Transportation rates surprisingly maintained this past week but could tighten with some trucks sitting idle for the Fourth of July Holiday. But overall supply seems to be strong which will eventually lead to lower rates once we get past this week. Increased regulations will continue to put pressure on drivers logs and likely delay even the fastest trucks moving forward. Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Production in Salinas is starting to transition to the northern part of the valley where yields and quality normally improve. Quality has been good but with this weeks heat look for a temporary setback with wilting , Sun, Fringe and tipburn with occasional mildew.  Supplies are expected to lessen slightly although production from Colorado may keep markets in check .

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be moderate with mostly good quality although fringe and tipburn along with mildew continue to be present and reduce overall supplies. Green and Red leaf  supplies have been sufficient with a wide range in quality as well. Local East Coast supplies also are contributing to lessen the demand out West.

ASPARAGUS- Production continues from Coastal Mexico , Washington and Peru. Quality has been an improvement over the end of the Central California deal. The market has significantly leveled off over the past few weeks but looks to firm in the coming weeks.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing but sizing should start to improve as well as overall availability which will bring good promotional opportunities.

BROCCOLI- Salinas and Santa Maria production continues to be steady  but on the lighter side.  Quality has been good with production heaviest to crowns. Strong export demand continues to keep pressure on the market to remain active and limits the shippers ability to pack bunch broccoli. Supplies look to increase in the coming weeks  which will put pressure on the market to ease.

CAULIFLOWER-  Production continues to be moderate due to lighter plantings in the Salinas Valley. Supplies could go either way with extreme heat occasionally having a negative effect on growth. Either way look for quality to be affected with wilting plants exposing the cauliflower to the elements causing cream-yellow coloring on the curd.

CELERY-   Production is winding down in Oxnard this week which could temporarily firm prices for the Salinas crop but Michigan production is right around the corner. Better supplies on larger sizes continues . Higher freight rates have contributed to lighten demand.

CITRUS-  Valencia’s sizing and flavor profile are quickly improving and the market is steady. Sizing is currently peaking on 113’s

BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California  Central Valley  continues to produce excellent quality.  Green sizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo. The market reflects the heavy supplies available. Red and Yellows have started with better volume and will improve daily. Look for additional supplies with the warm desert temperatures. Eastern Bells continue to struggle with consistent quality due to weather.

STRAWBERRIES- Production was interrupted early last week with heavy drizzle and now the heat will soften fruit further making travel to the East near impossible. Limited labor forces growers to divert a larger percentage to the freezers leaving supplies falling short of heavy demand for the Holiday.  Better sizing and quality  will return by mid July for continued promotional supplies. Recent weather has also affected Raspberries amp; Blackberry production and quality but they should rebound quickly.   

GRAPES-   Production from Mexico continues and the  California desert production is also in full swing as is Central California.  Quality has been excellent with good sizing and flavor profile. The overlapping volume has flooded the market with great values.

MELONS – Cantaloupes volume has been limited especially the larger sizes but look for an increase in production with the Westside starting this week .  Honeydew production has been heavy and the market looks to continue to be depressed through the middle of July. Quality has been excellent.