Supplies  of  Western veg have surged with annual increased Fall plantings based on the  anticipation of increased demand from around the  country.  Although the Northeast and  Canada have had severe weather this Summer they are currently experiencing ideal growing conditions.  This may help stretch out the local growing season and delay demand out West  causing a  temporary excess supply situation on many core vegetable items .  This is the ideal time  to take advantage of some  special deals being sporadically offered.  Many  are predicting a healthy Fall vegetable  season  once the  homegrown season concludes.

Long range weather shows West Coast below normal this week with highs in the low 60′s to mid 70′s with night time temps in the low 50’s but warming 8-10 degrees through early next week.  Inland Valley’s are predicted to be near normal.  The desert  has had near  normal weather with highs in the mid 90’s   California along with the rest of the country looks  to get a  taste of Fall by October 6th with temperatures starting to fall below normal . The Northeast could see low temps in the 30′s  by the end of the month.

Truck availability remains good but fuel costs  have kept rates elevated  for this time  of year.  Most Independents and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business which will eventually  turn into better rates.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Most shippers will start increasing their plantings to account for increased Fall demand.  Yields  will start to decline  but overall production will continue to climb . Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are starting to show on arrivals.  Loading Fresh  lettuce is  extremely important especially this  time of year.  Weights are a  good indication of the  overall health of the  lettuce.  Usually you like to see weights in the  low 40’s  this time  of year.  Although the lettuce will be  slightly softer it should have a better appearance and greater shelf life.

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings  are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available the market will be saturated for the next few weeks until supplies stabilize.  Quality continues to be  excellent. Volume  deals  are available.

CAULIFLOWER- Production continues to surge as Fall plantings  have increased  to offset lower yields and  increased Fall demand . But similar to  broccoli there continues to  be  plenty of production locally and the  overall market has softened temp. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket. Once supplies  stabilize look for market to firm back up by  next week.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have peaked and lower pricing is available .  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  A  wide range of quality is available and shopping for quality is a must.

CELERY- Production appears to be  steady but improved  quality from Michigan has  weakened demand pressure for Salinas and Santa Maria resulting in the market being off slightly.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will continue to be steady from Salinas with most increases coming from Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico has leveled this week  and demand has stayed strong with overall  market  improving daily.  Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.

GREEN ONION- Logistical issues  have been resolved and production is on the rise.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand.   Supplies of ALL sizes  should continue to increase throughout the week and level off by next week. Quality has been inconsistent but should improve as supplies increase.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Production has be slow coming out of Central California and pricing has been steadily increasing.  Increased supplies are expected but may not be enough to offset the  strong Fall demand.

STRAWBERRIES- Fall production  out of Santa Maria is  starting to increase but the  majority of fruit on the market is still from weakening Summer plants.  Demand  is very good for top quality fruit but most , if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival . Continue to expect 20-25% bruising related issues on arrival. Cooler night should help firm fruit but the plants are starting to look tired and most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit .  Oxnard will start in a couple weeks and help with  available quality .  Raspberry  prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production of Blackberries continues to be shipped almost exclusively to the West Coast.  Driscoll will continue to be the preferred berry for the next  month as F.O.B.’s are continuing to reflect  wide pricing range due to quality.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers  are transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be  excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.

Produce West

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Most vessels are sold before they hit port on either coast. Further affecting the market is a fruit fly threat with Chilean imports . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.

Weather in the West is forecast for mostly mild temperatures . Windy conditions that plagued the entire West Coast much of May seem to be settling. Temperatures along the coast are expected to be near normal the next couple weeks with an occasional spike on the weekend. The Desert and Central Valley are forecast for above normal temps for the next 10 days before returning to near normal with potential forthunderstorms . California Coast norms 69/50-52 . The  Inland Valley norms 84-89/52-60 and The Desert  norms 100/65. 

An early April storm has settled over California with rain showers continuing off and on through this week.  There is also a cold front on the west coast and inland valleys with low level snow and hail at sea level.  This cold snap will slow growth in most items, and the rain will slow harvesting because of wet muddy fields.  This will result in stronger markets industry wide.  A slight warming trend next week could create some quality issues for certain items like berries, leaf and head lettuce.  Warmer temperatures in the east should help demand as Easter pull begins.  Truck rates remain consistent with last week. As demand picks up next week we could see slightly higher freight bills.  Still plenty of trucks available into next week.

LETTUCE – the waiting game continues as this market remains sluggish.  Huron has produced above average yields and demand has been sluggish.  If rain continues, harvest delays could lighten supply and we could see better markets early next week. As for now, there is still plenty of product. Yuma production ran longer this year with higher than normal volume, filling the transition gaps.  Heavier weights and red ribbing are some current issues we have seen, although overall condition is good.

BROCCOLI – market could firm up next week as a result of the cold weather and rain. For now, plenty of product and sluggish demand has kept this market steady.  Supplies are coming out of multiple areas throughout California and Arizona.  Quality is fine.

CAULIFLOWER –Prices have bottomed out and could get stronger into the weekend.  The cold weather and rain will certainly have an effect on the next harvest.  Currently supplies are steady but shippers are selling out daily.   Demand is still below average; we don’t expect huge changes but more coastal rain later in the week may turn things around.

LEAF – Huron will be finishing up this weekend and most production will shift to Salinas and Santa Maria. Green leaf has tightened up slightly.  Romaine Hearts are getting very active, we could see a 20 dollar market later next week, especially if rain continues and production slows. There is a warming trend in the forecast following the storm that could create some quality issues like mildew, particularly on romaine.

CELERY – Not much change here.  More deals on larger sizes with a few dollar spread between sizes. Easter pull is expected to firm up the market and we could see some higher priced celery early next week.  The rain shouldn’t affect quality, although cold weather and muddy fields could delay harvest.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Markets are soft, although current rains will lighten the supply. Florida has finished for the season.  Watsonville has started but in a light way.  Expect rain related issues moving into the latter part of the week. Heavy rains have already hit central California and more is on the way.  We should see lighter supplies next week and higher prices as we near Easter pull.  Warm weather is expected after this weekend so we will be seeing weaker fruit next week.  Expect some bruising and soft fruit in the coming weeks. California is the main production area, so these issues will be industry wide.

Raspberries – Light supplies overall.  Quality has been ok overall, but reports of soft, leaky fruit coming in from Mexico. Prices have leveled off for now but the market will improve as Easter pull starts next week.

Blackberries – Market remains active, volume is not expected to increase throughout April and into May. Sluggish markets in January and February created a gap in supply, and warmer weather in the south has hurt quality resulting in soft, leaky fruit.

Blueberries – With the Chilean season winding down, prices are expected to climb as California and Baja attempt to pick up the slack.  California production will not pick up until mid-April at the earliest.  Expect higher prices until then.  Once California production picks up, prices will level off and ease into May.

ASPARAGUS – This market keeps inching upward as we near Easter pull. Mexico is finishing up and demand has shifted north.  Salinas and central valley production is beginning to pick up but demand has been increasing daily.  Easter ads start next week and production will be light.  FOBs could hit $50 range on 28#, and if current weather conditions continue we may see the market get even stronger.  This will be a high priced item for the entire month.

Weather around the country has been ideal  especially on the  West Coast where short lived high pressure has caused temperatures to spike in the 90’s but by the weekend temperatures are expected to drop into the 60’s. Similar drops are expected for other parts of the country.   Although sudden spikes in temperatures have temporary negative impact on quality the cooler weather should help offset any long term issues. This may help stretch out some local growing areas but if temps drop too low then it could spell the beginning of the end for the homegrown season.

West Coast day time temperatures are currently hot but long range weather is predicted to drop below normal later this week and continue  below normal through the middle of the month. Current Highs are in the mid 80’s-90’s but will give way to 60′s by the weekend. Inland Valley’s and deserts will also see a drop to below normal after the current warming trend.   Weather around the countries local growing areas also is  predicted to be below normal with low’s of 32 degrees and  below predicted for some of the upper Midwest and Northeast growing areas.

Truck availability remains good but fuel costs  have kept rates elevated  for this time  of year.  Most Independents and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business which is  helping ease rates down slowly.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Increase in production and strong yields  have lead to a softening market.  Yields  will start to decline as the weather cools  but overall production will continue to climb . Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are starting to show on arrivals.  Loading Fresh  lettuce is  extremely important especially this  time of year.

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available the market has been overall fair .  Quality continues to be excellent. Volume  deals  are available currently but look for supplies to stabilize as the weather starts to  cool by early next week

CAULIFLOWER- Production has  leveled off and the overall market has rebounded. There are still a few available deals but cooler weather should further strengthen the market by the weekend. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have peaked and lower pricing is available .  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  A  wide range of quality is available especially with current heat spell causing wilting issues  and shopping for quality is a must.

CELERY- Market has been stable with occasional volume  offerings.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will start increasing from Salinas as well as Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard  which will be  offset by the declining production in Michigan.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico is still light  and demand has stayed strong with overall  market  improving daily.  Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.

GREEN ONION- Production continues to increase.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand especially  on smaller sizes.    Supplies of ALL sizes  should continue to increase throughout the week and level off by next week. Quality has been inconsistent but should improve as supplies increase.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Increased supplies are expected but have not been enough to offset the strong Fall demand. Demand is expected to lighten up by the end of the week and supplies should continue to increase , including some local production in the Northeast just underway . This  will put pressure on markets which will likely head lower. 

STRAWBERRIES- Fall production  out of Santa Maria is  starting to increase but the  majority of fruit on the market is still from weakening Summer plants. The  current  hot weather will further soften the  fruit and add to the  widening range of prices. Most shippers  selling Summer fruit are correctly pricing theirs to move.   Demand  is very good for top quality fruit but most , if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival . Continue to expect 20-25% bruising related issues on arrival. Cooler night time temps return by the  end of the week and quality should start to rebound.  Oxnard production will start picking up  and will  help with  available quality .  Raspberry  prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production of Blackberries continues to be shipped almost exclusively to the West Coast.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers  are transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be  excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.

Transition is wrapping up with most vegetable production coming out of Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Transportation has been a challenge, more loading areas, pickups, and rates have risen to compensate for multiple stops and a higher demand.  Trucks are currently available but rates have jumped $1000 or more since last month and will remain strong through Easter. More product available in Salinas towards the later part of this week that should help keep pickups down, although Easter pull will keep rates inching upward.  Unseasonably hot weather hit the central coast earlier this week, with temperatures well into the 80s, and inland temperatures in the low 90s. A cooling trend will follow into the weekend.

LETTUCE – Yuma is mostly finished up and most shippers are exclusively up north.  Huron is nearing the end and pressure will be put on Salinas and Santa Maria areas.  Lighter numbers this week is causing a slight uptick in market, shippers are selling out daily.   There is a large variance in quality from extreme weather conditions, starting with rain last week and a few days of heat this week. Keep in mind that issues such as pink rib, light color and heavy weights are industry wide.

BROCCOLI – Markets have been gaining momentum and higher prices are expected later this week. Lighter supply expected in the next several days.  Multiple growing regions, as well as coast product are factors keeping this market from making significant jumps.  That’s not to say the market is weak, but it could be a lot higher.  The overall broccoli market will most likely be strong into the summer because of lack of supply due to water restrictions in the central valley.

CAULIFLOWER – steady market for now.  Demand has not increased substantially, although we should see a strong market through Easter pull.  Some shippers are sold out and forecasting light numbers for the next few days.  Quality has been holding up for the most part, Salinas has been yielding good product and bright white color.

LEAF – Supplies are rebounding from last week.  Expect this market to come off slightly towards the end of this week. Romaine and Romaine heart prices have leveled off for now.  Salinas is nearing full production and supplies are increasing. Some quality issues like fringe burn and red ribs but quality is mostly good.

CELERY – Still plenty of celery available in out of Oxnard.  More large sized celery available with fewer deals on smaller sizes.  Quality is currently very nice, although seeder is beginning to become an issue and will continue to be evident in the coming weeks.  Celery is not a big Easter item and we expect a fairly flat market in the weeks to come.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Market is currently tight industry wide.  Supplies are trying to recover from the rain and hot weather from the past week.  With mild weather forecasted for the next week on the coast, supply should slowly rebound, but demand will continue strong through the Easter pull.   Quality has been average, very few issues to speak of other than some bruising and overripe.

Raspberries – Still very tight, heavy pro rates. Quality has been marginal at best, with some reports of leaky and overripe fruit. Expect light numbers for the next 7 days and better supply at the tail end of Easter pull.

Blackberries – tight supply, and will continue to be light into next month. There has been a wide range of quality industry wide and a variance of pricing as a result.

ASPARAGUS – Strong market continues as we near the Easter holiday.  Salinas and central valley product is the majority of production. While there are still supplies coming out of South America and Mexico, numbers are very light and demand is strong. Quality has been nice this year, very few issues.

This week marks the  beginning of the transition of Fruits and Vegetables to the central amp; southern parts of the state and Mexico. Peppers and Squash have already transitioned south and melons amp; berries are on a fast track to the southern districts.  A few core veg items  will start the transition to the  Central Valley , iceberg lettuce and romaine , next week. The balance of the veg items will transition over the next 4-6 weeks to the Central Valley and  desert areas. The transition on the West Coast coincides with the decline of the Northeast local growing regions putting greater demand on California and Mexican products. Over the  next 6 weeks advanced planning will be critical to organize transportation and logistics to get the best possible value and quality.

California weather has fluctuated the  past few weeks with record highs last weekend to below normal average through this week. After possible showers Wednesday long term weather looks to be  near normal for the  balance of the  month. Historical averages  for coastal California are high’s of 72 and low’s near 50 degrees.  Inland Valley’s average 82/50. Desert averages 94/68.  Weather around the  country is following a similar pattern with below normal temperatures this week and a return to normal seasonal temperatures for the balance of the month.

Truck availability remains good but recent surges in fuel cost in California  have kept rates elevated  for this time  of year. Although crude oil prices have fallen in recent weeks, troubles  with California refineries  have allowed Gas and Diesel prices  to climb to Historical high’s.  Averaging near $4.75 a gallon and rising.  Although many Independent and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Increase in production and strong yields  have lead to a softening market.  Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are starting to show on arrivals. Expect some  discoloration issues on arrival especially if the predicted midweek  rain showers materialize.   Loading Fresh  lettuce is  extremely important especially this  time of year. Transition to new growing area in Central California starting next week won’t guarantee better quality but will help give options to choose best lettuce available.  

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available around the country the market has been overall fair .  Quality continues to be excellent. Volume  deals  are available currently but look for supplies to stabilize as the weather starts to cool this week.

CAULIFLOWER- Production and demand appear to have both leveled out.  There are still a few available deals for volume  but cooler weather this week should  strengthen the market. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets continue to be weak with lower pricing available.  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  A  wide range of quality is available with issues arising from mildew, fringe burn and prominent rib and discoloration. Shopping for quality is a must especially as offerings from new  production areas start  as early as next week.

CELERY- Market has been stable with occasional volume  offerings.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will start increasing from Salinas as well as Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard  which will be offset by the declining production in Michigan.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico is still light  and demand has stayed strong. Production from Peru has increased and has put downward pressure on the market. Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.

GREEN ONION- Production continues to increase.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand especially  on smaller sizes.    Supplies of ALL sizes  should continue to increase throughout the week and level off by next week. Quality has been inconsistent but should improve as supplies increase.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Increased supplies are expected and demand is anticipated to lighten up by the end of the week.  Production should continue to increase , including some local production in the Northeast just underway . This  will put pressure on market which will likely ease before strengthening again by the end of the month for anticipated Holiday demand.

STRAWBERRIES-Salinas / Watsonville area continues to be  the  predominant loading area for volume  but Santa Maria amp; Oxnard have had better quality with their “New” Fall crop.  Production will start to transition south especially with last weekends extreme heat and forecast for possible rain showers on Wednesday  further weakening the  berries  in the North. Pricing has been wide ranging along with quality. Most shippers are discounting their Summer fruit for nearby markets. Shippers  are getting premium prices for strong fruit traveling East . Raspberry  prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production  continues strong demand on Blackberries.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers  are transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be  excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.

Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:62-64hi/40-45lo) calls for oscillating around normal with a few cool days each week before falling below normal for the second half of the month. Lightprecipitation expected mid next week but otherwise fairly dry. The desert and Central Mexico  (norms:72hi/40-44lo) are expected to be closer to normal for the next couple weeks before also dropping below normalfor the middle of the month. Central Florida after finally dipping below normal for a few days returns to warmer temperatures this week before moderating to near normal for the month of February. The only other area of concern will be New Orleans next Sunday but forecast inside is for 72 degrees with morning temperature a balmy 49’r degrees. 

Transportation continues to be steady with some midweek discounts. Plan ahead for best value and service.

****WARNING**** Extended below freezing temperatures have resulted in blister, peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities along with occasional decay.  

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been showing signs of frost damage of late and will continue to have varying degrees of issues depending on production location. Small sizes have become more prevalent due to colder weather and stripping of damaged outer stalks.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast continues to suffer effects of earlier rains, frost and again with more recent rain where pin rot and brown bead are prevalent. The quality in the desert and Mexico is better but far from perfect.  Some epidermal peeling on the stalk with occasional discoloration. Yuma even had some rain over the weekend which may contribute to future decline in quality. The market has eased only slightly off it’s peak especially in the desert.  You’ll continue to find deals on Mexican Crowns and discounts on Coastal broccoli but beware of wide ranging quality

LETTUCE- Quality will start to dictate market direction.  Cold weather causing blister and peel has given way to subtropical moisture which will further breakdown product in the field. Shippers will try to strip down most affected leaves but that will increase mechanical issues and create further discoloration and breakdown. If lettuce stops moving at retail due to quality rejections then the market will slide significantly otherwise it will continue to gradually ease down as temperature warm.

LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine continues to suffer the same effects as iceberg. Quality continues to suffer and with recent rains quality is sure to further decline.  The market looks to to active early this week but likely will start easing by the weekend on all colors and varieties.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to hold as Peru’s volume has continued to drop and Mexico’s production has been delayed by previous cold weather. This time last year most shippers were packing 28#.  Most are still projecting better volume by next week but off their original forecast and with promotions in place the market should continue to be strong.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from Mexico has been slow since the cold weather the last 3 weeks.  Supplies should slowly rebound over the next couple weeks and the market should stabilize. Quality has been good out of Mexico but some residual product from Northern California has been poor. Make sure you are aware of products origin.

GREEN ONIONS-  Production continues to be slowed by labor and weather . The market has been relatively steady. Anticipated increase in production was expected but a few shippers have expressed concern with lost acreage from earlier frost which will keep pressure on the market to remain active.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Recent freezes have had minimal impact on either quality or production.  Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Most vessels are sold before they hit port on either coast. Shipments are expected to increase starting this week . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.

STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production was starting to ramp up last week which contributed to an already saturated market. Prices were at a season low. Now with some rain interrupting supplies in California and production peaked in Florida and Texas combined with Valentines promotions  the market is poised to react.  Quality from Florida has been good but extended warm days have softened the fruit slightly. California was  improving daily  before this weekends rain temporary setback. Stems will be available but limited mainly out of California with sizing limiting Florida and Mexico from producing stems.  Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

CAULIFLOWER- The market gradually eased as prices topped out but short supplies of all other veg items has kept the market relatively active. Further increase in volume is expected by the beginning of February look for the market to continue to ease downward. Quality has been mostly good with some epidermal peel on jacket.