This week marks the  beginning of the transition of Fruits and Vegetables to the central amp; southern parts of the state and Mexico. Peppers and Squash have already transitioned south and melons amp; berries are on a fast track to the southern districts.  A few core veg items  will start the transition to the  Central Valley , iceberg lettuce and romaine , next week. The balance of the veg items will transition over the next 4-6 weeks to the Central Valley and  desert areas. The transition on the West Coast coincides with the decline of the Northeast local growing regions putting greater demand on California and Mexican products. Over the  next 6 weeks advanced planning will be critical to organize transportation and logistics to get the best possible value and quality.

California weather has fluctuated the  past few weeks with record highs last weekend to below normal average through this week. After possible showers Wednesday long term weather looks to be  near normal for the  balance of the  month. Historical averages  for coastal California are high’s of 72 and low’s near 50 degrees.  Inland Valley’s average 82/50. Desert averages 94/68.  Weather around the  country is following a similar pattern with below normal temperatures this week and a return to normal seasonal temperatures for the balance of the month.

Truck availability remains good but recent surges in fuel cost in California  have kept rates elevated  for this time  of year. Although crude oil prices have fallen in recent weeks, troubles  with California refineries  have allowed Gas and Diesel prices  to climb to Historical high’s.  Averaging near $4.75 a gallon and rising.  Although many Independent and  transportation brokers  continue to  solicit business.  Advance notice will help in getting best value available.

LETTUCE-  Increase in production and strong yields  have lead to a softening market.  Currently quality is good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn but seasonal discoloration issues (russett amp; pink rib) are starting to show on arrivals. Expect some  discoloration issues on arrival especially if the predicted midweek  rain showers materialize.   Loading Fresh  lettuce is  extremely important especially this  time of year. Transition to new growing area in Central California starting next week won’t guarantee better quality but will help give options to choose best lettuce available.  

BROCCOLI- Supplies are increasing as Fall plantings are increased to meet demand but with plenty of homegrown product still available around the country the market has been overall fair .  Quality continues to be excellent. Volume  deals  are available currently but look for supplies to stabilize as the weather starts to cool this week.

CAULIFLOWER- Production and demand appear to have both leveled out.  There are still a few available deals for volume  but cooler weather this week should  strengthen the market. Quality is mostly good with occasional mildew jacket.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine and Romaine Heart markets continue to be weak with lower pricing available.  Demand on green and red leaf has weakened along with Romaine .  A  wide range of quality is available with issues arising from mildew, fringe burn and prominent rib and discoloration. Shopping for quality is a must especially as offerings from new  production areas start  as early as next week.

CELERY- Market has been stable with occasional volume  offerings.  Quality and sizing are nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Production will start increasing from Salinas as well as Santa Maria and eventually Oxnard  which will be offset by the declining production in Michigan.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico is still light  and demand has stayed strong. Production from Peru has increased and has put downward pressure on the market. Quality is improving weekly and is comparable to imports from Peru.

GREEN ONION- Production continues to increase.  Markets have been reacting downward as supplies have outraced demand especially  on smaller sizes.    Supplies of ALL sizes  should continue to increase throughout the week and level off by next week. Quality has been inconsistent but should improve as supplies increase.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Increased supplies are expected and demand is anticipated to lighten up by the end of the week.  Production should continue to increase , including some local production in the Northeast just underway . This  will put pressure on market which will likely ease before strengthening again by the end of the month for anticipated Holiday demand.

STRAWBERRIES-Salinas / Watsonville area continues to be  the  predominant loading area for volume  but Santa Maria amp; Oxnard have had better quality with their “New” Fall crop.  Production will start to transition south especially with last weekends extreme heat and forecast for possible rain showers on Wednesday  further weakening the  berries  in the North. Pricing has been wide ranging along with quality. Most shippers are discounting their Summer fruit for nearby markets. Shippers  are getting premium prices for strong fruit traveling East . Raspberry  prices are slightly higher for the best quality labels. Limited production  continues strong demand on Blackberries.

GRAPES- The market on Green and  Red grapes is stronger as most shippers  are transitioning into their late season varieties. Quality continues to be  excellent  due to the  ideal weather throughout the  Summer season in the  Central Valley.