (aphid) pressure is likely if the hot weather lasts too long.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production. The market is expected to remain stable especially as the weather has turned Hot in the desert.

Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and demand. Quality may take a step back with insect pressure increasing. Many shippers are trimming damaged leaves in the field.

Lemons: The market continues strong with good demand. Production from Southern California has begun with limited supplies but warm weather should increase sizing and quality. The crop has been good quality with mostly moderate sizing profile.The market is expected to remain strong through the month.

Navels :  Navel Crop continues with good sizing and quality. Demand continues strong . Production has improved with mostly larger profile which could lead to an early end to the Navel crop.

Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement  and the market continues strong even after demand slowed post Super Bowl.

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

Mandarins: Clementine production has improved with good quality and availability.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has surprisingly kept up with demand. Many expect an artificial drawback by Mexican growers after the strong push to keep prices elevated, Supplies from Chile have been steady but light. Demand is good.

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

OG Watermelons Supplies on seedless have improved . Quality has been good from Southern Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales and little weaker from Texas.  Mini seedless have good supplies with improving brix levels.

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.

Sluggish demand prevails due to continued strong production and moderate quality. Many shippers are passing by fields without cutting a head in an effort to improve quality and demand although some shippers continue to harvest “everything.” Unseasonably Hot weather this week will Not help quality nor demand. For these reasons quality remains inconsistent. Blister and peel, pale and ribby along with fluctuating sizing and Heavy Inventories are all affecting overall quality. Fresh harvest with lower weights are your best defense against arrival issues.

Production from Northern California continues along with Mexico and Southern California, creating a glut in supplies as the market has slumped. Now is a good time to promote Brussels with bulk and value added packs available. Quality has been excellent.

This market continues to be sluggish with plenty of volume and not enough demand. Oxnard and Santa Maria areas are currently producing the most volume. Yuma and Imperial Valley celery is in full production although commanding higher prices than West Coast product. Some defects include bowing and branchy stalks, as well as some insect damage being reported. Shippers are looking to move product and plenty of volume deals available through Produce West.

The Warmer weather in California will help bring on the fruit out of the Santa Maria and Oxnard areas. Even with the increase in fruit out of California, Supplies may decline out of Central Mexico as they are forecasted to experience some colder temps next week. Expect the wide range in pricing between growing areas to disappear as prices will move lower out of the California areas.

Good supplies out of California, Arizona and Mexico will remain constant for the rest of the week. There is a chance the market could start to turn upwards by the middle of next week. We will keep you posted. We continue to ship beautiful crowns out of Central Mexico packed on our “Shui Ling” label. Good green color with a 4″- 5″ inch cut and 4″-5″ dome. See pictures of this weeks product.

There is definitely an uptick with demand and pricing this week. The market has a chance to climb slightly higher as we finish out the week. Pre – books are advised in order to get your needs filled.

Production from Mexico continues to surge ahead with warmer weather in Mexico. Most shippers have transitioned into 28# packs and are eager to promote. Strong promotions will likely help firm the market as we approach Valentine’s day. Take advantage of these while volumes are on the rise.

Production continues to be moderate and demand has slowed along with most western veg. Quality concerns with some frost damage has slowed demand. Hot weather will help speed the artichokes through any adverse effects. The Heirloom season is right around the corner an NOW is the time to lock in promotions.

Green Onion production continues heavy mostly to smaller sizes. Demand has picked up marginally. Look for promotional volume through February.

Fancy grade remains predominate in supply, consisting of about 80-90 percent of the harvest pack out this week. There are very few small sizes available, with mostly 72-88 ct fruit available. Warmer than normal weather is causing a supply shortage on small fruit, as well as volume shortage industry wide. Product is sizing up too quickly and not enough sugar. Trees are being stressed by higher temperatures and dropping fruit. We expect markets to get stronger over the next few weeks and should remain active throughout the season. Get your orders in early and prepare for stronger markets.

Prices were lower this week as ample to abundant supplies from the Caribbean Basin kept flowing into all ports of entry. At the same time demand was hobbled by wintry weather and the lack of reasonably prices transportation. Little business beyond contracts was evident and those on contracts struggled to take their minimums. Sizes were peaking on 9s but there was increased supplies of 12s and smaller and adequate amounts of jbo 9s and 6s. Deep discounting was evident on 12s and smaller. 9s and larger were discounting some but not as much. Next week the supply spigots will still be open and running. Demand will still be stunted by wintry weather and high priced transportation, but that freight rates could become a bit more reasonable if demand picks up at all. We look for a dull and steady market next week with discounting continuing.

I could cut and paste the above outlook for cantaloupes and substitute the honeydews for them. Supplies will continue to be ample. Demand will continue to be dull and markets will continue to be barely steady to lower. Sizes are spread between 5s and 6s mostly with some jbo 5s and plenty of 8s. Mexico is having a heat wave so supplies from there should be abundant as well. Looks like a steady market with discounting next week or a flat out lower market.

Cauliflower Production has stated to slow after surging the past week although unseasonably warm weather will likely return production levels back to normal.

Broccoli  Production has been fairly steady and is likely to increase with warmer weather although heavy insect pressure is likely if the hot weather lasts too long. Demand has been good for the Super bowl.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production. The market is expected to remain stable especially as the weather has turned Hot in the desert.

Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and demand. Ideal conditions continue this week , keeping supplies steady. Blister and peel continue to be light but prevalent. Many shippers are trimming damaged leaves in the field.

Carrot ​Production continues to improve but advance notice is still required especially with Super bowl promotions currently increasing demand

Potato supplies continue to be erratic from the Northwest Rocky Mountain region. Onion demand has been very good with strong and steady pricing expected through January.

Lemons: The market continues strong with good demand. Production from the Central Valley is expected to be the main growing area until the coastal region of Southern California begins early February. The crop has been good quality with mostly moderate sizing profile.   The market is expected to remain strong into next month.

Navels : Navel Crop continues with good sizing and quality . Demand continues strong . Production had been interrupted late last week by rain but has since returned to normal. We’ve seen  improved quality and sizing profile since the rain.

Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement  and the market continues strong but we’ve seen increased production from Mexico which should help match demand for Super bowl promotions.

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

Mandarins:  Clementine production has improved with good quality and availability.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has surprisingly kept up with demand for the Super bowl promotions. Expect an artificial drawback by Mexican growers after the strong push to keep prices elevated, Supplies from Chile have been steady but light. Demand is good.

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

​

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

Weak demand continues to bog down the lettuce market. Cooler overnight temperatures in the desert this week have help slow growth but demand has matched. Other than an occasional touch of frost , ideal weather conditions will prevail for through January . The likely scenario will lead to adequate supply through the balance of the Winter season with possible shortages towards the transition barring any adverse weather out West. Improved weather in the East and promotions will be the main factors influencing demand.  Quality remains inconsistent with some areas improving while other areas are seeing heavier blister and peel which most shippers are stripping off.  Confidence levels for volatility are reduced until the transition.  Mid February is generally the latest date for adverse weather to affect crops in the desert.

Production from Northern California should start to wind down by the end of the month as Mexico and Southern California supplies have hit their stride. Overall heavy production with weakening demand. Many shippers are offering substantially reduced deals from last week for volume orders. Strong volume is expects as most shippers are overlapping production areas for now,  Easter is a strong promotional period but it appears there are alot of sprouts between now and then.

Good supplies continue to keep markets down. Oxnard and Santa Maria continue to be the main growing areas. Yuma production is increasing, although at premium pricing. Some insect damage and branchy stalks have been reported in both growing areas. Freight rates, although subsiding, are still negatively impacting demand for celery.

Supplies are improving in all areas. California had a slow start this week with cold temperatures, but the weather has warmed up and is expected to remain ideal for the next ten days. Demand has been strong, and the market has been steady. Quality is being reported as good. The berries are firm, but color has been light due to the colder mornings. With the warmer weather expected for the next week, we anticipate seeing good supplies and quality as we get closer to the Valentine Days pull. Florida has slowly been recovering, and yields are improving. The weather has warmed up, but a chance of rain is expected for the weekend. Demand has been steady, and markets are lower this week. Some aggressive prices were offered earlier this week to move through some volume. Depending on the weather, we may see some lighter supplies and higher prices next week. We expect good supplies for Valentines Day. Central Mexico increased production early this week, and we saw some aggressive offers for volume. Quality has been solid, and markets are expected to remain steady through the weekend. Overall, as we prepare for Valentines Day demand, we expect good supplies and quality industry-wide. Sizes should yield good stem berry volume. Demand will be very strong, and we expect markets to start to rise as we get closer to the Valentine’s pull date.

Supplies have been consistent, but did lighten up slightly this week. Quality has been strong with good color, size, and flavor. Demand has been good, and market prices have been steady to slightly higher. Central Mexico did experience some cooler weather last week, but the blackberries were not affected due to the fruit being under hoops. Moving forward we expect continued good supplies into February.

Blueberry supplies have been consistent this week. Availability has gradually been improving as more fruit arrives from Chile. There is fruit available to load on both the east and west coasts. Quality has been good with occasional soft fruit being reported. Demand has been strong, and market prices have started to decline slightly this week. Mexico continues to have consistent but light supplies. Quality on these berries is being reported as excellent. Market prices are higher than the Chilean fruit, and loading options are more limited. As an industry, we expect supplies to continue to improve in the coming weeks.

Raspberry supplies remain demand exceeds. Central Mexico production is at it’s lightest point. We do not expect any major disruption in order fulfillment, but we will see some substitutions into organic to avoid shortages. Quality has been good, and market prices have been high and firm. We expect supplies to remain tight for the next two weeks.

Market remains at the bottom. Plenty of product and not enough demand to help move it off the floor. Weather is perfect in all growing regions keeping the supply chain filled. It looks like we will finish the week out in this same manner. We have beautiful product coming out of Central Mexico being packed in our Shui Ling label. Run your orders by us.

There seems to be a little more interest in flower and we might see prices begin to reflect this. Market feels like it has a chance to move off the floor over the next couple of days.

Production from Mexico has surged ahead. Most shippers have transitioned in 28# packs and are eager to promote. Look for lower pricing heading into the weekend . and beyond. Most shippers have resumed offering ad pricing for Valentines Day ad period . Take advantage of these while volumes are on the rise.

Production continues to be moderate and demand has slowed along with most western veg. Quality concerns with some frost damage has slowed demand. Milder weather the past couple weeks has helped improve overall quality although some frost conditions will adversely affect quality once again.

Green Onion production continues to improve for most shippers with increased shipments from Mexico.expected through next week . Demand should improve heading into the end of the month as pricing should return to more sustainable levels.

Sizing is peaking on large oranges and very few smalls. More fancy fruit available, making up more than 80% of current production this week. We expect this trend to continue at least through the next few weeks. Quality has been nice on Navels and Valencias with good sugar being in both varieties.

Like many commodities this past week, cantaloupes have been victimized by very slow demand, Truck rates from all areas have been quite high but easing a bit. Cold and/or snowy winter weather in population areas has also crimped consumers desire for summer like fruit. Production has been ample and spread over a range of sizes. Quality has been quite good. Next week the supply picture looks to be unchanged with good production of all sizes. Demand and transportation costs need to improve which seems a bit unlikely as we had toward the end of a long winter month and the beginning of another winter month. We see little change in the market as quotes will hold steady with discounts on longer or less popular sizes being common.

Little to say that we did not say already about cantaloupes. All the above factors apply to honeydews as well with a few caveats. The production of honeydews has been less robust all year keeping discounts a bit in check. However Mexico continues to produce and market fruit (albeit not a very large amount) taking a bit of off shore demand away. We look for little change in honeydew market with less discounting than on cantaloupes.

Cauliflower Production is currently steady from the desert as ideal weather has allowed production to get back on schedule. Better supplies and pricing are expected as we head to the middle of the month.

Broccoli  production has also showed signs of improving after a sluggish start to the New Year. Mostly ideal weather has supplies ramping up for the Super Bowl promo season where demand should be heavy.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production . The market is expected to remain stable even with a change in the weather this week to more seasonable cooler weather supplies have maintained.

Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and demand. Ideal conditions this week should help improve overall quality although some Blister and peel from previous frost has started to show signs of breaking down.Many shippers are trimming damaged leaves in the field.

Carrot ​Production continues to improve but advance notice is still required through January especially with Superbowl promotions expected to further increase demand. Potato supplies continue to be erratic from the Northwest Rocky Mountain region. Onion demand has been very good with strong and steady pricing expected through January.

Lemons: Production is expected to continue strong with most fruit well ahead of schedule. Rain the end of last week slowed harvest temporarily but has returned to normal this week .  We expect good supplies for the balance of the month with good demand also expected. The crop has been good quality with mostly moderate sizing profile.The market is expected to remain strong through January.

Navels :  Navel Crop continues with good sizing and quality . Demand continues strong . Production had been interrupted late last week by rain but has since returned to normal. ​Expect improved quality and sizing profile following the rain.

Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement  and the market continues strong but we’ve seen increased production from Mexico which should help match demand for Superbowl promotions.

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

Mandarins: The Clementine production area is in transition a few weeks away.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has started to increase shipments , While supplies from Chile have been light.  Demand is good  and we’ve seen prices easing ahead of the Superbowl “season” where demand has started to max out supplies . Take advantage now and book ahead. Availability should be good through January but demand is expected to exceed.

California: New Crop Hass have started in a small way but is expected to improve weekly  although the Wildfires near Oxnard will have an impact on a few coastal acres lost in the wildfires.

OG Watermelons   Supplies on seedless have improved . Quality has been good with lower temperatures in Southern Mexico. Availability had been very limited but supplies have improved and the market has adjusted. East coast demand has improved with limited supplies out of Florida. Mini seedless have good supplies but the brix are a little low as well.

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

Green & Red : California season is complete as we await offshore fruit from Peru to hit the East coast. Some shippers still have storage fruit available but flavor profiles and brix levels will be less than ideal.

Lettuce market​ continues to be steady with sluggish demand limiting market upside. Chamber weather through this week in the desert should keep supplies steady but cooler, unsettled weather is forecast for next week which could tighten supplies as most shippers continue to pack ahead of schedule. Quality remains inconsistent with some areas improving while other areas are seeing heavier blister and peel leading to discoloration on arrival which most shippers are quoting. We​ still​ expect some volatility through January if colder weather materializes next week.

Production from Northern California should start to wind down over the next month as Mexico and Southern California supplies have improved along with quality. Overall heavy production with strong demand continues. There has been an increase in volume deals this week as some shippers are overlapping production areas which should help overall pricing.

Steady markets continue. all sizes are readily available this week and shippers are looking to move product. The best deals and quality continue to be in Oxnard and Santa Maria areas. Yuma numbers are improving but quality has been marginal out of the desert. Run offers by us. Freight continues to impact celery movement keeping delivered costs high.

All 3 major growing areas have been subjected to varying weather patterns that helped keep volume in any given region inconsistent. Quality out of California has been fair as we have subjected rain and colder temperatures. There is more in the forecast for end of the week as well. As the rains subsided in Florida, we have seen a small spike in volumes. The forecast is for colder temps for the weekend. Central Mexico has seen a gradual increase in numbers this week, but still low when compared to last year’s volumes at this time. You can expect much the same for all 3 area next week as well.

Heavy supplies available out of California, Arizona and Mexico. Prices have declined over the last few days and look to level out by end of week. Quality has been good with very nice quality coming out of Central Mexico. We have good availability of our Shui Ling crowns loading in Pharr, TX. Beautiful green domes and a perfect dome and cut.They are a true 4″x 4″ cut.

The market has reached the bottom with many shippers looking to make deals off of the floor price in order to get movement. Lots of deals are being thrown around so get with your Produce West sales representative for pricing opportunities.

Production from Mexico has begun to increase . Look for lower pricing heading into next week and beyond. Most shippers have resumed offering ad pricing for Valentines Day ad period . Take advantage of these while volumes are on the rise.. Expect 28# packs to become more prevalent.

Production continues to be moderate and demand has slowed along with most western veg. Quality concerns with some frost damage has slowed demand. Milder weather the past couple weeks has helped improve overall quality although forecast for lower temperatures return next week.

Green Onion production continues to improve for most shippers with increased shipments from Mexico expected through next week . Demand should improve heading into the end of the month as pricing should return to more sustainable levels.

Last week’s rain delayed harvests, creating supply gaps this week. Volume is improving after better weather this week but more rain is expected over the weekend which will further delay harvests. Sizing is peaking on larger fruit and very little small fruit is currently available. Fancy grade continues to dominate supply with very little choice fruit available. Quality is very nice.

Domestic grape supplies are nearly finished and Chilean numbers are improving daily. We expect the market to ease up as more product arrives. Quality has been very nice and a wide range of sizing is available on both Chilean and Peruvian product.

Cauliflower Production is currently steady from the desert as ideal weather has allowed production to get back on schedule. Better supplies and pricing are expected as we head to the middle of the month.

Broccoli  production has also showed signs of improving after a sluggish start to the New Year. Mostly ideal weather has supplies ramping up for the Super Bowl promo season where demand should be heavy.

Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production. The market is expected to remain stable through next week although a change in the forecast to more seasonable cooler weather could interrupt supplies by the end of next week.

Leaf, Iceberg  as well as Romaine  from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and demand. Ideal conditions this week should help improve overall quality although some blister and peel from previous frost has started to show signs of breaking down. Many shippers are trimming damaged leaves in the field.

Carrot ​Production continues to improve but advance notice is still required through January especially with Super Bowl promotions expected to further increase demand. Potato supplies continue to be erratic from the Northwest Rocky Mountain region. Onion demand has been very good with strong and steady pricing expected through January.

Lemons: Production is expected to continue strong with most fruit well ahead of schedule. Rain the end of last week slowed harvest temporarily but has returned to normal this week. We expect good supplies for the balance of the month with good demand also expected. The crop has been good quality with mostly moderate sizing profile. The market is expected to remain strong through January.

Navels :  Navel Crop continues with good sizing and quality . Demand continues strong. Production had been interrupted late last week by rain but has since returned to normal. ​Expect improved quality and sizing profile following the rain.

Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement  and the market continues strong but we’ve seen increased production from Mexico which should help match demand for Super Bowl promotions.

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

Mandarins:  The Clementine production area is in transition a few weeks away.

Mexico: Production from Mexico has started to increase shipments, While supplies from Chile have been light.  Demand is good  and we’ve seen prices easing ahead of the Super Bowl “season” where we expect demand to max out supplies . Take advantage now and book ahead. Availability should be good through January but demand is expected to exceed.

California: New Crop have started in a small way but is expected to improve weekly  although the Wildfires near Oxnard will have an impact on a few coastal acres lost in the wildfires.

OG Watermelons   Supplies on seedless have improved . Quality has been good with lower temperatures in Southern Mexico. Availability had been very limited but supplies have improved and the market has adjusted. East coast demand has improved with limited supplies out of Florida. Mini seedless have good supplies but the brix are a little low as well.

OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews Production from  East coast offshore fruit now available with mostly smaller sizing profile.

Green & Red : California season is complete as we await offshore fruit from Peru to hit the East coast. Some shippers still have storage fruit available but flavor profiles and brix levels will be less than ideal.