November 12th, 2012

While we honor our Veteran’s  we jump right into the peak of the Thanksgiving Holiday demand. Shippers are continuing their transition south. With scattered production  most shippers  just trying to cover their regular business.  But with  transition, shippers routinely budget to have overlapping growing areas which can easily lead to oversupply and  discounted deals. These deals are usually sporadic and vary daily. This Holiday season appears to be no exception although inflated inventories and fluctuating weather pattern the past couple weeks has led to a wide array of quality concerns. Continue to plan ahead and monitoring shipment quality will continue to be top priority to ensure  best value.

After recent fluctuating weather in California/Arizona growing districts, temperatures will return for an extended run near normal ( 68/42 Coast ,  78/50 Inland desert) through mid December with the only chance of rain possibly next week.

Truck availability will be mixed this week. Last week rates continued to edge down but increased demand for the Thanksgiving Holiday pull will likely keep rates steady or even slightly higher  for those last minute needs. As always  advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates and service.

LETTUCE- Transition continues to the desert,   With ALL three districts still going there is an adequate supply available although quality from the  Northern areas (Salinas amp; Huron)  will take a significant step back.  Shelf life of Salinas lettuce is substantially reduced especially after last weeks swing in temperature. Yuma is initially reporting alot of small size lettuce but should improve as the week goes on.

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns slightly tighter than bunch. Production continues to be slightly ahead of budget. Broccoli is grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley , Yuma and Mexico) during this transitional period which should lead to ample supplies. This past weekends cold weather will keep product fresh but look for increased available supplies once the heavy demand period slows down. There are some  early reports for reduced yields on Desert broccoli but overlapping growing areas should offset any significant reduction.  

CAULIFLOWER-   Unlike broccoli, production of Cauliflower is more concentrated during the month of November. Salinas and Santa Maria are the primary growing regions and with production ahead of budget there is currently good supplies BUT will likely run short during the Holiday pull as there are no new districts to support demand until the desert ,which isn’t scheduled to start until the week of November 19th. Quality remains good. Look for supplies to strengthen the week of after Thanksgiving.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine quality continues to be the driving force behind the improved market.  Much of the current crop continues to suffer from defects from seeder, tipburn, twist , mildew and rib discoloration. Most shippers are “trimming down” defects and converting to hearts.  This has led to carton Romaine market improving but the heart market continues to be over-saturated. Demand will continue to  improve but quality will continue to be an issue . There are a few quality concerns with the initial fields from Yuma but like iceberg lettuce, Yuma  will be the  preferred loading destination this week. Demand on green and redleaf will follow closely behind. 

CELERY- Market has strengthened slightly with Holiday promotions .  Inventories are down with the majority of shipments happening the next few days.  Eventually orders will slow down and spot buys with become available again by the weekend.  Usually on larger sizes as most retailers like to “downsize ” their celery spec during the Holiday to offer consumer a better per each value.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico continues to be steady and demand has stayed strong. Quality continues to improve weekly. Supplies look to be on track for Holiday promotions.

GREEN ONION- Production is  steady  and demand has started to increase. Since most Green Onions are grown in Mexico it will be  an easy transition to the  desert.  Shippers  costs are actually reduced with the shorter delivery destination.  Also specials can usually be done within a days notice.  With the packaging technology available Iceless packs  continue to offer customers a very good value due to the reduced freight cost and the reduction in waxed cartons along with the reduced safety hazard of no excess ice. Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher than small.  The market will likely strengthen as the week progresses.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Good supplies and stronger demand have prices climbing. Most volume has been contracted out for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Most shippers are offering multiple packs  including clamshells, 1 amp; 2 lb microwaveable packages , and Stalks. Supplies look to continue to be strong even after the Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Oxnard is the primary shipping region for eastern quality fruit although warm temperatures early last week softened the fruit then cold weather slowed it down.  Combined with some Holiday promotions , Strawberries have become increasingly tight especially for traveling East. Continue to expect bruising issues on arrival. Mexico availability will  start to increase quality offerings but expect the market for top end quality  to be strong through the Holiday’s.  Supplies of Raspberries  is better with improving quality.  Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value. Production from Florida will begin around the first of December.

CITRUS- California Navel shipments have begun . Quality is excellent with high flavor profile and improving color. Both will continue to improve throughout the season.  The crop is projected to be extensive and promotional supplies available.

REMEMBER TO THANK  ALL VETERANS FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO OUR COUNTRY

Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:65/44-48) after aweek of cold frosty mornings next week forecast temperaturesstabilize near normal but light precipitation possible towards the end of the week and the following week.  The Desert and Central Mexico  (norms:78/45) should have seen the last of the frosty lowtemperatures  and expect high’s to reach the 80’s early next week but  possible low pressure system next weekend with a chance of showers and cooler weather the following week. Central Floridaforecast temperatures are expected to be near normal the next couple weeks. (norm:76/55lo) with an occasional Thunder shower.

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving  while quality in the desert and Mexico continues to be good. Warmer weather and additional production from California Central Valley will increase supplies next week. Continuing to monitor quality will be important depending on loading location.

ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico is finally starting to increase  while Peru’s volume has continued to decline. Mexico has started primarily packing 28# as production has increased. The market is currently adjusting  down but will stabilize with the start of the Easter pull by mid March. Shippers  are now currently offering ads for Easter. An early Easter Holiday will get retailers to promote heavily so get in on advanced deals while they are available.

GRAPES-   Shipments are increasing again this week from Chile with better sizing expected especially the Reds although there continues to be a wide range in quality with discounts available on off quality packs.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady.  The market is steady locally with bulk supplies from Mexico  continuing to keep pressure on the market.

ARTICHOKES- Currently most artichokes are “frosted”  and shippers  are offering discounts to keep them moving.  Supplies will start to increase by next week and shippers  are hoping frosted chokes give way to “clean” artichokes for Easter Promotions.

Overall markets have eased this past week but there is an overriding sense markets could rebound by next week .  Currently there appears to be a significant reduction in demand as a direct result of high retail prices and marginally more volume but with pending Holiday demand, uncertainty of budgeted volume with transition to new production areas  and cool temperatures in the forecast the markets could likely spike once again.

Weather throughoutCaliforniaand the West Coast has cooled this past week .Light showers earlier in the week have given way to sunny but cool days.  The forecast is for cooler temps the next few weeks with possible showers next weekend.Mexicois expecting possible Thunder showers next week. Norms for Coastal California are 71hi:46lo  ,Central Valley  72hi:48 lo , Desert norms 85hi:49lo
Transportation rates held steady this past week even though there is an abundance of trucks and demand has slowed significantly. Transition to Southern production regions has begun and will add volatility to the market in coming weeks but overall supply appears to be strong. Teams will remain in high demand with increased regulations putting pressure on drivers ability to make on time deliveries. Plan ahead for best values and service.

LETTUCE – Production has begun in the Central Valley , Huron region and continues in theSalinasValley for those shippers  who choose to stretch their production fromSalinas straight to the Desert region.  Other than a few showers earlier in the week the weather has been cooperating for a smooth transition. The market is off and starting to settle although there is a significant range in quality leading to a range in prices.  As the old saying goes , Pay now or pay later.  Quality concerns of Mildew, Fringe burn and seeders.

LEAF LETTUCE-  Romaine production continues to be light to moderate with ranging quality from fringe and tipburn along with mildew and seeders. Fewer shippers are choosing to transition to the Central Valley and are taking a chance their quality will hold.  Green and Red leaf  supplies have increased but with a wide range in quality as well.

ASPARAGUS- Production  from Coastal Mexico  andPeru has been begun to increase slightly and should be sufficient forHoliday promotions.

 CARROTS-  Demand from the East has picked up significantly this past week leading to periodic shortages but overall supplies are good. Quality has been excellent

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BROCCOLI-   Broccoli production has increased this past week with improved quality which allowed most shippers to pack more crowns. The market eased with a steep decline in demand but the first near frost temperatures of the year have again slowed growth along the coast. Mexico production had a similar surge in supplies which attributed to the easing of the market but supplies there have also started to slow.  Central Valley production is set to begin next week which will help stabilize pricing heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday.

CAULIFLOWER- Lighter production continues with extreme high market.  Supplies should start increasing as we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday season.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

CELERY- Production continues mainly from Salinas and Santa Maria but Oxnard has begun with a few local shippers.  Quality has been good and the market has been steady for the past week.  Celery was one of the few items shippers have given promotional prices for the past several weeks so demand will likely be good right through the Thanksgiving pull. Several shippers are already talking about raising prices to slow demand so they can cover their “Ads”.

BELL PEPPERS- Production in the California Central  and CoastalValley will wind down this week and production from the desert and Mexico has begun. The market has been active but should ease with increased production from the Desert.  Reds and Yellows have continued to be active and should follow the same pattern with lighter supplies through the transition to Coachella and Nogales. Eastern Bells quality has been improving as new production areas in Georgia and Florida have had better growing conditions.

STRAWBERRIES-  A few showers slowed production during this past week and will likely put an end to theSalinas /Watsonville production with much of the fruit either bring diverted to freezer or shipped  to close by markets. The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring.  Good production on Blackberries and Raspberries continues with steady demand.

Citrus -Oranges  California Navel’s have begun. Earlier than anticipated with light volume. For the season the crop is forecast to be off from last years  but with overall better size and flavor profiles.Valencia’s are still available but are expected finish next week.  Lemons of all shapes and sizes have very limited availability, but volumes are starting to increase. Production is currently light out of District 2 (Coastal). Sizing is on the smaller size as they are peaking on sizes 140/165 and 115, heaviest to fancy. All sizes are in a demand-exceeds-supply situation, so be sure to pre-book your orders. District 1 (California central valley) is slated to begin in the fall. District 3 (California desert) has started and volume is starting to become more consistent. The Mexican season loading inTexas has started, but has been decimated by the near flooding in and around growing and packing regions.

Although there were a few tense moments most orders got out to meet their Holiday demand, with the exception of Strawberries.  Now that the Thanksgiving push has slowed we concentrate on  post Holiday business while  dealing with the  ongoing transition to the Southern growing regions. There will continue to be  product scattered between all districts but by the end of the week most items will come into focus although Cauliflower and Celery won’t fully transition until the following week.  Late Summer monsoon storms damaged a few early plantings in the desert but weather has since been ideal and will continue to be so through mid December. Once past the initial few fields most veg items should have  a good run of quality.  Although prices on  most veg items are currently inflated for the Holiday , ad promotions should be widely available over the next couple weeks before the Christmas / New Years Holiday pulls begin.

Weather in  California/Arizona growing districts are predicted to be at or above normal (Currently: 67/45 Coast ,  74/50 Desert) through mid December with the only chance of rain possibly next weekend along the coast.

Last week rates surged with the increase in Holiday demand although, other than a few isolated occasions, availability never became an issue. Look for rates to drop this week as business slows.  As always  advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates and service.

LETTUCE- Transition will be completed this week.  Yuma quality is improving daily and yields are likely to increase available supplies. There is  currently a wide range in weights depending on the stage of transition by the shipper. 

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns slightly tighter than bunch.  Broccoli continues to be grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley ,Yuma and Mexico) . Although Yuma tends  to be  the most convenient and centralized  loading location most value comes from the other growing regions mainly because of the lack of additional items available.  Discounts for volume orders are a regular occurrence. Inquire daily.  

CAULIFLOWER-   Unlike broccoli, production of Cauliflower is more concentrated during the month of November. Salinas and Santa Maria are the primary growing regions and  production has been  ahead of budget but with cooler temps and strong Holiday demand supplies are limited. Supplies will remain limited but look to strengthen next week as growing conditions improve in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine quality has been marginal  finishing up the Northern district  and no other commodity will benefit more from the transition South .  Other than the first few fields quality will be vastly improved in the desert. Like the Iceberg Lettuce there should be a strong surge in quality and supply over the next few weeks.  There should also be a strong supply of Hearts for promotions.  Demand on green and red leaf will follow closely behind. 

CELERY-  Benefiting from a strong Holiday push the market has surged on all sizes.  With demand likely to fall off this week the market will likely ease although similar to Broccoli there is less celery grown in Yuma and the best deals will come from the other growing districts such as Salinas and Oxnard. Most shippers transfer  celery to Yuma for mixer business.

ASPARAGUS– Imports from Peru have increased during the Holiday period and supplies from Mexico have been steady with good demand.

GREEN ONION- Production is steady  and demand has increased. Since most Green Onions are grown in Mexico it will be  an easy transition to the  desert. Some logistical issues (Mexican Holiday)  have kept supplies limited but look for slightly better availability by the end of the week.  Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher than small.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Good supplies and stronger demand have prices climbing. Most volume has been contracted out for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Supplies look to continue to be strong even after the Holiday.  Take advantage of promotional pricing before and during the Christmas Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Oxnard is the primary shipping region for eastern quality fruit although warm temperatures early last week softened the fruit then cold weather slowed it down now light rain over the weekend will further push any chance of shippable quality until next week .  Combined with some Holiday promotions , Strawberries have become exceptionally tight to non existent for traveling out of state. Continue to expect bruising issues on arrival. Mexico availability will  start to increase quality offerings but expect the market for top end quality  to be strong through the Holiday’s.  Supplies of Raspberries  is better with improving quality.  Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value. Production from Florida has begun in a light way but may not offer any relief until December.

CITRUS- California Navel shipments have begun . Quality is excellent with high flavor profile and improving color. Both will continue to improve throughout the season.  The crop is projected to be extensive and promotional supplies available.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM PRODUCE WEST !

Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:65/44-48) next few days calls showers Friday followed by clearing and cold before FINALLY rebounding to above normal temperatures most of next week but with possible showers again next weekend. The Desert and Central Mexico  (norms:80/47) may also see a thunderstorm roll through the area Friday with cold temperatures but quickly turning hot next week. Central Florida forecast temperatures are expected to continue slightly above normal the next couple weeks. (norm:77/56lo) .

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving  while quality in the desert and Mexico continues to be good. Warmer weather and additional production from California Central Valley and now the Salinas Valley will continue to increase supplies next wee

 . Continuing to monitor quality will be important depending on loading location.

ASPARAGUS- After having production delayed by weeks Mexico is finally starting to have improved supplies. The market  adjusted earlier in the week but as the start of the Easter pull begins next week most shippers are already firming prices to meet their ad prices. Most shippers have stopped giving promotional pricing until after the Easter Holiday. An early Easter Holiday has benefited both suppliers and retailers.

GRAPES-   Shipments are increasing again this week from Chile with better sizing expected especially the Reds although there continues to be a wide range in quality and sizing with discounts available on off quality packs. Green varietals should continue to see increases in supplies and the market adjust but Reds should remain steady or even strengthen.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but demand has been strong.  The market is steady locally with bulk supplies from Mexico  continuing to keep pressure on the market.

ARTICHOKES- Currently most artichokes are “frosted”  and shippers  are offering discounts to keep them moving.  Supplies will start to increase by next week but most will still be frosted which will limit movement for the normally heavily promoted Easter holiday. There will likely be significant promotional opportunities after Easter once they clean up and volume peaks in early April especially on the superior Green Globe variety.

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With the Thanksgiving Holiday and transition to the Desert production areas upon us the markets should start to settle down after a historic run over the past couple months.  Production in most areas could resume “normal” volume barring any extreme weather conditions in the concentrated Winter growing areas in Desert Southwest andMexico.

Weather for most of the West Coast appears to be near normal after unexpected heavy rain showers in the Desert this past week. The long term forecast calls for possible showers this weekend and below normal temperatures with threat of showers and possible frost for next week but nothing extreme currently forecast. Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 66-68 hi : 42 low    Central Valley 62:41  Desert/Mexico 75:40.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady but elevated above last year at this time.  Transition to the Desert Southwest will help reduce miles but may increase load complexity. Teams remain in high demand with increased regulations. Plan ahead for best values and service.

 Lettuce – Production has fully shifted to theYumaValley. The market continues to be soft with light demand other than the rain delay late last week. Delays continue with wet fields but should improve daily. Quality has been good but wet lettuce will result in discoloration especially if shippers don’t bypass some over mature fields created by the rain delays.

Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be steady with supplies still available in Santa Maria and the desert. Quality is mostly good with some shippers showing slight to moderate fringe and tipburn along with seeders. Green and Red leaf supplies have increased but with a wide range in quality as well.
Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico andPeru has been begun to increase slightly and should be sufficient forHoliday promotions although sizing is heaviest to Standards.

 Carrots- Demand from the East has picked up significantly leading to periodic shortages but overall supplies are good although sizing is slightly off. Quality has been excellent

Broccoli-   Broccoli production after a prolonged period has finally begun to increase from all areas (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley, Yuma and Mexico).  This has lead to the market dropping significantly.  Shippers are offering deals on load volume and are once again interested in offering ad pricing. Best deals will come from the Coast and Central valley as truck traffic will be predominantly in the desert.  Production may again slow if the weather forecast for colder temps holds.  Quality is much better and should continue to improve daily.

Cauliflower- Similar to broccoli production has jumped significantly with few promos in place the market looks to bottom out this week but may rebound late next week with cooler temps slowing production.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good and the market has been steady for the past week with occasional deals available varying from shipper to shipper.  Celery was one of the few items shippers gave promotional prices and demand has been good. Now that the ads are finishing up look for the market to ease especially in Salinas and Oxnard.  Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.

Bell Peppers- Moderate production currently from the Deserts andMexico. The market has been active through theHoliday especially the Reds and Yellows.  Sizing has been off and between the significant rain and possible cooler temps forecast the market could continue to be strong.

Berries- A few showers last week put an end to theSalinas /Watsonville production.Oxnard and the limited volume fromMcAllen are the preferred loading locations. The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring. Look for the market to continue to be active untilFlorida andMexico can increase production within a couple weeks. Lighter supplies on Blackberries and Raspberries will continue with increased pricing.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production fromMexico continues to suffer from previous weather related issues but is picking up in the Desert and Coastal California.

Happy Thanksgiving

_________________

Tim  Tomasello

With the early Thanksgiving now comes the extended Christmas Holiday Season .  Most everyone has started their Holiday season with Black Friday , Small Business Saturday or Cyber Monday.  Usually people eat out more often leading up to the Holidays meaning Foodservice should see a spike in sales the next couple weeks  even retailers have been offering  on the go , ready to eat meals .  Now that we are on the last leg of transition down to the southern  growing regions  quality is improving daily which should help drive sales. The weather will be ideal  which should bring about good supplies of most veg items.   Now is the time to  promote all veg  and most fruit items (except strawberries). Make sure to take time in between the Holiday rush  to enjoy a good meal with family and friends.

Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:66/44-48) calls normal thru most of next week but with possible rain late next week  leading to below normal temps the following week. The Desert and Central Mexico  (norms:84/50) may also see a thunderstorm roll through the area the next weekend but otherwisenormal temperatures through next week with moderate temps to remain through mid April.  Central Valley California (norm:70/42) has forecast similar to the rest of the state with  average temperatures other than possible weekendthunderstorms predicted for next weekend followed by cooler temperatures the following week.

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast has surpassed quality in the desert. Shippers  will be finishing production in the desert next week but Salinas should pick up the slack. Look for the crown market totemporarily firm next week until full transition back to Salinas. Santa Maria will continue to have good quality and supplies throughout the week. 

ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico has peaked with additional supplies available from imports.  Salinas has also started with some production leading to a good supply of aspargus. Most shippers  firmed prices to meet their Easter Holiday ad prices but some shippers are offering deals to keep movement steady especially as the Mexican deal winds down. Look for prices to firm back up in a couple weeks. 

GRAPES-   Shipments are increasing again this week from Chile with better sizing expected especially the Reds although there continues to be a wide range in quality and sizing with  significant discounts available on off quality packs. Green varietals  continue to see increases in supplies and the market adjust but Reds should remain steady or even strengthen for the best quality.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with strongHoliday demand.  The market is steady but bulk supplies from Mexico continue to keep pressure on the market.

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production has started it’s seasonal peak especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville/ Salinas. There also continues to be other globe varieties available and withmost “frosted” issues having past all shippers have been offering promotional pricing. Most production missed the Easter promo slot but now is the time to promote.  Sizing will peak on large sizes the next couple weeks and will transition to the medium 24-30 count by mid April with small sizes predominant by the end of the month. 

An overabundant supply is the general theme to most vegetable items in the concentrated winter growing areas in Desert Southwest andMexico. Many items are 1-2 weeks ahead of budgeted harvest schedule but changes in the weather forecast may slow production and may impact supplies in coming weeks.  Unfortunately the perishable nature of produce won’t allow for stockpiling supplies but aggressive purchasing and planning will be needed to insure fillingHoliday orders.

Weather for most of the West Coast has been mild but forecast calls for a major change in temperatures…..

Weather forecast DESERTS of SE CA amp; ARIZONA for Mon Dec 2nd thru Mon Dec 16th, 2013

Temps above seasonal averages today (Mon 71 to 78 degs), cooling up to 20 degs mid to late week as the anticipated unseasonably cold trof of Arctic origin envelopes much of theWestern US.  Wind gusts increase late tonight/early Tue up to 45 mphSECAand 30 mph elsewhere.  Winds increase Tue afternoon gusting to 60 mph SE CA and 50 mph western AZ.  Chance for isolated showers late TueSE CA.  Much cooler temps Wed, 56 to 65 degs cooling further Thu, 52 to 59 degs.  Light lettuce ice Wed easternYumavalleys, becoming widespread moderate to severe Thu.  Moderate-heavy to severe lettuce ice Fri as lows cool a few more degs, while max temps stay relatively the same.

OUTLOOK: Expect widespread lettuce ice from Sat Dec 7 thru Tue Dec 10 as a series of cold trofs from the Arctic pass thru the deserts, reinforcing the unseasonably cool temps.  Little change in max temps Sat – Sun Dec 7^th - 8^th as another trof passes.  Temps remain unseasonably cool Mon – Wed Dec 9^th - 11^th despite warming to the mid to upper 60’s while lows stay cold upper 20’s – upper 30’s.  High pressure builds from Thu – Sun Dec 12^th - 15^th warming max temps well into the 70’s and lows upper 30’s to mid-40s. Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 42 low    Central Valley 60:40  Desert/Mexico 71:40.

Transportation rates continue to be relatively steady. There are some signs rates will ease this week but withHoliday 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 production and postHoliday demand has kept the market flat. Limited labor seems to be the only thing keeping the market from completely bottoming out.  Look for tightening supplies with cooler temps forecast.

Leaf Lettuce – Romaine production continues to be steady with the best quality available in the desert.   Green and Red leaf supplies are also steady but with a wider range in quality.

Asparagus- Production from Coastal Mexico andPeru continues to be moderate. Increased production was predicted but with the change in the weather forecast look for continued light supplies.

 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 with most fields 2 weeks ahead of budget.  Great values on bunch and crowns can be found with even the top labels but with the change in the weather forecast broccoli will be one of the first items to be affected. Fortunately broccoli is grown in many areas (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley, Yuma and Mexico) which will help reduce the affect of the weather.  Quality is much better and should continue to improve daily.

Cauliflower- Similar to broccoli, production has jumped significantly. The market looks to bottom out this week with cooler temps slowing production. With fewer growing areas Cauliflower will be much more significantly affected by change in the weather.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Quality has been good. The market is slightly easier with a few more shippers willing to deal from inventoried supplies. Pricing in Yuma will continue to be elevated as most celery is transferred for mixer business.  Cooler weather will also impact supplies.

Bell Peppers- Production from the Deserts andMexico have been steadily increasing but with good demand to match especially the Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice but could be impacted by possible freezing temps scheduled for next week.

Berries- Supplies fromOxnard have peaked and with possible rain and cooler temps forecast for later this week supplies will further tighten out West.Florida and volume fromMcAllen have been limited but should start to increase weekly.  The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring. Look for the market to continue to be active untilFlorida andMexico can replace production  from the West. Lighter supplies on Blackberries and Raspberries will continue with increased pricing.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been good with very good sizing and flavor profiles. Lemon production appears to be increasing as Coachella and Coastal valley volume and quality are improving daily.

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.