Lettuce

Lettuce market continues to be active.  Production continues to be hampered by quality issues affecting yields.  Overall acreage has increased but continued insect and disease pressure along with mild evening temperatures has resulted in less than optimal quality. Deals on 30 size lettuce will continue as the Salinas Valley season winds down over the next 3-4 weeks.

Brussels Sprout

The market has firmed with increased demand although production should start to increase heading into the peak of the California and Eastern Canadian season. Recent years have seen demand exceeding supply during the Fall/Winter season which should result in additional acres being planted for this upcoming season.

Mix Leaf 

Look for continued strong markets heading into the fall. Leaf markets have been relatively consistent although quality continues to show issues.  Trouble with local production around the country has kept enough demand out West to keep prices elevated.

Broccoli

Still a very active market, broccoli crowns pricing over the $20 mark out west. Demand is still strong and light inventories are fueling the fire.  There were fewer acres planted this year in California which has kept markets strong for broccoli.  Mexican crowns are coming into Texas but the recent hurricane has slowed production and more rain is expected this weekend.  This market should remain active through next week, but should top out by mid-week.   There are a few load volume deals on bunch.

Cauliflower

This market is very active this week. After gaining momentum last week, this week’s harvests were lighter than anticipated and many shippers have sold out for the week.  Markets will top out in the mid 20’s by the end of the week and should top out as production improves. Quality is also improving, although there are still reports of yellowing due to long sunny days. We expect this market to hold steady into next week at the earliest.

Celery

This market remains flat; a trend that is expected to continue. Plenty of product available and shippers are making deals. More large sizes currently available. There are deals on volume type orders. Santa Maria and Salinas are the main growing regions. Quality is good overall, however there have been some reports of black heart, pith and insect damage in Santa Maria growing areas.

Strawberries

The strawberry market is steady with limited supplies in Santa Maria California and declining numbers in the Salinas/Watsonville area. Cooler night time temps the forecast for the Salinas/Watsonville area is partly cloudy skies, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. The forecast for the Santa Maria area is mostly sunny skies with highs in the 70s and lows in the upper 50s. Salinas/Watsonville fruit is firm, with some bruising, over ripes, misshapen and irregular sizing. . Counts are averaging 22 to 24 and higher. Santa Maria fruit is fairly firm with occasional bruising and white shoulder. Counts are averaging 18 to 22. We continue to experience some labor shortages in the Watsonville areas.

Blackberries

Production has picked back up out of Guatemala, as well as some local deals in the U.S. numbers as well. Improved weather conditions is the main reason for increased available volume.

Blueberries

Blueberry production has shifted into Michigan and British Columbia, Canada. We have now seen the transition from Pints back to 6oz clams, most retailers have made this transition as well. The demand has leveled off, and the market remains steady with product becoming more available. The domestic season is nearing the end, with the Import season approaching over the few weeks.

Raspberries:

Several larger retailers will be on Ad next week as volumes for Raspberries out of the watsonville were expected to increase this week but weather has pushed the expected increase in volume toward the end of the month. Supplies will be tight for the next few weeks.
Melons

The cantaloupe market is active and prices are a little higher.  Supplies seem to be limited this week, but new blocks are about to be harvested.  Arizona Fall melons are still a week away. Quality on all cantaloupe is mixed, with color getting more green. The honeydew market is steady with all sizes being offered.  Quality is good and supply is available.

Watermelons

The CA watermelon crop is sizing down, peaking on 45ct and smaller sizes. Quality is excellent and the market seems to have stabilized. Seeded are still available in limited quantities.  Mini seedless are still in production but CA shippers are finishing quickly.  We will see Mexican supplies by mid October, barring any adverse weather conditions.

Grapes

They grape market has been steady and supplies are ample on all varieties.  The industry is now packing Scarlet Royal and Crimson variety red seedless.  The industry is winding down on Thompson seedless and starting to pack Autumn Kings.  There are good supplies of Autumn Royals and Red Globes at this time with quality being excellent at this time.

Citrus

Valencia’s –  There are good supplies of 56-72-88’s, the 113-138’s are very limited on both grades. Fruit quality is fair. Navels – Are offshore and in good supplies on 36-40-48-56. Limited supplies of 72-88 and a few 105-113 are available.

Lemons – We are starting to see more new crop lemons. District III and Mexican supplies are in better volume. Offshore lemons are still coming in. Mostly 165-200-235 here, district III is packing out 70% fancy and 20% choice. We are going to see adjustments in the market. Grapefruit – This will be the last week for California grapefruit. New crop will start in October.

Vegetables

The Green Bell Pepper market is stabilizing.  Supplies are limited but available, starting to wind down in the West.   The red and yellow bell pepper market should remain steady and seems to be peaking this week  Zucchini and yellow squash are very active in California, but supplies will increase by next week as Nogales will start crossing.

Cucumber market is strong and supplies are slowing down out of Baja, but will begin increasing as Nogales starts to cross.

Tree Fruit is wrapping up quickly and most items are on their last variety. Peaches seem to have a decent supply of Tray – packed fruit, but VF fruit is very limited.Nectarines are finished for the season. The plum market is staying active and strong as the last varieties are being harvested now.

Lettuce

Lettuce production has increased slightly due to increased fall acreage which has helped to level off the overall market. Quality and weights continue to be inconsistent with most shippers continuing to harvest fields early to avoid further quality issues.  Production should continue to climb through the early fall season to meet increasing demand across the country.

 

Broccoli

Supplies remain on the lighter side and strong demand. Quality is nice on west coast product, some hollow stem but not a big issue.  Product is still coming out of Texas, however Mexico received a significant amount of rain, and more is expected in the coming days, putting more pressure on west coast product.  Expect this market to remain active into next week.

 

Cauliflower

This market remains steady, although lighter supplies. Be aware that yellowing is common this time of year with long, hot days.  Buy from suppliers that harvest near the coast to avoid heat related problems.  Some incidences of black spotting, although not as common.  There is a wide range of quality between growing regions and shippers. Rely on us to find you the best possible quality.

 

Mix Leaf

Leaf markets have been relatively consistent although quality continues to show issues.  Trouble with local production around the country has kept enough demand out West to keep prices elevated.  Look for continued strong markets heading into the fall.

 

Celery

Market remains flat, with cheap pricing and low demand. Freight is a factor in keeping pricing low as Michigan continues to produce cheap product at lower freight costs to the east.  Lighter supply on smaller sized product, maybe a dollar or more difference between sizes.  Quality is nice with very few problems to speak of, although some inspections show signs of black heart and pith. This market is at its bottom and could remain for at least the next week or so.

 

Onions
Onion volume out of California is beginning to wind down.  There are limited supplies on yellows out of the San Joaquin Valley, Lancaster, CA has some availability on both Whites and Yellows.  The Northwest has started with new crop on all colors.  You can load out of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Nevada will start the week of September 22nd.

 

Potatoes:

Northern California growers will have supplies through the middle of October.  Quality has been outstanding on whites, reds and yellows there are also purples available as well mostly shipping out of Stockton, CA.  There are plenty of regional locations currently shipping as well.  You can load out Idaho, Minnesota, the Columbia Basin of Washington state, the San Luis Valley of Colorado and Central Wisconsin.

 

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has been relatively steady with inconsistent quality with misshapen sizing and spotting from Mildew Stain. Production along the Central Coast will begin to ramp up by the end of the month due to increased acreage planted to supply processors fall demand. Supplies in Eastern Canada will also start to ramp up in anticipation of their Thanksgiving Holiday.

 
Strawberries

The strawberry market continues to show strength as the Salinas and Watsonville summer crop winds down and fall crop fruit has yet to increase in volume. Limited supplies out of Santa Maria will continue into next week. The Salinas/Watsonville area is forecasted for partly cloudy skies, with highs in the 70s increasing to the low 80s by Friday and lows in the 50s. The Santa Maria area is forecasted for partly cloudy skies with highs in the 70s increasing to the low 80s by the weekend and lows in the 50s. Salinas/Watsonville fruit is fairly firm, medium to dark in color with some bruising. Labor shortages will continue until the seasons end in the Salinas and Watsonville areas. Santa Maria fruit is firm with occasional bruising and white shoulders. Counts are averaging 18 to 22.

 

Blackberries

Production has picked back up out of Guatemala, as well as some local deals in the U.S. We are seeing some strong‐looking product out of Guatemala right now, with good supply numbers as well.

 

Blueberries

Blueberry production has shifted into Michigan and British Columbia, Canada. We have now seen the transition from Pints back to 6oz clams, most retailers have made this transition as well. Some California suppliers have shifted to 4.4 clamshells. The domestic supplies are nearing an end as we move towards imports.

 
Melons

The cantaloupe market has increased a little from last week. We are still seeing a higher percentage of larger fruit, but supplies are decreasing as the season is coming to a close! The honeydew market remains steady and supplies are plentiful.  Quality on honeydews has been decent.

 

Watermelons

Watermelons have been readily available, and the market is becoming more steady. Demand is meeting supply across the country.  The season is rapidly coming to an end.  Quality has been pretty good, but varying by region.

 

Grapes

The grape market is steady for another week.  There are ample supplies available of all colors, but we are seeing more medium sized fruit than the larger.  This could cause a reaction in the larger fruit eventually.

 

Citrus

Navels – We still have late navels and also offshore navels mostly 72’s – 56’s & larger. Valencia’s –  There are good supplies of 56-72-88’s, the 113-138’s have very good demand and are selling out 1^st. Lemons – we have offshore starting this week with limited supplies, the following week should be better. As far as domestic supplies, there is a lot of small fruit 200-235’s, the 165’s & larger is very limited in supply. Fruit on the tree has not sized due to lack of rain. We will be in a substitute and prorate position in the coming weeks. Grapefruit – There are good supplies of rubys. clementines are available in bulk and 10/3# bags.

 

Bell Peppers

The Green bell pepper market has firmed up a little in California and supply is meeting demand.  Quality has been very good.  The Red and yellow bell pepper market has adjusted and Oxnard is harvesting in force.  Supplies are available and quality is good overall.

 

Zucchini and Yellow Squash market is active due to a gap in production.  Transition into the next block of fields seems to be slow.  It is expect to remain strong for the next 7 -10 days

 

Cucumbers

Market is very active due to a lack of supply from Mexico.  Supply is being affected by the hurricane.  The volume that is crossing contains all sizes, so every pack is available, just limited in quantity.

 

Tree Fruit

Peaches are slowing down….   There is limited availability on VF 56’s and smaller.

Nectarines are finished for the season.

Red and Black Plums are available, but starting to wind down.  The market is strong and sizing is limited.  Quality on all tree fruit is nice.

Lettuce

Lettuce production has suffered from the warm evenings. Although most shippers are doing a good job trimming any visual problems, reddish discoloration and occasional decay are common arrival issues.   Most shippers are being forced to harvest fields early to avoid further quality issues with most offering deals on 30 size lettuce but 24’s continue to command a premium.  Look for production levels to remain light through mid-September.

 

Broccoli

Processors are using up as much acreage as possible, keeping supplies light. Quality has been good on west coast product and more quality issues on eastern product due to stormy summer weather patterns.  Crowns are now available in Texas, although very light supplies.  Better supply on 14s and some deals are available. Expect markets to remain strong through the weekend.

 

Cauliflower

This market is getting stronger, smaller sizes are more readily available.  Many shippers have been starting the day sold out on all sizes. The hot weather has caused a cream color in the heads industry wide, normal for this time of year.  Demand continues to be strong, and we could see a few dollars higher by the weekend.

 

Mix Leaf

Continued mild evening temperatures along the coast has production well ahead of schedule but also has weakened texture resulting in reduced yields. Cooler nights are forecasted along with increased acres heading into the fall season should help with overall volume and keep market steady if not weaker. Some local production areas in the Midwest and East continue to suffer from weather related issues as well.

 

Green Onions

Green Onion market should stay strong for the next few weeks.  Rain in the Mexico growing regions has significantly affected yields out of that area.  Pricing has increased dramatically over the last 5 days and looks to stay at its current range for the remainder of the week.

 

Cucumbers

Harvest production out of the Mexico growing region is improving. Look for markets to remain at current trading levels into next week.  There are still good supplies of regional product across the Midwest and East Coast which will keep demand from those areas limited.  Production out of the San Joaquin Valley of California will start next week.

 

Bell Peppers

The Green bell pepper market is still depressed in California and supply exceeds demand.  Quality has been very good.  The Red and yellow bell peppers market should loosen up by next week, as Oxnard began harvesting.  Supplies are expected to be light, but available.

 

Squash

The zucchini and yellow squash market is active due to a gap in production.  Transition into the next block of fields seems to be slow.  It is expect to remain strong for the next 7 -10 days

 

Strawberries

We currently are experiencing a split market due to quality. Higher prices will continue for the remainder of the week as we should have better supplies of fruit next week for the fresh market. Counts are averaging 22 to 24 out of the Salinas / Watsonville area. Santa Maria fruit is firm with occasional bruising. Counts are averaging 14 to 16 for the new fall crop fruit. The forecast for the next seven days, looks to be favorable for the berry growers. Salinas-Watsonville: Low-mid 70s Tue-Wed, cooling to upper 60s to low 70s Thu, warming to low-mid 70s Fri-Sat. Santa Maria: Mid 70s Tue, cooling to low 70s Wed-Thu, returning to mid-70s by Sat.

 

Melons

The cantaloupe market has eased up a little after the holiday. We are still seeing a higher percentage of larger fruit but the quality has been good! The honeydew market remains steady and supplies are plentiful.  Quality on honeydews has been decent.

 

Watermelons

Watermelons have been readily available, but the market is staying somewhat active. Demand is exceeding supply across the country.  It is expected to remain this way through the summer and into fall.  Quality has been pretty good, but varying by region.

 

Grapes

The grape market is steady for another week.  There are ample supplies available of all colors, but we are seeing more of the medium sized fruit than the large.  This could cause a reaction in the larger fruit eventually.

 

Citrus

Navels – We still have late navels and also offshore navels mostly 72’s – 56’s & larger. Valencia’s –  There are good supplies of 56-72-88’s, the 113-138’s have very good demand and are selling out 1^st. Lemons – we have offshore starting this week with limited supplies, the following week should be better. As far as domestic supplies, there is a lot of small fruit 200-235’s, the 165’s & larger is very limited in supply. Fruit on the tree has not sized due to lack of rain. We will be in a substitute and prorate position in the coming weeks. Grapefruit – There are good supplies of ruby’s. Clementine’s are available in bulk and 10/3# bags.

 

Tree Fruit

Peaches are readily available and mostly peaking on 50 size TP….   There is some availability on VF 56’s and smaller.  Nectarines are also available and peaking at the 50 size as well.  VF 56’s and smaller are available.  Red and Black Plums are available and peaking at the 35 size.  The market remains strong and all sizes are available.  Quality on all tree fruit has been very nice.

Lettuce

Warm evening temperatures continue to affect texture and overall quality. Tip burn and reddish discoloration are common arrival problems.  Size and weight continue to be small and light. Most shippers are being forced to harvest fields early to avoid further quality issues with most offering deals on 30 size lettuce.  Look for production levels to remain light through mid-September.

Broccoli

Still a very tight market, demand has remains strong with high fobs, especially on crowns with many shippers quoting well over $20 fob.  Texas crowns have begun, although very light numbers this week.  Processors are buying up acreage and keeping prices high.   Eastern broccoli quality has been marginal at best, and west coast remains the best growing location for overall shape and condition. Some industry wide quality issues include branchy tops and knuckling.  Some deals are being made on 14 size but expect the crown market to remain strong for next few days. Markets could lose some strength by early next week.

Cauliflower

After a significant downturn, this market is once again firming up. Warmer weather in the east has created more demand as stores begin stocking up.  Quality has been very nice, good white appearance and strong structure. There have been some reports of brown spotting this week, but problems have been minimal.

Mix Leaf

Good supplies of romaine, green and red leaf available from both Santa Maria and Salinas, California. This week Oxnard, California has started new crop romaine, green and red leaf lettuce as well. The East Coast continues to receive supplies of Canadian product which should help keep markets on California product at current trading levels into the middle of September. Romaine weight has been averaging 35#-37#, length 12″-14″ and showing some insect damage, frog skin and an occasional.  Green leaf and red leaf weights have been 19#-21# with some insect damage, a few on the leggy side and some with occasional rib issues can be found in most cartons.  Romaine and romaine heart production continues to be moderate as well as green and red leaf . The “warm” evening temperatures in the Coastal Valleys over the past month have contributed to weakened texture. Growing areas in Southern California have begun production a week earlier than anticipated.  Reduced summer planting should continue to keep market active until September increases.

Dry Vegetables

Green bell pepper market is very depressed in California and supply exceeds demand.  Quality has been very good.  We should see the market improve next week as supplies are forecasted to decrease.

Red and yellow bell peppers market should loosen up by next week, as Oxnard began harvesting.  Supplies are expected to be light, but available.

The zucchini and yellow squash market is active due to a gap in production.  Transition into the next block of fields seems to be slow.  It is expect to remain strong for the next 7 -10 days

The Cucumber Market is very active due to a lack of supply from Mexico.  They have been dealing with a bloom drop, and supply is being affected.  The volume that is crossing contains all sizes, so every pack is available, just limited in quantity.

Strawberries

Yields for fruit have declined and will continue to decrease into next week. Night time low temperatures in the Salinas Valley continue to stay above 60’s degrees which will continue to produce soft fruit. Many growers have opted to go to the freezer with their fruit for the next few weeks. Fall crop fruit has started in the Santa Maria area but supplies will be limited for the next 10 days.

Melons

Lighter supplies of Cantaloupes have caused prices to rise. The market should settle by the end of the week, as the holiday pull subsides. The honeydew market is steady and supplies are available on all sizes. Quality on both cantaloupe and honeydew is good to excellent.

Watermelons

The watermelon market continues to be demand exceeds supply nationwide.  Quality is good to excellent and is forecasted to remain through the summer.  Seeded watermelon are almost extinct, with very limited supply. Mini Seedless are available in larger sizes and limited volumes.

Grapes

The table grape market continues to be steady.  Supply is available and stable with demand.  Sizing is trending to medium – large, big fruit seems to be limited.  Quality and condition of all varieties seems to be good to excellent.

Citrus

Navels – We still have late navels and also offshore navels mostly 72’s – 56’s & larger.

Valencias –  There are good supplies of 56-72-88’s, the 113-138’s have very good demand and are selling out 1^st.

Lemons – we have offshore starting this week with limited supplies, the following week should be better. As far as domestic supplies, there is a lot of small fruit 200-235’s, the 165’s & larger is very limited in supply. Fruit on the tree has not sized due to lack of rain. We will be in a substitute and prorate position in the coming weeks.

Grapefruit – There are good supplies of rubys. Clementines are available in bulk and 10/3# bags.

Tree Fruit

Peaches and Nectarines are in good supply and meeting very good demand. Size is trending to large and being mostly tray packed.  Small volume filled fruit is limited at this time.

Plum supply is starting to wind down and the final varieties are beginning to be harvested.  The market is forecasted to begin advancing.

Pluots are in good supply with multiple varieties being harvested.  The market is steady and should remain so for another week or so.

As the weather around the  country  starts  to  moderate there continues  to be surging wave of demand  as most locally produced items are experiencing less than ideal quality and yields.  This leads to customers having to periodically “outsource” product from the  West Coast.  Combined with the reduction in Summer planting this wave has kept prices elevated.  Look for this trend to continue for the next couple weeks.

Long range weather shows little change on the  West Coast  with continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the inland valley’s  and deserts.  The  rest of the  country looks  to be  getting back to “normal”.

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast mainly from the lack of backhauls.   Look for rates  to drop in the  coming weeks although diesel prices have stabilized which should help stabilize rates.

 

LETTUCE-  Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited .  Quality is good  in Salinas with occasional discolored wrapper leaf.  Weights  have been  mostly in the mid 40′s.  Market appears to be  stable with upside due to  lack of local  product.

 

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent. Occasional large stalk with hollow stem.   Market has held steady  with  moderate  production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. Broccoli on the east coast has been affected the  least by the weather. The  market appears to be  flat for the  next 7-10 days  with possible  improvement by the  end of next week.

 

CAULIFLOWER– Production cycle has begun to slow down . Lighter supplies  will  lead to  improved demand for the balance of the  week. Look for the market to react then likely cap out as prices escalate past merchandising levels.  Weather has been ideal for excellent quality although occasional brown/black spotting on the curd. Continued lighter plantings planned for next month should help keep market active.

 

LEAF ITEMS–    Production continues to be moderate and demand has  been good with occasional surges from the east coast. Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere.  Depending on the  quality of the Ohio, Jersey, and  Eastern Canadian production areas , prices  will continue to ride the Ferris wheel throughout the Summer  as demand  and quality ebb and flow.

 

CELERY– Production has leveled  and the market seems  to have settled but continues to be strengthened by the lack of local production . Quality on California  celery continues to be good with  few  quality issues to report.

 

STRAWBERRIES–   Production continues at peak levels for the Salinas/Watsonville area.  Quality  ranges from fair to excellent.  The best quality continues to come from the cooler coastal climates. Even with the  best expect some bruising on arrival .  Demand  has been very good with heavy promotions.   Raspberry production is moderating from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality.  Continued promotions will keep  the  market active . Blackberries are extremely  limited  with most production being shipped to nearby markets.

 

ASPARAGUS – Limited imports from  Mexico & Peru have kept supplies  tight and the demand  limited  but strong. 

ARTICHOKES- Continue light to moderate volume on mostly seeded varieties.  These varieties generally produce larger sizes. Quality is mostly nice and  market has reacted on the large sizes with a few  mid summer promotions .

Saddle Up

July 17th, 2012

As  we  approach the middle of Summer continue to monitor quality daily.  Changes  can occur rapidly, usually for the worse. It’s a good practice whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler  or shipper to keep product moving this  time of year.  It’s  easy  to get “bucked off”  but if you’re on top of your inventory you can stand tall in the Saddle.

Long range weather shows little change. Continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the inland valley’s  and deserts. 

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast mainly from the lack of backhauls. A reduced force is typical  for this time of year which will keep rates elevated but down from their June peak.  Look for rates  to drop by the  end of the month as trucks  get “back on the road”

 

LETTUCE-  Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited .  Quality is good  in Salinas with occasional discolored wrapper leaf.  Weights  have been  mostly in the mid 40’s.  Market appears to be  stable with occasional deals  for sporadic volume.

 

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent.  Market has held steady  with   moderate  production coming out of  Salinas and Santa Maria. Production from Maine and Eastern Canada will have an impact on the  market.  Look for an initial decline in the  market but lighter production in August may lead to stronger than expected  market.

 

CAULIFLOWER– Demand continues to be weak overall.  Plenty of product still for promotion through early next week. Weather has been ideal for excellent quality although occasional brown/black spotting on the curd. Continued lighter planting planned for next month.

 

LEAF ITEMS–  Demand is off slightly from last weeks peak.  Production continues to be moderate but markets have adjusted . Romaine Hearts continue to be strong considering the lack of local competition on hearts.  Depending on the  quality of the Ohio, Jersey, and  Eastern Canadian production areas , prices  will continue to adjust throughout the Summer  as demand  and quality dictate.

 

CELERY– Demand has slowed and yield on larger sizes has increased leading to better production. The  market is  currently adjusting and look for the market to settle by early next week.  The  market has a  chance to strengthen if the local production doesn’t hold up to the heat. Quality on California  celery continues to be good.

 

STRAWBERRIES–   Production continues at peak levels for the Salinas/Watsonville area. Santa Maria is past its’ peak  but will start a new  crop in a month. Quality continues to range from fair to excellent.  The best quality continues to come from the cooler coastal climates. Bruising and occasional  decay on arrival are the  issues currently.  Demand  has been very good with heavy promotions.  Raspberry production is increasing to moderate levels coming from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most fruit is being priced to move depending on quality.  Continued promotions will keep  the  market active . Blackberries are extremely  limited  with limited production being shipped east. Imports & local production have helped ease demand.
ASPARAGUS – Limited imports from  Mexico & Peru have kept supplies  tight and the demand  limited  but strong. 

ARTICHOKES- Continue light to moderate volume on mostly seeded varieties.  These varieties generally produce larger sizes. Quality is mostly nice and market is steady.

Tim Tomasello

Produce West

Keep on  Promoting Fruits & Veg
June 27th, 2012

While we are in the  middle of the  4th of July  holiday  pull , keep in mind there are still  plenty of items to promote after the  holiday.  Berries,  Stonefruit,  Grapes Melons  and  don’t forget your veggies.

Long range weather shows continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the  inland valley’s  and deserts.   Ideal for continued exceptional  quality for each individual growing region.

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast.  .  Rates are likely to have peaked and may  start to ease after the  4th of July holiday.

 

LETTUCE- Demand has continued to be steady without much pressure from  the  local  production areas.  Although look for  increased production from eastern Canada and  Colorado in  the coming  weeks  to put pressure on the Salinas  area  shippers.  Quality is  excellent although there is  some  indication of early  Verticillium wilt  that will  affect yields.  

 

BROCCOLI–The overall market has adjusted  but appears  to be  stabilizing at reasonable levels .  Demand  is  only  slightly off from the  peak early last week but supplies  continue to  be  moderate and  quality  is  excellent.

 

CAULIFLOWER– The  market continues  to  adjust  downward with sporadic demand. Currently a wide range in quotes but look for  demand to stabilize and  supplies to  moderate  which  should  result in a  more concentrated  market quote.  Most shippers  will  start reducing acreage within the next 3-4 weeks  to account for the drop in  summertime demand.

 

LEAF ITEMS–continued trend of  Ferris wheel demand due in large part to  decreased plantings out west and  sporadic demand  in the east. Quality continues to improve but still occasional  fringe burn and  mildew issues.

 

CELERY–  Quality has been good to excellent.  Mostly  large  sizes with  good  demand on the limited supply of smaller sizes.   Look for market to be  relatively  stable  until  Michigan  starts production  by  mid July.

 

STRAWBERRIES–  Demand for berries will  be  strong through the  weekend  with the 4th of July  Holiday.    Raspberry market continues to be especially active with light to moderate supplies  coming from Salinas.  Demand  should  ease and  markets moderate  once the  heavy pulls  are over  but continued promotions will keep  the  market from  bottoming out.  Quality continues  to  shine  especially in the cooler coastal  climates.  Most  counts are 16-20 with occasional  bruising  and  slightly smaller sizing out of Santa Maria.
ASPARAGUS – Limited imports from  Mexico & Peru have  kept supplies  tight and the demand  limited  but strong.  Without  sufficient support at retail , market will  remain  steady.

BELL PEPPERS- Green Bell market is  steady  and Red Bells  are very active . Quality on Greens  is  excellent with mostly X Large sizing out of the San Joaquin Valley. Reds will  transition by mid July.

Memorial Day usually kicks off not just the Summer fruit, but also kicks off the race for the truck rates. Already, we are hearing rates upwards of $9000 for East coast mixers, and some as high as $10,000 to the far east coast. This is an increase of $3000-4000 from just a month ago. Put that with increased fob prices for lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and other items, and it’s easy to see why delivered prices have skyrocketed. On the other hand, this is nothing new, as this happens every year. We just don’t know from year to year how HIGH rates will go.

Long range weather shows some rain showers today in central and northern California, which could be especially damaging to the cherry crop, which is nearing its summer peak.

Trucks continue VERY tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast. As mentioned, rates continue to climb, and could get up another $1000 in a few weeks.

 

LETTUCE–shippers really pushed this market up the past few weeks, and with the higher freight rates, it is now $25-30 delivered at the eastern markets. We feel the market has now peaked out, due to the higher retail prices, as now some consumers find it is cheaper to buy bag salad, instead of a head of lettuce. Still, even if the market comes down $5.00, delivered prices will still be up there.

 

BROCCOLI–lighter supplies here, too, and stronger market. Crowns have gone up $5-6.00 over where they were 2 weeks ago, so with the increasing freight, we could see crowns closing in on $20.00+ on the east coast.

 

CAULIFLOWER–cooler weather in Salinas early this week will keep supplies lighter than we have seen. Shippers have already raised their markets last week, so retails will change. We could see the market come off by the end of this week.

 

LEAF ITEMS–no change here. Plenty of supplies of romaine, red, and green and the fob prices are still lower than normal. High freight rates will keep things down, especially with local product throughout the eastern seaboard.

 

CELERY–markets still hanging in tough, in spite of the increasing freight rates. Keep in mind that a box of celery to the east coast can run as high as $12.00/box this time of year! That easily pushes delivered prices for celery to $25/box.

 

STRAWBERRIES–there is plenty of fruit, and most shippers looking for business. Except for Driscoll. Surprise, surprise. With cooler temperatures and a threat of rain today in Salinas and Watsonville, things could turn around and ALL shippers may tighten up. We’ll have to see how much, if any, rain we get, and then we will know more.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com

Climbing freight rates are the big news this week. Rates last weekend, which is normally a tough time to find trucks due to the Memorial Day holiday, reached $9000 for loads to far east destinations, such as Boston, and New York. This week, due to the short work week, continue the same pattern. There is big demand for trucks to haul melons, grapes, stone fruit items, as well as the normal demand for veg and berries. There should be more trucks showing up this weekend, as they try to get back into their normal delivery pattern, but rates will probably remain strong. Keep in mind that these high freight rates affect ALL delivered prices.

Long range weather show continued mild temps in Salinas and Santa Maria areas, with early morning overcast, clear and breezy during the day. Fresno growing areas hitting the high 90s with a few 100’s and the desert melon regions are easily hitting 100 degrees during the day. All are normal for this time of year.

Trucks, as mentioned, are reaching for the sky with their rates, and easily getting it. There should be a few more trucks this weekend, then more of a normal pattern starting next week. Another 2 weeks, and we’ll be dealing with 4th of July business, which should show another spike in rates.

 

LETTUCE–lighter supplies of lettuce this week are allowing shippers to push up their markets $2-3.00/box over where they were last week. With the short work week, we see demand holding firm. As far as raising prices higher than they are currently, we aren’t sure because of the high freight rates pushing delivered prices upwards of $25.00 to the east coast. That may freeze demand. Quality is holding up nicely.

 

BROCCOLI–stronger market here, too. Crown material a bit more scarce, so that market is going up, while the bunch market not as much. The past few weeks we commented that bunch was even higher priced than crowns with some shippers. That has changed, and gone back to normal. The overall market for crowns should back off by the end of this week.

 

CAULIFLOWER–a very wide range in price, with as much as a $-6.00/box SPREAD in price, depending upon the shipper and area. This is another market that we aren’t sure will hold up as we get into the weekend.

 

LEAF ITEMS–plenty of red, green, and romaine, and prices are flexible. There is local leaf throughout the country, keeping prices from going up.

 

CELERY–not much change. Larger size 18s and 24s continue lower priced than the smaller sizes. High freight rates will keep prices from going up here, too. Also, Michigan isn’t that far off.

 

STRAWBERRIES–plenty of berries around now, and prices are slipping. Driscoll is still holding on tough, and quoting $2.00/box, or so, higher than the general markets. Still, with demand and volume picking up, and prices going down for tree fruit, melons, and grapes, demand for berries will drop, and shelf space shrink for strawberries to the point that even Driscoll will be looking for business.

 

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com