The depressed markets for desert vegetables continue, and, except for a few spikes on a few items, we don’t see much change for a few more weeks. Easter business is still more than a month away, so even items such as asparagus won’t see much demand. We are asked ‘what are good items to advertise’, and we respond: EVERYTHING!

Long range weather forecast in the desert growing regions show a few cold mornings the next few days, but no freeze, then warming up this weekend, with highs in the low to mid 80’s. No rain.

Trucks remain plentiful, but we are hearing grumblings about higher rates due to the increased fuel costs. Can’t blame them.

LETTUCE–not many ways to say “too much product”, so we will say it again: TOO MUCH PRODUCT.  Most shippers are working minimum days, which is only about 4 hours, picking out the best lettuce, and leaving the rest. This continues to be a great item to advertise, and will be for another 3-4 weeks.

BROCCOLI–western shippers are trying their best to get this market up, but with all of the cheap product available in Virginia, Carolinas, and Georgia, not to mention what is out here from Santa Maria, Ca. to Texas, there just isn’t much hope for the market to get off the floor. Quality remains nice, so this is also a good item to promote.

CAULIFLOWER–in its typical roller coaster ride, cauliflower at least has a little excitement once in a while. Currently, there is a stronger undertone, but at the same time, a bit of a spread in the market, with as much as a $3-4.00/box difference on 12s, depending upon the shipper and location, so it is worth it to shop around.  Santa Maria has had the best deals, but quality is showing up better in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS–no change here. Plenty of red, green, boston, and romaine, and prices are low. It appears that we are finally working out of the freeze issues from DECEMBER.

CELERY–plenty of celery in either Oxnard or the desert areas. The deals are on the larger size 18s and 24s, while the smaller size 36s and 48s are $2-3.00/box more than the larger sizes. What this shows is the celery is staying out in fields due to lack of demand, and it grows, making for the large size glut.

ASPARAGUS–this market is a bit stronger. We mentioned that the economy is playing a big part in the lack of demand for asparagus, and we truly believe that. Asparagus is not an item the consumer HAS to have, so, unless there is a .99/# ad out there, demand just isn’t there. Normally, we would see the market close to $40 fob this time of year, but not this year. With Easter business a month away, we don’t see much change here for a while. Again, ADVERTISE.

STRAWBERRIES–a few sprinkles around, along with some cold nights have slowed growth for California berries, and keeping the market VERY active. Quality isn’t anything to write home about, with LOTS of white shoulders, and light colored fruit. However, berries are big and hard, so shelf life is very good. We are definitely seeing more interest for California berries.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com