Believe it or not, this week will start the first shipments going to the East coast for Christmas business. They actually won’t start until the end of this week, but nevertheless, Christmas is here! Even though some of the markets are starting to finally hit the wall, like romaine, we see light supplies, strong demand, and active markets for the rest of this year on just about all commodities.
Long range weather in the desert regions, where the majority of the vegetables are coming from, show slight chances of rain, and days in the mid-60s to low 70s. The potential problem would be the nights. We see lows in the mid to high 30’s. This could mean that we may be dealing with ice and freezing, which can cause harvest delays, epidermal peeling and blister. It’s too early to tell, but historically, December and January are the months when we have this to deal with.
Trucks are plentiful, and rates are down. This weekend and next week will be the bulk of the Christmas push, so they may get a bit more scarce and higher priced.

LETTUCE–this market is hanging in there. FOB prices have been hovering around $30 for wrap 24s, and haven’t backed off. Retails are set high for small, light weight lettuce, and that usually means demand starts to fall off. But, again, supplies are so light, and the growers are so far AHEAD in their fields, that they can keep the market active. As mentioned, sizes are small, weights are light. On top of this, salad demand continues to be strong.

BROCCOLI–steady. Bunch 14s, 18s, and crowns continue firm and active. The best deals are still in Salinas and San Joaquin Valley.

CAULIFLOWER–this is the best bargain around. 12s and 9s are available out of the desert at good pricing and nice quality. However, take advantage now, because we could see supplies fall off dramatically as early as this weekend, and prices go up.

LEAF ITEMS–romaine has dropped nearly in half the past week, green continues to slide, while red and boston are hanging in tough. Romaine is showing as much as a $15.00/box SPREAD in price, depending upon the area and shipper. When prices get up this high, and start to come down, that is what usually happens. The market also goes lower than it should, then firms back up. That is what we are starting to see now.

CELERY–rain in Oxnard today has halted harvesting, and Oxnard is where the majority of celery is coming from. Rain is also forecasted off and on all this week, which will keep things unsettled and the market firm. Also, expect wet product, and mud in the celery and the sleeve bags, so be aware of that.

STRAWBERRIES–this rain is finishing off the Salinas/Watsonville deals, and with rain in Oxnard, there isn’t much in California for berry supplies.