Lettuce

Moderate weather on the West Coast has helped quality and in turn yields have begun to improve as demand was stifled by last week’s sharp rise in pricing. Markets look to be correcting rapidly even though supplies are not overwhelming. Look for the market to steady by mid next week. Quality has improved but wide ranging size, shape and color along with mildew and insect pressure are still prevalent.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart quality along with production has finally improved sufficiently to meet demand allowing the market to adjust. A few quality concerns remain with mildew and insect pressure but overall quality is improving daily. Look for the market to  steady next week as most growers reduce their acreage to

meet curtailed demand due to Homegrown, local production. Greenleaf and Red leaf continue to get pulled or pushed along for the ride.

 

Celery

Steady markets continue industry wide. We expect this to continue through next week as Michigan product is still producing good volume.  Good supplies out of Salinas and Santa Maria growing areas and quality is still very nice.

 

Green Onions

The market improved only slightly with decreases in production. Quality will continue to be fair as most growers have battled hot weather in Mexico the past couple weeks. Barring a significant increase in demand the market is likely only to improve marginally as supplies continue to trend downward, moderate temperatures forecast should help quality rebound in coming weeks

 

 

Broccoli

Broccoli out of Maine will start soon couple that with good supplies of all cuts  out of both Santa Maria and Salinas over the next 10 days will make for plenty of product. Quality has been very nice with tight domes and good

green color. Please run any Ad or daily order opportunities by us.

 

Cauliflower

Weather on the Central Coast of California has made for ideal growing conditions over the last week.  Good supplies of cauliflower are expected going into next week. Quality has been outstanding and even though there is product available from Canada for the East Coast markets, those buyers are still purchasing California product due to superior quality.

 

Artichokes

 

Steady production with light demand continues for most shippers. Quality is good but a lack of summer promotions has kept demand limited with most retailers concentrating on the summer fruits. As all sizes are plentiful consider pushing Artichokes as a mid-Summer grilling alternative.

 

Brussel Sprouts

 

Central California continues to be the main production area with good quality and yields. The market has eased off its’ seasonal high and should remain steady through the early summer.

 

Strawberries

 

There are still decent supplies around, with very few shippers prorating. Strawberry supplies have been a lot stronger towards the beginning of the week with the weekend being a little hard to find. Prices are starting to firm up this week and will continue into next week. Right now there is a lot smaller fruit and production is starting to slowly go down and expect to pick back up at the end of the month. Warmer weather is expected at the end of next week which should help relieve some of the demand.

 

Watermelon

We will have watermelon available from both Texas and Northern Georgia next week. Prices are softer after the

4th of July pull. We have good volume on all sizes and have carton mini 6s available as well. Produce West has

seedless 24/365. Contact your sales person to set up a program.

 

Cantaloupes

The desert has finished up for all intents and purposes, and the Westside is in full production mode.  The weekend and early week had a cool snap and yields were down.  At the same time there were some ad promotions set.  The market thus climbed early in the week, then calmed toward the weekend when deals were being made again below quotes prices. Sizes were split between regular 9s and 12s with Jbo 9s tight and 15s in light supplies. Next week we should see good production of 9s and 12s and new supplies of jbo 9s. Demand should be adequate and the market steady to slightly lower.

 

Honeydews:

The desert is essentially done and the Westside is in production, however there are not an overabundance of honeydews planted.  Sacramento area is about two weeks off.  Supplies where moderate.  Demand was moderate. Market was steady. Sizes peaked on 5s then 6s.  We look for little change next week with perhaps dealing below quotes more prevalent than this week.

Lettuce​​​

Moderate supplies  and continued  hesitant demand has kept downward pressure on FOBs. Quality has been  improving but still varies widely with irregular sizing,  insect pressure and  tipburn still  prevalent.  Supplies and quality could be affected with high temperatures in select hotter locations in the Salinas and  Santa Maria  Valleys this  week.
Mix Leaf

Hotter Temperatures in the  Valley have increased supplies while  demand  has  been easing slightly on Romaine.  Continued  increase in  local production areas will keep  downward pressure on the market.  Limited  local Homegrown  Romaine heart production will allow the market to stay strong  as  long as  California growers don’t convert excess romaine into hearts.   Green and  Redleaf   market continue to be sluggish

 

Celery

Oxnard production will be mostly finished by the end of this month and most of the production will be out of Salinas Valley growing areas.  Michigan production will be starting in mid July.  There is good volume this week and markets are sluggish.  Expect good volume through next week; we should see slightly better markets in the first half of July.  Good quality industry wide, although Salinas quality has been stronger.

 

Green Onions 
The market remains depressed due to high volume crossings from Mexico  the past couple weeks. However, the severe heat (120 degrees) the past few days should lower the volume of crossings from Mexico. Also, due to the depressed market the last 6 weeks, some growers are curtailing harvest on iced green onions which could lead to a slight short term improvement in the market.

 

Broccoli

Good availability for the remainder of the week and going into next week.  There is better volume on crown cuts as opposed to bunch and shippers are looking to make deals.  Run your offers by us whether loading in Santa Maria or Salinas.

 

Cauliflower

Ample supplies for the remainder of the week and quality has been very nice.  Large white domes with nice green jackets.  The market has seemed to settle at current trading levels but there is the spot deal here and there.  Please run any offers you may have by us.

 

Artichokes

Supplies  of Thornless / Seeded have increased allowing the market to  ease on all sizes.   Promotional  pricing is available on the largest sizes.  Quality is very nice.

Brussel Sprouts

Production is winding down from Mexico   with improving supplies  from  Central  California .  The market will remain flat until  Mexico finishes at the end of the month. Some  shippers are pushing discounts  for volume. Quality has improved but the new crop from California continues to be preferred .

Strawberries

A mixed range in berry pricing will continue into next week as quality continues to vary out of Watsonville and Salinas.  Some bruising has been reported by end users.  The forecast for next week is calling for normal temperatures as we wind up the 4th of July pull.

Cantaloupes:

Demand picked up last weekend for the July 4th.  Supplies swooned a bit toward the end of last week, but the  extreme heat that has afflicted the deserts since then has increased supplies once gain.  Quality looks a bit ragged, but it is better than to be expected in the face of record breaking temperatures.  Prices rose between Friday & Monday but leveled by mid week.  The desert deal will begin its end game over the course of the next week to ten days.  The Westside will have a few a few growers harvesting this weekend, with many more phasing in by the first week in July.  Sized have peaked on 9s then jbo 9s then 12s.  Demand should slow as retailer’s pull will abate as we inch closer to the holiday.  We look for the market to remain steady with some dealing on 9s, then prices should drop by mid to end of next week.

Honeydews:

Mexico is finishing up. but the deserts are still going, but like cantaloupes should phase out over the next week. Dews will be starting with the same schedule as outlined schedule above, with a few starting a day or two earlier than lopes.  Demand has remained tepid all spring and does not look to change until late summer when honeydews gain retailers promotional favor.  Sizes are peaking overwhelming on 5s, followed by 6s then 8s.  We look for a dull and steady market through mid to end of next week, with weaker prices starting the first week in July

 

Watermelon

Florida is winding down and melons are transitioning into Georgia and South Carolina.  South Texas is done as well and we are moving North and then to West Texas  and then to New Mexico. Demand is good coming into the 4^th of July and 60s seem to be very snug. Produce West will offer Watermelon year round for the upcoming  season from Western , Central and Eastern shipping points . Please contact your salesperson for info.

 

 

Lettuce​​​

The market  rebounded with lighter supplies  due to lower yields and mild, below normal temperatures reducing production. After the initial surge to beat  rising prices  demand will again stall  until  shippers  volumes  return to normal.  Weather forecast call for continued mild temperatures especially along the coast.  Wide range in quality continues to exist throughout all growing areas.

Mix Leaf

The  market has settled and begun to firm with lighter production from Central California.  Regional homegrown production areas have begun and should keep  a ceiling on leaf prices , especially Green and Redleaf . Romaine Hearts will continue to stay strong as there is limited production at the local levels.

 

Celery

Plenty of deals on larger sizes.  We are expecting stronger markets as growing regions shift to Salinas Valley areas.  Salinas production has been slow to start due to unseasonably cooler weather over the past few weeks.  Quality is still very nice industry wide with very few issues to report in coastal growing areas.  Shippers are currently looking to move product his week and lighter volume is expected next week.

 

Broccoli

Supplies will remain limited for the remainder of this week and for most of next week.  Prices have topped out but there will be no reprieve from current FOB’s this week.  Yields will continue to be below normal for the next few days.  Hopefully some warmer weather forecasted for the weekend and early part of next week will push the plants and increase yields.

 

Cauliflower

Yields continue to be far below normal for this time of year.  Basically due to weather, cooler than normal temperatures, and some planting gaps caused by rains  in the beginning of the year are the main culprits behind the high FOB’s.  Look for prices to start declining by early next week.  Overall quality has been good, nice white domes, good size and weights.

 

Artichokes

Production  of Heirloom /Green Globes  varieties  have dwindled and the Thornless varieties have been slow to produce.  Look for the market to be active on all sizes until the Seeded varieties increase in coming weeks.  Initial production will be  predominately LARGE sizes.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues  to struggle from Mexico with water quality and insect pressure reducing supplies   Domestic production has been slow to ramp up  and the market has strengthened on better quality. Expect  overall supplies  to remain steady  throughout the month  as new production areas in the Central coast  start to replace supplies  from Mexico.

Strawberries

The lack of demand following the memorial day holiday look like it may stick with us the rest of the week. The market is developing into a split market as some suppliers have light supplies, while others need to move fruit. Quality has been good out of the Watsonville and Santa Maria. The weather will dictate next weeks pricing. Currently the forecast is for warmer temps next week. Ad pricing for the 4th of July pull looks to be in the $10.00 to $12.00 range.

 

Cantaloupes:

The market has been trading lower this week as heat in the desert is bringing production on and there is a lack of ad activity.  Wholesale markets are dealing with left over holiday supplies.  Sizes are skewing to 9s and 12s rather equally spread over the entire deal. 15s were plentiful but sizes are starting increase making their supply light.  Jbo 9s are rather sparse as seems to be the case for the entire deal this year. Next week as inventories clean our we look for demand to pick up.  At the same time the desert heat is expected to continue keeping production prodigious.  We look for the market to limp to close this week with deals being made, them level off over the weekend and next week.

 

Honeydews:

Honeydew production increased in response to the heat. Mexico continued to harvest heavily and the domestic deal picked up as well. As with cantaloupes, domestic sizes skewed a bit small peaking on 6s followed by 8s then 5s, of which there were few. The market trading steady on 5s but lower on 6s and 8s with cheap deals being made up to this point.  Next week we see little change other than perhaps the deals disappearing and the market stabilizing at current quoted levels.

 

Watermelons:

Produce West has started our organic seedless out of Florida. Our first pick is running larger in the 36/45 count. We have good supplies in those sizes but are light  on 60s. We also are still loading conventional melons in both Texas and Florida and will do so through 4^th of July. We will then begin to wind down in Texas and continue in Florida .  The market in CV and OG looks like it will recover at the end of this week beginning of next week from the Memorial Day pull or lack of.

 

Lettuce​​​

​​​ Market prices have adjusted on falling demand while supplies have held mostly steady. Salad processors filled in their production gaps purchasing lettuce acreage which attributed to the previous sharp escalating market.  Supplies look to be steady for the balance of the month with slightly improving but WIDE ranging quality.

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine heart markets have been slow to ease but weaker demand and improved quality will lead to better availability and lower pricing.  Quality has been mostly fair with a wide assortment of issues resulting from late spring showers and heavy winds.  Redleaf and green leaf will follow a similar path as most shippers are seeing improved quality production combined with pending regional homegrown production markets are expected to ease.

 

Celery

Good supply industry wide.  Better volume on smaller sizes and we are seeing a $2 spread between sizes.  Good color and quality and very little seeder to report.  Midwest production had been delayed due to cold weather and is slowly getting started.  Salinas production will be getting started later next week which will overlap Oxnard, keeping volume strong.  Expect steady markets and competitive pricing for the next few weeks.

 

Broccoli

Supplies are lighter this week in Salinas and Santa Maria due to a planting gap from rains back in late February and early March. Demand is good and the market is trending upward. Overall quality is good but product has been branchy and knuckly which results in lower yields for crown packs, especially Asian cut.  Light supplies continue to cross out of Mexico and the market is increasing there as well.

 

Cauliflower

Quality is very nice but supplies are limited.  The market will stay active at current trading levels of $25.00 – $27.00 FOB through the week.  There should start to be some reprieve in price by the middle of next week.

 

Artichokes

Production  of Heirloom /Green Globes  varieties  has dwindled and the Thornless varieties are still limited.  Look for the market to be active on all sizes until the Seeded varieties increase next month.

Brussel Sprouts

Domestic production is increasing as  supplies  from Mexico are still showing significant insect issues.  The market has  adjusted and is currently trying to find a proper level.  The likely scenario has Mexico finishing prematurely early eventually leading to lighter overall supplies  until the Fall.

 

Strawberries

This market has been settling over the past 2 weeks and is believed to have bottomed out. The most recent reports show lighter supplies this weekend and into next week as shippers clean up supplies.  Many shippers are close to being sold out for the week.  Strong Memorial Day business mixed with cooler weather and possible rain in the forecast will result in stronger market conditions in the coming days and could last through the remainder of the month. Quality has been good overall, with the better fruit coming out of the Salinas/Watsonville growing areas.

Cantaloupes:

Off shore melons continued shipping this week and domestic production picked up causing the areas to compete with each other driving prices downward.  Sizes ran from jbo 9s thru 15s, with some domestic producers running smaller than anticipated and others running heavy to larger sizes.  There were some retail promotions on domestic 9s, but overall trading was lackluster. Next week off shore product should begin to run down, but needs to work its way through the supply chain. Domestic fruit will pick up in production as those that have started this week will begin to pick up was their deals mature. Central Az and Blythe will also start. Demand will start dull, but should pickup toward the end of the week as memorial day demand will begin in earnest and wholesale markets will begin to clear up the last of their off shore inventories.  Market should start dull and steady but become active and stronger by the weekend.

 

Honeydews:

Off shores were shipping their final inventory. Mexico was in heavy production and domestic just started to scratch the surface of their deals.  Demand was hampered by the legacy of higher priced inventories, the plethora of cantaloupes and falling prices in Mexico.  Market was weak with sizes peaking on 5 & 6s.  Next week off shores will finish.  Mexico will continue to be in good supplies and quality and domestic will pick up. Demand should start slow but could activate as we approach Memorial day and the onset of summer demand.  We look for market to start slow and weak but level off toward the weekend with better demand pointing to a higher market the week of 5/29

 

Watermelons:

Rain has slowed production in both Texas and Florida and Mexican production as decreased from 400 loads a day to 200. This coupled with the upcoming Memorial Day Holliday should tighten up supplies through the early next week . Produce West will have good supplies out of Texas and Florida for any promotions. Contact your salesperson for  more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce​​​

​​​Production  continues  to be below average for many shippers and more importantly processors although slowing demand has stalled the  market with signs of scattered weakness.  Quality has improved slightly with wide ranging issues  from  insect , mildew , burn and rib blight  all  present in the Salinas  and  Santa Maria Valley.   As quality improves  along with yields the market will adjust industry wide by the weekend  continuing into next week.

Mix Leaf

Market  continues  to be steady on Romaine and  Romaine Hearts especially .  Even with softer demand  the market continues to hold .  Quality concerns  continue to exist with  Insect , Mildew , Wind and Fringe burn  being present. Greenleaf and redleaf  market should start to weaken first with  improved quality and pressure from emerging Homegrown production areas.

 

Celery

Steady market continuing into next week.  Florida is finishing up, although there is still a high volume of product still in inventories.  Weather back east and mid-west has been cool and rainy, which is not helping movement.  Seeder is no longer an issue and quality is very nice.  We should see market improvement once Florida product cleans up and weather warms up in the mid-west.

 

Broccoli

Steady supplies and production is in multiple areas.  Good quality in all areas, although some hollow core detected in Mexican product due to high heat.  Expect steady supplies through next week.  Warmer weather over the next few weeks should bring on good volume into next month.

 

Cauliflower

Much stronger market this week with limited supply industry wide.  Some quality issues including bruising and brown spotting have been seen on arrival.  We are seeing the result of recent wind and rains on the west coast but weather is improving and should help quality over the next 2 weeks.

 

Artichokes

The  Green Globe  / Heirloom season is  winding down and the production is starting to shift back to the thornless varieties.  Supplies  are currently peaking on  medium sizes although look for all sizes to to firm heading into a slow down in overall production .

Brussel Sprouts

Quality continues to steer the market.  Production from Mexico has been affected by heavy insect pressure while some  domestic product has begun  with improved quality .  Sales have stalled with a combination of high dollars  and poor quality leading to a softer market.

Strawberries

Demand has slowed after the Mothers day Holiday.  The market adjusted quickly as buyers are turning their attention to the Memorial day weekend.  Oxnard has pretty done except for a few suppliers. The Santa Maria and Watsonvile areas are in full swing now and looking to promote for the end of the Month.  Quality out these areas has been excellent and counts are ranging from 14 -18 ct.

Cantaloupes:

Off shore melons continue to ship but are diminishing in supplies as the last shipments will be coming in this weekend. Sizes were a bit more democratic but still skewed heavily towards 9s and Jbo 9s.  Domestic production was still limited to a couple of producers but one more joined the party this week. Sizes were tilted toward 9s but there were 12s and some 15s as well. Domestic quality was excellent. Demand was okay, but good enough to take up the moderate supply. Markets ended up 8.95-10.95 off shore and 10.95-12.95 domestic. Next week as off shores wind down, domestic will pick up as more producers will be starting. Demand should be pretty good between early retail promotions of domestic product and food service demand. We look market to be firm early in the week then perhaps drop $2.00 toward the end of the week or beginning of the next week as volume picks up.  At that point the market should level and be active.

 

Honeydews:

Off shore supplies increased a bit as the last rush of product arrived.  Mexico had steady supplies as well. Domestic started in a small way.  Sizes ran mostly 5-6s with a few 8s and some larger. Demand was moderate due to highish pricing.  Market was 8.95-12.95 including all sizes and all areas. Next week off shore supplies should begin to dry up. Mexico will be adequate and domestic will pick up just a bit.  We look for a steady market next week.

 

Watermelons

Produce West is shipping watermelon from both Texas and Florida. Volume is excellent in Texas and is beginning to increase in Florida. Prices are slowly easing and there is promotional volume and pricing for the Memorial Day Holliday on both seeded and seedless.   Produce West expects to start a block of Organic Watermelon on 6/15, there will be promotional opportunities on these as well. Contact your friendly Produce West rep for details.

 

Lettuce

Production continues to decrease with slightly cooler, windy evenings along with quality issues from insect, mildew and tip burn.  Most growers reported to be 10+ days ahead of schedule which is correcting itself and leading to much higher pricing. Initially demand was over-inflated by ongoing berry shortages but now appears to be legit

with escalating prices for the next week.

 

Mix Leaf

Cooler temperatures have slowed overall production but quality issues have been the primary reason for lighter supplies.  Mainly pressure from insects and mildew along with a couple ill-timed showers the past couple

weeks. Prices continue to climb on ALL quality levels as supplies have tightened. Warmer temperatures forecast

next week should help get supplies back on track in a couple weeks.

 

Celery

Increasing demand industry wide and markets are getting stronger. Seeder has been an issue in Oxnard and Santa

Maria but growers are picking to avoid any major issues. Florida is still producing although volume is decreasing and quality is suffering. We expect this market to improve more over the next 10 days due to recent cold weather in California. Warmer weather is in the forecast but will not help production until late next week at the earliest.

 

Broccoli

Demand is steady and prices remain steady as well. Market could trend slightly upward starting the first part of next week as Central Mexico winds down its production. Overall quality has been good, nice green color and tight domes.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies will lighten as we head into the weekend.  Expect prices to climb going into next

week. Quality has been outstanding with nice white color and smooth domes.

 

Artichokes

 

The Green Globe / Heirloom variety is well past it’s’ peak and demand continues to push the market higher. The thorn less varieties continue to be available at moderate prices especially medium sizes although will tighten once the Green Globe season comes to a close in a couple weeks.

 

Asparagus

 

Very little imports from Mexico and Peru along with reduced domestic acreage from California and Washington has led to a very active market. Look for continued shortages throughout the Summer.

 

Brussel Sprouts

 

Production continues from Mexico where quality issues, mainly Insect pressure continue to hamper

supplies. Domestic production has started in a few isolated areas with better quality. The market is likely to continue near its’ historic level as most shippers are still barely covering value added contracts.

 

Strawberries

 

The Berry Category really has been a challenge this year for the grower, supplier, trucker and ultimately, the most important, the customer.  We not only have been up against wet weather, but we have had many episodes of high winds and a continuing wide range in fluctuating temperatures. These various factors have put the berry itself under stress, which gives way to quality issues on arrival. The conventional strawberry market will remain extremely tight for at least thru the middle of May, maybe longer.   The Organic Berry category has been very sporadic as it just has not been warm enough to get consistent supplies and the varieties used in the Organic Category have not held up well.

 

Honeydews

 

Honeydews were strong all week and traded at higher prices.  White fly has seemed to cause an early wind down of the offshore deal. Mexico is going but is no in an over-abundance of supply. Demand has been steady.  CA/AZ is not expected to start until the second week on May with not volume to speak of until the following week.  We look for a firm to strong market for the next 10-14 days.

 

Cantaloupes

 

Transition time is descending upon us rather rapidly.  Central America will be ending some time next. Sizes are skewing toward jbo 9s and 9s with very little smaller fruit available. Central Fla is starting its Athena harvest is a small way. California is also starting to phase in next week with volume picking up the second week in May.  There are already commitments for that period.

Markets finished steady on jbo 9s and 9s and very tight with significantly higher prices on 12s and smaller. Next

week this trend looks to continue. California.AZ fruit should pick up the slack in supplies from the ending off shore deal, but demand should be solid due to the onset of domestic supplies and commitments that are in place.  We look for a steady market through most if not all of next week and a potentially lower market the following week.

 

 

Watermelon

 

Watermelon supplies are down. Storms in late December and early January affected the early Florida crop. Mexico is transitioning to a new area helping to create a small gap. Expect seedless to begin to be harvested beginning

next week in Florida and Texas as well as San Juan Mexico. Supplies will increase over the next few weeks into promotional numbers. Produce West will have Peacock label seedless available to provide an alternative to other big name labels and provide exclusivity to our customers.

Lettuce​​​

​​​Production continues to surge  with  hot weather pushing fields ahead of schedule.  The market has hit bottom as many shippers  are starting to leave lettuce behind due to  heat  induced quality issues such as tipburn and growth crack. Combined with existing peel and blister  ( yes, it’s still around)   overall quality from some production areas is marginal.   A few​  protected areas have fared much better than others.  Cooler , near seasonal temperatures are forecast to return to the desert this weekend improving quality and help extend the season  ​into April.  Currently a few shippers are expected to transition to Northern California production areas the third week of March .  If cooler weather persists it will  help delay transition and   allow the market  firm.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart production continues to saturate the market with an abundance of supplies .  Quality  concerns continue with reduced issues from blister and peel  being replaced by tipburn , dehydration and pale heads  with  red rib discoloration.  While some shippers continue to try to catch up and peel down oversized heads some are electing to  bypass marginal fields  for new ones. Transition still looks  to be a month away and supplies should be sufficient to meet demand  but  could lighten up enough to allow the market to get off current bottom.

 

Celery

Steady supplies on all sizes.  There is better volume large sized celery and shippers are taking offers. Oxnard is still producing in adequate numbers and quality remains nice.  Rain is expected over the weekend in California which could delay harvests, although the storm is expected to be stronger in northern California.  Expect good supplies in the desert growing regions over the next 10 days and steady markets as a result.

 

Broccoli

Trading levels continue to remain on the floor.  There is good availability out of Salinas, Santa Maria the Desert regions and Mexico.  There does seem to be some interest from the retail level with Ad pricing requests for the middle of March and some wholesalers are placing order for next week.  This interest could be a pre cursor to slightly higher prices and better demand starting sometime next week.

 

Cauliflower

Good demand for flower 9’s has brought the market up slightly.  Due to the warmer weather most shippers are getting into fields earlier than normal to avoid sun scar on the domes.  Because of this the product is not having adequate time to size up thus producing mostly 12’s and 16’s.  There is better availability and lower prices available in Salinas if you are able to load there.

 

Artichokes

Unseasonably hot temperatures affected supplies   by promoting propagation of leaves  rather than producing “fruit” on some varieties  while other varieties  thrived overall lightening supplies of medium sizes while producing more larger sizes. Moderating temperatures will help  production heading into heavily promoted Easter holiday although the preferred Green Globe  / Heirloom variety will likely not have much production until after the holiday .

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues mainly from Mexico .  A range of small , medium and Jumbo sizes have allowed for steep discounts on off sizes while the standard #1 size market has firmed heading into a heavily promoted time frame.  Quality is  good but has shown signs  of weakness from the unseasonably warm weather. Good supplies should continue especially  if cooler temperature forecast hold.

 

Strawberries-

Strawberries have been going strong the past couple weeks due to the warmer weather. El Nino is now coming into play, with rain in the forecast through the weekend. Supplies in Oxnard and Santa Maria are expected to tighten next week. After the rain we are expecting colder weather which should slow down harvesting. Florida had its strongest week of the season due to warm weather which should help ease demands on west coast product. This weather should continue through next week.

Watermelon

Off shore supplies this week continued to be ample, with sizes skewing smaller.  There were few jbo 9s and more regular 9s and 12s with even some 15s.  Demand remained lackluster as winter still hasn’t yielded to spring in most of the country.  Thus markets declined about 2.00-3.00. Next week, supplies will remain ample.  Demand should change little until possibly Easter creates some excitement toward the middle of the month. Sizes should skew larger once gain. Market should remain dull and steady to slightly lower.

As anticipated watermelon supplies tightened up with lighter supplies crossing this week as we switch areas in Mexico. Supplies also tightened mot with the advent of two major chains going on a March add.  Produce West will have watermelons during  this transition to the new northern growing areas. Look for demand to spike as temperatures continue to warm. Please keep us in mind for your Memorial  and 4^th of July add on both conventional and organic seedless.

 

Honeydews:

Like cantaloupes honeydew supplies were plentiful this week with sizes skewing smaller.  Mexico and off shore areas were shipping. Demand was uneventful and markets declined a bit.  Next week little seems to be in the offing to improve demand, and supplies look to be steady or possibly a bit less if rains hit Mexico.  Market should change little.

 

Mangos

Offshore mangos are all but finished. Mexican Tommies are trickling in with volume expected around 3/12-3/15. Ataulfos are already going and volume is going to increase about the same time as the Tommies. Volume is expected to increase from the 600,000 per week now to 3,300,000 by May 1 between rounds and Ataulfos. Look for promotional opportunities  in late march and early April.

Lettuce​​​

​​​Unseasonably hot weather in the West  continues especially in the desert. Supplies of iceberg have been slow to match the weather and good demand forced shippers to push the market higher which  inevitably will choke off demand.  Currently moderate look for better size, weights  and overall volume to increase through the weekend.  Quality has improved slightly but concerns continue to include a wide variation of  blister , peel  and discoloration.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine  and Romaine  Heart production continues to surge as they are not reliant on  “heading” to produce a head.  Hot weather may  affect quality with sun burn and dehydration added to ongoing issues of blister, peel and associated discoloration.   The warm weather will eventually help grow through the blister issue within the next couple weeks.   Greenleaf and red leaf  supplies continue to be sufficient with  a wide range in quality.

 

Celery

Warm weather has improved availability in desert regions. Oxnard and Santa Maria continue to produce, as well as Florida.  Demand has come off over the past few days resulting in softer markets.  There has been better volume on large sized product and good quality industry wide, although quality is better out west.  Expect more of the same scenario for next week as warm weather continues in the main growing areas.

 

Broccoli

Supplies are very good in Santa Maria, Yuma and Mexico and will continue to be for the next few weeks.   The quality coming out of all districts is good.  Some shippers in Salinas have started harvesting as well and are looking to make some hot deals as well.

 

Cauliflower

Ample supplies are available for loading out of all growing districts.  Quality is good with nice white domes.  Shippers will be looking to make deals going into next week.

 

Artichokes

Production has finally started to surge on the Thornless / seeded varieties with  mostly large sizes but also some medium sizes .  Most discounted  offerings  continue to show frost damage but many areas have shown improvement over the past week. With  an early Easter impacting demand a strong market is expected for the month of March .  The preferred  Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t peak until after Easter .

 

Brussel Sprouts

Overall supplies continue to increase mainly from Mexico. Quality has also improved and the market  has adjusted.  Supplies should continue to increase through the month as most shippers  are looking to  promote.

 

Strawberries-

Better supplies available this week industry wide with Valentine’s Day over.  Warmer weather in California has helped bring on more new crop fruit out of Santa Maria. Early reports are showing strong structure and product will travel.  Mexican production is coming on strong and pricing is cheap out of Mcallen, although much of the quality is being compromised due to hotter weather in central Mexico.  Florida production is improving, which should ease demand on west coast product, resulting in completive pricing for the coming week.

Watermelon

The watermelon volume out of Mexico is good and the quality is excellent. Expect there to be a gap in mid-March as we switch regions. Right now though we have good supplies  of carton 4s and 5s.  Produce West is currently planting for conventional spring seedless in both Texas  and  Florida . We are also planting organic in Florida for spring. Call for promotional pricing for Memorial and 4th of July.

 

Mangos

Currently Produce West is shipping  Ataulfos from Mexico  out of McAllen. Sizing is peaking in 16s/18s but we have from 12s down to 24s available. We will have our first Mexican Tommy Atkins in McAllen 2/20/2016 . There looks to be good promotional volume in April on both Tommy Atkins and Ataulfos. Call for  pricing.

 

 

Limes: Lime volume has decreased over the past week with only 345 loads crossing from 1/27-2/2. This is less than half of the volume from the previous three weeks. Whit the large amount crossing the previous weeks supply has become backed up. There are deals on large fruit  be had and the overall market is in the sub $10 range.

 

Mangos: Produce West will be starting its Mexican  Mango season next week. We will be starting with Ataulfos and of course transitioning in to Tommies and the other round varieties.  We will go through September with Mangos from Mexico.   Call for more information and to set up programs. We can do untreated Mangos for Canada crossing in Laredo as well.

 

 

Watermelons: The market perked up slightly in the past couple of days as the North East opened back up for trucks and demand spiked. Produce West is planting Watermelons in Florida (Conventional and Organic ) and Texas (Conventional only)for the upcoming season.  Call for more information and to set up programs

Lettuce​​​

​​​Favorable  growing conditions in the SW Deserts has  allowed   production to finally get back on track and combined with a slow down in demand caused by the severe East Coast blizzard the market decline has been accelerated. Shippers have begun to offer steep discounts for volume buyers but the overall tone is weak.  Quality continues to be sporadic with blister,   peel and associated discoloration  still evident.   Quality should start to rebound in a couple weeks but shippers will also now have to be more selective as the market descends to  production  cost levels.  Take advantage while shippers are offering more ad pricing.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and  Romaine  heart supplies have been improving daily  .  There continues  to be a wide range in quality  with  Blister, peel and discoloration  still  prevalent causing some  disconnect in  pricing structure from shipper to shipper.  The  market  has been trailing iceberg  but they will likely end up trading at similar levels  by the end of the week. Red and Greenleaf supplies will  also continue  to increase  with  markets  easing through the week.  Shippers  will offer steep discounts to spur movement .

 

Celery

This market has settled this week as Yumas begins production. The main production areas continue to be Oxnard and Santa Maria. Yuma production is off to a slow start, although we expect volume to increase next week. There is a wide range in pricing among shippers and some are reporting light supplies. Overall we expect this market to settle through next week, and overall volume should improve. Good weather forecasted in Yuma will help production.  Quality is nice and very few issues reported.

 

Broccoli

Plenty of supply currently.  Multiple regions producing. Slower demand from the east has resulted in sluggish markets.  Aggressive pricing and shippers are looking to move. Santa Maria is reporting some pin rot and water spotting.  Expect a buyer’s market though next week.

 

Cauliflower

Sluggish markets this week.  Shippers are looking for volume deals. There is a wide range in quality due to recent rains out west.  This market will remain slow through next week until next week.  Desert temperatures are expected to cool toward the later part of next week which could eventually slow production.

 

Artichokes

Just like most commodities  Artichokes  have gotten a shot in the arm  with ideal growing conditions and  production has begun to increase .  Mostly  large sizes  but supplies of all sizes have begun to increase.  Beware , there are distinct differences in quality.  A few shippers are offering “Frost Free”  artichokes while the majority still  have burn and discoloration from last months  freezing temperatures.

Brussel Sprouts

Supplies continue to be limited  with the vast majority of production coming from  Mexico.  Supplies have been sporadic along with quality . As the weather improves look for a continued improvement in  quality and  production.  The market is  currently holding steady with good  demand as supplies increase look for the market to  adjust in coming weeks.

 

Strawberries

California

California production remains limited and will continue to be throughout the next

several weeks.  With no substantial increases in the forecast expected until the

3^rd week of February, supplies will remain very tight through the Valentine’s day pull.

Weather will have an influence on production as we are looking at rain in the forecast

for this weekend and again early next week.  We have  a slight break and then potential

for another storm the back half of the week.  El Nino looks to be coming into play as

we are getting the call for wetter than normal out west.

 

Mexico

Central Mexico continues to have cooler weather keeping overall production limited.  This week

and next, the berry category should be at a high point in production of our season, however due to the cooler

weather, our production is limited.  We will also begin to feel more pressure to fill orders

that would have been placed in Florida as they experience rain this Wednesday and Thursday.

Look for our supplies to be very stressed out of Central Mexico as our production on the coasts

remain limited due to the weather.

 

Florida

Dover has heavy rain in the forecast for Wed and Thursday.  Some reports show a forecast

in some areas as high as 2-2.5” on Wed, and .75-1” on Thursday.  Rain this heavy will halt

production for Wednesday and Thursday and could possibly take us out  several additional

days if heavy enough. Rain of .10” or better, for all intents and purposes is enough to kill

stem production.  The fruit will surely take in the water and typically this rapid expansion of

the fruit leads to cracked fruit.  Not good for stems.  Certainly this weather is not timely with

Valentine’s day just around the corner.  Look for berries to remain tight out of Florida through

the Valentine’s day pull.

 

 

Raspberries

The cooler nights have had a big influence on our production out of C Mex over the last several weeks.  This will likely continue as temperatures several weeks ago have influenced the smaller fruit that was on the plant at the time and also the bloom. At this point we continue to forecast that supplies will be limited all the way through the Valentine’s day pull.

 

 

Blackberries

Blacks continue to struggle with cool nights and less than ideal daytime temperatures

leaving the fruit in state that is less than ripe, limiting our production   Although forecasted

for larger numbers, like the rasps the colder weather several weeks ago and the cool trend

that continues, will keep production limited.  Expect very tight supplies this week and through

the second week of February.

 

Blueberries

Blue supplies continue to be limited, with minimal arrivals from Chile on both coasts.  Supplies

will stay at steady volume for the next two weeks and then look for an increase the backside

of February. Mexican production from C Mex has continued to help supplement supply offerings

into the marketplace and will continue with steady numbers through February.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon volume from Mexico is picking up slowly this week and prices from the fields  are edging lower. The East coast is opening back up after the storms of last week . Once the East Coast supermarkets assess  their inventory after restocking shelves  there should be a brief surge in demand. The increased demand should not influence the lower FOBs as volume will increase proportionality . Produce West currently has Seedless Watermelon available to load  in McAllen and has watermelon year round.

 

Limes

618 loads from 1/19-1/25, and  the inventory continues to build in the warehouses. Prices have dropped considerably and will continue to drop as supply greatly exceeds demand. Look for deals on pretty much all sizes and be careful of older fruit. The era of $50-100  during this time is over unless there is a catastrophic event affecting the supply chain.

 

Cantaloupes

The market remained dull and steady this week. Lightish supplies kept the market from falling in the face of the East Coast storms and frigid weather but held prices in check in the 10.95-12.95 range with fair quality lower on 9s through 12s. Jbo 9s were about $1.00 higher.

Next week demand will determine the market. With the worst of the storms over and temps warming to the 30s and 40s demand could improve, or rather not stop dead as it had this week.  Supplies should be adequate. Market should be steady to perhaps a bit stronger on best quality. with dealing on #2 fruit

 

Honeydews

We could just echo what was said about cantaloupes. Supplies will be adequate and moslty running 5s and 6s. Demand should be helped a bit by moderating weather in the Midwest and East. Market should be steady to higher with dealing on #2 fruit.