Joining the team of Produce West , Larry Burk brings a dynamic energy and a sophisticated understanding of production agricultural marketing. Larry previously worked at CH Robinson where he was instrumental in the formation of their Monterey division when CHR bought out the highly successful produce procurement business Food Source in which Larry was a managing partner. We welcome Larry and look forward to “Growing our business for YOU”
Weather forecast for The West continues mostly sunny and warm throughout the state.Temperatures are expected to be near normal for the next 3 weeks with a slight chance of showers early next week. Only the desert is expected to have above normal temps.California Coast norms 68/46-50 . The Southern Inland Valley norms 80/52 and The Desert norms 94/60.
Transportation rates rose slightly throughout the week and are expected to continueheading higher into next week. Limited trucks due to Holidays and increased fruit has kept rates firm. Look for rates to continue to climb as we approach the Summer season. Plan ahead for best value and service.
ASPARAGUS- Limited Production from Central Mexico hasSalinas and Stockton as the primary production areas until the coastal Baja region of Mexico starts in a couple weeks. Supplies continue to fall short ofdemand with reduced domestic production. Additional production areas inupper Midwest and Canada will provide some relief but the market is expected be strong for the balance of the month..
LETTUCE- Salinas production is in full gear. Quality is excellent with good promotional volume. Most quality issues have diminished. Color and texture have improved dramatically over the past week. Supplies are expected to be plentiful for the balance of the month.
LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine production continues to be heavy with mostly good quality although occasional Blister and discoloration are still present .Green and Red leaf supplies have been sufficient with good quality. Continue to monitor quality reports daily to ensure best possible arrivals.
CAULIFLOWER- Production finally picked up after stalling for most of the Spring. Salinas and Santa Maria Valley are in full production with excellent quality and promotional volume.
BROCCOLI- Production has shifted fully to Salinas and Santa Maria. Quality has been excellent with the ability to produce ALL style of packs.
BELL PEPPERS- Production has started in the California desert. Greensizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo. Red and Yellows have started onlight volume and will improve daily. Production in Florida has been hampered by heavy rains which has kept pressure on the market.
CHERRIES- California Cherry production has begun with excellent quality.Good weather is anticipated to help provide a bumper crop. Supplies will increase rapidly over the next couple weeks and the market will adjust but withsignificant promotions in place the market will firm once it finds its’ equilibrium.
CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume andgood flavor and sizing profiles. Packout is heaviest towards fancy, large sizes but there continues to be deals available on choice packs. Production on Navels has peaked and a few shippers have started Valencia’s.
GRAPES- Supplies of Reds have improved but the Green varietals continue to be limited. Quality continues to be sporadic from the southern Chilean district. Production from Mexico will start later than normal but should have good supplies by late May followed closely by California desert.
STRAWBERRIES- Production continues from all three districts,Watsonville, Santa Maria and Oxnard. Quality has improved in Watsonville with most Oxnard fruit being kept close to market and priced accordingly. Wildfires near Oxnard have further impacted supplies and quality to due falling ash. The market has steadied on better quality fruit and with significant demand for Mother’s Day promotions the market has continued to be steady. Supplies should be good for promotions through the month of May. Good supplies of stems are also available. Raspberries continue to be in short supply although production and quality will increase next week.Blackberries supplies are limited with a firming market.
CELERY- Seeders continue to drive the market with reduced sizing and overall yields. Larger sizes will command a premium but all sizes are in high demand. The quality issues are expected to continue for 2-3 weeks.
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing. The market is firm with steady demand.
ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production has peaked especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville. Additional globe varieties are still available.Most shippers continue to actively pursue promotions on medium and smaller sizes and lower pricing reflects. Quality is excellent.
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