Much like the  baseball trade deadline ,  there’s  a lot of talk and rumors  about local  production not holding up and possible higher markets  but we’ve only seen a few spikes in West Coast  Fruit and  Vegetable demand .  We’re expecting this trend to continue throughout the summer.  Long range weather continues to show little change on the West Coast with continued below normal pattern for the coastal regions and slightly above normal temperatures for the inland valley’s  and deserts.  The rest of the country appears to be near only slightly above normal. Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast mainly from the lack of backhauls although rates have eased slightly for mid week advanced notice.

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

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent few large stalk, hollow stem.   Market has held steady at modest levels with production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. The market appears to be steady for the next 7-10 days with slight upside.

CAULIFLOWER– Lighter supplies resulting from the continued below normal weather pattern has firmed up the market. Quality continues to be good with occasional black spotting reported. Market could remain fairly active until the weather pattern returns to normal.

LEAF ITEMS–    Production continues to be moderate and demand has been good. Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere.  Market will continue to see surges of demand even with East Coast quality improved but still fair.  

CELERY– Production has leveled and the market seems to have settled but like the leaf market, demand from the  East will dictate market movement .  Quality on California celery continues to be good with few quality issues to report.

STRAWBERRIES–   Summer production has peaked in the Salinas/Watsonville area.   Quality ranges from fair to good with most fruit showing some signs of bruising  and fair quality showing occasional decay at shipping point.  Even with the best, expect some bruising on arrival.  Demand has been good with heavy promotions but with lesser quality prevalent look for fewer ads and a wider range market depending on quality.   Raspberry amp; Blackberry production also peaked from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most production being shipped to nearby markets. Quality won’t likely improve until the Fall crop starts in 3-4 weeks.

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

ARTICHOKES- Lighter Summer supplies have led to a boost in the market on all sizes.  Quality has been excellent.  The next spike in production will come next month.

WESTSIDE MELONS-Cantaloupe production continues to peak from the Westside  with Honeydews just starting to increase volume.  Both peaking on the larger sizes and most shippers  eager to promote. 

This time of year is all about the weather .  Most growers  over budget their production in case of disruptive weather. This year is no exception although there are a few growers reporting a slight cutback in acres due to poor returns last Winter. The overproduction combined with normal weather usually produces bumper crops which is the situation currently in the desert. Not til late December is the weather expected to drop below normal. As a result expect plenty of produce for the Christmas Holiday. Although nothing in the forecast but if cold weather does come it may affect availability for New Years promotions but we’ll update that in the coming weeks. In the meantime get out and do some Holiday shopping.

After a wet (2-5″) weekend along to coast the weather in Californiagrowing districts is predicted to be slightly above normal (65/40-44 Coast ) through most of December  with only a few rain events forecast along the coast . The desert is predicted to be dry and also slightly above normal (70/42 Desert) for December with no severe lows currently forecast

Rates  continue to ease sligh tly  before stronger Holiday demand kicks in by the end of the week. Plan ahead to get the best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Yuma quality is good and abundant. There will be strong supplies this week and shippers  will be  motivated to sell. Color, sizing and weight are all ideal..

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to increase with crowns likely to become more available as most growers are now breaking into their new fields.  Broccoli continues to be grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley ,Yuma and Mexico) . Yuma tends  to be  the most convenient and centralized  loading location and prices generally reflect. There continues to be  plenty of broccoli available in Northern California .  Heavy discounts for volume are being offered but there is the risk of water spotting and pin rot due to the heavy rains over the weekend along the northern coast. The  desert is the  recommended loading location currently. .

CAULIFLOWER-    Salinas and Santa Maria continue to be the primary growing regions and  production has yet to fully get underway in the desert. There is currently light supplies of cauliflower on the market but look for additional supplies as the week progresses as conditions improve in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS-   Good growing conditions have resulted in ample supplies of all leaf  . There is  also a strong supply of Hearts.  Markets should remain steady  through the next couple weeks. Quality is very nice in the desert.

CELERY-  Most shippers  have started their southern production in either Oxnard or the desert .  The shippers who don’t grow in the desert continue to transfer Celery to their desert loading facilities for convenience.  This creates a wide range in markets during the Winter season. Best deals will come from  Oxnard  although heavy rains will delay harvest over the next few days . Look for larger sizes  to become more prevalent next week..

ASPARAGUS–  Mexican production has been steady.  Market is  expected to remain steady as well.

GREEN ONION-   There continues to be an abundant supply of Green Onions on the market especially small sizes Pricing on larger sizes is slightly higher  but look for more uniform pricing as we get closer to the Christmas Holiday demand.

CARROTS- Recent rains may affect harvest but above normal weather forecast should help get production back on track .  Market should remain active through the Holidays with heavy promotions.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Supplies look to continue to be strong.  The  market is repeating its’ performance from early November with a good supply and a weakening market but  significant  promotions for the Holiday will again tighten the market rapidly.  Take advantage of promotional pricing before and during the Christmas Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Heavy rains along the coast have wiped out production  for most of this week .  Mexico will be  the primary source of fruit until fields can recover. Florida fruit is in it’s early stages and will be  limited  Although Oxnard should recover by next week supplies  will be limited everywhere for the next 3 weeks. . Raspberries production will be  setback due to the coastal rains as well. Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value.

A slow start to the Holiday pull should start to heat up as we get closer to Christmas.  There have been abundant supplies in the coolers and fields in anticipation of cold weather slowing production during the peak Holiday demand but inventories will be reduced quickly as most shippers have had limited harvest the past 5 days because of the frost conditions.

The severe arctic cold wave that hit the West Coast the past week is now headed East and should be replaced by normal mild temperatures the rest of the month. Although ground temps will take a week or so of mild temps to reach levels necessary for normal growth.

OUTLOOK:  Warming to above normal Sun – Wed Dec 15^th – 18^th as a ridge develops over the deserts.  Gusty winds and cooler temps Thu – Sun Dec 19^th – 21^st. as a Gulf of AK trof digs, that could bring a chance of rain Sat – Sun Dec 20^th-  21^st.  Max temps could cool to the mid 50’s to low 60’s and morning lows to low to upper 30’s.  Minor warming follows Sun – Tue 22^nd- 24^th. 

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 62 hi : 40 low    Central Valley 56:38  Desert/Mexico 70:36.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady. There are some signs rates will ease this week but with Holiday demand and regulations scheduled to be enforced Jan 1 truck rates look to stay above previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week but limited production due to slower growth and limited harvest hours will shorten supply.  Quality will also start to show signs of blister, peel and discoloration over the next couple weeks. 

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Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be heavy but should also slow as the cold weather will have an effect on growth and quality.  Yuma valley which is normally cooler than the Coachella valley seemed to be spared the extreme cold temps but some blistering and

peel will start to show up with this week shipments. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality will also be affected by the freezing temperatures this past week.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico and Peru continues to be moderate. Increased production should commence once the weather on the West Coast returns to normal.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Cooler temps will likely result in smaller sizing moving forward.

Broccoli-   Broccoli production has peaked.  Great values on bunch and crowns were available earlier this week but supplies will likely shorten as the effects of the past weeks cold front will slow growth.  Supplies will be available but look for higher pricing through the Holiday demand period.  Supplies should rebound by the end of the month.

Cauliflower- The market has already reacted to shorter supplies due to the cold weather.  Looked for continued bump in prices until normal weather pattern sets in. Quality will also suffer to due exposure to the curd when the foliage freezes then thaws.  Cauliflower is much more significantly affected by change in the weather due to the limited production areas available.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good but now with the freezing temps especially along the coast the celery quality will suffer mainly from blister and peel and possibly black heart. The market on larger sizes is likely to strengthen due to the fact the celery will have to be trimmed down significantly to remove the severe blistering. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.

Bell Peppers- Production from the Deserts and Mexico have been steadily increasing but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice but freezing temperatures will have an impact on quality and supplies for the upcoming weeks.

Berries- Production in Santa Maria has been halted by the severe cold temperatures this past week. Whatever fruit was available has to be stripped down to the blossom. Even some blossoms were damaged.  Oxnard had slightly warmer temperatures but has similar issues.  The only fruit with sufficient quality to ship East will be from Mexico/Texas and Florida.  Supplies will take at least a month to rebound from the West Coast but should be improving daily from Texas and Florida.  Light supplies of Raspberries will continue with increased pricing but Blackberries should start to see better supplies. 

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from  Coachella and Coastal valley but it is yet to be determined if the recent freeze had the duration to affect the Navels or Lemons which tend to be heartier than the Mandarins.

Long range weather starting to warm on the West Coast with highs in the mid 70’s to high 80’s and continued  above normal temperatures for the inland valley’s,  deserts and the rest of the country.

If solicitations were an indicator of truck rates look for a drop in rates  soon even with diesel prices starting to inch upwards. Rates for now are holding steady for most of the country. Preferred rates are still available for mid week, advanced notice loading.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady  with good demand. Local production continues to be limited.  Quality is ranging from ok to good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn.   Weights have been mostly in the mid 40′s.  Market appears to be stable with potential upside due to limited local production.

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent.   Market has held steady  with production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. The market appears to be steady for the next 7-10 days with slight upside.

CAULIFLOWER– Lighter supplies  has firmed up the market but still with a wide range. Local production continues to be  limited but expected to increase going forward which should cap upside. Look for market to ease by the weekend.  Quality continues to be good with occasional black spotting reported.

LEAF ITEMS–    Production continues to be moderate and demand has been good. Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere.   Market will continue to see surges of demand even with East Coast quality improved but still fair.   Quality issues also in California have limited volume and have kept markets  active. 

CELERY– Production has leveled and the market seems to have settled. Quality from Michigan  and subsequent demand from the  East will dictate market direction . Currently quality from Michigan is  reported as fair at best but improving.  Quality on California celery continues to be good with few quality issues to report.

STRAWBERRIES–   With Summer production past the peak the  market will start to  firm .   Quality ranges from fair to good with most fruit showing some signs of bruising  and fair quality showing occasional decay at shipping point.  Even with the best, expect some bruising on arrival.  Demand continues to be  strong and shippers  will be able to choose which markets  they want to ship.    Raspberry amp; Blackberry production also peaked from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most production being shipped to nearby markets. Quality won’t likely improve until the Fall crop starts in 2-4 weeks.

ASPARAGUS – With  Mexico production winding down , leaving imports  from Peru as  the  primary  source look for markets to become  more active especially as we near the  end of the  month.  

ARTICHOKES- Lighter Summer supplies have led to a boost in the market on all sizes.  Quality has been excellent. Market should  remain  active for the  duration of the month.

WESTSIDE MELONS-Cantaloupe production continues to peak from the Westside  with Honeydews  starting to increase volume.  Both peaking on the larger sizes and most shippers  eager to promote. 

As we settle into the Winter season much of the country has yet to experience any severe cold weather.  California and Arizona have been no exception. Ideal weather in most growing regions have led to a surplus in many vegetable categories due to crops maturing earlier than normal. This excess makes for a great opportunity to promote more veggies. So take advantage while supplies are at their peak because with the short days and possible seasonal cold weather lurking excess supplies could turn into temporary shortages quickly.

Weather continues to be the story across the country with mild sunny days out West and severe cold in the Northeast. Now that the Holidays have past most production, shipping and transportation activities will get back on schedule.

Normal temps for the West Coast the past week are now forecast to continue for the next couple weeks with only a minor disturbance for the end of the week.  Slight frost in the morning with abundant sunshine has been the norm. Ground temps are still slightly below necessary levels for normal growth.

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 39 low    Central Valley 53:38  Desert/Mexico 71:37.

Transportation rates spiked during the Holidays but should ease as more trucks get back into circulation.  Although tighter regulations will continue to have rates elevated from previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week but continued lettuce ice delays have kept supplies from completely saturating the market along with a reduced labor force.  The market has been mostly weak with few promotions and Quality slowing sales with signs of blister, peel and discoloration for the next couple weeks.

Leaf Lettuce – Light Frost also has slowed production of most leaf items slightly but a return of a full labor force after the Holidays will help shippers cover more ground even if further frost delays continue. Blistering and peel will be the norm for most shipments for the next few weeks. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality are also being affected by the previous freezing temperatures but should rebound quicker than Romaine.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico and Peru continues to be light to moderate. Increased production was forecast to begin in the West Coast as soon as ground temps get above necessary levels.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Better sizing is expected as ground temps  improve.

Broccoli-   Broccoli production has improved but demand is still soft.  Quality should start to improve especially in the desert locations.  The market will likely remain soft until further promotions are put in place to help jump start demand.

Cauliflower- The market softened last week but looks to gain strength this week with better demand  and lighter supplies as Yuma and Santa Maria are the only production areas available. Quality has been ok but should start improving.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard but a few shippers have plantings in Mexico and or Yuma which allows them to avoid transfer costs  of moving product from cooler to cooler.  Quality has been fair out of Santa Maria with significant blister and peeling. The market has been much softer in Oxnard and Santa Maria mainly because of quality but also convenience. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.

Bell Peppers- Production from Mexico has been steady but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice.

Berries- Production in Oxnard have been limited due to previous freezing temps but new crop production has started to increase with warmer temperatures.  Previously the only fruit with sufficient quality to ship East was from Mexico/Texas and Florida but some weather issues have stalled production and strengthened the market.  Supplies will take at least another week to get back to sufficient levels.  Light supplies of Raspberries will continue with increased pricing but Blackberries will continue to be available.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from Coachella and Coastal valley although the recent freeze has reduced the quality and overall available yields.  Look for the market to continue to be strong.

_________________

Tim  Tomasello

After a  short warming period,  Long range weather shows  West Coast cooling to near normal with highs in the mid 60’s to mid 80’s but continued  above normal temperatures for the inland valley’s and  deserts. The  rest of the country finally gets a reprieve from the Hot , Dry weather with an extended forecast of seasonal precipitation and  below normal temperatures.

Freight rates have adjusted and for now are holding steady for most of the country. Preferred rates are still available for mid week, advanced notice loading. Climbing diesel prices, especially on West Coast may affect rates in the short term but with more equipment available heading into the Fall  rates  should start to ease.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady  with good demand. Local production continues to be limited.  Quality is ranging from ok to good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn.   Weights have been mostly in the mid 40′s.  Market appears to be stable with potential upside due to limited local production.

BROCCOLI–Market continues to show some upside especially for the next 10 days with most  demand coming from the Midwest and West Coast with continued sporadic contribution from the  East . Production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria with quality continuing to be excellent . Most volume discounts  will originate from Santa Maria.

CAULIFLOWER– A recent surge in production has market adjusting  with a wide range in quotes.  Production  should stabilize by mid week leaving fewer 9’s  available and erratic supplies of 12’s . Some customers are taking  advantage of the deals which will lead to stabilizing the overall market.  Local production should cap any extreme upside.  Quality continues to be good with occasional black spotting reported.

LEAF ITEMS–    Production continues to be moderate and demand has been very good. Markets will continue to see surges of demand even with East Coast quality improved but still fair.   Quality issues also in California have limited volume and have kept markets  active.  Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere while carton Romaine is not far behind.  Continued fringe burn and now  internal burn issues are widespread.  You may even see demand for carton Romaine surpass  Hearts due to shippers actively “stripping” down problem leaves  from their carton Romaine.  

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Production out of Mexico is winding down with some worm damage being reported. While production has increased out of Central California with an array of sizes from  small to  Jumbo’s .  With unsettled quality the market has dropped considerably.  Most shippers  are trying to find the appropriate level to get the  market jump started.  Once quality returns most retailers will jump back in for the nouveau  veg item and the market will stabilize.

CELERY– Production has leveled and the market seems to have settled.  Quality from Michigan  and subsequent demand from the  East will dictate market direction . Currently quality from Michigan is  reported as fair at best but improving.  Quality on California celery continues to be good with few quality issues to report. Similar to Cauliflower look for a narrowing in market prices with possible upside.

STRAWBERRIES–   Slowing Summer production and smaller fruit has limited  production causing an increasingly active market and higher prices .  Quality ranges from fair to good with ALL fruit showing some signs of bruising  and fair quality showing some decay at shipping point.  Even with the best, expect some bruising on arrival.  Demand continues to be  strong and shippers  are limiting shipments to their best customers with fewest problems.    Raspberry amp; Blackberry production also peaked from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most production being shipped to nearby markets. Quality won’t likely improve until the Fall crop starts around the first week of September.

ASPARAGUS – With minimal production from  Mexico and sporadic shipments from Peru supplies are limited and the  market is substantially higher than the previous week.  Quality has been good although occasional aging issues  due to the  distribution cycle from  East Coast to West Coast BACK to East Coast.  

ARTICHOKES- Lighter Summer supplies have led to a boost in the market on all sizes.  Quality has been excellent. Market should  remain  active for the  duration of the month.

WESTSIDE MELONS-Cantaloupe production has peaked from the Westside  with Honeydews  starting to increase volume. Most shippers having taken on a considerable amount of promotions  between now and the  Labor Day Holiday  which will result in an active market and higher pricing.

The Holiday veggy shopping season has gotten off to a good start with good supplies of most Holiday items. That could  change as we enter into a seasonally heavy demand period for snacking fruits and vegetables.  With office, New Years and Super Bowl parties not to mention those annual dieters , fruits and veggies will command more attention. Warm weather on the West Coast has provided an abundant supply of produce the past few weeks. But now the weather has started to cool and most commodities will start to get back on schedule. Lighter supplies and possible higher prices are expected on some  items  while providing opportunities for promoting  other commodities.

Weather for most of the West Coast growing regions has started to cool especially the night time low temps. Along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego will be slightly below normal (63hi/39-42lo) this week before dropping 5-8 degrees next week with possible scattered showers throughout the week. Temps are forecast to remain below normal through the first week of January. The Desert and Central Mexico will be near normal (68hi/38-40lo) this week,  dropping below normal next week with possible freeze for  Christmas week. Rain becomes a possibility for the desert starting 12/29.  Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (73hi/52lo)  other than one strong cold front expected to bring significant rain followed by cool temps this weekend otherwise an occasional thunder storm  and near normal the next couple weeks.

Stronger Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should continue to roll back but plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

LETTUCE- Production has peaked as the weather has been ideal . Slightly cooler weather will steady production and eventually lead to lighter supplies as cold weather will allow shippers the flexibility to hold lettuce a few extra days before harvest if needed. Shippers will also be quick to raise prices to ensure covering contracts. Quality has been very nice on lettuce harvested ahead of schedule. Some quality issues were reported on lettuce harvested over mature..

LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf will continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good from all desert districts. Possible frost is expected next week would could start the cycle of blister and peel although the effects won’t be seen for a couple weeks after the first frost. Continue to promote with confidence.

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley over the weekend has led to lighter supplies.  Combined with Holiday demand the market has reacted upward. There will still be supplies coming from all growing districts which will keep prices from getting out of control but as long as cool , unsettled weather pattern is predominant then the market will continue to have upside. The quality from most growing areas is comparable but some signs of pin rot are still showing up on Salinas broccoli.  There are volume deals available but not as widespread as last week.

CAULIFLOWER- The  market has reacted to a week of strong demand and cooler weather along the coast. There will be available supplies early this week but may tighten with continued strong Holiday demand and cooler weather.   Quality has been excellent.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been abundant but with good demand. Traditionally supplies become limited during the Holidays due to labor and logistical issues out of Mexico. The market has already reacted anticipating lighter supplies  and has possible upside through the New Year. Good values continue to be on smaller sizes and Iceless packs  which have an extended shelf life due to the breathable film.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally cold weather.  The market is steady with possible upside with good  demand which will continue through the heavy Holiday promotional period.
CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong Holiday demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

STRAWBERRIES- Continued scattered showers through most growing areas have kept an already tight supply even tighter.   With Oxnard  production disrupted due to previous rains and now cooler weather the market has been exceptionally strong with a seasonal low in volume due to limited starts in Mexico and Florida. The good news is production in Mexico and Florida are expected to increase throughout the week BUT may get disrupted again by more unsettled weather.  Either way the market has likely peaked and available supplies will again be available soon. Continue to bring in minimum quantities until consistent quality can be seen. Bruising , inconsistent color and occasional soft rot are the issues currently. Raspberry production  should also improve going forward. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.