As we approach the end of August dog days, we start looking towards Labor Day activity. People celebrating the end of summer, kids returning to the classroom, and the start of football season. This means more parties, BBQs and back to school lunches.  It also starts the end of local growing regions and people all over the country will again start looking to the west for their produce needs.  This is the time to lock in those ads and prepare for stronger business.

There have been a few initial recalls in the news lately, but are not having the impact they once had 4 or 5 years ago. Consumers are showing less overall concern and recalls reflect closer monitoring and better quality control. Shippers are doing a good job being proactive when any issues arise.

Long range weather in the Salinas Valley shows a consistent 68-72 degree range; perfect growing temperatures.  Central valley weather will be around 100 degrees, typical for this time of year.

Truck rates continue to settle. There are more trucks available and looking for loads, so we should see the market ease up over the next week, maybe bend a few hundred dollars, but no significant drop because fuel prices have once again spiked over the past 2 weeks.

LETTUCE- Shippers have been hopeful for better markets, but so far things have not responded the way they wanted.  Demand is still off, keeping the market at bay.  They are hoping the romaine shortage will funnel more customers to iceberg, but so far this has not been the case.  Quality is nice, good weights; mild temperatures have produced some nice heads.

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be excellent.   Market has held steady with production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria. The market could improve towards the latter end of the week as more demand shifts west.  Don’t hesitate to grab a few extra cases early; things could improve. Still, there is still plenty of local broccoli, especially in the east.

CAULIFLOWER– plentiful supplies currently, shippers are looking to move. The market is reflecting this, and coolers are full.  Run offers by us.  Quality is nice, very few problems to speak of.  Come and get it.

LEAF ITEMS–   Romaine has been tight over the past week.  This has affected the romaine heart supply and market, as well. Supply on green and red leaf is not keeping up with demand and markets are stronger here, too.  Heat waves put many local growing areas out of commission and more pressure is being put on the west.  Quality is generally good, some fringe burn from a windier than normal summer but the biggest issue currently is supply.

CELERY– This market is getting stronger.  Michigan supplies are dwindling, putting more pressure on Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality and sizing is nice, good strong stalks with good color.  Supplies will be light for at least another month and then Oxnard will start up.

STRAWBERRIES–   Still plenty of quality issues. Most shippers are hesitant to go east with their fruit because they are just not making arrivals.  Driscoll are the only berries that are making consistent arrivals, but they are making us pay dearly for that luxury, charging a premium of $4-$5 more than other shippers.  Their quality isn’t all that much better, its just that it says “DRISCOLL” on the carton. Overall, plenty of bruising on berries, completely normal for this time of year and industry wide. Expect arrivals to be 20-30% worth of defects.

Produce West

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