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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weather continues to be the story across the country with mild sunny days out West and severe cold in the Northeast. Lack of demand and continued steady production have made for depressed markets.

Above normal temps on the West Coast and Desert have warmed soil temps to necessary levels for growth even though daily low temperatures have been slightly below normal. No change in the forecast is expected for another week especially in the Desert where dry warm conditions will continue.

Normal temperatures for the Coastal areas 63 hi : 40 low    Central Valley 57:38  Desert/Mexico 73:39.

Transportation rates eased only slightly as more trucks got back into circulation, although tighter regulations have continued with elevated rates from previous years. Teams continue to remain in high demand with the increased regulations.  Plan ahead for the best value and service.

Lettuce – Heavy shipments continue early this week with most shippers leaving acreage untouched.  Quality is much improved with most frost issues only minor. Many fields are as much as two weeks ahead of schedule with most shippers cautious about giving aggressive promotional pricing in fear of weather changing and quickly reacting markets.

Leaf Lettuce – Similar to Iceberg, Mix lettuce supplies have advanced two weeks ahead of schedule and fortunately most of the blister and peel caused by the frost have been reduced by the rapid growth. Green and Red leaf supplies and quality are also improving daily.
Asparagus- Production from Mexico is improving daily with most shippers converting to 28lb containers. Some shipments have even begun from the Salinas Valley. Promotional pricing is currently available.

Carrots- Sizing has improved but good demand has kept the market active.  Better sizing is expected as ground temps improve.
Broccoli-   Broccoli production continues to be good from most growing areas including Mexico. Supplies will continue to be plentiful until cooler weather arrives. With production up to two weeks ahead of schedule any change in weather will tighten supplies rapidly but no weather is currently forecast.

Cauliflower- The market has maintained adequate levels with moderate demand.  Historically supplies escalate early February.  This year should be no different with increasing production forecast for next week.

Celery- Production continues mainly from Santa Maria and Oxnard, Mexico and Yuma. It appears more shippers have increased plantings near Yuma and combined with above normal temps supplies have flooded the market.   Quality has been improving from all locations. The market has been soft in all locations.

Bell Peppers- Production from Mexico has been increasing but with good demand from all areas of the country especially Reds and Yellows. Quality has generally been very nice.

Berries- Production from all locations has been limited but new crop production has started to increase with warmer temperatures in Oxnard and Mexico. Florida has dodged through cold and rain and should start to see increase production as Valentine Day approaches.  Once the holiday passes the market should ease significantly barring any additional weather issues.  Raspberries production has been limited with increased pricing but Blackberries supplies should start to increase mainly from Mexico by the end of the week.

Citrus – Oranges California Navel shipments have been reduced with recent assessment of the December freeze damage.  Higher prices the past few weeks will continue with limited volume on smaller sizes. Lemon production amp; quality had been improving from Coachella and Coastal valley although the December freeze has reduced the quality and overall available yields as well.  Look for the market to continue to be strong.

As we approach the end of August dog days, we start looking towards Labor Day activity. People celebrating the end of summer, kids returning to the classroom, and the start of football season. This means more parties, BBQs and back to school lunches.  It also starts the end of local growing regions and people all over the country will again start looking to the west for their produce needs.  This is the time to lock in those ads and prepare for stronger business.

There have been a few initial recalls in the news lately, but are not having the impact they once had 4 or 5 years ago. Consumers are showing less overall concern and recalls reflect closer monitoring and better quality control. Shippers are doing a good job being proactive when any issues arise.

Long range weather in the Salinas Valley shows a consistent 68-72 degree range; perfect growing temperatures.  Central valley weather will be around 100 degrees, typical for this time of year.

Truck rates continue to settle. There are more trucks available and looking for loads, so we should see the market ease up over the next week, maybe bend a few hundred dollars, but no significant drop because fuel prices have once again spiked over the past 2 weeks.

LETTUCE- Shippers have been hopeful for better markets, but so far things have not responded the way they wanted.  Demand is still off, keeping the market at bay.  They are hoping the romaine shortage will funnel more customers to iceberg, but so far this has not been the case.  Quality is nice, good weights; mild temperatures have produced some nice heads.

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be excellent.   Market has held steady with production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. The market could improve towards the latter end of the week as more demand shifts west.  Don’t hesitate to grab a few extra cases early; things could improve. Still, there is still plenty of local broccoli, especially in the east.

CAULIFLOWER– plentiful supplies currently, shippers are looking to move. The market is reflecting this, and coolers are full.  Run offers by us.  Quality is nice, very few problems to speak of.  Come and get it.

LEAF ITEMS–   Romaine has been tight over the past week.  This has affected the romaine heart supply and market, as well. Supply on green and red leaf is not keeping up with demand and markets are stronger here, too.  Heat waves put many local growing areas out of commission and more pressure is being put on the west.  Quality is generally good, some fringe burn from a windier than normal summer but the biggest issue currently is supply.

CELERY– This market is getting stronger.  Michigan supplies are dwindling, putting more pressure on Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality and sizing is nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Supplies will be light for at least another month and then Oxnard will start up.

STRAWBERRIES–   Still plenty of quality issues. Most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit because they are just not making arrivals.  Driscoll are the only berries that are making consistent arrivals, but they are making us pay dearly for that luxury, charging a premium of $4-$5 more than other shippers.  Their quality isn’t all that much better, its just that it says “DRISCOLL” on the carton. Overall, plenty of bruising on berries, completely normal for this time of year and industry wide. Expect arrivals to be 20-30% worth of defects.

Produce West

www.producewest.com

We all survived the end of civilization and weather around the country is reminding us that now we can get on with the official start of Winter. Even though Mr Snow Miser is touring across the country his brother (Yes, you know ) is trying to hold onto his territory in the Southwest deserts, where most of our Winter vegetables are grown. In the meantime Hopefully we all get the opportunity to enjoy time with friends and family during the Holidays.

Weather for most of the West Coast growing regions has started to cool with the first frost of the season hitting the desert  yesterday.  Cold, dry weather along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego will  begin to see rain in the forecast through Christmas before turning below normal again for an extended period. Normals for the coast range 63-65hi/38-44lo. The desert should see a similar pattern of normal temperatures (normal 68-70/38-42lo) but without any significant precipitation next week before falling 5-10 degrees by next weekend. Soil temperatures are also starting to drop below the range where normal growth occurs. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional thunder showers the next couple weeks.

Stronger Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should continue to roll back. With the weather in the Midwest and now the East in decline and limited Holiday loading schedules be sure to plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley and now in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  There will still be supplies coming from all growing districts but with much of the crop ahead of schedule and unsettled weather pattern  the market will continue to have upside. The quality from most growing areas is comparable but some signs of pin rot are still showing up on Salinas broccoli and occasionally in Santa Maria as well.  There are volume deals available but not as widespread as last week and will likely further tighten next week.

CAULIFLOWER- The market eased off it’s Holiday high but similar to broccoli look for the market to strengthen next week with cooler weather . There are fewer growing districts than broccoli so the market will be more elastic .

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico. Starting with light rain last week and now continuing with Holidays there is a lack of labor available needed to harvest the Green Onions. Cooler weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor returns BUT traditionally not until AFTER New Years.

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

LETTUCE- Production continues to be heavy with good quality. The cooler weather will eventually have an impact but likely not until the end of next week. Quality has been very nice on lettuce harvested ahead of schedule. Some quality issues continue to be reported on  lettuce harvested over mature mainly over sizing,  bottom rot and discoloration. Continue to monitor weights as the best guide to quality.


LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf  continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good from all desert districts although recent isolated frost will start to have an impact on quality starting with blister and eventually leading to peel and discoloration.The effects won’t be seen for another week or two but may persist as cold weather dictates. Look for the market to get more active by the weekend on product NOT affected by frost.

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

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

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

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

 STRAWBERRIES- Production is finally starting to increase mainly from Mexico and Florida. Coastal California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East.  The market has begun to adjust and will continue to adjust until promotions start to get consumer demand peaking once again. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for promotions. 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.

And TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT !

There is  no shortage of items to choose from this time of year. Most Veg commodities are in full production and Spring Veg is starting to increase as well. Add in all the Fruit categories either peaking or just getting underway and the promotional opportunities are endless.

Weather forecast for The West calls for mostly sunny and warm throughout the state.Temperatures are expected to be near normal for the next 3 weeks. Only the desert is expected to have above normal temps. CaliforniaCoastnorms 68/46-50 . TheSouthernInland Valleynorms 79/52 and The Desert  norms 92/58.

Transportation rates rose slightly throughout the week and are expected to continueheading higher into next week. Limited trucks due to Holidays and increased fruit has kept rates firm. Look for rates to continue to climb as we approach the Summer season.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

CELERY-  Seeders continue to drive the market with reduced sizing and overall yields. Larger sizes will command a premium although the market on  all sizes has strengthened.  The quality issues are expected to continue for 3-4 weeks.

ASPARAGUS- Limited Production from Central Mexico has Salinas andStockton as the primary production areas until the coastal Baja region of Mexico starts next month. The market  strengthened  significantly and will continue to firm with fewer supplies available. Most shippers have started to pack exclusively 11lbs.  Promotional supplies are not expected to be available for the next month.

GRAPES-   Supplies of Reds are expected to improve but the Green varietals  continue to be limited.  Quality continues to be sporadic from the southern Chilean district. Production from Mexico will start later than normal but should have good supplies by late May.

LETTUCE-  Salinas production is starting to improve as well as quality which has led to a softening of the market. There continues to be wide ranging quality from shipper to shipper daily. Rib Blight, Blister and discoloration  continue to be present but lessening daily. Color and texture should start to improve next week .

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be heavy with wide range of quality. Blister and discoloration are still present. Green and Red leaf supplies have been sufficient with good quality. Continue to monitor qualityreports daily to ensure best possible arrivals.

CAULIFLOWER-  Production continues to stall in Salinas and Santa MariaValley. The market  ended this past week firm but could finally ease  next week as production picks up in the North . Quality has mostly been good with occasional spotting on arrivals.

BROCCOLI- Production has shifted fully to Salinas and Santa Maria. As Central Valley production has finished till the Fall and cooler than expected weather  tightened supplies and the market firmed.  Warmer weather next week should help bring on supplies and steady the market.  Quality has been mostly good.

BELL PEPPERS- Production has started in the California desert.  Greensizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo.  Production from Mexico will continue to decline. Red and Yellows are scheduled to start by late next week.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and goodflavor and sizing profiles. Packout is heaviest towards fancy, large sizes but there continues to be deals available on choice packs.  Production on Navels has peaked and a few shippers are ready to start Valencia’s.

STRAWBERRIES- Production continues from all three districts,Watsonville, Santa Maria and Oxnard. Quality has improved mostly in Watsonville with most Oxnard fruit being kept close to market and priced accordingly.  The market has steadied on  better quality fruit  and with significant demand  for Mother’s Day promotions  the market will continue to be firm throughout the week.  There are still good opportunities to promote through the month of May.  Good supplies of stems are alsoavailable.  Raspberries continue to be in short supply although production and quality will increase as the weather warms.  Blackberries supplies are improving as well as quality.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing.  The market is firm with steady demand.

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production  has peaked especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville. Additional globe varieties are still available.Most shippers continue to actively pursue promotions and lower pricingreflects. Quality is excellent. Sizing will start to peak on medium sizes and willeventually give way to the smaller sizes before overall production slows.

CHERRIES-  California Cherry production is on schedule for an early May start with light availability next week.  Promotional volume will be available in a couple weeks and should last through the first week of June . Good weather is anticipated to help provide a bumper crop. Schedule promotions now while supplies last.

As the Yuma season draws to a close, sluggish markets are a continued reminder of a dismal winter.  Too much product, too much snow in the east and Midwest, too little demand, for too long. As Yuma comes to a close, weather is warming up and affecting quality. Adversely, warm weather up north should inhibit quicker development in younger plants in Salinas and Huron, hopefully helping to fill the transition gaps we will be seeing later this month. Truck rates remain strong, although there are plenty of rigs available, recent emissions laws in California have resulted in costly upgrades for older rigs. We expect freight rates to remain strong, and increasing into the summer months as demand for west coast product increases.  Weather for the next 10 days remains warm and dry, with heat being the only significant factor affecting quality on desert items.

LETTUCE – the market has been too low for too long, and as volume drops and demand increases, shippers will not hesitate to boost up prices.  Huron transition will host a new array of challenges, lack of water being the main issue causing drops in overall acreage.  Expect the lettuce market to strengthen in the upcoming weeks.  Production is expected to begin in Huron later this month, weather has been nice which could speed up development, however planted acreage is only a small fraction of what it was in previous years.

BROCCOLI/CAULIFLOWER – Yuma will be winding down over the new few weeks and gaps are expected as Salinas struggles to keep up. Demand has improved and market is reflecting this.  With multiple areas currently producing, that should help keep up with demand, however we expect a stronger market as demand increases. Shippers are anticipating light supply in late March and April.

LEAF –Market on green and red leaf remains flat. Romaine however is firm with a few suppliers flexing on price. The weights are reported to be good on all leaf items. Some blister peel and fringe burn upon arrivals. There have been some seeder issues in the romaine. Recent rains and warming temps are all factors that will continue affecting quality.

CELERY – plenty of supply, less demand, cheap celery. Deals are everywhere and everyone is your friend….for now.  Warm weather could bring on some seeder issues, don’t be surprised if this becomes a larger problem in weeks to come. Pricing should stay flat through the week.  Shippers are looking to move on all sizes. More large size available, especially 24’s.

STRAWBERRIES – Main region is now Oxnard/Santa Maria.  The recent rains set back production last week, but supply is rebounding. Quality is ok overall, some softer fruit, but good color. Some white shoulders; and green tips, typical for the time of year. Warm days and cool nights should bring on a lot of nice fruit, and we are expecting nice weather for the next 10 days in California.  A storm is expected in Florida and their supplies should be winding down by the end of March or the first part of April. Mexico supplies will also be drying up. Oxnard / Santa Maria supply is improving daily.

ASPARAGUS – Still coming out of Mexico, California and Peru. Mexico will begin to wind down in the upcoming weeks and put pressure on California product.  Supply is expected to be short in April. Easter ads are very pricey if you can get them at all.

Long range weather shows West Coast near normal this week with highs in the mid 60′s to mid 70’s with night time temps in the low 50’s. Inland Valley’s are predicted to be near normal.  The desert is experiencing their Summer time Monsoon conditions with below average temps and slightly above normal precipitation.   The rest of the country is averaging near normal temperatures and precipitation.   Truck availability remains good especially after a holiday week. Abundant supply should create favorable rates but fuel prices should keep rates from declining to drastically.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited.  Quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn.   Weights have been mostly in the mid 40′s.

BROCCOLI-  Demand for export and value added  along with slightly lower production in Santa Maria  has created an overall increase in the market ,especially crowns .  The market ended last week very active and should continue to be  active all week .  Supplies should improve next week. Quality continues to be  excellent.  Some of the regionally grown broccoli is reporting poor quality  which also has helped increase demand for California broccoli.

CAULIFLOWER- Production has slowed a bit while demand is picking up slightly. The overall market tone is good.  Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets have settled and appear to be stronger for the balance of the  week although there is  a WIDE range in  quality .  Most suffering from fringe burn, twist and/ or mildew.  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened but will follow Romaine as it gets more active. 

CELERY-The market continues to be strong.  Fair quality from Michigan continues to put increased demand pressure on Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will continue to be on the light side until fall.

ASPARAGUS– Supplies from Mexico have increased and demand has stayed steady as the overall market has adjusted. Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.  Market should stabilize once production levels.

GREEN ONION- Market has been active due to a reduction in summer acreage along with damage done from earlier heat.   Market will tighten further with recent rains in Mexico causing delays in harvesting and logistics. Once the weather cooperates look for market to settle.

STRAWBERRIES- Production from Watsonville / Salinas area continues with mostly small-medium fruit with full 95% color. Although overall production is down growers continue to have a hard time finding sufficient labor to strip overripe fruit with some getting in the flats which is causing arrival issues with most labels. Demand is very good for top quality but most, if not all, fruit will have issues upon arrival.    Most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit.  Cooler night time temperatures will help firm fruit but continue to expect 20-30% bruising related issues on arrival.  Some Santa Maria shippers have started to harvest their new fall crop of berries and Oxnard will start in another month.  Raspberry production from Salinas has leveled and 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 couple months but expect to see a WIDER gap on quotes as demand shifts toward premium labels.

Produce West

www.producewest.com

Weather continues to be the hot topic or cold topic in this case. Weather from coast to coast is cold with plenty of rain amp; snow. Temperatures in most western growing areas continues to be wet amp; below normal with Snow storms throughout the Midwest and East making for an extended White Christmas season. As the cold weather in the West has slowed production , cold weather throughout the country has slowed sales.

Weather for most of the West Coast (64hi/36-45lo)  growing regions has been wet and cold . The deserts (68/39) have seen limited rain but have had a week of well below normal temperatures. Most locations have had frost with late harvest starting times which has begun the blister/peel cycle.  Cold but dry weather is expected to last for the next 3 weeks with only a possible brief  return to normal temps Jan 8-12th before dropping below normal for the balance of the month. Soil temperatures continue to drop below the range where normal growth occurs. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional thunder showers the next couple weeks.

Strong Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady and with some trucks not reloading until after New Years rates unexpectedly rose this week  but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should roll back. With the weather in the Midwest and in the East in decline delivery schedules will be in flex.Plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

****WARNING**** Seasonal cold temperatures have resulted in harvest delays due to ice. This will eventually lead to blister,peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities especially leaf and lettuce. 

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley and now in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  Rain along the coast has degraded quality with widespread pin rot and water spotting making much of the broccoli not suitable to ship East. Central Valley supplies have also diminished from quality and production gaps.  The desert has been 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule for most of the season and now we’re seeing gaps in production. There will still be supplies coming from alternate growing districts such as Nogales, Mexico but  even those areas have seen below normal temperatures. The market will spike , especially on crowns , through next week.

CAULIFLOWER- With the cooler weather the cauliflower market  has unexpectedly NOT been overly active but look for that to change with the continued cold forecast. Quality has mostly been good with some reports of mold spots and bruising.   There are currently values on off size 16 count but even those will start to disappear rapidly

****WARNING****LETTUCE- Production has begun to slow and quality is starting to diminish. Bottom rot and now blister and peel issues will become prevalent , causing lighter color with discoloration on arrival . ALL shippers have contract clauses  that prevent inspections to count blister as a scoreable defect although if serious enough decay will become an issue which is scoreable. The market will likely jump initially but if quality issues persist then sales will start to slow. Order minimum quantities until quality improves.

****WARNING****LEAF LETTUCE- Similar to Iceberg lettuce , abundant supply will start to ease but quality will be the biggest issue with blister, peel and discoloration.  Romaine has also begun to be ribby which eventually leads to mechanical damage and pink rib. Look for the market to get  active  but shopping for the product least affected by the frost will be necessary.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico but also with light rain last week  continuing with cold weather this week and the  lack of labor available needed to harvest the Green Onions the market has been very active with limited supplies. Cooler weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor returns BUT traditionally not until AFTER New Years. Even with the cool weather expect better supplies of small green onions by the end of next week and eventually jump into the bearish section of PWT. 

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

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with medium sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

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

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

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

STRAWBERRIES- Production is finally starting to increase mainly from Mexico and Florida. Coastal California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East.  The market has begun to adjust until promotions start to get consumer demand peaking once again. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for promotions. 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.