Even though the weather in the desert is starting to warm up, the past week to ten days has been cold in the desert growing regions, and has now started to create gaps in production on just about all commodities, such as lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, romaine, and various other mix items. Not just a gap in supplies, but quality issues. The freeze is showing up in epidermal blister and peel on lettuce, leaf, and romaine, and discoloration on broccoli, cauliflower, and other items. These issues will continue to show up for weeks to come.

Long range weather shows no rain in the desert growing areas for the next 10 days, and temperatures in the high 60s to mid 70s. Nights are getting in the low 40s now, instead of the low 30s. That will help.

Trucks are still a bit tight, as they are still trying to get back on track from the holidays. Rates are expected to drift downward during the next few weeks.

LETTUCE–supplies had been 1-2 weeks AHEAD of schedule, but with the cold weather hitting, we are now showing a GAP, and shippers are pushing prices upward as quickly as they can. It is difficult to say where the markets will go this week, but suffice it to say, the shippers WON’T be bashful about raising their prices DAILY. And, not just 50 cents here, or a dollar there. We could see the market up $5-6.00 later this week, over current quotes today, which are pushing $20 delivered to the East coast. Quality is another issue. Expect to see epidermal blister and peel on outside wrapper leaves. Shippers are quoting WITH DEFECTS, so it is not scored with inspections.

BROCCOLI–very few crowns around. The cold weather has really slowed growth of crowns, as well as bunch. Prices going up daily, and could hit $22-25.00 FOB this week. Quality-wise, expect purpling on the beads.

CAULIFLOWER–cold weather, as we have mentioned, REALLY effect cauliflower. Quality and supplies. We should easily see $20 FOB this week, and possibly higher. Again, quality is affected, as well, with discoloration.

LEAF ITEMS–romaine, in particular, is being hit by the cold. Blister and peel on the outer leaves are EVERYWHERE. Most shippers are trimming off as much as they can, but it IS there. Again, it is NOT scoreable with Federal inspections. Not just peel, but fringe burn on the tops of the leaves are evident.

CELERY–strong demand and high prices the large size 18s, 24s, and now 30s. Prices are up, and with the high freight rates, we are seeing $25.00 easily for delivered prices on the East coast. Quality is mostly okay, although still mud and dirt in the box and sleeves, due to the past rains.

STRAWBERRIES–supplies picking up a bit in the desert, and prices are drifting down. Florida is experiencing some nice weather, although they are forecasted for some colder weather later this week. That will slow down supplies, firm prices, and put more pressure on western berries.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com