Overall markets have eased this past week but there is an overriding sense markets could rebound by next week .  Currently there appears to be a significant reduction in demand as a direct result of high retail prices and marginally more volume but with pending Holiday demand, uncertainty of budgeted volume with transition to new production areas  and cool temperatures in the forecast the markets could likely spike once again.

Weather throughoutCaliforniaand the West Coast has cooled this past week .Light showers earlier in the week have given way to sunny but cool days.  The forecast is for cooler temps the next few weeks with possible showers next weekend.Mexicois expecting possible Thunder showers next week. Norms for Coastal California are 71hi:46lo  ,Central Valley  72hi:48 lo , Desert norms 85hi:49lo
Transportation rates held steady this past week even though there is an abundance of trucks and demand has slowed significantly. Transition to Southern production regions has begun and will add volatility to the market in coming weeks but overall supply appears to be strong. Teams will remain in high demand with increased regulations putting pressure on drivers ability to make on time deliveries. Plan ahead for best values and service.

LETTUCE – Production has begun in the Central Valley , Huron region and continues in theSalinasValley for those shippers  who choose to stretch their production fromSalinas straight to the Desert region.  Other than a few showers earlier in the week the weather has been cooperating for a smooth transition. The market is off and starting to settle although there is a significant range in quality leading to a range in prices.  As the old saying goes , Pay now or pay later.  Quality concerns of Mildew, Fringe burn and seeders.

LEAF LETTUCE-  Romaine production continues to be light to moderate with ranging quality from fringe and tipburn along with mildew and seeders. Fewer shippers are choosing to transition to the Central Valley and are taking a chance their quality will hold.  Green and Red leaf  supplies have increased but with a wide range in quality as well.

ASPARAGUS- Production  from Coastal Mexico  andPeru has been begun to increase slightly and should be sufficient forHoliday promotions.

 CARROTS-  Demand from the East has picked up significantly this past week leading to periodic shortages but overall supplies are good. Quality has been excellent

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BROCCOLI-   Broccoli production has increased this past week with improved quality which allowed most shippers to pack more crowns. The market eased with a steep decline in demand but the first near frost temperatures of the year have again slowed growth along the coast. Mexico production had a similar surge in supplies which attributed to the easing of the market but supplies there have also started to slow.  Central Valley production is set to begin next week which will help stabilize pricing heading into the Thanksgiving Holiday.

CAULIFLOWER- Lighter production continues with extreme high market.  Supplies should start increasing as we approach the Thanksgiving Holiday season.  Quality has improved but still some issues with discoloration and bruising.

CELERY- Production continues mainly from Salinas and Santa Maria but Oxnard has begun with a few local shippers.  Quality has been good and the market has been steady for the past week.  Celery was one of the few items shippers have given promotional prices for the past several weeks so demand will likely be good right through the Thanksgiving pull. Several shippers are already talking about raising prices to slow demand so they can cover their “Ads”.

BELL PEPPERS- Production in the California Central  and CoastalValley will wind down this week and production from the desert and Mexico has begun. The market has been active but should ease with increased production from the Desert.  Reds and Yellows have continued to be active and should follow the same pattern with lighter supplies through the transition to Coachella and Nogales. Eastern Bells quality has been improving as new production areas in Georgia and Florida have had better growing conditions.

STRAWBERRIES-  A few showers slowed production during this past week and will likely put an end to theSalinas /Watsonville production with much of the fruit either bring diverted to freezer or shipped  to close by markets. The market has been active for good fruit that can travel but all fruit will have a degree of bruising and water damage along with a range of coloring.  Good production on Blackberries and Raspberries continues with steady demand.

Citrus -Oranges  California Navel’s have begun. Earlier than anticipated with light volume. For the season the crop is forecast to be off from last years  but with overall better size and flavor profiles.Valencia’s are still available but are expected finish next week.  Lemons of all shapes and sizes have very limited availability, but volumes are starting to increase. Production is currently light out of District 2 (Coastal). Sizing is on the smaller size as they are peaking on sizes 140/165 and 115, heaviest to fancy. All sizes are in a demand-exceeds-supply situation, so be sure to pre-book your orders. District 1 (California central valley) is slated to begin in the fall. District 3 (California desert) has started and volume is starting to become more consistent. The Mexican season loading inTexas has started, but has been decimated by the near flooding in and around growing and packing regions.