Lettuce​

Production continues from the Central  Coast , Salinas and Santa Maria . The market  reacted sharply to last weeks heat wave which further reduced supplies. From all indications production has leveled and will likely rebound slightly  causing the market to be  top heavy.  Quality will continue to be an major issue and  add volatility to the market. Intermittent demand  will be enough to maintain  current level but we’d recommend  keeping inventory levels  low.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine  has reacted to the increase  iceberg lettuce market . As a direct substitute ,  Romaine will  generally  mirror the iceberg market.  Quality issues remain namely seeder , mildew , insect pressure and tipburn are reducing available  production levels. Romaine hearts  are still a value with many shippers  peeling Romaine to avoid packing product with problems resulting increasing Romaine Heart supplies .  Green and Redleaf are also seeing similar issues  but limited demand has kept  prices reasonable.

 

Celery

Steady market, availability remains consistent on all sizes in Salinas. Santa Maria is producing adequate numbers, although fewer large sizes.  Quality remains good overall in Salinas in Santa Maria, though some seeder has been reported in areas that received excessive heat last week.  Oxnard product will start trickling in over the next few weeks and should start gaining momentum in about 2 weeks.

 

Broccoli

Demand and prices seem to be declining.  Better supplies are foretasted for next week which should result in lower prices.  Overall quality is improving daily.  Smaller head sizes and tighter domes are becoming the norm.  There is still the occasional yellow bead showing up but becoming less frequent.

 

Cauliflower

Watch for pricing to decline quickly over the next few days.  Most shippers will be looking to make deals for the remainder of the week.  Some product is still showing a light yellow cast but quality is improving.

 

Artichokes

Artichoke production was also affected by last weeks heat wave resulting in spreading and some black heart.  Shippers either had to harvest early or suffer losses resulting in fewer large sizes but increased smaller sizes.  This  eventually  forces customers  to “sub down ” a size or two.  This has led to a reduction in overall volume and market increase .   The plants will likely rebound in a couple weeks with normal temperatures when the plants  go through their normal growth cycle.

Brussel Sprouts

Production has started to increase heading into the Fall .  The added supplies are a direct result of  freezer contracts with overflow volume going to fresh market production.   Increased promotions , initiating with Canadian Thanksgiving holiday usually  offsets the  increased volume but will likely lend itself to occasional discounted values until U.S. Holiday season kicks off.

 

Strawberries

High temperatures continue to plague coastal growing regions.  Hot days mixed with warm, humid nights continue to wreak havoc on berry quality, softening fruit structure resulting in bruising, shriveling and decay.  Normally we experience cool evenings this time of year and the berries are able to recover from warm days. This year has been much different and stressed fruit has been the result.  Santa Maria ‘new crop’ fruit is showing better quality. The berries are pricier but have fewer issues upon arrival. Weekend weather is forecasted tobe warm, with a cooling trend by mid next week. We will however continue to see effects of the recent heat on the berries for at least another 10 days.

 

Cantaloupes

Short supply this week as the heat last week brought fields in early, but the cooling trend this week seemed to delay the next fields.  Some sellers had set up promotions as an increase in volume had been anticipated. The market ended up short with demand exceeding supplies on jbo 9s. 9s and 12s. Most fruit was at previously committed prices.  Few spot sales were quoted a $111.00 fob on jbo 9s thru 12s.  7.00 on 15s.  The fields that were not ready this week, will eventually pop and we are anticipating that will be sometime next week, most likely early.

We look for supplies to be short for the balance of this week but becoming ample as next week unfolds

 

Honeydews

supplies were moderate most of this week but demand was dull and market languished through Wednesday in the 4.00-6.00 range. By Thursday however, supplies went into a similar swoon as cantaloupes did this week and demand picked up as some buyer took dews in lieu of lopes.  Market finished firm in the 5.0– 7.00 range. We expect supplies to start the week light but pick up toward the weekend. Demand will start our robust, but fade as higher priced product hits the markets.

 

 

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Lettuce​

Weather and its’ effects on quality continues to dominate market.  This weeks heat wave has added pressure to already stressed crop. Work stoppages and heat related damage has further reduced available supplies and  keeping market firm.  Insect, mildew, high core,  tip burn and sun scald will all be present . Supplies  look to  be volatile for the duration of the Salinas  Valley season .

 

Mix Leaf

The effects of the weather is also affecting all leaf.  Romaine and Hearts  especially have increased pressure from high core / seeders which is forcing growers to harvest fields earlier than anticipated creating surges of production and leading to a wide range in pricing among shippers.  There’s currently  a few shippers with surging supplies  but this weeks heat  may actually reduce  available  supplies  due to  work stoppages  and  lost acreage to heat damage.

 

Celery

Production continues out of Salinas, although volume is decreasing. Santa Maria is picking up production as quickly as they can.  Michigan is still producing adequate numbers.  Quality has been nice overall, some reports of bottom rot have been reported.  Labor continues to be a factor limiting production, particularly in Santa Maria where there have been labor shortages all year. Water allocation is another factor that could strengthen the market in the coming weeks, as celery requires significantly more water than other veg items.

 

Broccoli

The market remains strong especially on the crown cuts.  We can expect prices to remain high into next week and possibly longer.  The warm weather will cause some sponginess to the stem and possibly some yellow bead.  Dome sizes are still larger than normal for this time of year affecting crown yields.

 

Cauliflower

Heat related issues from the warmer than normal weather in the Salinas and Santa Maria growing regions has disrupted the supply chain.  Expect market pricing to remain high through the middle of next week as we see loss in yields due to the warm weather.  You will see more yellowing and some soft shoulder in most product.  We will keep our inspectors busy trying to find the best quality available.

 

Artichokes

Production continues primarily on Globe/Seeded varieties.   Larger sizes after a brief  return last week are showing signs  of suffering from heat related issues .  Currently very good  availability on medium sizes  The market  varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with  occasional insect pressure but severe heat can cause “black heart” if  conditions continue. Limited  supplies  of  Green  Globe /Heirloom varieties will be available later this  month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues  from the Central Coast . Quality remains good although insect pressure will continue through the Summer. Market should start to ease as supplies will increase from production overflow from  freezer contracts beginning later this month  and  Eastern Canada  will begin its’ local  harvest for their Thanksgiving demand .

 

Strawberries

Temperatures in the Central California growing areas touched triple digits this week. The forecast for the weekend is for a cooling trend for the coastal areas. Though this is much needed relief for the Berry world, the damage may already be done. Expect a wide range in pricing next week as quality will vary widely.

 

Cantaloupes

The market showed resilience this week in spite of the holiday demand dissipating.  There were a few ads still going and extreme heat has shocked vines and delayed the breaking of new fields.  Quality is adequate to good in spite of the heat.

 

Honeydews

Supplies were ample and quality was adequate in spite of the heat. Demand as fair.  Shipping areas remain Westside and Sacramento areas.

 

Limes

There is a two tier market emerging between old and new crop. Sizing is mostly 200s and smaller with the peak sizes in 230/250 range . Old crop is exhibiting some quality issues along with lighter color.

 

Watermelon

East Coast melons are winding down early as is Mid West and prices are slowly rising.  Produce West has Seedless Watermelon available to load in McAllen starting 9/14/15 in bins or cartons to order .

 

 

Lettuce​

Weather and its’ effects on quality continues to dominate market pace.  Quality is affecting production with pressure from insect, mildew, high core and tip burn.  These conditions can be attributed from the higher than normal night time temperatures  the past couple month.  Most shippers are trimming down or entering fields at younger stages to avoid problems. Occasional discounts continue  to be available due to  supply surges from varying shippers.  Check daily for available deals.  Weather forecast for possible near normal temperatures should eventually result in improved quality.

 

Mix Leaf

The effects of the weather is also affecting all leaf.  Romaine and Hearts especially have increased pressure from high core / seeders which is forcing growers to harvest fields earlier than anticipated creating surges of production and leading to a wide range in pricing among shippers.  Normal temperatures forecast for next week will eventually help improve quality in both Salinas and Santa Maria

 

Celery

Supplies have increase slightly over last week’s numbers. Santa Maria and Oxnard production is ramping up for the fall. Quality is very nice overall.  Salinas production is beginning to wind down for the season, although there is still adequate supply expected for the next 2 weeks. Michigan is still in full production.  Market is expected to remain steady this week.

 

Broccoli

We are seeing better yields in the fields which should amount to more available product over the next few days and a lowering of prices.  Ample supplies of local product on the East Coast will also help relieve the high FOB’s out of California. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s and stalk sizes are ranging from 25 cent to silver dollar diameters. Product is still showing branchy and some knuckly with the occasional cat eye and yellowing

 

Cauliflower

Demand has decreased and supplies are increasing creating a market decline.  Prices should continue to decline as we finish the week.  Shippers will be making spot deals especially on volume orders.  Run your offers by us. Quality is up and down. Defects include rough curd, hollow core and some spread.  Nigh time temperatures are lower which should help overall quality.

 

Artichokes

Production continues primarily on Globe/Seeded varieties.   Larger sizes have returned  to be the predominant variety as yields are returning to normal. The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure. Limited supplies  of  Green  Globe /Heirloom varieties will be available later this  month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues from the Central Coast . Quality remains good although insect pressure will continue through the summer. Market should start to ease as supplies will increase from production overflow from freezer contracts beginning later this month and  Eastern Canada  will begin its’ local  harvest for their Thanksgiving demand .

 

Strawberries

A wide range of quality and pricing will continue into next week. Count sizes will vary greatly depending on variety.  Soft shoulders and misshapen fruit have been the norm for most supplies. The demand for fall fruit has increased out of the Santa Maria area.

 

Cantaloupes

After a good week last week with ads in place, demand slowed significantly this week as we faced holiday arrival conflicts and ample supply.

Cantaloupes:  Running a range of sizes with best demand on 9s and 12s.  15s and 18s are lighter in supply but very slow in demand. Markets finished Wednesday as follows:

Jbo9;     8.50 some lower

reg 9      8.00-8.50 few lower

12           7.00-8.00

15           5.00-6.50 some dealing

18           5.00-5.50 few

We look for the market to be a bit weaker next week.

 

Honeydews

Demand slowed this week as sustained high prices and holiday arrival conflicts combined to create a lack of interest. Supplies were adequate and ran a range of sizes but mostly 5s and 6s.  Market finished Wednesday as follows:

jbo 5s    6.00 some lower and premium label higher

reg5s     6.00 some lower and occ higher

6s            6.00-7.00

8s            6.00 some as low as 4.50

9s            few but stuck at 3.50

As we head into fall consumer demand tends to turn away from lopes and toward dews. We look for the market to rebound a bit next week

 

For changing weather patterns and effects on West Coast marine  life …Check Out  PBS/BBC Documentary Big Blue Live ! http://www.pbs.org/big-blue-live/home/

 

Lettuce​

Demand remains light. Supplies continue from Santa Maria and Salinas although Santa Maria production has been lighter with slightly better quality. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers.   Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure, rib blight and tipburn. Warmer than normal overnight temperatures continue to weaken texture and overall quality.  Markets should remain flat until lighter summer plantings take effect next month.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand for leaf continues to be light. ​Romaine and even Romaine​Heart markets have flattened out with increased production​ and local market competition​.Overall quality is good but insect and mildew pressure continue to affect all leaf  and warm overnight temperatures have put further pressure on quality.

 

Celery

After a stronger market last week we have seen pricing once again level off as volume increases industry wide.  Michigan product is in full swing and warm weather out west has sped growth and increased yields.  Quality is very nice with good color and structure.   Freight, which is a big factor in celery pricing has remained high but should start to level off in the coming weeks.  This will most likely keep the market at bay until back to school and Labor Day pull.

 

Broccoli

Supplies remain steady out of the west. There has been better demand over the past few days.  Quality out of Mexico has been marginal, with issues such as yellowing and hollow core. The dirt cheap deals from last week have all but cleaned up and shippers have tightened up pricing.  Quality has been better out west, although not spectacular.  With better demand we should see fresher product as shippers clean up inventories.

 

Cauliflower

A stronger market than last week.  Demand is not high enough to warrant significant market increases over the next week.  Volumes have been on the lighter side over the past 5 days and have strengthened the market somewhat, although demand is not expected to exceed supply and nice weather should continue to bring on steady product.

 

Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in the fall​.  A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.  Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

Brussel Sprouts

Production has started locally in Salinas. Mexico has begun to slow and will likely end soon due to lighter demand caused by overall fair quality.  Drought conditions have hurt overall quality and increased insect pressure.  Improved quality from California should help demand and may strengthen market.

 

Strawberries

The warmer nights continue, so expect to see some bruising and softer fruit into the front part of next week.  There has been a large amount of fruit being diverted to the freezer and that should continue into this weekend. The extra supplies of fruit should clean this weekend and we should be looking at range of $9.00 $10.00 next week.

 

Melons

It has been a stop start deal so far on supplies of Westside melons with gaps striking between fields due to inconsistent temperatures and planting pauses caused by water uncertainty.  Sizes started small but have now shifted to mostly 9s on cantaloupes and 5s on honeydews. Demand has generally been dull, but cantaloupe ads this week along with the spot gaps in production has kept markets firm. Prices are as follows

Mangos

Expect volume to increase for the next 10-14 days until early August, and then taper off as the season winds down. There are Kents and Keitts available from Northern Sinaloa. Produce West will have Mangos available year round.

 

Watermelon

Georgia has had a bout with hot weather and rain weakening the quality of the fruit and shortening supply. Maryland and North Carolina have not started and are about 10 days out. All of this together has spiked the market. Prices and volume is day to day.  Next week most growers are expecting to be into more consistent supplies with the planting pauses past and more consistent weather.  Markets should normalize accordingly.

 

Lettuce​

This market remains steady.  Santa Maria supply has been somewhat limited, with most supply coming out of Salinas valley.  Quality has been good overall, although some isolated reports of misshapen heads, mildew and light insect damage.  Some shippers continue showing up with misshapen heads. Much of what is being packed right now is showing a pale opening as crews trim the product to get off as much of the wrapper leaf as they can. Head size is generally medium to medium plus. Weights are ranging from the upper 30’s to mid-40’s on cello 24’s. Normal production is expected throughout this month.  Local growing deals are keeping demand light and we should see pricing settle over the next 10 days.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand remains light after the holiday and should remain light as long as local product continues to flow in.  Romaine production has increased over the past week and quality has been improving.  Shippers are looking for business on green and red leaf and quality is nice on the west coast, although some insect damage, wind and fringe burn has been detected. Romaine hearts remain tight in supply. Weights are generally 22 to 25 lbs on red leaf and green leaf with romaine ranging from 35 to 40 lbs. Look for markets to remain unchanged going into next week.

Celery

Good quality and color industry wide.  Salinas Valley is the main growing region as Oxnard finishes.  Santa Maria continues to produce as well.  This market has seen some strength this week and more demand is put on Salinas product.  Weights are averaging in the mid to upper 50’s.

 

Broccoli

Broccoli supplies have become more plentiful with good supplies in all growing areas. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s. Stalk sizes are ranging from 25 cent to 50c diameters. Some product continue to show up branchy and knuckly. As far as defects are concerned, cat eye, yellow bead and purple cast are being reported but these quality defects do not seem as severe as the last few weeks. We may see prices increase going into next week as growers on the West Coast come into their lighter summer plantings.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies are much better compared to what they have been most of the summer. Defects include rough curd, hollow core, spread, irregular sizing and yellow cast. Color this past week ranges from cream to white. Weights are ranging from 28 to 34 lbs on 12’s. Prices will remain stable and we could see a small uptick as growers have gotten caught up on their inventories.

 

Strawberries
Recent warm weather mixed with warmer nights has resulted in some quality issues industry wide on west coast fruit. Bruising and soft spots have been reported and causing issues upon arrival.  The warm weather caused berries to color up too quickly and are over ripening the fruit.  Another issue is smaller fruit.  The berries are coloring up and maturing before they can reach adequate size.  Be sure to communicate these issues with your customers so they know what to expect.  Nights are expected to cool slightly over the next 10 days, but we will continue to see the effects of the heat into next week.

 

 

Cantaloupes

Desert is finishing up and West side had begun in earnest. Quality is good. Sugar is good. Sizes running 9s and 12s. Market finished at 10.00-11.00 plus on 9s 8.00-9.00 plus on 12s. 15s still stuck at 6.00plus some higher and lower. Look for the market to swoon a bit next week.

 

Honeydews

Desert is done. West side going. Sizes running mostly 6s and 8s but there are some 5s. Demand is adequate. 5s 1.00 some higher 6s. 9.50 10.00 some higher and lower 8s 5.50 6.5-. Supplies should increase next week as West side continues to increase. Market could be lower next week.

Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers.  Overall production is slightly heavier with moderate demand. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tip burn. A slight spike in temperature is forecast for the end of the week should help maintain or increase  production  and likely put pressure on the market to ease.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand for Romaine  and especially hearts continues to be strong with limited “local” supplies.  Romaine distribution among  California shippers  continues to be uneven resulting in a range of prices. Quality also continues to impact the market especially romaine with heavy insect and mildew pressure . Red and green leaf production has lightened up among some California shippers resulting in slightly higher markets

Celery

Good volume and plenty of deals available on all sizes, particularly on large.  Salinas product has started and supplies are ramping up. Oxnard product is still available and good volume in both growing regions.  Quality has been very nice with very few problems to report.

 

Broccoli

Production continues to be heavy with light demand has bottomed out the market. Surging production of Organic broccoli  and a mix of good and fair quality also has hampered demand.  Most shippers  are projected to have similar production for the next 10 days before any chance of lighter volume.  Shopping quality for good values is a must.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower market continues to be resilient. Heavy production has lead to better deals  last week  but demand has been sufficient enough for many shippers to maintain  pricing,   There continues to be spot deals available vacillating between sizes .

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from  Mexico with some  light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall  fair quality continues with  various sizing and  insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe  varieties have begun to  increase production  as the Heirloom season picks back up in late Summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with  occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Warmer nights have produced some soft berries that show up as occasional bruising to the customer. Some colder night temps are in the forecast so we expect an improvement in quality for next weeks shipments. A handful of Suppliers are finishing up in Santa Maria and moving solely to Watsonville for the rest of the season. Prices will continue range in the $8 – $10 range next week.

 

Cantaloupes

Extreme heat resulted in smaller size yields in the desert areas and ad commitments made 9s and jumbo 9s very tight. Most are pre-committed at 8.95 with few spot market supplies selling as high as 12.95. At the same time, there has been an abundance of un committed 12s and 15s.  12s traded at mostly 8.95 with some spill over demand from shortage of 9s. 15s were weak at 5.95 some higher.  Bakersfield and Huron started in a small way, and more shippers are starting to scratch in their fields there.  Supplies on larger sizes should pick up next week and the market spot market should match up with committed prices.

 

Honeydews

Mexico is but on the wane. The desert had much less planted this year. Sizes are running small (mostly 6s & 8s). 5 are snug.  Bakersfield has one shipper going.  Huron should be starting up next week but is not ready to really ramp up until the following week. Market ended as follows

5s            9.00 some higher occ lower

6s            7.00-8.00 occ higher and lower

8s            6.00  some lower occ higher

Market should be steady next week and lower the following week.

 

Watermelon

Watermelon are very active and will be through early next week there good supplies in California . Produce West has good supplies from Georgia on both Conventional and Organic Watermelons. Produce West will have both Conventional and Organic seeded and Seedless and Minis through September out of Georgia.

Mangos

Round Mango prices are still steady through this week but expect them to slide next week as the 4^th of July pull ends and volumes increase even more. The are some Ataulfos this week mostly 18s-24s.

Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Sizing and weights vary significantly daily among shippers. Some  shippers are offering discounts on small 30’s , others Jumbo 24’s .  Overall production is slightly heavier with moderate demand. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tipburn. Weather forecast continues to call for normal temperatures which should improve overall quality and increase supplies.

 

Mix Leaf

Red leaf and Green leaf markets continue  to be depressed due to very light demand  due to “local”  supplies . Demand for Romaine  and especially hearts continues to be strong with limited “local” supplies.  Romaine distribution among California shippers continues to be uneven resulting in a range of prices. Quality also continues to impact the market especially romaine with heavy insect and mildew pressure.

Celery

Plenty of product industry wide on all sizes, although large sizes are the most plentiful.  Oxnard is still producing and Santa Maria has picked up volume and looking to move product, especially on 24ct.   Quality is good, nice color and strong stalks with very little seeder.

 

Broccoli

Good availability and quality is very nice. Pricing is in favor of the buyer and shippers are looking to make deals on crown cuts of all varieties so run your offers by us.  It does not feel like the current situation will change going into next week.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have peaked and we should start to see a slight decline by the end of the week.  Look for the market to decline a few dollars by Monday/Tuesday of next week and then settle in the $10.00 – $12.00 range.  Quality is good with nice white domes and heavier weights.  Get with your Produce West representative for July ad pricing.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production  as the Heirloom season picks back up in late Summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

Salinas and Watsonville are the main growing areas.  Santa Maria has slowed production after Memorial Day.  The berries are on the small side, with good color and very sweet.  Very few quality problems to speak of.  This market has been slowly strengthening over the past few days due to lack of volume.  With Oxnard and Santa Maria finishing up, more pressure is being put on Salinas area fruit.  Weather is expected to be nice over the next 10 days so that will help with overall production in the coming week.  It should be noted that lack of labor could be another issue this summer as more laborers take higher paying construction jobs in a recovering housing market.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies have gradually been increasing since last week’s rain, although not as rapidly as anticipated in spite of the heat. Spot demand is only fair at current higher prices but there are many ads set at mostly 8.95 which has been sufficient to keep available spot market supplies light. Market is 10.00-11.00 on 9s with few in any jbo 9s and 12s at 9.00-10.00. July 4th shipping should start in earnest next week. Look for market to be a bit lower toward pre committed levels then stay steady through next week. Huron should start mid to end of next week.

 

 

Domestic Honeydews

Plantings were very light this spring. Demand has picked up slightly and market seems to have found a balance at 8.00-9.00 on 5s, 8.99 on 6s; 7.00 some lower on 8s.  This should hold through next week, with sizes peaking on 5s and 6s. Quality is okay.  The following week market could weaken as Bakersfield then Huron phase in.

 

Watermelon – Supplies are beginning to tighten up on the West Coast as Mexico finishes up and the Fourth of July pull begins. Produce West has great supplies of seedless and seeded conventional and organic watermelon and conventional mini seedless out of Cordele GA not through September.

Mangos Supplies on Kents continue to increase and prices are weak. Larger sizes are still in shorter supply, look for deals on  12/14 Kents . Ataulfos are virtually nonexistent look for them to remain tight for at least another 10 days .

 

 

Lettuce​

Iceberg  production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Some  shippers  have extreme low levels  of production while others have a surplus budgeted quantities.  Overall production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew , insect pressure and tipburn.  Long term weather forecast calls for normal temperatures which should help overall quality and maintain a steady supply.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand for  Romaine Hearts continues  with  little production from the East affecting supplies.  Redleaf and Green leaf market has adjusted to  much lighter demand  while Romaine  continues to be steady  with uneven distribution continues among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market especially  romaine with insect pressure and mildew.

Celery

Good volume overall, shippers are looking for business on larger sized celery.  Small sizes are less plentiful and are demanding a higher price. In some instances there is a $4-$5 spread between large and small sizes. All product is coming out of Oxnard and Santa Maria and Salinas will begin production in light numbers next week.  Quality is very nice and very few problems to speak of this season.

 

Broccoli

Good supplies of broccoli will continue into next week.  Crowns still seem to be more available than bunched product at this time.  It does not look like market conditions will change much over the next 10 days. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14’s and stalk size is averaging a 50 cent piece in diameter. We are still finding the occasional branchy and knuckly product but quality overall is good. We may start to see some product with cat eye and possibly yellowing next week out of the Santa Maria area due to the light rains they received on Tuesday of this week.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies have tightened as we come into a supply gap over the next 4 days.   Better supplies are expected by the middle of next week and markets will continue to climb until this time.  Overall quality has been good although there is some irregular sizing and yellow cast being found in both the Salinas and Santa Maria growing areas. Weights are ranging from 26 to 32 lbs on 12’s.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in late summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

Lettuce​

Iceberg production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Overall production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Wide varying weights are indicative of quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tip burn.  Long term weather forecast calls for normal to slightly below normal temperatures which should help overall quality and maintain a steady supply.

 

Mix Leaf

Markets are currently adjusting with leaf production starting to get back to normal levels while romaine continues to be steady although with uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market especially romaine with insect pressure and mildew. Markets are hitting an equilibrium on all leaf with Romaine and especially hearts surpassing demand for green and red leaf.

 

Celery

Stronger market overall. Salinas harvest is still a few weeks out so the focus is still on Oxnard and Santa Maria product.   Quality is very nice with very few issues industry wide. Expect this market to remain active

 

Broccoli

Supplies are much more plentiful with both crowns and bunched product. Most shippers are looking to make deals on both Asian and regular cut crowns. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s. Stalk size is averaging 50 cent diameters.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower market has seemed to reach the bottom and shippers are now cleaning up their inventory. There are still deals to be had on 9 size flower although that inventory might be cleaned up by end of week. Look for prices to level out next week. Defects include rough curd, some hollow core, irregular sizing and yellow cast. Weights are ranging from 26 to 32 lbs on 12’s.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from Mexico with some light domestic production.  Lighter demand caused by overall fair quality continues with various sizing and insect pressure affecting production. Salinas has added transfer costs, better deals in Santa Maria.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season picks back up in late summer. A mix of large and medium sizes are available.  The market varies by shipper depending on the variety and sizing.   Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

The market has hit a lull in demand, while at the same time cooler temps has slowed the berries from coming on strong. The forecast next week is for increasing temperatures and clear skies. We may be looking at better supplies as we towards Father’s Day. Quality remains fair to good with berry counts in the mid-teens.

 

Grapes

Greens remain steady. More Sugar ones available at better pricing.  Very good quality out of all areas and shippers are looking to move. Steady market on flames and perlettes. Now comparable to greens price wise.  Good volumes and shippers are looking to move. Quality is very nice and very few issues with the new crop.

Mangos

Mango volume has temporarily dropped. The harvest is transitioning north into new areas and has provided a temporary but false rise in prices. Volume will jump towards the end of next week and without significant retail support prices will plummet again. The highest volume of Tommy Atkins is expected in the next weeks.
Watermelons

Organic and Conventional Watermelon from Cordele Georgia a Produce West exclusive starting the week of 6/8/2015. Call your PW rep for more info.

Lettuce​

Iceberg production and quality continue to be inconsistent among shippers. Mild, cool weather has slowed growth but also increased mildew pressure.  Production is steady with no current pressure to push harvest. Most shippers are back on budgeted schedule. Quality issues from mildew, insect pressure and tip burn are still  common but overall quality is improving. A return of warmer weather will contribute to increased volume.

 

Mix Leaf

Cool overcast weather along the Central Coast of California continues to keep supplies of Leaf short as well as increase mildew pressure.  Overall quality is good but far from fancy as is normal this time of year. Markets are currently steady but poised to weaken pending a return of normal, warmer conditions.  Demand continues to not overwhelm. ​​Romaine volume has been better but with very uneven distribution among shippers. Wide ranging quality continues to affect the market.  Insect pressure and mildew have been the main issues.   East Coast production from New Jersey is starting to ramp up as well slightly weakening demand for California product .

 

Celery

A wide range in pricing with most product coming out of the Oxnard / Santa Maria areas. Also available in Salinas, however much more expensive due to freight costs as product is transferred from the south. Will not be harvesting in Salinas until mid to late June.  Quality is very nice, good structure and color.  Fewer small sized celery available and pricing shows a $1 – $3 spread between sizes.

 

Broccoli

Supplies are loosening up as demand has seemed to have slowed down over the last few days. Bunch sizing is ranging from 2 to 3 per on 14s depending on location and shipper. Stalk size is averaging 50 cent diameters. Many samples continue to show up very branchy and knuckly, making bunched product harder to come by. As far as defects are concerned, cat eye, yellow bead and purple cast are being reported depending on shipper and field location

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies have increased and demand has slowed allowing for market deflation. Prices will continue to decline going into next week. Defects include rough curd, some hollow core, irregular sizing and yellow cast. Color this past week ranges from cream to white depending on shipper and location. Weights are ranging from 25 to 28 lbs on 12’s.

 

Brussels Sprout

Production continues mainly from  Mexico although some domestic production has started earlier than  projected  Lighter demand caused by overall  fair quality continues with  various sizing and  insect pressure affecting production.
Artichokes

Globe varieties have begun to increase production as the Heirloom season winds down. Large sizes are predominant but medium sizes are also available.  The market is adjusting as more shippers start their summer crop.  Quality has been very nice with occasional insect pressure.

 

Strawberries

This market had slowed significantly after Memorial Day pull, and the market bottomed out earlier this week.  Supplies have once again tightened up as more product went to freezer and less volume is being harvested into the weekend. Expect a stronger market through the weekend and continuing into next week. Quality has been very nice, with good color and strong structure industry wide.  Cooler days in recent weeks have helped quality, although warmer weather is forecasted for the coming days.

 

Grapes

Plenty of product available at bargain prices.  Mexican Perlettes and Flames are still going strong and shippers are looking to deal.  Sizing is on the larger side, very few small grapes available.  California fruit volume is increasing daily and pricing is now fairly comparable to Mexican fruit. There are more hot deals on Mexican product, although there is a wider range in quality. California quality is very nice.

Citrus

Lemons are demand exceeds supply on all sizes. Pricing is reflecting the shortage, and most sizes are non-existent, particularly on large sizes. Beware of hot deals in this environment, as this indicates quality issues and unwanted problems.  Limes are in good supply and shippers are looking to move product.  There will possibly be a supply gap on smaller fruit in the next few days, followed by lighter supplies on all sizes starting later next week. This could turn the market around from the tailspin it has been in the past few weeks. Valencia orange supply is improving daily and markets have leveled out. There have been labor issues as stone fruit season picks up in central California.  This could result in larger sized product over the next few weeks. Quality is very nice overall.