Strong high pressure swept across northern CA into the Great Basin on Thu and Fri producing a dry and hot offshore flow event for the Central Coast.  Max temps  warm to the 80s to low 90s Fri, then 90s across the board on Sat and Sun while very low humidity levels  allow morning lows to dip into the mid-upper 30s in the colder inland valleys, mostly 40s to low 50s elsewhere.  Wind protected valleys  touch freezing this weekend.  On Mon, wind shift northwesterly resulting in a sharp cooling of afternoon highs.  Expect low-mid 80s inland by Mon, low-mid 70s along the shores.

MAX TEMPS:  Watsonville-Salinas:  Mid 70s Thu, warming to low-mid 90s by Sat, returning to mid-70s by Mon.  Santa Maria:  Mid 70s Thu, warming to low 90s by Sat, cooling to low 70s by Mon.  King City-Paso Robles:  Mid 70s to 80s Thu, warming to low-mid 90s Sat/Sun, cooling to low 80s by Mon.  Inland small valleys north :  Low 80s Thu, warming to mid-upper 90s Sat/Sun, cooling to upper 80s Mon.

OUTLOOK:  Max temps continue to cool Tue under moderate onshore winds thenpossible Thunderstorm along the coast on Wed  followed by  near normal thru Fri, Oct 9-11 under a dry, offshore regime.

Transportation rates dipped slightly this past week . Overall supply seems to be strong especially for singles. Increased regulations will continue to put pressure on drivers logs and likely delay even the fastest trucks moving forward. Teams will be in high demand.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE – Improved quality was short lived as lower yields and heavy contracted volume have rebounded the market to higher levels. Quality concerns with  Mildew, Fringe burn and seeders continue.  With only a couple weeks in the Coastal production area  the market will have little pressure to ease until the new growing areas in theCentral Valley start up in a couple weeks
LEAF LETTUCE-  Romaine production continues to be sufficient

but with the elevated iceberg market the Romaine market is poised to react especially with the eastern homegrown production starting to wind down . Continued defects range from  fringe and tipburn along with mildew and seeders although there is still some nice quality available. Green and Red leaf  supplies have increased but with a wide range inquality as well.

ASPARAGUS- Production continues to increase from Coastal Mexico  and Peru.  The market should continue to ease as supplies increase.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing.  Jumbos have been in short supply but have shown improvement.

BROCCOLI- Salinas and Santa Maria production continues with light to moderate supplies . The market has been extremely tight with   cooler nightime  temps and shorter days. Increased  production from Mexico  and slightly warmer days should help supplies but heavily contracted and reduced acreage has kept the market on a record pace.Brown bead and hollow stem are still a concern but quality seems to be improving.  The crown market has been unusually active with strong demand from export and processors.

CAULIFLOWER-  Lighter production  due to a preceding overly heavy production period  combined with an active broccoli market led to a rise in the Cauliflower market. Supplies should even out and the market should stabilize

machine a sous colombus

by the end of the week . Quality has been mostly good with some light cream coloring.

CELERY-   The market has been steady with improved sizing and yields.

Lower freight rates and slowing production fromMichiganwill put pressure on the market to go higher especially heading into the Thanksgiving contract proposal period.
BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California  Central Valley andCoastalValleys   continue to produce excellent quality.

Demand has held steady as well as the market

with Greens . Red and Yellows have started with better volume and the market has eased slightly but still remains active with many local growing areas in theMidwestand East still having issues.

STRAWBERRIES- Production is starting to slow down

fromSalinas/ Watsonvilleafter a strong Summer season. Fall crop acreage fromSanta Maria is starting to increase andOxnardis still a few weeks away from seeing any additional volume. There is a wide range in quality with many berries being shipped close to market.If forecast precipitation comes in on Wednesday look for additional product to be diverted to freezer .  The market will continue to be strong for good fruit but will continue to ease for softer fruit. Raspberry amp; Blackberry supplies have  slowed and the market has tightened .

_________________

Tim  Tomasello

7/29/14

We are now well into the summer months with Fourth of July behind us, and no significant weekends or holidays in the near future.  Many Americans will be on vacation, buying less at home, and grocery sales tend to slow during this period.   Trucks are readily available, although staying busy with melon, tree fruit and berry loads.  Fuel prices are expected to level out and decrease over the next few weeks.  Rates have remained steady but could be cheaper by early next week with less demand. West coast weather remains pleasant and mild and hot inland valley temps over the next 10 days. Ideal growing weather for coastal vegetables and fruit, expect nice quality overall from the west.

LETTUCE – Supply is improving as demand settles and more product is available country wide with cheaper freight costs. Still a fairly wide gap in pricing, although the trend has been downward and buyers are waiting it out.  For now the market seems to have settled with most shippers, with more following suit in the days ahead.  Quality is nice, some pink ribbing and brown butt issues but very minimal.  Could see aging issues as we expect some inventory holdover in the coming days.

BROCCOLI – This market is at the floor level, particularly on crowns. Eastern and Midwest product is flooding terminals with cheap product and demand remains sluggish.  Mild weather will continue on the west, bringing on high quality product.

CAULIFLOWER – Prices continue to settle, more product is coming out of fields and some shippers are looking for load volume sales.  There is still a gap in pricing between shippers and this market has yet to find coming ground. The trend has been downward but cauliflower market have proven to be significantly more volatile than other commodities.  Shippers may have load volume one week and sold out the next. Plenty of deals available but we suggest sticking to normal volumes.

LEAF – romaine is one of the few strong market items.  Numbers are light and demand has been high.  This market will most likely reach its peak within the next few days, high retails will move demand back to lettuce and alternate leaf items as price conscious buyers hit the stores.

CELERY – The past few days have breathed new life into the celery market.  Pricing has increased $4-$5 in the past few days. Supply gaps are mainly to blame for this, and sizing discrepancies have fueled the increase.  Large sized product is more readily available, and very few smaller sizes have resulted in a wider range in pricing between 24s and 48s.  More product has been left in the fields to size up in hopes of better markets.  As markets improve we should see more small sizes available next week.  Pricing, although stronger, is not expected to get much higher into the weekend.

BERRIES –

Strawberries –Produce remains tight, demand is strong, although weaker than previous weeks.  Weather is mild, although humid nights could result in softer fruit and quality issues.  Sizing tends to be on the smaller side, mostly due to current varieties being used.  It is best to stick with better labels this time of year to minimize quality issues.

Raspberries –Very tight, market is increasing and quality is getting worse.  Low supply and marginal quality have resulted in heavy pro rates industry wide.

Blackberries – Similar issues with blacks, soft leaky fruit is common for this time of year. Market is strong with heavy pro rates.

Good Luck to those on the East Coast in the  wake of Hurricane Sandy. Produce will take backseat to Mother Nature for a  few days but once everything settles , hopefully without any major damage,  it will be  back to business as usual. Most major vegetables are running strong on the  West Coast.  Most shippers have good  quality and improving production on the majority of commodities .  By this time  next week the  next stage of transition will begin as a few shippers will start their Winter migration to the Coachella / Yuma desert area. Starting with Peppers, Iceberg lettuce then mix lettuce and eventually by mid to late November broccoli , cauliflower and the rest of the veg category.  Additionally transition with much of the fruit category is ongoing with Melons and berries already headed south for the winter.  With the current storm on the East Coast likely to finish off  the homegrown produce look for strong demand on the West Coast . Many shippers have expressed concern over the initial quality  from the new growing areas due to weather back in early September , combined with early holiday demand prepare for increased pressure on the markets  to react.

Weather in California/Arizona growing districts has been 10-15 degrees above normal ( 72/45 Coast ,  84/58 Inland desert)  but looks to return to Normal for the foreseeable future with very little precipitation predicted for the  month of November.  Everyone  knows about the weather around the  country and colder than normal temperatures are predicted to stay around for an extended period.

Truck availability remains good with rates  starting to edge down slightly. Fuel prices  are also predicted to go lower which will help rates even further.   As always  advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates and service.

LETTUCE-  Transition to the Central Valley continues with most shippers expected to have abundant supplies as most product is ahead of schedule. The second stage of transition will begin next week with a few growers starting production in their Winter home  in the desert. The early shippers  are the  ones who forewent Central Valley growing deals in favor of extending their Salinas  Valley deal.  Quality has been marginal but should  rebound in the Central Valley this week and should rebound in the desert once harvest gets  past the first few initial fields.  With a wide range in quality from both districts  loading fresh lettuce is top priority.   

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns only slightly tighter than bunch. Production continues to be slightly ahead of budget adding to the current supply but will  cause a tightening during transition and possibly during the end of the Holiday loading period. This past weekends warm weather will continue to keep supplies ahead of budget. Volume  deals  are available but will become harder to find as we get further into November. Quality is  mostly good  Central Valley production will start up this week which will also help contain prices.   

CAULIFLOWER- Inventories continue to be higher than budgeted  but most shippers are starting to see an early end to their Salinas  growing region and likely impact production during the bulk of the Thanksgiving holiday. Quality remains good.   Most growers  continue to run ahead of schedule increasing the likelihood of tighter supplies by next week. There are no new districts to support demand and local homegrown production is nearing an end .

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine  and  Romaine Hearts demand will likely see a spike this week with Homegrown season coming to a Sandy ending although there continues to be plenty of supplies between Salinas, Santa Maria and the Central Valley. Demand on green and  redleaf will follow closely behind. Quality will continue to be  an issue in most loading locations with seeders and rib discoloration being the most prevalent defects. Quality won’t stabilize until getting past the first week of transition to the desert.

CELERY- Market has strengthened with early Holiday promotions starting as early as next week.  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  limited 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 by the end of the week

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Increased supplies and lighter demand has  prices continuing to  head lower. Although  demand for November promotions will likely prop the market  back up  by early November. Take advantage of good values  while supplies last.

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 is 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 on Raspberry  is better with improving quality.  Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and has led to easing in the market.

Direction of markets continue to be dictated by Mother Nature. Whether warm thunderstorms in Florida, Cold nights in the California deserts or windy, foggy conditions along the California coast. On opposite ends of the country Florida has been unseasonably warm for the past month other than this past weekends frost warnings whereas California has been unseasonably cold with a few exceptionally warm days this past weekend. These ranges  in temperatures have made for inconsistent quality and supplies. The good news is March should bring some stability and with it promotable supplies. 

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.