Lettuce​

Transition is almost fully complete with production areas in Yuma and Huron finishing up this week.  The market will strengthen based on fewer overlapping production areas along with rain showers temporarily hampering harvest.  Production should even out by the weekend.  Quality has improved with the new growing areas but there will continue to be issues with light weights and heavy insect pressure.

 

Mix Leaf 

Secondary transition from the central valley to the coastal production areas in Salinas and Santa Maria is almost done.  Romaine, romaine heart and leaf markets have all strengthened because lighter supplies.  Many shippers are well ahead of budgeted schedule, Quality has been better from the new production areas especially Santa Maria. Supply swings will continue for another couple weeks.

 

Celery

Good quality product out of multiple areas out west.  Volume remains good, Oxnard is in full swing and there is still product coming out of the desert. Good production on all size and large sizes are more prevalent.   Inventories are expected to tighten up towards the latter half of this month as desert product finishes up for the season and more pressure being put on coastal growing areas.
Broccoli

Demand is starting to pick up and it looks as though prices will increase over the next few days.  We will be in a small supply gap over the next 10 days due to weather.  The warmer weather we had about a month ago pushed the product at a faster than normal pace and the cooler temperatures over the last seven days has now slowed it down.  There are still supplies available out of Mexico loading in Texas.  It would be best to place your orders in advance to make sure we can get them filled.

 

Cauliflower

Market continues to be in a demand exceeds scenario.  We will continue to see lighter supplies into next week.  Cooler night time temperatures along with labor shortages will maintain the market at its current trading levels.  Please try and place orders in advance and expect some pro rates.  Quality in both Santa Maria and Salinas has been good, weights have been 26-28 lbs. with some rough curd and not much yellowing.  Head size has been good and we are seeing nice tight packs.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout production continues  primarily from  Mexico Quality has been fair most of the season and will likely continue to have issues  with  heavy insect pressure and  the lack of water in the growing areas in Mexico.
Artichokes

​G​reen Globe / Heirloom variety from Castroville have peaked especially large sizes.  There will be better availability on medium and smaller sizes as the spring crop winds down through April. New crop seeded globe varieties will start to increase early next month.

 

Strawberries

The market will remain firm until we work our way out of the rained on fruit over the next few days. We will see some bruising and sunken areas in some boxes as the rains over the few weeks look for production to increase out of the Watsonville / Salinas areas. The principal varieties out of Watsonville and Salinas will be Albion, San Andrea, and Monterey varieties.

 

Grapes

There is a wide range in quality coming out of the LA area.  Cheap grapes are cheap for a reason, so don’t be afraid to pay a little extra for solid product.  Crimsons have been nice quality these past few weeks and are holding up nicely.  Greens are showing some age on storage fruit, with brown berry and early mold stages.  Mexican grapes will start up in a few weeks to relieve tired Chilean fruit.

 

Citrus

Market starting to heat up on lemons and oranges.  Demand is getting better as Asian exports increase and spring approaches. Volume has been steady and should continue to produce consistently through spring. The Lime market he hot and high prices will continue into next week. Rain in Mexico has cause extreme supply shortages and demand has caused this volatile market to explode. Expect light supplies into next month.

 

Mangos

Mango volume for the 2015 will be up from the 2014 season. There was a good bloom along with a good set. Volume to date is up significantly over last season.  Tommy Atkins volume is increasing as the Haden variety slowly winds down. Ataulfo volume is down for the next few weeks but look for that to increase coming into the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Look for promotional pricing in the upcoming weeks on all varieties.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the first day of spring upon us we can now reflect on a quite unusual winter season.  The Northeast is continuing to get hit with bitter cold and snow.  Although spring storms normally don’t last long, they still affect markets and slow retail traffic throughout the eastern states.  Out west, we continue to see unseasonably warm days and very little rain.  This results in larger yields and better overall quality. Though this may sound positive, the oversupply will slow demand and hurt most markets.  On any normal year the west experiences multiple rainstorms and cool temperatures, but this year has been warm and dry, not good for an already parched west coast.  Truck rates are steady, plenty of trucks available and rates are consistent with last week’s trends.  We could see rates increase by the first part of next month and remain strong into the summer.

 

 

Lettuce​

Transition has begun with  production mainly in the southwest desert but start up is underway  from Huron  and Santa Maria. Yuma quality continues  to suffer with a range of defects and it’s  highly recommended to stay with the new crop  even though  production may be  sporadic  with the secondary transition to Salinas looming.

 

Mix Leaf 

​ Similar to Iceberg new production areas have begun  in Santa Maria, Oxnard and Huron with  improved quality.  Quality in the desert continues to be inconsistent with heavy twist, seeder and mildew pressure.  Production in the desert will wind down rapidly but transition to  newer areas has started earlier than budgeted allowing  shippers to avoid any significant gap in production for now.

 

Celery

Plenty of volume and shippers are looking to move most sizes. Quality has been nice, very few issues to report.  Yuma is still producing, although production is slowing down for the season. Oxnard has good volume across the board. Long range weather shows nice weather for the next 10 days so expect continued good quality and availability.
Broccoli

Supplies have increased but not enough to cover demand.  Prices are down slightly from last week and looks like they will settle in the current price range going into next week. All broccoli is now shipping out of Santa Maria or Salinas.  Yuma is now done for the season.  Quality is very good, nice green color, dome size is slightly smaller than normal but has nice tight beads and no spotting of any type.

 

Cauliflower

Market is trending lower and will continue in this manner going into next week.  All flower is now shipping out of Santa Maria or Salinas the Desert region is now done for the season.  Quality is outstanding, good white color and nice size domes. Buy conservatively over the next few days as prices will most likely not bottom out until middle of next week.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout production continues  primarily from  Mexico . Quality has started to show signs  of insect damage.  Warm weather and water shortages have impacted  production and quality. Lesser quality has led to  market deals although demand should  improve  before easing post  Easter holiday.
Artichokes

Green Globe /  Heirloom variety  from Castroville  are the preferred variety for the Easter Holiday . Maximum promotions have strengthened the market significantly.  Large sizes have been the  primary yields but medium and smaller  chokes  will become the predominate sizes starting early April. Lesser quality seeded globe varieties  have been available for fill  in  but  production will decline  until late April.

 

Strawberries

Good Supplies of Strawberries will continue into next week. The perfect weather we have been experiencing is expected to continue into next week. All varieties of berries are coming on at the same time, leaving a glut of berries in the market place.  Look for prices to firm up as we move closer towards Easter.

 

Grapes

Good volume on crimsons and thompsons from Chile. Quality is very nice on greens, not many issues overall.  Reds are much nicer quality than previous weeks, mostly due to the fact that the crimson crop is newer and a better variety. There are still some flames available but quality is poor and most of the product has is quite old.  A much better option is to pay more for crimsons and avoid problems.  There is currently a run on extra-large 900 code and good deals on load volume orders.

 

Citrus

Market starting to heat up on lemons and oranges.  Demand is getting better as Asian exports increase and spring approaches. Volume has been steady and should continue to produce consistently through spring. The Lime market he hot and high prices will continue into next week. Rain in Mexico has cause extreme supply shortages and demand has caused this volatile market to explode. Expect light supplies into next month.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lettuce​

​Production in the southwest desert has  a couple weeks  left  while production from California Central Valley and Central Coast regions will get underway next week.  Quality remains fair from the desert and should improve from the new growing areas.  ‘Hot weather in the desert will keep pressure on production and lead to tiered market pricing depending on individual shippers transition schedule.

 

Mix Leaf 

New production areas have begun in Santa Maria, Oxnard and Huron with improved quality.  Quality in the desert continues to be inconsistent with heavy twist, seeder and mildew pressure.  Production in the desert will wind down rapidly but transition to  newer areas has started earlier than budgeted allowing  shippers to avoid any significant gap in production for now.

 

Celery

Still a steady market with multiple areas producing. Mexico, Yuma and Oxnard are all the main growing areas. Santa Maria has been producing on a less consistent basis.  Quality remains nice overall, very few issues to speak of.
Broccoli

Market has been very active over the last 10 days, but now it looks like it may have reached it’s price limit.  Look for the market to settle at current trading levels for the next few days and then will most likely decrease towards the end of next week as shippers start harvesting new fields in the Santa Maria and Salinas Valleys. The best quality is out of Santa Maria and Salinas.  Mexican Crowns are shipping out of Texas and available for loading as well at a $5.00 – $7.00 discount compared to pricing out of California.

 

Cauliflower

Supplies have been very limited over the last 7 days, but it looks like we will start to see better production going into next week.  Harvest volumes will increase in Santa Maria and Salinas and should help relieve prices.  Look for the market to decrease starting the first of next week.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout production continues primarily from  Mexico . Quality has started to show signs  of insect damage.  Warm weather and water shortages have impacted production and quality.  Delayed holiday demand and lesser quality has led to  market deals although demand should  improve into next week before easing post  Easter holiday.
Artichokes

Green Globe /  Heirloom variety  from Castroville  are the preferred variety for the Easter Holiday . Maximum promotions have strengthen market significantly.  Lesser quality seeded globe varieties  will be available to fill in  a portion of the demand.

 

Strawberries

Strawberries will have a wide range in prices as the Oxnard, Santa Maria and even Watsonville areas are experiencing perfect weather conditions.  Quality has been good and is expected to remain that way thru next week. Florida will be winding down over the next week, so we can expect better demand as buyers switch growing areas to the west coast.

 

Grapes

There have been plenty of quality issues with the flames, remaining product is old and getting tired.  Crimsons are starting to come in but at a much higher price.  There is supposed to a large fleet of crimsons arriving later next week which should ease the pricing.  Greens are readily available and quality has been nice.

Citrus

Navels are in full production and more large sized fruit available. Quality is nice with good color.  The lemon market remains steady even with the desert finishing up. More fruit coming out of the coastal areas with better quality. The Lime market continues to gain momentum and product is tight. Rains in Mexico last week have hurt production and fewer trucks are crossing. There are fewer limes in the forecast for the next 10 days so expect the high market to continue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Severe winter weather continues to assault the Midwest and East Coast.  Just when is seems like there is a break in the forecasts, another round of blizzards hits.  This undoubtedly has had an effect on overall markets for the past few months, mixed with warmer than normal weather in production areas.  Long range weather shows a possible warming trend on the east next week which has been long overdue.  The west coast will also see a warming trend over the next week, helping close the gap on transition to northern growing regions.  Desert temperatures are warming up, normal for this time of year as transition time approaches.  Florida will see scattered rain over the next week, which should put more focus on the west coast for berries and vegetables.  Truck rates have slowly been inching upwards from last week, although there are still plenty of trucks available.

 

Lettuce​

Production continues in the southwest desert region.  Quality has improved but has been very inconsistent especially after significant rain in the region earlier this week delaying harvest of mature lettuce.   Temperatures have moderated especially night time temps which will help overall quality conditions but with limited acres and warmer temps forecast for next week quality won’t improve until transition to northern and central California production areas.  Growers have been fighting blister, mildew, high core, pale color, rib blight and now over maturity mostly from rapid growth. Better weather forecast for the east coast next week will lead to better demand and uncertain harvest projections from many shippers will tighten market although poor arrivals will

likely dampen overall demand.

Mix Leaf 

New production areas have begun in Santa Maria, Oxnard and Huron with improved quality.  Quality in the desert continues to be inconsistent with heavy twist, seeder and mildew pressure.  Production in the desert will wind down rapidly but transition to newer areas has started earlier than budgeted allowing shippers to avoid any significant gap in production for now.

 

Celery

Good volume throughout California and Arizona.  Demand is still a bit sluggish, although we have seen a slight uptick in pricing overall.  The best deals are in Oxnard where most of the volume remains. Quality has been nice, a result of warmer winter temperatures over the past 3 months.
Broccoli

Broccoli demand and prices have increased this week due to lower yields and quality issues in the desert and the cooler temperatures in Santa Maria and Salinas districts. Harvest has begun in the Salinas Valley and product continues to be harvested in Northern Mexico, Central Mexico, Imperial Valley and Santa Maria, CA. Asian Iced and Iceless Crowns are available in McAllen, TX.  Overall quality is good.  The better quality product can be found in Santa Maria and Salinas.

 

Cauliflower

Cauliflower supplies will be very limited over the next 10 days. Quite a few shippers in the Imperial Valley and Yuma areas have finished for the season and there is not enough volume in Santa Maria or Salinas to fill the void. Quality is good from all regions.  Weights are 26-28# with nice white color.  There is the occasional rough curd on some heads.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout production continues  primarily from  Mexico . Quality has started to show signs  of insect damage.  Warm weather and water shortages have impacted  production and quality.  ​The market has firmed with increased promotions but if quality continues to suffer  demand will be impacted.

Artichokes

Green Globe /  Heirloom variety  from Castroville  will be the preferred variety for the Easter Holiday . Maximum promotions have strengthen market significantly.  Lesser quality seeded globe varieties  will be available to fill in  a portion of the demand.

 

Strawberries

Wet weather, which included some sporadic hail storms will lead to higher pricing out of California next week. The growers had to clean up rain damaged fruit which will make less available to market in the short term. The cold weather in Florida has given away to warmer temps, thus weakening the majority of the fruit out of the east. McAllen is finished for the season.

 

Grapes

This market bottomed out last week, particularly on the smaller sized fruit.  Pricing has now turned around and is slowly creeping up.  Quality has been surprisingly nice over all, although there have been some reports of brown stem on the reds.  Volume is definitely better than last year’s Chilean crop, a result of warmer weather over the past few months in the main growing regions of Chile.  Demand is expected to pick up over the next few weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This week is quite similar to last week unfortunately. Weather pattern continue to severely freeze the east coast and Midwest states with little relief in sight.  This has been a detrimental blow to already sluggish markets.  West coast and desert temperatures remain warm, although there has been some cooler evening temps over the past week, and rain in the forecast for this weekend.  Still, plenty of product continues to flood markets and keep prices at or below break-even levels on most items. Trucks rates have slowly risen over the past week, although the range in rates is widening and there still seems to be plenty of trucks. Rates should remain steady into next week as more trucks return from the east coast blizzard.

 

Lettuce​

​Production continues in the southwest desert region.  Quality has improved but has been very inconsistent.  Temperatures have been 8-10 degrees above normal but are forecasted to be near normal for the next couple weeks. This will help overall quality conditions.  Growers have been fighting blister, mildew, high core, pale color and now rib blight mostly from rapid growth. Better weather forecasted for the east coast next week and re-opening of West Coast Ports will lead to better demand and an upswing in the market sometime next week.
Mix Leaf 

​Production has leveled off especially Romaine while supplies of Green and Redleaf continue to be plentiful.  Quality issues continue with blister, tip burn, mildew and soil borne disease (Scelrotinia).  These quality issues will lead to shortages as most shippers are a couple weeks ahead of planting schedules.  Transition into new northern growing areas will begin the end of next week. Normal temperatures forecasted for the coming weeks should improve quality and tighten supplies.

 

Celery

Similar predicament as last week, plenty of product, wide range of pricing. Quality is very nice out of Oxnard, Yuma and Texas with very few issues to report.  Shippers looking to move on all sizes, now is the time make friends.
Broccoli

Steady supplies from all growing regions and we do not expect prices to increase over the next 7 days.  We are finding better quality product in Santa Maria and Salinas.  Demand for Mexican product has increased and prices are slightly higher.  Mexico will begin to wind down production over the next 4 weeks.

 

Cauliflower

Lighter volume is expected starting next week and prices will most likely begin to trend upwards.  It looks like growers in the desert regions will finish their season starting next week.  Santa Maria and Salinas growers are harvesting daily but there may not be enough volume to fill the gap as the desert finishes.  Look for volatility in that market over the next couple of weeks.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico. Supplies have been slightly heavier from Mexico.  ​The market has adjusted with lighter demand but will likely rebound in a couple weeks with better demand for Easter holiday.

 

Artichokes

Green Globe / Heirloom variety from Castroville will be the preferred variety for the Easter Holiday.  Production should be sufficient for promotions, starting with large sizes through March leveling off to medium and smaller sizes for April.   It is by far the best eating Artichoke available. Take advantage of promotional pricing in advance of the Easter Holiday.

 

Strawberries

Better supplies out of Oxnard. Quality is nice, with occasional white shoulder. Volume will beginning to pick up in the Santa Maria area. Watsonville supplies began packing this week with good quality but only pallet quantities available. The Florida market has plentiful supplies for the next week. That market has been ranging from $6 – $8.00 and is expected to stay in that range. The majority of the McAllen shippers have gone to the freezer with their remaining fruit. Good Supplies on organic straws, available out of Santa Maria and Oxnard. Wide range in pricing and Quality

 

Blackberries

Expect volume on Blackberries to lighten as weather in Mexico will affect the number of crossings. Some quality issues have been reported with red cell and light mold the main issues.

 

Raspberries

The market remains steady with good supplies coming out of Mexico. There have been less quality issues thus keeping the market in the $20.00 to $ 26.00 range.  Good supplies on organic raspberries available next week.  Suppliers will be looking to promote!

 

Blueberries

Supplies are limited with a wide range in pricing.  The Chilean season is coming to a close in the next 2 to 3 weeks.  The California season has started and is expected to come on slowly with better volume still 4 weeks away. Good Supplies on organic blueberries out of Oxnard and Santa Maria. The market will range in the $28 to $30.00 range.

 

Citrus

Now the port disputes are apparently free and clear, we can expect steady volumes good quality on Lemons and Navels.  There has been an oversupply of export sizes waiting for a home and now the pipeline is moving again. Good quality industry wide, and plenty of volume on all sizes.  The Lime market is still very active with fewer loads coming in from Mexico this week. This market appears to have leveled out on the high side for now.

 

Grapes

This market has eased up this week and with port disputes over, the will be more product flooding the market over the next 10 days. After that we could see lighter supply and stronger markets.  Beware of quality issues, product that has been sitting during the strike now has to be moved, make sure you know what you are buying.  Some issues of mold and decay have recently been reported.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abnormal weather patterns continue across the US.  Warm, dry conditions out west matched with freezing temperatures in the east have resulted in over supply and sluggish demand.  Weather patterns for the next 10 days show little signs of changing.  Southeast and Florida weather has cooled significantly over the past few days with temperatures below freezing at night.  This should slow over all Florida production which up to this point has flooded the markets with an abundance of product.  Truck rates have dropped over the past 2 weeks and should begin to bottom out over the next few days.

 

Lettuce​

​Production continues in the southwest desert region.  Quality has improved but has been very inconsistent.  Most shippers are harvesting at full capacity.  Weather continues to be warmer than normal, averaging 82/55.  These temperatures continue to accelerate growth but also contribute to the wide range of quality. Harvesting crews are having a difficult time getting through plantings before the lettuce over matures.  Starting fields near 40 lbs. and finishing them a day or two later at 48-50lbs.  Poor weather across the rest of the country and closures/ delays of West Coast Ports have slowed overall demand and have depressed the market.  Continue to take advantage over the next couple weeks to promote lettuce and increase your 8 week averages used by many shippers to allocate volume when markets tighten next month.
Mix Leaf 

Production has leveled off especially Romaine while supplies of Green and Red leaf continue to be plentiful. The market has also began to firm in anticipation of lighter supply and better demand from the east once their weather improves.   Quality issues continue with blister, tip burn, mildew and soil borne disease (Scelrotinia) . Overall quality has improved but the better shippers are being selective. These quality issues will lead to shortages as most shippers are again a couple weeks ahead of planting schedules.

 

Celery

Production continues in Oxnard, Imperial, Yuma, Mexico and Florida.  Plenty of product for now and production is peaking on all sizes, particularly the larger celery.  Quality has been nice overall but some issues of epidermal peeling have been reported due to the cold weather in January.
Broccoli

Market remains unchanged from last week.  We still remain in an oversupply situation in all growing regions.  Shippers are looking to make deals, especially on bunch sizes.  Our inspectors are finding the best quality out of the Desert growing regions.  It has the best overall dome appearance with good green color and tight beads.  The only defect we are seeing is some branchiness.  The Salinas valley has started harvesting product as well and Mexico continues to have good supplies crossing into Texas.

 

Cauliflower

Steady supplies available out of Santa Maria, Imperial Valley and Yuma.  Some shippers have started harvesting in the Salinas Valley as well.  There are a few shippers who have lighter supplies and continue to quote higher than average FOB’s but in general we will not see much fluctuation in the price in either direction for the next 10 days.  Nine size flower continues to be the tightest size out of the three.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico. Supplies have been steady but should start ​increasing with better quality yields from Mexico and additional growers beginning production.  ​The market has adjusted but will likely rebound in a couple weeks with better demand for Easter holiday.
Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available but the Green Globe / Heirloom variety will begin its’ annual spring surge.  It is by far the best eating Artichoke available. Take advantage of promotional pricing in advance of the Easter Holiday.

 

Strawberries

Strawberries – The market has quieted down slightly after the Valentine’s Day pull.  Supplies are expected to be better out of the Oxnard and Santa Maria areas in the coming weeks. There is very little rain in the forecast for these growing areas and the forecast is for normal temperatures. Supplies are dwindling in Texas as many of the berry growers out of the McAllen area have diverted fruit to the freezer.

 

Citrus

Similar market as last week, shippers believe pricing is at or near the bottom floor. Port issues will affect the citrus market due to the fact that export is a large percentage of business on the west coast.  Less exported fruit will result in more product on the open market.  Quality is ok, but softer fruit has been reported because of warmer temperatures out west.  Expect similar market conditions over the next 10 days.

 

Grapes

Union disputes continue to plague the port systems on the west coast. Currently there are vessels parked offshore waiting to get unloaded.  This will most likely have an impact on the grape market as supplies clean up and nothing coming in.  Luckily volume has been above normal, which should offset most volume gaps.  There are fewer extra-large sizes available and most of the volume is on the smaller sized fruit.

 

Green Peppers

The green market has increased slightly due to cold weather conditions stunting the growth.  Quality is good and shelf life seems to be strong.  Expect this item to remain active through the next couple weeks.

 

Red Peppers

The red market has adjusted downward this week again and now has hit rock bottom.  Quality will be hit and miss depending on age of shipper’s inventory and days on hand.  This item will remain promotable for next couple weeks.

 

Yellow Peppers

The yellow market has stabilized and rests at a very reasonable level.  Quality is good and should remain that way for the next couple weeks.

 

Cucumbers

The cucumber market has stabilized and supplies are consistently arriving from Mexico.  Quality has been good overall.  This market should remain steady through the week.

 

Zucchini Squash

The market is stable and deals are available on volume.  Quality has been very good and expected to become excellent over the next couple weeks.  This market should remain steady for the next couple weeks.

 

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is following the same pattern as Zucchini, for the most part.  Quality is good and getting better as they break new fields.  This market should remain steady through the week as well.

 

Hard Squash

All varieties are getting tighter and the supply has been lower than average.  Quality has been OK and tending to be heavy to the larger sizes and showing some ground spotting and scarring.  The market is expected to remain active for a while.

 

Avocados

Good Supplies coming from Mexico. 48’s and larger are somewhat limited. 60’s and smaller have good availability, as well as #2’s. Expect good supplies continuing to come in, with deals on the 60’s and smaller and #2’s.  Quality, flavor and oil content is excellent. Price may be up slightly as Growers in the field are slowing harvest and pushing for higher prices. California harvest continues and fruit is available in Santa Paula, CA. Growing conditions have been very favorable and fruit has matured nicely and tastes great.  There is a supply of all sizes, but we are seeing limited numbers of larger fruit.  There are also #2’s coming in. Volumes are still somewhat light and will increase in Mid-March.

Western US is experiencing unseasonably warm weather, bringing on more volume than anticipated on most commodities. Unfortunately the Midwest and East coast weather has been hit hard by cold weather and storms, lowering demand and softening over all markets.  10 day forecast show more of the same; warm in the west and cold in the east. Trucks are plentiful and rates have eased up from last week.  Lower demand and cheaper fuel prices should keep rates down for the next 3 weeks.

Lettuce​

Lettuce market finally has fully corrected from seasonal highs. Production levels are close to maximum and poor weather in the east along with closures/ delays of West Coast Ports have slowed overall demand.   Quality remains a concern with a range of issues from weak texture, mildew and some residual discolored blister.  Warm weather forecast for the month of February will keep production at maximum levels although this will increase the likelihood of shortages again by the end of the month.  Labor shortages and quality will cap volume and force shippers to leave product in the field.  Take advantage over the next couple weeks to promote lettuce and increase your 8 week averages used by many shippers to allocate volume when markets tighten.
Mix Leaf 

Production levels continue to increase while demand has suffered with poor weather in the East.   Market corrections have been slow coming but they will soon bottom out along with Iceberg.  Quality issues continue with blister, tip burn, mildew and soil borne disease (Scelrotinia). Overall quality has improved but shippers will need to be selective to get the best product available.  Projected shortages will likely happen again early March as the Desert production winds  down a couple weeks early and  Salinas, Santa Maria & Huron  are not projected to begin until  Mid-March .      ​​

 

Celery

Wide range in pricing, mostly trending downward due to lack of demand. Florida celery has largely affected over all markets, keeping prices under $10 out west to stay competitive.  More large sized celery this week than last week, however the majority of product has been the smaller sizes. Very nice quality out west, shippers are looking to deal and taking offers.
Broccoli

Market is depressed and shippers are looking for business.  Perfect growing conditions in all areas has provided ample supplies of product.  Our inspectors are seeing slightly better quality in the Imperial Valley and Yuma growing regions.  There is also good availability of Mexican product crossing in Texas.

 

Cauliflower

Demand has improved over the last few days and shippers are now increasing FOB prices due to the better demand.  Prices will be $2.00 – $3.00 higher than they were at the beginning of the week and we could see more price increases next week.  9 size flower seems to be the least available of the three sizes.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico. Supplies have been steady but should start​increasing with better quality yields from Mexico and additional growers beginning production.  ​The market should remain steady as better quality will lead to better movement.

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  More shippers have started production and have been peaking on large sizes with light volume on medium and small sizes.   Production will continue to increase in coming weeks which has led to more competitive pricing.  ​

 

Strawberries

The Valentine Day pull is officially over. Many shippers out of the Oxnard area will still have light volume for the remainder of the week, but expect supplies out of California to more available next week as the weather is forecast for the high 70’s over the next 7 to 10 days. Many shippers out of the Santa Maria will be coming more into play with several shippers starting harvest this week.

 

Citrus

Not much change in overall market.  Larger sized fruit is more prevalent because of recent rains mixed with warmer temperatures.  Later season varieties are generally known for sizing up quicker, which creates further sizing issues.  Quality has been very nice on the navels, good color and firm upon arrival.  The lemon market is all over the board, lackluster business has created good supplies.  Smaller sized lemons are in more demand mostly because of foodservice needs.  Chilean fruit has been very nice, very few quality complaints.

 

Grapes

Continued steady markets, product continues to land in Los Angeles and New Jersey with very few problems.  Extra-large fruit has been tighter mostly because Chilean fruit historically tends to be smaller in size.  Large price difference between extra-large and medium fruit.  Thompson varieties have shown much better results upon arrival than sugar ones.  Expect good quality for the next 2 weeks. New boats could have different results but it is likely quality will be similar as there has been mild weather in South American growing regions.

 

Green Peppers

The green market has stabilized and has settled at a reasonable price.  Quality is good and shelf life seems to be strong.  Expect this item to remain steady through the week.

 

Red Peppers

The red market has adjusted downward this week and seems to have settled at the bottom.  Quality will be hit and miss depending on age of shipper’s inventory and days on hand.  This item will remain promotable for next couple weeks.

 

Yellow Peppers

The yellow market has stabilized and rests at a very reasonable level.  Quality is good and should remain that way for the next couple weeks.

 

Cucumbers

The cucumber market has increased a little, due to inconsistent supplies arriving from Mexico.  Quality has been pretty good overall.  This market should remain steady through the week.

 

Zucchini Squash

The market is stable and close to the bottom…  Quality has been very good and expected to become excellent over the next couple weeks.  This market should remain steady for the next couple weeks.

 

Yellow Squash

Yellow squash is following the same pattern as Zucchini, for the most part.  Quality is good and getting better as they break new fields.  This market should remain steady through the week as well.

 

Hard Squash

All varieties are getting tighter and the supply has been lower than average.  Quality has been OK and tending to be heavy to the larger sizes and showing some ground spotting and scarring.  The market is expected to remain active for a while.

 

Avocados

Good Supplies coming from Mexico. 36’s and larger are somewhat limited. 60’s and smaller have good availability, as well as #2’s.  Expect good supplies continuing to come in, with deals on the 60’s and smaller and #2’s.  Quality, flavor and oil content is excellent.  Price may be up slightly as Growers in the field are slowing harvest and pushing for higher prices. California harvest continues and fruit is available in Santa Paula, CA. Growing conditions have been very favorable and fruit has matured nicely and tastes great.  There is a supply of all sizes, although growers are choosing to pick 60’s and larger.  There are also #2’s coming in. Volumes are still somewhat light and will increase in Mid-March.

L​ettuce

​​Warm weather forecast for the month of February will again accelerate growth and spur production while the market should see a significant correction this week and next.  ​Other than a thunderstorm that hit the desert production area last week conditions continue to be ideal. Quality continues to be setback with discolored blistered leaves and now mildew pressure forcing many shippers to  peel down heads.​  Most shippers will remain conservative giving long term advanced pricing with warm weather likely to accelerate supplies over the next couple weeks  leaving only 6 weeks supply for the final couple months which could lead to eventual shortages by the end of the month​.  There will be daily deals offered with a wide range in quality ​​

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico. Supplies have been steady but should start ​increasing with better quality yields from Mexico and additional growers beginning production.  ​The market should remain steady as better quality will lead to better movement.

 

Mix Leaf

​Production continues to suffer the effects of the frost conditions​from a month ago even​though the weather has since ​been mostly ​Ideal.  Romaine and leaf both will continue to show blister and discolored peel.  Mildew pressure has also contributed to poor quality. ​Texture has improved and discoloration from blister should start to ease now that it’s been a month since the last frost.  Yields and production should finally start to increase leading to a market correction although most shippers still claim shortages for the end of the month.

 

​​​Broccoli

Good supplies expected for the next 10 days out of all growing regions.  Prices will be suppressed and deals are available.  Quality is good with bunch counts mostly 2-3 per, quarter size stalks, small beads and some shippers are still showing the occasional cateye.  Crown quality has also been good. Domes have been averaging 4-5 ” across, mostly tight bead and good green color.

 

Cauliflower

Due to the warmer weather in all growing regions we are currently experiencing good supplies and this heavy volume is expected to go into next week.  Most shippers are looking to make deals, so please run your offers by us.  Quality is good with most weights ranging 27-29#, tight pack and nice white color.

 

Celery

No significant changes in market conditions.  Multiple areas currently producing, including Mexico and Florida.  Small sizes are more readily available. Shippers are looking to deal on 36 count this week.  Quality has been good, very few problems have been reported. Good production will continue for the next 2 – 3 weeks.

 

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  More shippers have started production and have been peaking on large sizes with light volume on medium and small sizes.  Production will continue to increase in coming weeks which will lead to more competitive pricing.

 

 

Citrus

Steady market on Navels, good volume and quality have made it a buyers’ market.  Deals on 48 & 56 sizes and shippers looking to move.  Some quality issues related to older product sitting in storage.  Lemons are also a mostly steady market, although better volume on large sizes.  Unseasonably warm weather has brought on the larger sized fruit.

 

Grapes

Better volume this week on both reds and greens. Flame quality is very good, very few problems to speak of other than slight brown stems although not excessive.  More product arriving later next week which should keep markets soft.  Greens have some quality issues, particularly on the sugar ones. Some brown berry and shattering reported.  High range of quality and pricing, don’t be afraid to pay a little more for better quality fruit.

 

Strawberries

Strawberries – The Oxnard area continues to yield lighter numbers as buyers are moving to McAllen and Florida for volume Ads. Shipments year to date are down considerably out of southern California when compared top last year. We currently are 2 million cartons behind last year at this time. All indications are that volume out of California will not improve until the 1st week of March.  McAllen and Flordia will need to experience good weather patterns in order to pick up the decreased numbers out of California.

 

http://www.producewest.com/1236/

L​ettuce

​​Perfect growing conditions the past couple weeks in the Southwest desert has finally started to make lettuce plants to grow. ​Production levels are still not at full capacity due to quality issues of blister, peel and discoloration but they have improved. Combined with lack of demand from sticker shock the past couple weeks  the market has started to adjust. Most shippers will remain conservative giving long term advanced pricing. With warm weather likely to accelerate supplies over the next couple weeks leaving only 6 weeks supply for the final couple months which could lead to eventual shortages near the end of the winter deal. There will be daily deals being offered by an array of shippers.

 

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico as California product is all but finished. Supplies should start increasing with better quality fields from Mexico.  ​The market should remain steady as better quality will lead to better movement.

 

Mix Leaf

​​Severe frost conditions affected both mature and younger plants leaving continued light supplies even though the weather has been ideal.  Romaine and leaf both will continue to show blister and discolored peel.  Texture has improved but many fields sustained enough damage to severely reduce fields. Romaine Hearts have been affected most due to some deep freezing leading to internal breakdown.  Some shippers  will continue to reach ahead to lessen blister related issues but some will let the product size up and trim back affected leaves creating a wide range in quality, sizing and especially color.

 

Broccoli

This market has been slowly settling as volume increases out of Arizona and Texas.  Warmer weather has brought on more product, creating better volume and quality.  Shippers are looking for business.  We could see numbers come off with rain in the forecast next week for Imperial and Yuma valleys so there is a possibility of a market rebound later next week.

 

Cauliflower

Good availability currently.  Warm temperatures have created plenty of supply, although wet weather could create a better market as early as next week.  Be sure to take advantage of cheap pricing while it’s available, next week’s markets are likely to change with rain in the forecast.

 

Celery

Multiple shipping locations currently. Some reports of blistering due to recent freeze, but no significant issues to report. Small sizes are more readily available, with larger sizing hard to come by.  Look for deals on 30 count and larger.

 

 

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  More shippers have started limited production and have been peaking on large sizes with light volume on medium and small sizes. Production will continue to increase in coming weeks which will lead to more competitive pricing.  ​

 

Strawberries

A very tough week is behind us as loading any volume out of Oxnard was next to impossible. Oxnard will continue to a tough area for the next few weeks as the volume is light as field are down. If Valentine Ad commitments are to be filled, expect to load out of McAllen and Yuma. Higher pricing may slow movement down, but with Florida expecting some rain and Oxnard with light volume, we could be in for a tough Holiday pull.

L​ettuce

​Production levels  continue at industrywide low levels as plants recover from last week’s severe cold.   Weather in the desert has since returned to normal but the ground temps have been slow to warm up. Quality issues are hampering yields although some issues with texture have improved. Blister and peel have replaced tipburn and ribby lettuce as the most common defects. Some shippers are requesting terms of Acceptance Final and feel supplies  will be short for the next month.   Other than some  cooler nights forecast for next weekend the weather pattern appears  to be good.  Sticker shock and poor weather in the East will curb demand and likely impact the market sooner than later although

the highly contracted nature of lettuce has led to an extended length of strong demand.

Brussels Sprout

Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve from Mexico as California product is all but finished. Supplies should start increasing with better quality yields from Mexico.  ​The market should remain steady as  better quality will lead to better movement.

Mix Leaf

​Frost conditions have had an impact on Romaine and leaf  with blister and now discolored peel.  Texture has improved but many fields sustained enough damage to severely reduce yields since pre-frost many fields were being harvested 2-3  weeks ahead of schedule. Romaine Hearts have been affected most due to some deep freezing leading to internal burn.  Some shippers  will continue to reach ahead to lessen blister related issues but some will let the product size up and trim back affected leaves creating a wide range in quality, sizing and especially color.  Similar to lettuce high prices will dampen demand impacting the market.

Broccoli

The market has topped out and we will now begin to see some price relief.  Better supplies and quality are expected for the next few weeks out of all growing regions.  You will still find some light water spotting on product out of Santa Maria for another couple of days and then that quality defect will disappear.  Domes are still on the knuckly side and all growing regions have small, tight beads.

 

Cauliflower

Prices are falling dramatically so make sure you are purchasing with some type of price protection.  We are finding quality in all areas to be very nice.  Good white color and sizing is getting bigger.  Expect to see better volume on 9 size as we go into next week.

 

Celery

This market seems to be gaining momentum this week. High markets on other commodities have turned attention towards filling out trucks with celery.  There is a wide range of pricing between shippers.  Smaller sizes are more readily available mostly due to the fact that cooler weather slows development.  Product is still coming out of Santa Maria, Oxnard, Imperial Valley and Yuma. Mexican celery is also available out of Texas and quality remains good overall.

 

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available.  More shippers have started limited production  and have been peaking on large sizes with light volume on medium and small sizes.  Production will continue to increase in coming weeks.

Strawberries

The market has perked up due to several large growers that had to strip plants this week out of Oxnard. The forecast is for mid 70’s next week with no rain expected out of this area.  The Central Mexico / McAllen fruit has been good quality with steady volume expected thru next week.