Although there were a few tense moments most orders got out to meet their Holiday demand, with the exception of Strawberries.  Now that the Thanksgiving push has slowed we concentrate on  post Holiday business while  dealing with the  ongoing transition to the Southern growing regions. There will continue to be  product scattered between all districts but by the end of the week most items will come into focus although Cauliflower and Celery won’t fully transition until the following week.  Late Summer monsoon storms damaged a few early plantings in the desert but weather has since been ideal and will continue to be so through mid December. Once past the initial few fields most veg items should have  a good run of quality.  Although prices on  most veg items are currently inflated for the Holiday , ad promotions should be widely available over the next couple weeks before the Christmas / New Years Holiday pulls begin.

Weather in  California/Arizona growing districts are predicted to be at or above normal (Currently: 67/45 Coast ,  74/50 Desert) through mid December with the only chance of rain possibly next weekend along the coast.

Last week rates surged with the increase in Holiday demand although, other than a few isolated occasions, availability never became an issue. Look for rates to drop this week as business slows.  As always  advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates and service.

LETTUCE- Transition will be completed this week.  Yuma quality is improving daily and yields are likely to increase available supplies. There is  currently a wide range in weights depending on the stage of transition by the shipper. 

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns slightly tighter than bunch.  Broccoli continues to be grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley ,Yuma and Mexico) . Although Yuma tends  to be  the most convenient and centralized  loading location most value comes from the other growing regions mainly because of the lack of additional items available.  Discounts for volume orders are a regular occurrence. Inquire daily.  

CAULIFLOWER-   Unlike broccoli, production of Cauliflower is more concentrated during the month of November. Salinas and Santa Maria are the primary growing regions and  production has been  ahead of budget but with cooler temps and strong Holiday demand supplies are limited. Supplies will remain limited but look to strengthen next week as growing conditions improve in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine quality has been marginal  finishing up the Northern district  and no other commodity will benefit more from the transition South .  Other than the first few fields quality will be vastly improved in the desert. Like the Iceberg Lettuce there should be a strong surge in quality and supply over the next few weeks.  There should also be a strong supply of Hearts for promotions.  Demand on green and red leaf will follow closely behind. 

CELERY-  Benefiting from a strong Holiday push the market has surged on all sizes.  With demand likely to fall off this week the market will likely ease although similar to Broccoli there is less celery grown in Yuma and the best deals will come from the other growing districts such as Salinas and Oxnard. Most shippers transfer  celery to Yuma for mixer business.

ASPARAGUS– Imports from Peru have increased during the Holiday period and supplies from Mexico have been steady with good demand.

GREEN ONION- Production is steady  and demand has increased. Since most Green Onions are grown in Mexico it will be  an easy transition to the  desert. Some logistical issues (Mexican Holiday)  have kept supplies limited but look for slightly better availability by the end of the week.  Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher than small.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Good supplies and stronger demand have prices climbing. Most volume has been contracted out for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Supplies look to continue to be strong even after the Holiday.  Take advantage of promotional pricing before and during the Christmas Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Oxnard is the primary shipping region for eastern quality fruit although warm temperatures early last week softened the fruit then cold weather slowed it down now light rain over the weekend will further push any chance of shippable quality until next week .  Combined with some Holiday promotions , Strawberries have become exceptionally tight to non existent for traveling out of state. Continue to expect bruising issues on arrival. Mexico availability will  start to increase quality offerings but expect the market for top end quality  to be strong through the Holiday’s.  Supplies of Raspberries  is better with improving quality.  Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value. Production from Florida has begun in a light way but may not offer any relief until December.

CITRUS- California Navel shipments have begun . Quality is excellent with high flavor profile and improving color. Both will continue to improve throughout the season.  The crop is projected to be extensive and promotional supplies available.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM PRODUCE WEST !