With the start of a new month and a major produce holiday approaching most shippers are positioning their marketing strategies to take advantage of the increased demand. Shippers on most veg items are artificially inflating prices in an effort to reach their lid pricing for the Thanksgiving Holiday pull, set to begin this week. To meet  the surge in demand, shippers  must inventory most core commodities. The balancing act between selling out daily and holding product for “future” prebooked orders  is  tricky. Warm weather over the weekend will continue to push crops ahead of schedule and if bulk shipments  don’t start soon warehouse space becomes a potential issue along with quality.  This all leads to price instability especially when demand from the East Coast, New York / New Jersey area,  has been unstable due to the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Weather in California/Arizona growing districts will be 10-15 degrees above normal ( 68/44 Coast ,  80/55 Inland desert) through midweek   but looks to return to normal  for the foreseeable future with the only precipitation predicted for November arriving early the week of Thanksgiving.

Truck availability remains good with rates continuing to edge down slightly although increased demand for the Thanksgiving Holiday pull will begin as early as this week putting pressure for rates to hold.   As always advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates and service.

LETTUCE-  Part II of the transition is underway. Those shippers who chose not to participate in the Central Valley will start their Winter program a week earlier than budgeted in the Yuma Valley this week.  With ALL three districts going there is abundant supplies available. Although quality is another story.  Shelf life of Salinas lettuce is substantially reduced especially after this weekends warm weather. Quality in the Central Valley  (Huron) has improved slightly but is  still just fair  and Yuma is reporting the usual initial defects from Seeder to tip burn . Quality from Salinas and Huron will continue to decline but Yuma will improve once harvest gets  past the first few initial fields.  With a wide range in quality from ALL districts  loading fresh lettuce is top priority.   

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns slightly tighter than bunch. Production continues to be slightly ahead of budget adding to the current supply. Broccoli is grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley , Yuma and Mexico) during this transitional period which should lead to ample supplies for the Thanksgiving pull. This past weekends warm weather will continue to keep supplies ahead of budget. Volume deals are available but with much of the crop heavily committed for the Holiday they are very sporadic. Quality is mostly good  from all districts.   

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.

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 lead to carton Romaine market improving but the heart market has been over-saturated. Demand should improve but quality will continue to be an issue even with Yuma scheduled to start later this week.  Demand on green and redleaf will follow closely behind. Quality will continue to be an issue in ALL loading locations.

CELERY- Market has strengthened slightly with early Holiday promotions starting this week.  But as stated in the intro most shippers don’t have the  labor capacity to handle the volume of orders  needed on a day to day basis without inventorying heavy volume in preparation of Holiday demand. A few shippers will continue to offer out volume deals to maintain rotation as their holiday demand comes into focus.

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 but the market will likely start to get stronger as the early holiday promotions kickoff .

GREEN ONION- Production has leveled off  but demand continues to be weak especially on small size Green Onions. Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher.  The market will likely strengthen as the week progresses.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Increased supplies and lighter demand had prices continuing to head lower last week but increased demand for Holiday promotions will likely  jump sharply this week and prop the market back up. Take advantage of good values while supplies last. Most shippers are offering multiple packs  including clamshells, 1 amp; 2 lb microwaveable packages , and Stalks which is a Great intro display item.

STRAWBERRIES-  Oxnard will be the primary shipping region for eastern quality fruit although warm temperatures have softened even their new Fall crop. Availability for shipping east  continues to be VERY limited. 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 is  still a month away.

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

Don’t forget to get do your civic duty and like they say ,  “Vote Early and Vote Often“

Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:64/43-48) After a cold week the temperatures stabilize next week before finallywarming above normal as we head into March.  The Desert and CentralMexico  (norms:77/44-46lo) follow a similar pattern with high temperaturesexpected to reach the 80’s by the end of next week. As with recent weeksCentral Florida forecast  has been the exact opposite of California where temperatures are expected to be mostly below normal the next couple weeks.(norm:75/54lo) 

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving  while quality in the desert and Mexico continues to be good. With the return of colder than normal weather the market jumped significantly this past week and should advance through early next week before warmer weather and additional production from California Central Valley will start 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 drop. There are a significant amount of  early season ad promotions that will stabilize the market in the short term but look for increased volume and lower pricing as the weather warms by the end of next week. 28 # will also become more available.  Most shippers are still hesitant to offer Easter ads just yet but as production schedules start to come into focus promotional offers will be abundantly available as most shippers are optimistic about supplies once the weather warms.   An early Easter Holiday will get retailers to promote heavily so get in on advanced deals when available.

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile  have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals . Shipments are  increasing again this week with better sizing expected especially  the Reds .  Look for better supplies and deals available by the end of the month

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

ARTICHOKES- Currently most supplies of 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.

The historic high pricing continues and over the next few weeks Coastal vegetable production will be winding down and transitioning to the Central Valley and the Desert Southwest. Lettuce, Leaf and Peppers  are the first items to transition followed by Celery, Broccoli and Cauliflower later next month.  Most markets are easing off  sustained highs  but with the uncertainty of a seamless supply due to labor, water and weather there is some hesitancy of  the direction of the markets and it’s  reflecting in Thanksgiving promotional opportunities.

Weather throughoutCaliforniaand the West Coast forecast for normal temps this week  but cooling trend with possible showers the middle of next week . Mexicois expecting possible Thunder showers this week but returning to near normal for next week . Norms for Coastal California are 72hi:47lo  ,Central Valley  76hi:50 lo , Desert norms 88hi:52lo

Transportation rates held steady last week after dipping slightly the past couple weeks.  Overall supply appears to be strong but 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 continues to be light to moderate with quality concerns of Mildew, Fringe burn and seeders. Although the market has eased slightly with only a couple weeks in the Coastal production area  the market

will have little pressure to ease further until the new growing areas in theCentral Valleystart up over the next couple weeks. Although fewer shippers are choosing to transition to theCentral Valleythe result could mean a wider range of quality.  The off quality and lack of retail demand may eventually lead to a softer market.  Production fromNew Mexicocould also influence the  market to soften.
LEAF LETTUCE-  Romaine production continues to be light . Continued defects range from  fringe and tip burn along with mildew and seeders although there is still some nice quality available. 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. jeux flash

ASPARAGUS- Production  from Coastal Mexico  and Peru has been limited and the market has firmed over the past week. Holiday promotions are still available but are tightening rapidly.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has continued to increase with better supplies of Jumbos . Quality has been excellent.

BROCCOLI-  The dynamics of the broccoli market are in flux. Broccoli is typically grown as a rotational crop for lettuce but with the steep increase in strawberry acreage and other rotation crops broccoli acreage is down significantly. Salinas and Santa Maria production continues with light to moderate supplies . The market has been extremely tight  but has corrected with increased production from Mexico and less demand.  Production from Central Valley will help supplement supplies and put pressure on the market to ease further but water and labor restrictions may affect their supplies as well  . There are many factors influencing  broccoli making it much more volatile  than in the past when it was taken for granted to be oversupplied and promotable.

CAULIFLOWER-  Lighter production continues with extreme high market.  Supplies should start increasing as we approach the Fall season.  Quality has been declining over the past few days with increase in discoloration and bruising.

CELERY-   The market has been active  and higher overall quotes.  Shortages in other commodities have increased “demand” as well as production from Michigan winding down,  Oxnard is expected to begin production in a couple weeks but there are reports of disease possibly  affecting yields.  There should be sufficient supplies for Thanksgiving but pricing may not be at the desired levels for promotions.

BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California  Central Valley and Coastal Valley will wind down this week and with production limited out of the desert and Mexico the market has been active. Red 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- As with many vegetable commodities strawberries are gradually transitioning South for the Winter.Santa Maria is in full production and Oxnard and Mexico are just beginning. Although Oxnard acreage is  down significantly which will have a major impact on convenience ,Mexico acreage is projected to pick up the slack. Quality is just fair to OK from all areas showing a range of bruising with Santa Maria  and Oxnard being the best.Salinas/Watsonville  after a strong Summer season should finish up as early as next week if forecast of rain comes through. Overall volume and quality should improve weekly. Increasing supplies of Raspberry amp; Blackberry have eased the market.  Similar to Strawberries quality and volume should improve weekly.

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

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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.