Happy Memorial Day !!

****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.

For the past couple weeks most of California including the southwestern desert growing regions have experienced  temperatures  8-12 degrees cooler than normal with continuous morning frost conditions. This weekend  will culminate with some of the coldest temperatures this season. In some areas temperatures are expected to drop into the mid 20’s for morning lows.  These temperatures  have already had an effect on the markets and will continue to do so. Production not only is affected by slow growth but it is also diminished by quality issues created because of the icy conditions.******WARNING******Quality issues  ranging from Blister, Peel, Discoloration , Fringe Burn amp; Decay will be present for the next month or longer if continued colder than normal weather persists.

Weather for most of the West Coast (norms: 62-65hi/38-45lo)   continues with icy conditions.  The forecast for this weekend is for even colder temperatures before returning to near normal next weekend.  The deserts have had a similar pattern (norms:70hi/37-42lo) with 10-12 degrees below normal with morning icy conditions.  Cold and possible windy conditions are expected to last for another week but bottoming out this weekend with season low temps. Warmer near normal temps are forecast to return by the end of next week.  Soil temperatures are at a season low, 6-12 degrees below the range  needed for  normal growth and will continue to drop further this weekend. It will take a week of above normal weather to get soil temps to rise. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have above normal weather (72hi/50lo)  with occasional isolated showers  for the next week before finally dropping below normal by the end of the month. Central Mexico looks to be near normal (67hi/43lo) for the balance of the month.

Transportation rates are expected to remain steady or ease down the next couple weeks with lighter supplies  and fewer shipments out west. Plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

BROCCOLI- The market continues to climb with shipments at seasonal lows. Cooler weather  along the coast and in the desert will continue to have an effect on supplies.  Quality along the coast continues  to be fair at best.  There will  be increasing supplies coming from alternate growing districts such as Nogales, Mexico but even those areas have to get through this weekends low temperatures before any increases will be seen. The market likely will  peak early next week but supplies and quality  are not supposed to be sufficient through the month of January.

CAULIFLOWER- The market has continued to rise with the cold weather slowing production daily. Historically supplies peak sharply the first week of February. If weather returns to normal late next week there will be a good chance that history will repeat.  Quality has mostly been good with some reports of mold spots and bruising.

****WARNING****LETTUCE- Production has been slowed by cold temperatures along with quality issues arising from  icy conditions. With this weekends big chill along with high winds  quality is bound to suffer. Blister and peel with wind burn 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 is likely to peak next week but insufficient supplies  will keep market active through most of the month. Order minimum quantities until quality improves.

****WARNING****LEAF LETTUCE- Similar to Iceberg lettuce , quality will continue to suffer from blister, peel , fringe burn, discoloration and likely decay. Look for the market to continue to be active but shopping for the product least affected by the frost will be necessary. Some shippers  try to strip all affected leaves before packing and some prefer to leave on a few “wrapper” leaves for protection. Either way there will be issues from pale heads highlighting discoloration issues or decay from the breakdown of damaged outer leaves.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Strong demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from California has all but finished but Mexico production is well underway. Recent cold weather will slow production slightly and the market is likely to firm. Quality will be significantly better from Mexico.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited mainly due to labor in Mexico but also cold weather the last few weeks  While labor issues have subsided continued cool weather will assist in being able to hold the product in the field until sufficient labor starts increasing shipments next week. 

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but starting 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 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 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.

CITRUS- Navel shippers are keeping an eye on the weekend weather reports.  Until now the light to moderate ice conditions have had little effect on the citrus crop but this weekends severe ice  may impact the Central Valley California citrus crop.
So far this season quality has been excellent with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles.

STRAWBERRIES- Production is increasing mainly from Mexico and Florida. Central Coast California production is still very limited with quality not suitable to ship East although better quality is expected from production areas on the Southern Coast  within a couple weeks  The market looks to be holding as supplies are sufficient and prices have dropped to promotable levels. Quality from Florida and Mexico is improving daily and shippers are optimistic quality will be sufficient for continued 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.

Transportation rates leveled this past week although still at elevated rates. With increase in fruit offerings and D.O.T. inspections this week truck availability will be tested and rates will likely rise as the week progresses. Look for rates to continue to spike as we approach the Summer season.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Production in Salinas is starting to transition to the northern part of the valley where yields and quality normally improve although this year quality will continue to see the effects from the strong winds the past month . Fringe and tipburn with occasional mildew.  Suppliesare expected to lessen slightly and the market could continue to firm. 

CHERRIES-  California Cherry production is starting to come to an early end and the delayed start in the Northwest along with scattered thunderstorms has tightened supplies just as the Summers promotional season kicks in. Revised estimates have tighter supplies until the end of the month. 
CITRUS- Navel production is almost finished but Valencia’ssizing and flavor profile are quickly improving and the market is steady.

ASPARAGUS- Limited Production continues from the West Coast and  Peru  has kept market significantly active .  Production areas in  Canada and coastal Baja in coming weeks will  help improve supplies and reduce demand pressure.

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be heavy with mostly good quality although fringe and tipburn along with mildew continue to be present. Green and Red leaf  supplies have been sufficient with a wide range inquality as well. Local East Coast supplies also are contributing to lessen the demand out West.

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

BROCCOLI- Salinas and Santa Maria production continues to be steady  but on the lighter side.  Quality has been good with production heaviest to crowns. Strong export demand continues to keep pressure on the market to remain active and limits the shippers ability to pack bunch broccoli.
Supplies look to be steady for the next couple weeks.   

CAULIFLOWER-  Production has leveled and the market firmed.   Salinasand Santa Maria Valley are in full production with excellent quality although continued windy conditions have contributed to a few bruising anddiscoloration issues. 

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production on the preferred Green Globe variety has given way to other globe varieties and its’ predominant  large sizingalthough light demand overall has kept prices low.  

CELERY-   Better supplies on larger sizes have started to allow the market to ease . Higher freight rates have also contributed to lighten demand. Transition back to Salinas is expected to begin by the weekend but will once again bring back quality issues which will likely limit availability and strengthen the market once again.

BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California desert continues to produce excellent quality.  Green sizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo. The market firmed up with additional East Coast demand but that looks to be easing as Eastern bells have started to rebound.  Red and Yellowshave started with better volume and will improve daily. Look for additional supplies with the warm desert temperatures.

GRAPES-   Production from Mexico is increasing rapidly and the market has started to adjust. California desert production has also increased . Quality has been excellent with good sizing and flavor profile. Production from the Central Valley shippers will start early by the end of the month.  The overlap should make for good promotional pricing.

For the past month the industry has been subject to below normal temperatures in most of California/ Arizona growing regions.  This week culminated in some of the coldest temperatures of the season and in turn created widespread product shortages resulting in skyrocketing prices . Now there is a warming trend on the horizon that will help get most commodities growing again but there continues to be substantial damage left behind.  As most products  start to grow much of the damage from the heavy frost will have to be trimmed or the head may be left in the field altogether and the extent of the damaged won’t be determined until actual harvest of the crop.  Although quality will continue to suffer it will eventually lead to better availability and a return to more reasonable markets. This process has already  started as some buyers are looking for alternative growing regions to help supplement supplies on various commodities. Central Mexico which is home for many processors and commercial freezers with year round supplies on certain items and which  has been less affected by extreme cold temperatures has started to divert supplies of broccoli, Lettuce and celery to fresh market. These “imports” have helped keep markets from further escalating although these extra supplies will eventually create wild swings in supply and pricing as normal vegetable operations slowly ramp up supplies and specific target markets get saturated. There will be plenty of buying opportunities ahead but beware not all opportunities are good values. Continue to monitor quality .

 ******WARNING******Quality issues  ranging from Blister, Peel, Discoloration , Fringe Burn, Wilting amp; Decay will be present on ALL commodities for the next month .

Weather for most of the West Coast (norms: 64-65hi/40-45lo)   has made it through it’s coldest period and forecast to be near normal with intermittent spikes above and below normal for the next few weeks. The deserts have a similar pattern (norms:70-72hi/38-42lo) with forecast for warmer near normal temps  Soil temperatures have bottomed out and are expected to start rising but still far below the range needed for  normal growth. This is forecast to happen by the end of the month. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to return to near normal weather or possibly cooler (72hi/50lo)  with occasional isolated showers  for the next week  after experiencing a run of above normal temperatures. Central Mexico looks to be near normal (68hi/43lo) for the balance of the month.

Transportation rates are expected to remain steady. Continue to plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

BROCCOLI- The market has peaked as weather will start to turn around.  Presently supplies are limited in the desert but supplies of crowns will begin to be more prevalent  and eventually bunch  supplies will start to increase .  Quality along the coast continues  to be fair at best. Even desert quality is showing signs of the cold weather with purpling and discolored beads and epidermal peel on the stalk. There will  be increasing supplies coming from alternate growing districts such as Nogales, Mexico but those areas tend to have a WIDE range in quality and spec as well, so buyer beware. The market has peaked which will lead to better buying opportunities in ALL growing districts.

CAULIFLOWER- The market has continued to rise with the cold weather slowing production daily but with warmer weather predicted supplies will start to surge by the end of next week. Historically supplies peak sharply the first week of February. Look for promotional pricing to be available with volume on all sizes. Quality has mostly been good with some reports of black spotting, epidermal peel on jackets and bruising.

****WARNING****LETTUCE- Production has been slowed by cold temperatures along with quality issues arising from icy conditions. Now that most of the sub freezing temps are behind,  growers are evaluating the extent of the damage to the existing crop. Although likely decreases in yields are anticipated  overall production should increase  but the main concern is the quality issues on the upcoming fields. Severe blister amp; peel will eventually turn into discoloration and decay. All growers will experience some level of issues but the best ones  will be able to limit the quality issues that get into the box.  ALL shippers have contract clauses  that prevent inspections to count blister and discoloration as a scoreable defects although if serious enough decay will become an issue which is scoreable.  Continue to monitor quality and order minimum quantities until quality improves.

****WARNING****LEAF LETTUCE- Similar to Iceberg lettuce , quality will continue to suffer from blister, peel , fringe burn, discoloration and likely decay.Continue shopping for the product least affected by the frost will be necessary. Some shippers  try to strip all affected leaves before packing and some prefer to leave on a few “wrapper” leaves for protection. Either way there will be issues from pale heads highlighting discoloration issues or decay from the breakdown of damaged outer leaves.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru. Like most veg items the market has skyrocketed.  Supplies should start to increase sharply by the end of the month in Mexico but strong demand for ads will keep pressure on the market to remain high  once it comes off it’s historical peak. Now is the time to inquire about promotional pricing.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited but are poised to rebound starting next week. like most veg items look for better values as we get closer to the end of the month. 

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength even as cold weather has started to pass. Expect the market to ease slowly with 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.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but starting 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 promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from California has all but finished but Mexico production is well underway. Recent cold weather slowed production and allowed the market to firm. Quality will be significantly better from Mexico.

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.

CITRUS- Although  California Navel shippers are assessing damage their initial report is quality has only been slightly impacted by last weekends cold blast. They are still monitoring damage of the thinner skinned Lemons, Limes and Clementines .
So far this season quality has been excellent with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles from Central California.

STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production is still limited but warmer weather forecast should start increase in quality supplies within the next couple weeks.  Now that the market has dropped to promotable levels the market looks to be holding as supplies are sufficient to continue promotions through the Valentines Day Holiday.  Quality from Florida and Mexico is good and California is  improving daily  depending on variety.  Stems will be available 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.

Weather in the West is forecast for extreme Hot inland through most of this week before cooling to near normal for the weekend. Coastal regions will also see temperature ranges of 78-88 but the Desert and Central Valley are HOT .  115-122 degrees forecast. California Coast norms 72/52-54 . The  Inland Valley norms 95/66 and The Desert  norms 107/72.

Transportation rates surprisingly maintained this past week but could tighten with some trucks sitting idle for the Fourth of July Holiday. But overall supply seems to be strong which will eventually lead to lower rates once we get past this week. Increased regulations will continue to put pressure on drivers logs and likely delay even the fastest trucks moving forward. Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Production in Salinas is starting to transition to the northern part of the valley where yields and quality normally improve. Quality has been good but with this weeks heat look for a temporary setback with wilting , Sun, Fringe and tipburn with occasional mildew.  Supplies are expected to lessen slightly although production from Colorado may keep markets in check .

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be moderate with mostly good quality although fringe and tipburn along with mildew continue to be present and reduce overall supplies. Green and Red leaf  supplies have been sufficient with a wide range in quality as well. Local East Coast supplies also are contributing to lessen the demand out West.

ASPARAGUS- Production continues from Coastal Mexico , Washington and Peru. Quality has been an improvement over the end of the Central California deal. The market has significantly leveled off over the past few weeks but looks to firm in the coming weeks.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing but sizing should start to improve as well as overall availability which will bring good promotional opportunities.

BROCCOLI- Salinas and Santa Maria production continues to be steady  but on the lighter side.  Quality has been good with production heaviest to crowns. Strong export demand continues to keep pressure on the market to remain active and limits the shippers ability to pack bunch broccoli. Supplies look to increase in the coming weeks  which will put pressure on the market to ease.

CAULIFLOWER-  Production continues to be moderate due to lighter plantings in the Salinas Valley. Supplies could go either way with extreme heat occasionally having a negative effect on growth. Either way look for quality to be affected with wilting plants exposing the cauliflower to the elements causing cream-yellow coloring on the curd.

CELERY-   Production is winding down in Oxnard this week which could temporarily firm prices for the Salinas crop but Michigan production is right around the corner. Better supplies on larger sizes continues . Higher freight rates have contributed to lighten demand.

CITRUS-  Valencia’s sizing and flavor profile are quickly improving and the market is steady. Sizing is currently peaking on 113’s

BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California  Central Valley  continues to produce excellent quality.  Green sizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo. The market reflects the heavy supplies available. Red and Yellows have started with better volume and will improve daily. Look for additional supplies with the warm desert temperatures. Eastern Bells continue to struggle with consistent quality due to weather.

STRAWBERRIES- Production was interrupted early last week with heavy drizzle and now the heat will soften fruit further making travel to the East near impossible. Limited labor forces growers to divert a larger percentage to the freezers leaving supplies falling short of heavy demand for the Holiday.  Better sizing and quality  will return by mid July for continued promotional supplies. Recent weather has also affected Raspberries amp; Blackberry production and quality but they should rebound quickly.   

GRAPES-   Production from Mexico continues and the  California desert production is also in full swing as is Central California.  Quality has been excellent with good sizing and flavor profile. The overlapping volume has flooded the market with great values.

MELONS – Cantaloupes volume has been limited especially the larger sizes but look for an increase in production with the Westside starting this week .  Honeydew production has been heavy and the market looks to continue to be depressed through the middle of July. Quality has been excellent.