L​ettuce

The  current  cold weather pattern throughout California  has begun to affect production .  Most crops have been 2 to 3  weeks ahead of schedule with mild early Winter weather but now growth has slowed significantly especially lettuce resulting in very limited supplies. Also affecting the market has been the lack of labor due to frost delays  and holidays. Quality has  been fair with  ribby poor textured lettuce.  Look for better texture and shape but blister and peel will become a concern in the coming weeks.  The long term weather outlook calls  for a return to normal mild weather next week which will help improve quality and eventually increase production.

Brussels Sprout

The heavy rains a couple weeks ago on the Central Coast has negatively affected quality and will put an early end to the California crop.  Brussels Sprout quality continues to improve increasing yields mainly from coastal Mexico. Predictable heavy Holiday season demand has kept the market very active.

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart market has begun to spike with the current cold weather pattern finally hitting California.  Crops have been 2 to 3 weeks ahead of budgeted schedule which combined with the surge of cold weather will create a shortage until warmer weather pattern returns.  The cold weather will help the overall texture quality of the Romaine and leaf but will also bring blister and peel.  Look for the market to be active well into January with possible better production in a couple weeks.

Broccoli

Product is coming from multiple areas, although cold weather is slowing growth which will result in tighter markets into next week.  Quality has been inconsistent and we may see some frost damage on desert product.  Planting gaps could continue into the first 2 weeks of January. Texas broccoli has shown better than average quality and good volume.

Cauliflower

This market has bottomed out and is rebounding as cold weather hits Yuma and Mexico.  Tight supplies expected through the next 2 weeks and stronger markets as a result. Yellow discoloration is an issue industry wide.

Celery

Currently Oxnard and Santa Maria are the main growing areas.  Imperial Valley will start later next week, followed by Yuma.  Not many quality issues to speak of.  Volume has been plentiful and the market has reflected this with single digit FOBs.  We could see slight increases in pricing with some planting gaps in the next 3 weeks.  Market remains sluggish over the holidays.

Artichokes

Thorn-less, seeded artichokes continue to be the predominate variety available. The few shippers with production are very light with mostly lager sizes.  Production won’t increase until late January .  Expect light to moderate frost on desert artichokes.

Strawberries

Florida production is in full swing, bringing prices down as volume picks up.  Texas, Arizona and California are all producing.  Quality has been ok over all, although some white shouldering on the Florida berries.  The market has come off substantially over the past 2 weeks due to lack of demand and multiple growing areas, although recent cold weather out west and in Mexico should lighten up volume and help markets rebound later next week.