Lettuce 

Production has fully transitioned  to the desert Southwest.  Most growers struggled early with quality due to a warm Fall season pushing crops as much as two weeks ahead of schedule. Seeder , Ribby poor texture have been common leading to inconsistent quality.  Cooler , seasonal light frost conditions have set in and have slowed growth and quality has been improving daily.  The market is poised to react at first sign of improved demand.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Hearts have been plentiful  with scheduled harvest dates nearly two weeks ahead of schedule.  Seeder and heavy Rib issues  still exist but will diminish as the weather  returns to seasonally cooler temperatures.  The market range has widened with  some shippers still offering deals but will likely strengthen for all by the weekend with  Greenleaf and Redleaf  following closely behind.

 

Brussels Sprouts

Heavy production continues  from Salinas with Mexico starting to increase. Quality has been mostly good  but abundant inventories have diminished some shipments.  Heavy promotions for the Holiday season will improve movement and freshness of arrivals.

 

Celery

This market continues to be steady. Demand has not increased from last week. There are currently good supplies industry wide and quality is nice.  There have been reports of supplies tightening up as early as next week. Christmas demand is expected to increase and should create stronger markets towards the middle of this month.  Currently there is better volume on larger sizes, with some shippers quoting a 2 – 3 dollar spread between large and small sized celery.

 

Broccoli

Demand and prices have remained unchanged this week.  Supplies are in line with demand keeping any price fluctuation in check.  The Santa Maria Valley along with Mexico crossing in Texas continue to be the best options for loading.  The Imperial and Yuma growing regions are just beginning their winter harvest and we should see ample supplies out of there over the next couple of weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Demand exceeds driving FOB prices over $20.00.  That type of pricing should slow down purchases going into next week.  Supplies will be limited for the remainder of this week so pre book if you are going to need.

 

Artichokes

Production has slowed from  Salinas  as the delayed  transition to the southcoast and desert will happen late December.   Most shippers  will transfer supplies to their main production areas to fill mixer orders through the Holidays. Limited amounts  of  Heirloom or  Green Globes are available from  Northern California.

Strawberries

Cold weather and sporadic rains have slowed production in Oxnard.  Although demand is not at its peak, volume remains light and quality is suffering after recent rains.  Although weather related issues are typical for this time of year, heavy early season rains have weakened overall quality.  Demand will continue to be strong through the next two weeks, and then is expected to ease up slightly.  Rains are expected this weekend, but mostly northern storms and not expected to hit Oxnard growing regions.

 

Watermelons

As expected with the supply dwindling and with the switch in growing regions there is an up tick in the prices from Mexico. Florida is all but finished with their late growing season leaving the bulk of the supply to come from Mexico until off shore starts. Nogales has gone up on their FOB’s this week and McAllen will rise as well. This price increase will be steady an continue to climb on through Christmas and the New Year and into February.

 

Cantaloupes

Off shores are the main source of cantaloupes as all domestic production is officially over.  Nogales is still going and cutting deals below quotes as buyers generally shy away from Mexican cantaloupes. Off shore supplies are adequate but demand is very slow due to post Thanksgiving leftover inventory in warehouses and the traditionally slow demand between holidays and  prior to sunbelt vacation season. We look for these trends to continue next week with a dull market, reasonable pricing and some deals being cut below quoted levels.

 

Honeydews

All said above applies to honeydews as well, except Mex dews re more accepted domestically than their cantaloupes. Off shores have started and they are funning large 4/5s and jbo 5s with very few 6s. Caribbean supplies should increase next week and sizes should have a more normal skewing toward 5/6s.  Demand should be lackluster at best due to same circumstances as above.

Market should be steady to lower next week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce 

The Desert Winter growing areas are in full swing with production running heavy  due to the early start brought on by the warmer than normal temperatures this Fall. Cooler more seasonal weather forecast  for the next couple weeks  should help  improve quality but seeder, tip burn and heavy rib discoloration continues to plague arrivals. The market will likely firm by the end of next week as quality improves and production catches up .

 

Mix Leaf

Similar to Iceberg  , overlapping  supplies  and quality issues  have dominated the category.  Heavy discoloration on arrival has been the norm.  Improved  quality is already underway and will likely help improve the market once customers  clean up existing quality issues.

 

Brussels Sprouts

Heavy production continues  from Salinas with  increasing  production from  Mexico. Demand  has been good and will continue to improve as  Canadian regional production winds down this week. The market  has been steady despite the excess supplies although there are still deals available for volume orders.  Quality continues to be very nice and should continue to improve demand  through the traditionally strong Holiday season.

 

Celery

This market continues to settle after the holiday pull.  With product coming out of Salinas and Oxnard areas, we are seeing plenty of supplies for the upcoming weeks.  Expect a stronger market in early to mid-December as Christmas business picks up and Salinas production comes to an end.  Oxnard will be the primary productions area until Yuma begins. We expect quality issues for the first few weeks of the Yuma season.

 

Broccoli

Most Salinas shippers have finished shipping for the season, loading will now take place in Santa Maria and the Desert regions.  Quality out of these areas is good.  Nice color and tight domes.  Market on bunch has been depressed and should remain at low levels going into next week.  Crown prices remain fairly stable at the current trading levels.

 

Cauliflower

Good supplies out of Santa Maria and the Desert growing regions for next week. Markets have dropped slightly over the last couple of days. Expect prices to be sub $10.00 FOB going into next week.  Quality is good in both areas.

 

Artichokes

Steady  production from  Salinas  is expected to continue with improving demand . Additional growing areas in Oxnard and the Desert should start up early next month.   Predominate sizing will be large sizes with very good quality.   Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category  with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe  not scheduled til the Spring.

Strawberries

The market is experiencing some softness due to slower retail sales and the Thanks giving holiday.  We expect a wide range in pricing next week as volume should be picking up out of Mexico. The Oxnard area has a chance of rain for the weekend. Quality out of this Area remains fair at best and the impending rain could compound problems.

Cantaloupes

For all intents and purposes domestic cantaloupes have finished up with only traces left. Mexico is still going, but once again, they are not well accepted domestically. That leaves the Caribbean as the main source of supplies until spring.  That deal is going not quite at full speed yet, but increasing consistently.  Sizes are skewing large (jbo 6s.Jbo 9s and 9s) with very few 12s and virtually nothing smaller.  The market was dull and steady. Next week supplies should be increasing from the basin. Demand will be uneventful in the face of whatever post holiday leftover inventories stores are carrying and the lack of seasonality.  We look for a lower market next week.

 

Honeydews

Like cantaloupes they all but done domestically. Mexico still is going strong with an oversupply of fruit. Demand is dull due to the unseasonable nature of the fruit.  Next week off shore supplies should increase keeping the market cheap in Mex and lowering the price of off shore fruit.

 

 

Lettuce 

As Salinas and Huron are winding down production, Yuma is starting to ramp up.  Overall supplies are sufficient with quality a minefield of issues. Warm weather in the desert has caused seeder and heavy rib discoloration on arrival and Northern California continues to have issues from tip burn, mildew and weak texture resulting in a lot of rejected lettuce clogging up the system.  Weather forecast shows a return to normal temperatures for the next 10 days which will help improve quality.

 

Mix Leaf

Similar to Iceberg, overlapping supplies and quality issues are dominant the category.  Heavy discoloration on arrival has been the norm.  When the temperatures return to normal in the desert look for improved quality and better markets with fewer arrival problems.

 

Brussels Sprouts

Heavy production continues from Salinas with light production starting up in Mexico. Demand has been good with many value added packs contributing to a relatively steady market despite the excess supplies although there are still deals available for volume orders.  Quality has been very nice and should continue to improve demand through the traditionally strong Holiday season.

 

Celery

High retails have been established for the holiday pull.  Stronger demand for smaller sized celery, and there are more deals on large sizes.  Quality is still nice industry wide and should continue through the month.  We expect the market to soften after the thanksgiving pull and strengthen up soon after, as most of the Salinas production comes to a close at the end of this month.  After that we should see a stronger market through the month of December through the New Year.

 

Broccoli

Lighter supplies are expected as we head into transition.  The Salinas Valley production is winding down with the Desert region not expected to be in full swing until the first part of December.  There is still decent availability out of Santa Maria and Mexican product crossing in Texas. Prices should remain at current trading levels over the next couple of weeks.  Quality is fair, we are finding some spread, bracketing and hollow core in the California product but color is nice and green.  We might start to find some purpling going into next week as cooler night time temperatures are expected over the next few nights.

 

Cauliflower

Steady supplies expected through the Holidays.  Trading prices will remain constant as we head into next week. Most supplies will be shipping out of Santa Maria and the Desert growing regions going forward.  You can find the occasional dome with some discoloration but overall quality is fine for this time of year.

Artichokes

Steady production from Salinas  is expected to continue with improving demand .  Predominate sizing will be the larger sizes with very good quality.   Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe not scheduled until the Spring.

Strawberries

The market continues to be very active on light supplies out of all areas. Demand is fair as prices have reached levels where the consumer turns to other alternatives. California is forecasting Saturday Rain and Sunday showers with highs in the 60’s and the lows in the 40’s. The quality on most berries has been fair, with most berries showing soft shoulders and light bruising.  Counts have been running 22 -26 in the Oxnard and Santa Maria areas. Look for supplies out of Mexico to recover from the recent rain showers the first week in December.

Cantaloupes

The desert deal began to wind down to a precious few.  Off shore melons began to kick in with early Guatemalan fruit this week. Mexico continued to ship. Most domestic shippers had smaller fruit. Mexico was staying mostly in country.  Demand overall was tepid, as melons are not a Thanksgiving item and higher prices kept buyers at bay.  Next week the desert deal will continue to peter out with a few scrapping into the first week in December. Off shore melons will increase as Guatemala gets into the shank of their harvest followed by the other Caribbean counties, the biggest being Costa Rica.  Demand should remain lackluster until cruise and vacation season starts to pick up right after the first of the year. We look for a steady market next week and lower the following week.

 

Honeydews

Domestic is winding down. Mexico continued to ship cheap fruit and off shores just got underway. Demand was dull due to the unseasonable nature of the item. Market was steady. We look for little change over the next two weeks

 

Florida Veg

Green beans have firmed up a little on the east coast and both machine picked and hand-picked are bringing more money. Supplies are good and will be for most of the winter. If you are looking to promote for December on either Machine or handpicked let us know. Zucchini and Yellow Straight have just started and the market is soft and ripe for promotion. There are good supplies in fancy and medium on both varieties.

 

Watermelon : There is great quality and good supply on Mexican Melons out of McAllen and Nogales Produce West is able to pack in either bins or cartons out of both areas and we have personals available out of Nogales. Produce West has seedless Watermelon year round and will have early domestic seedless in Florida.

Lettuce 

Production continues from Salinas , Santa Maria, Huron and now  Yuma .  A  few  shippers  are currently overlapping production areas but most are relegated to only one district.  Quality is comparable  in most locations  but  Huron has the slight edge  with Yuma  likely to make the most improvement in coming weeks .  Salinas quality has peaked and will likely show some rib discoloration on arrivals. Weights , Color and Sizing continue to vary in all shipping districts.  The market  is mostly  steady with  good weather forecast for the next week allowing supplies to increase slightly before leveling out  as shippers transition fully into their Winter home.  Quality from  Las Cruces , NM  has been very nice and will continue through mid  November.   Take advantage of cost savings in freight and fresher production location.

 

Mix Leaf

Production continues from Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s as well as Yuma for a handful of shippers.  Demand has gradually improved especially from the East as regional production areas finish for the season. Most shippers   will transition to the desert  beginning next week   Quality has been good although some discoloration has been showing up on arrival especially after this past weekends  rain. Continue to  shop for color and lighter weights to avoid problems.

 

Brussels Sprouts

Heavy production continues  from Salinas with  light production starting up  in Mexico . Demand  has been good  with many value added packs  contributing to am improving  market despite the excess supplies although there are still deals available for volume orders.  Quality has  been very nice and should continue to improve demand  through the traditionally strong Holiday season.

 

Celery

This market has been gaining momentum over the past 2 weeks.  With Michigan product dried up, buyers are looking to the west coast and gathering up what they can.  Thanksgiving pull will start towards the latter half of next week and shippers are preparing inventory to keep up with demand.  Supplies are lighter this week as they stock up. Expect strong markets through the month of November. Quality is nice and is expected to continue with mild weather and minimal rain in the forecasted for the next two weeks.

 

Broccoli

Supplies remain limited as the Salinas season begins to wind down and most of the Home Grown product on the East Coast and Canada finishes up.  Markets will remain at current trading levels into next week.  Production out of Mexico will continue to increase but at a slower rate than expected.  Mexico will not be in full swing until the middle of December.

 

Cauliflower

Shippers will be looking to make deals on all sizes to finish up the week.  There is good supplies available in Salinas and Santa Maria.  Get with your Produce West representative and run you offers by us.

 

Artichokes

Steady  production from  Salinas  is expected to continue with improving demand .  Predominate sizing will be the larger sizes with very good quality.   Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category  with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe  not scheduled til the Spring.

Strawberries

The majority of growers had to strip plants again today as the Monday stripping did not completely clear the fields of the pin rot problems caused by the weekend rains. We had light variable rains on Monday afternoon which contributed to today’s quality field issues. The rains we had 10 days ago of less than a 1/2 inch , interrupted shipments for 3 to 4 days. The 1/1/2 inches of moisture we received over the weekend will certainly effect quality and suppress volume well into next week.  Shippers will to continue to ship to less “picky” customers in hopes the strawberries will arrive in the best condition possible given the quality issues we have been dealt. Otherwise, diverting to the freezers may be the best option from a financial standpoint.  Currently, there is no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days in the California growing regions.the volume out of McAllen has been very limited, but we are expecting better numbers to start crossing next week.

Organic Strawberries 

You can expect the organic berries to not bounce back for 2 to 3 weeks as they are virtually non-existent due to our recent wet weather.  Typically, the Organic berries don’t recover as fast as conventional berries, so we are not surprised that we will be in short supply in the short term.

Raspberries 

Volumes were projected to be good, but cooler weather has slowed down growth.  Even with the fruit being grown under hoops we have limited cases of wet and leaky berries.The main production areas are Baja, Central Mexico, Oxnard and Santa Maria. Very limited supplies out of Watsonville. Golden & Sunshine Raspberries will wind down over the next few weeks.

Blackberries

The main production areas are Baja, Central Mexico, Oxnard and Santa Maria. Supplies out of these combined areas will be plentiful next week. McAllen, Texas will see increased supplies for the remainder of the month. Organic Blackberries will decline in volume and not pick up until the new year.

Blueberries

Estimates for next week are forecasted to be higher and will continue until the end of the month. Quality has been excellent and we have been buying with in a wide price range. The main production areas are Baja, Chile, Central Mexico, with limited supplies out of California.  Organic Blueberries are very limited and expected to light thru the end of the year.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies are light, as the Westside is history and the Caribbean is 2-4 weeks off. Nogales is going in a moderate way but few domestic users want Mexican cantaloupes. There are only a few players in the Yuma-Phoenix deal and they are left to cover the lion’s share of current needs. Demand has been typically slow as consumers start looking for autumn and winter fruits.  Sizes have become more evenly distributed, but with retail demand centered on 9s, they remain snug.

Prices finished steady. Next week we see little change. We see little change, in fact, coming until the Caribbean deal going.

 

Honeydews

Like with cantaloupes, the northern area are finished. Caribbean is a ways off.  There are fewer dews planted in Yuma-Phoenix this year, but there are plenty in Mexico. Demand is typically slow for this off season product.  Market was therefore weaker in Mexico & slightly weaker domestically, as typically, Mexican honeydews are more acceptable to US consumer than the cantaloupes. Market should remain dull and uneventful next week.

 

Lettuce 

Transition to the Central Valley has begun for a handful of shippers with Salinas  still producing significant volume.  Quality continues to vary widely with Weight , Color and Sizing.  The market  is steady with an edge towards going higher with the threat of rain this weekend.   Huron quality has started out similar to Salinas but has the potential to improve rapidly while Salinas  quality will only diminish through the transition to  the desert later next  week.  Quality from  Las Cruces , NM  has been very nice and will continue through mid  November.

 

Mix Leaf

Production continues from Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s.  Demand has improved especially from the East as regional production areas finish for the season. Most shippers  do not transition leaf  to  the Central  Valley  and  will transition to the desert  beginning next week for a few shippers with the majority  transitioning  the following week.  Quality has been good although some discoloration showing up on arrivals especially anything oversized and stripped down.  Continue to  shop for color and lighter weights to avoid problems.

 

Brussels Sprouts

Heavy production continues  from Salinas with  light production starting up  in Mexico .   Demand  has been good  with many value added packs  contributing to a relatively steady market  although there are still deals available for volume orders.  Quality has  been very nice and should continue to improve demand  through the traditionally strong Holiday season

 

Celery

A much stronger market overall this week.  As Michigan production comes to a close, the focus is now out west, putting pressure on coastal shippers.  Salinas and Santa Maria are the current growing areas, and Oxnard is scheduled to begin next week.  Salinas production will continue through late November.  Shippers are stockpiling product as they prepare for thanksgiving demand, strengthening the market.  Expect strong markets through the month of November. Quality has been nice.

 

Broccoli

Demand has remained relatively unchanged this week.  If the forecasted rains come to fruition we could see an increase in price going into the weekend.  Quality and availability are improving out of Central Mexico and this might be the location you want to load out of over the next few days.

 

Cauliflower

The market has a slight uptick and we could see higher prices going into next week.  Quality has been very good but forecasted rain could change the quality of product harvested middle of next week.  Check with your Produce West representatives on where best loading location may be for end of week and going into next week.

 

Artichokes

Steady  production from  Salinas  is expected to continue with improving demand .  Predominate sizing will be the larger sizes with very good quality.   Thornless or seeded varieties continue to dominate the category  with the preferred Heirloom or Green Globe  not scheduled til the Spring.

 

Strawberries

The berry deal is going to virtually non existent over the next few weeks. Shippers are allocating fruit one pallet at a time. Some shippers are shipping under FOB acceptance final guidelines. In many cases if product is rejected by a customer they are stating they will not ship that customer again until the weather and quality issues have stabilized. Below is a e-mail from a berry shipper we use out of Santa Maria.

So we now have our demand exceeds market.  The problem is now that we have it, quality is fair at best overall and volumes are way down and will be for at least the next 2-3 weeks. We are all still finding pin rot and other issues stemming from the last rain we had over a week ago, which is creating mold and decay on arrivals for shipping beyond 2 days, and you’ll also notice for the most part, the bruising isn’t too bad and overall the fruit is really firm.

Central Mexico is trickling across fruit, but most fruit is not worth shipping out of Texas at the moment.  We will start having some fruit crossing next week but we are not taking any orders against it yet to buffer any issues we may see with our supply out here. Hearing some guys actually finding decay in their fields in Oxnard as well already.

The rain on the horizon for California looks to potentially bring 1-1.5″ in total which could be very damaging.  There are also smaller rain cells following this large one on Thursday/Friday which could prohibit getting in the fields and cleaning everything up.  Quality will continue to be fair at best for now.

 

Cantaloupes

The northern areas finished up completely with only one shipper peddling out his last few boxes early this week.  Yuma and Phoenix was thus the main source of supply, along with Nogales which is no favorable for domestic distribution.  Sizes in the desert deals have been running small but began to skew toward the larger end toward the weekend.  Demand was adequate which drove prices up as the week started.  However higher prices began to slow demand a bit, keeping the market stable as the week wound down. Off shore melons are still about a month away.  Heading into next week we expect supplies to remain adequate and more 9s becoming more available. Demand should be slowed by high prices and by the arrival of colder weather in most of the country.  Prices should slip accordingly next week, although moderately.

 

Honeydews

The north finished. Nogales was going and trading about 2.00-3.00 under the domestic markets.  Mexican dews are more accepted than their lopes. Sizes were pretty much evenly split between 5s and 6s, with few jbo 5s and some 8s. Offshore dews are about month off.  Next week we look for demand to slow as melons become less seasonable.  Prices should decline accordingly, but not drastically

 

Watermelon

The market is in somewhat of a free fall with  volume coming in through Nogales and McAllen. Weather in California will further contribute to the market slide. Some growers have stopped harvest for now. Look for pricing to stabilize  by late next week . Produce West has Watermelons in McAllen and Nogales for your winter needs.

 

Green Beans

The East Coast Green Bean Market has dropped a few dollars this week and will continue to do so through next week . Don’t expect the market to drop too far though. Weather from the last hurricane reduced volume from many growers. Look for an evening out of prices and a slight tightening of the market going into the Thanksgiving pull.  Produce West is loading Green Beans in both Georgia and Florida.

 

 

 

Lettuce 

Transition to the Central Valley for a few shippers has  begun this week which will create overlapping supplies for those suppliers. Most shippers avoid the Fall transition and choose to extend their season until the desert transition next month.  The overlap will create an increase in production and will likely depress the market until demand shifts fully to the West. Quality continues to vary in Salinas and Huron with size, shape and color but overall healthy.   Additional growing areas in Las Cruces, NM  are underway as well shipping good quality with reduced transportation cost.

 

Mix Leaf

Similar to Iceberg  a few  shippers will transition  to the Central  Valley but the majority will continue in Salinas and Santa Maria Valley’s until the desert transition in November.  Quality has been mostly good  with varying defects. Demand  also continues to vary waiting for the East coast local production to wind down.  Sporadic buying from the east temporarily elevated prices but production is starting to ramp up in California in anticipation of better demand giving buyers affordable options.

 

Brussels Sprouts

Supplies continue  to increase as most growers are well into their freezer production which directly affect  fresh market  supplies.  Much improved quality and yields , ongoing harvest from Canada and early  production from  Mexico will all contribute to a healthy supply for the Fall season.  The market is slowly adjusting but will be offset by the high demand  associated with the Holidays.

 

Celery

Michigan production is coming to an end. The past few months have been productive for Midwest and eastern growing regions, keeping markets sluggish.  With production slowing in Michigan we will expect demand to continue increasing in California.  Oxnard production is expected to start at the end of this month, which will overlap Salinas production until mid-November.  Markets could get very strong by the beginning of November and continue through the Thanksgiving pull.  Quality remains nice industry wide.

 

Broccoli

The week started off with lighter supplies but the light rain we had over the weekend and the warmer weather expected for the latter part of the week should increase supplies.  Prices will trend lower as we finish the week.  Mexico will continue to increase harvest volume as the month progresses filling the void from lack of homegrown supplies on the East Coast.  Quality in all areas has been good.  Nice tight domes and good green color.

 

Cauliflower

Higher harvest volume is expected to finish the week and going into next week.  Markets will decline over the next few days.  Sizing is flip flopping from the last few weeks as there will be more 9 size and less 16 size available.  Quality is nice, bright white color and full green jackets.

 

Artichokes

The market continues  to be mostly depressed with  light demand. As the weather cools  around the country look for improved demand  and  higher pricing.  Quality continues to be excellent with most supplies being the thornless hybrid varieties.  The preferred Heirloom or Green Globe variety will only be available in limited supplies  until  early Spring.

 

Strawberries

The rains from this past weekend in the California grower regions will certainly have a negative effect on quality. Expect soft fruit and prorated orders for the next week as growers were forced to strip plants and spraying for Mildew last Monday and Tuesday. There will be a wide range of pricing as quality defects such as bruising, soft shoulder, overripe and white shoulder are the norm right now. Mexico will begin shipments as early as this weekend. Early quality reports have been favorable .

Raspberries

There will be an increase in production this week as the Central Mexico numbers increase. Supplies will be promotable next week.

Blackberries

Though Central Mexico production has been challenging do to varying weather conditions, demand has been off, so we expect steady supplies on fair demand through next week. Blackberries have begun to cross out of McAllen as well.

Blueberries

Currently the growing regions are Baja,Chile,Central Mexico, California, Peru & Argentina.  Volume is expected to ramp up over the coming weeks and suppliers will be looking to promote.

 

Cantaloupes

The Westside is done and there are fewer producers going in the desert than normal. Sizes are skewing to 12s and 15s this week but there could be more 9s next week.  Demand is going into off-season mode as is supplies. We look for larger sizes to open active and higher Monday the calm and fade by midweek

 

Honeydews

Supplies are tight and the market is higher as the desert is just ramping up and northern areas are done. Nogales has taken some steam out of trading as they have ample supplies. Next week the desert should pick up production and the market should be weaker

 

 

Watermelon

Seedless watermelon are for the most part done domestically. Imports out of Mexico are beginning to increase with crossings in Nogales and McAllen. Sizes are mostly 45s with  a few 36s and 45s. Volume will increase towards the end of next week and market should be weakening. Produce West and its supplier Peacock will have melons amiable daily in McAllen.  We are currently packing bins and cartons.

 

East Coast Veg

Produce West will have a supply of East Coast Veg available . We have started handpicked green beans out of Georgia and will transition into Florida this week. We will also have from Florida , Zucchini, Yellow squash ,  and Pickles . All will be available in carton or 24oz bags. FS upon request.

Lettuce 

Improved but intermittent demand continues  while supplies are shifting among shippers  they are overall steady and  are keeping prices reasonable. Quality continues to be mostly good with a wide range of  color, shape and size. Most shippers are on top of their fields with normal forecast projected for September. The direction of the market will mostly be affected by local , homegrown production on the East  Coast which has experienced issues related to high humidity.
Mix Leaf

Production continues to be steady with increasing demand allowing the market  to move off the bottom.  Quality is starting to vary widely with issues  from mildew , fringe burn and insect damage along with seeder seen scattered around the Salinas and Santa Maria valley’s. Weather in the East has start to affect condition of the “local , homegrown” which  has influenced demand out West.  Most shippers are currently on schedule with their leaf program.

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has  peaked with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal nighttime temperatures this Summer.

​ Production has been  increasing and  will continue to ramp up through November when overflow freezer production ​will  contribute to an abundant supply matching an extremely high demand period.  The crop  appears healthier than past years.

 

Celery

Heavy production continues in Michigan, as well as the west coast.  Markets are still very soft due to high volume industry wide.  Quality remains nice and shippers are looking to move product.   Expect similar markets and conditions through next week.

 

Broccoli

Market has a chance to get slightly better as we head into next week.  Cooler weather along with lighter harvest estimates for the upcoming weeks will limit supplies.  Production out of Central Mexico has dwindled as heavy rains have all but stopped harvest and affected quality.  Short cut crowns have seen a slight uptick and prices should continue to gradually increase next week as well.

 

Cauliflower

Market is very depressed.  Shippers have been looking to make deals all week and looks as though that will continue into next week.  If you have any needs on flower please run your offers by us.

 

Artichokes

Increased activity with retail promotions seem to have improved demand allowing prices to  firm on larger sizes  while medium sizes continue to be affordable.  Quality is  good  and should remain through September  Take advantage of a good  Summer time  alternative.

Green Onions 

​Production  from Mexico has bottomed out and should start to improve with additional growing areas and improved weather.  The market ​currently peaked should start to recede although maintaining an elevated ceiling.

 

Strawberries

Demand continues to be stronger on the fall fruit. The newer crop fruit is averaging 16 to 18 ct. The field inspections are showing a more firm berry with less bruising upon shipment. While the early spring varieties are running 22 to 24 ct.  The Portola and Monterey varieties have been the strongest out of the Santa Maria area.  The Santa Maria Area is expecting Sunny, with partly cloudy skies for the next week highs in the 70’s and low in the 50’s.  Expect demand to remain over sluggish overall thru mid week next week.

Cantaloupes

It’s been a long slow summer of underwhelming demand and disappointing prices for cantaloupes.  This week we had some extra activity and toward the weekend leading to less dealing.  Next week see little occurring to perk up demand. Supplies look relatively steady, but sizes are seeming to skew more towards 9s.  We see market remaining steady at 6.00-6.50 on 9s and 12s with some dealing on slower mid-week trading days.

 

Honeydews

Little has changed for several weeks. Fair demand and ample supplies seems to have kept the market rock steady at 4.00-4.50 on peak sizes (5’s & 6s).  8s and 9s have traded for less when shippers find themselves with extra supplies. Demand next week could perk up a bit as September usually increases consumers’ interest in honeydews.  Supplies look to change little. We look for a steady to slightly higher market next week with less dealing.

Note: Westside deal looks to end during the first week of October.

 

Lettuce 

Production continues to be steady with intermittent demand.  Quality continues to be mostly good with a  wide range of  color, size and shape. Most shippers are on top of their fields and are poised to  push the market higher with the expected surge in demand from institutional back to school business.  The ash from the area wildfire seems to have subsided and should decrease further as the fire is contained.
Mix Leaf

Production continues to be steady with a lack of demand keeping prices depressed.  Quality is good with some fringe burn and insect damage seen scattered around the Salinas and Santa Maria valley. Weather in the East may start to affect condition  of the “local , homegrown” which may influence demand out West.  Most shippers are currently on schedule with their leaf program.

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has  peaked with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal nighttime temperatures this Summer.

​Production should start increasing now through November when overflow freezer production ​will  contribute to an abundant supply matching an extremely high demand period.  The crop  appears healthier than past years.

 

Celery

Market remains steady and most shippers are looking to move product.  Michigan is still producing good volume and harvests are still very heavy out west.  More volume on large sizes. Shippers are listening to offers as they need to move product.

 

Broccoli

Market is steady with little change expected as we move into next week.  Quality is very good.  Nice green color and smooth domes from both Santa Maria and Salinas.

 

Cauliflower

Good supplies and limited demand has caused prices to decrease this week.  Shippers are looking to make deals so run your offers by us.

 

Artichokes

Heavy production with  light demand has lead to good  buying opportunities on all sizes.  Quality is  good  and should remain through August.  Take advantage of a good  Summer time  alternative.

​Asparagus 

Production from  Central Mexico is winding down  leaving mostly offshore supplies from Peru as the main source.  The market  rose sharply but has since leveled  with some shippers still offering discounts  on offsize Mexican product.

Strawberries

The New crop or Fall fruit is moving briskly and we are now looking at a two tier market between the fall and the summer fruit.  Weather related issues will continue to effect the summer crop as soft fruit with occasional bruising has been reported at the field level. Counts will continue to small than the fall fruit. The average count this week has been ranging 22 to 24 count, with some growers picking even smaller fruit. The fall fruit is ranging 16 to 18 count with some light bruising and white shoulder being reported. The weather forecast for next week is status quo as we will continue to have partly cloudy and smoke filled skies with highs in the low 70’s and the nights dipping to the low 50’s.

Raspberries

Production will continue on a downtrend and fruit will become scarce next week due to the continued cool weather and less hearty fruit. Central Mexico will be ramping up production towards the end of September. “Sunshine” raspberries will have an increase in volume as we move into September. We expect the peak in volume to be the 3rd week in September.

Blackberries

Lighter volume is expected next week.  The berry six has been bigger than normal for this time of the year and this has also contributed to the lighter supplies.

Blueberries

the Pacific northwest is expected to taper off as their season comes to a close.  Expect supplies to be tight out of the Baja and California area for September.  Look for suppliers to pack more 4.4 oz. than 6oz. during this time period.

 

Watermelon

The market is looser this week due to lack of business. This should turn around next week with the Labor Day pull. Northeast suppliers are winding down and should finish by the end of next week . Produce west will have seedless watermelons out of Indiana and Texas. Mexico production will follow.

Lettuce 

Production continues to be steady with intermittent demand.  Quality continues to be mostly good with a  wide range of  color, size and shape. Most shippers are on top of their fields and are poised to  push the market higher with the expected surge in demand from institutional back to school business.  The ash from the area  wildfire seems to be minimal and should decrease further as the fire is contained.
Mix Leaf

Production continues to be steady with a lack of demand keeping prices depressed.  Quality is good with some fringe burn and insect damage seen scattered around the Salinas and Santa Maria valley. If the Iceberg market reacts it may help the leaf market but  supplies appear sufficient  for the next few  weeks.

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has firmed​ with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal  night time local  temperatures.  Production should remain steady until October when freezer production ​ramps up.

 

Celery

Steady markets continue throughout the industry. Good quality remains the industry standard and large sizing seems to be in greater supply.  Small sizes are slightly more expensive, with a $2-$3 spread between sizes.  Shippers are looking to move product and are listening to offers. This should continue through next week and should begin tightening up as we near the end of the month.

 

Broccoli

Good availability for the remainder of the week.  Supplies from all over the country have filled the pipelines.  There is availability out of California, Mexico, Maine and Canada.  Overall quality from the regions has been good.  Get with your Produce West representative and set up some ad’s for the next few weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Supplies are starting to lighten up as East Coast demand has picked up the last few days.  Weather interruptions with Canadian product has turned the attention back to the West Coast.  Markets will get slightly stronger going into nest week, especially on 9 size flower.

 

Artichokes

Heavy production with  light demand has lead to good  buying opportunities on all sizes.  Quality is  good  and should remain through August.  Take advantage of a good Summertime  alternative.

Strawberries

Markets are still tighter this week and expected to be the same for the following week. Cool weather on the coast has slowed growth and the berries are slow to ripen. Smaller sized berries have been reported which is typical for this time of year. Bruising is the most common issue reported which has been caused by recent muggy nights and high humidity.These factors mixed with high demand have limited supplies and strengthened markets..

Watermelons:

 

 

Cantaloupes

Cantaloupes finishes last week with the promise of better market as ads were in place.  But by Wednesday the market found itself struggling again, with ample supplies of hearty fruit and ad shipping over.  Demand other than the brief promotional period remained tepid at best. Thus the market was a bit lower with many deals being made below quoted levels. Supplies next week look to be unabated and demand without any promotional impetus looks to remain lackluster. We see the market as dull and steady.

 

Honeydews

Supplies were ample this week and even increased with the Sacramento area joining the pile. Fruit was good and there was no promotional activity. Next week little looks to change. The next time the market has a chance of improving would be closer to September when consumer interest normally improves and retailers look to promote. Like cantaloupes, we see steady prices with dull trading and some dealing

Lettuce 

Supplies have increased ​while demand has been variable causing the market to stall.  Overall quality has improved but continues with a wide range of size, shape and  color.  Temperatures this week are forecast to be mild and should keep supplies from becoming excessive. The wildfire in the area has settled some ash over most of the Salinas Valley and could cause quality issues such as tipburn.

 

Mix Leaf

Overall  demand continues to be weak with a heavy influence from the local , homegrown production in the Northeast. Ash from the local wildfire  continues to fall and may have an impact on  quality with increased tipburn and  ash settling into the heads.

 

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has firmed​ with supplies coming almost exclusively from the Central Coast of California.  Quality has been excellent with a return of the cooler more normal  nighttime local  temperatures.

​Production should remain steady until October when freezer production ​ramps  up.

Celery

Good supplies this season industry wide.  There is better supply on large sized celery and shippers are looking to move product. Small size supplies are lighter, mostly due to the fact that the warmer weather is causing the plants to grow quickly and size up at a faster pace.  Quality remains very nice, with little or no problems to report.   We expect another week or two of flat markets and then better pricing as schools start up again nationwide.

 

 

Broccoli

Good availability for the remainder of the week.  Supplies from all over the country have filled the pipelines.  There is availability out of California, Mexico, Maine and Canada.  Overall quality from the regions has been good.  There has been reports of Maine product arriving with water spotting.  Get with your Produce West representative and set up some ad’s for the next few weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Supplies are ample and shippers are looking to make deals.  Quality has been very good.  It looks like we will have good availability through next week.

 

Artichokes

Heavy production with  light demand has lead to good  buying opportunities on all sizes.  Quality is  good  and should remain through August.  Take advantage of a good  Summer time  alternative.

Strawberries

Watermelons:

We are currently starting production in West Texas and Las Cruces . Expect both areas to be producing by 8/15 . We will also have some melons out of the NC area next week through the end of August. There are a lot of regional local melons around the country at this time. The market is all over the board depending on the region and has no real continuity at this time. Demand this week is very light but will increase as we draw closer to the Labor Day holiday.

 

​Asparagus 

Production from  Central Mexico is  winding down  leaving mostly offshore supplies from Peru as the main source.  The market is firming and looks to  go higher throughout the next few weeks.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies remained ample this week, peaking on 9s with a goodly amount of 12s. 15s were also in decent supply. There was a variance between growers on supplies with varieties peaking at different times, but in the face of stubbornly lackluster demand, the market remained steady with below quoted deals abounding through Tuesday.  Promotions were in place for next week, the shipping for which started Wednesday. Some of those were on 12s which suddenly firmed up.  Thus prices on 12s rose midweek and on 9s prices firmed.  We see continued good production next week with robust demand thru mid week as ad shipping continues. By Thursday demand could slow and market could either retreat or stay steady with below quoted deals re-appearing.

 

Honeydews

Dull and steady as she goes is the only way to describe honeydews. Supplies stayed ample and continued to peak on 5s and 6s with jbo 5s and 8/9s being light. Demand yawned its way through the week. Next week, supplies should remain good and there seems to be nothing occurring to spur demand except perhaps for the higher cantaloupe market.  The following week the Sacramento area should kick in. Steady is the word for now and next week.