9/13/10

After enjoying a slight warming trend over the past few weeks we are once again back to our colder weather that has been so prevalent these past few months. Product has overall been nice quality, but the cold weather stunts much of the growth and maturity of Salinas vegetables, making availability gaps industry wide and creating spikes in an otherwise flat post labor day market. Trucks are especially tight and rates remain significantly high. We believe rates to have topped off for the summer, they have been too high for too long and are about to hit the wall. Once availability increases, we will see rates begin to fall possibly as early as next week. Long range weather shows continually cool weather, staying in the low 60s into next week, and high fog throughout the days in the Salinas Valley. Central valley temperatures are cooler as well, but luckily have still been able to barely break the 90 degree mark needed to ripen up melons and tree fruit.

LETTUCE — Prices are consistent with last week, and availability is normal and steady. The colder weather throughout the week may slow growth and create planting gaps and possible market up trends later in the week but sales have to increase in order for this to take place. Quality is overall very good, but we may see some lighter weights as the week progresses.

BROCCOLI — market continues to firm up from last week and product seems to be moving quite nicely. Many growing operations in the eastern states are slowing down due to recent storms and quality is beginning to suffer, causing fewer numbers in the east and more demand out west.

CAULIFLOWER — quality is fairly good. Some discoloration in the outer plant leaves but nothing major to affect the inside quality. The market should hold steady if the weather remains cool, prices shouldn’t get any lower than they are now, in fact they may be a few dollars higher by the end of this week.

LEAF ITEMS– Romaine is the hot item and the market reflects that. Green leaf is also tight as it was last week and the cool weather should keep numbers down. Red leaf is much cheaper than the other leaf items as a result of a much better supply. Condition is excellent with very few problems to speak of.

CELERY–All sizes are hanging around at the same price level, quality is very nice and is expected to continue into next week. Because celery tends to be a much sturdier crop, the cooler weather has not made a significant impact. The weekend harvests saw fewer smaller sizes and more large sizes, but will not result in much more than a dollar or two difference in the sizes for now.

STRAWBERRIES — Thanks to the unseasonably cold weather, pro rates have been an every day occurrence in Salinas and Watsonville. The berries will not color up cold and windy weather. Normally we have a problem with the berries melting in extreme heat this time of year but there has been nothing normal about this year’s weather. Pro rates are up to 90% and trucks are waiting day and night for product. Because we see no change in weather, we have to anticipate that berries will continue to be tight throughout this week and into next.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com