Even though the weather in the East is “cooling” off, the heat from the past few weeks is taking its toll on produce. Short term, lots of damage on just about all items. Long term, it will shorten the Eastern harvesting season on leaf, melon, broccoli, peppers, you name it. We could see some active markets on certain items out West as Fall approaches.

Long range weather in the California growing regions show below normal temperatures in Salinas/Watsonville the next week, while continued hot in the Fresno/Bakersfield areas, which is normal for this time of year.

Trucks are available, and their honeymoon is over. Rates are more flexible for just about all areas of the country.

LETTUCE–lots of lettuce available and prices down. Good supplies and quality in Salinas and/or Santa Maria areas. The market is $8-10 fob, and we don’t anticipate much change this entire week.

BROCCOLI–the East is showing damage for the past few week’s heat spell, and buyers are already starting to switch to Western broccoli. The shippers out here recognize that, and are already looking to raise their prices, which have been on the floor. We could see the market up $3-5.00 from today as this week moves along. Quality holding up nicely.

CAULIFLOWER–more interest, too, in Western cauliflower. The market is more wide ranged than broccoli, with prices from $7-12.00 fob, depending upon the shipper and area. Quality very nice out West.

LEAF ITEMS–definitely a stronger market on romaine, while red and green leaf are trying to get off the floor. Again, more interest in Western leaf, due to problems with local Eastern product. Romaine is already $3-5.00/box higher than last weekend even, and we could see the shippers push for more as this week goes.

CELERY–not much interest in celery, and prices are fairly weak. Dole and T&A seem to be holding a bit firmer, but even THEY are looking for business. Celery is ranged from $8-10.00 fob on all sizes, with some wiggle room. Hearts still active.

STRAWBERRIES–cooler, damp weather in Salinas and Watsonville is NOT helping supplies and quality. Market stronger and Driscoll is back to pro rating orders.  August usually is when we have to deal with quality issues because of the weather, and we also see shippers not interested in going “too far East” with their supplies. Some shippers will be selling with the tag, “we don’t want to hear about any problems” as we get into August and September. It will be important to know this, and move your straws, raz, and blackberries as QUICKLY as you can.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com