Record breaking heat continues to hammer the entire East coast, with days in the 90s, and stifling humidity. This week looks to be hot and muggy, with some forecasted relief by the middle of next week. Still, these conditions are really hurting business, as people just don’t want to go outside. Also, local items, such as broccoli, cauliflower, leaf, berries,  and other items are coming on quickly, but there will probably be some problems down the road.
Trucks, for some reason, are VERY tight today. Not sure why, although part of the reason is that westbound freight, east coast items delivering to California, is extremely slow, and truckers say they have rigs stuck in the east. Regardless, rates are up $300-400 over last week.
Long range weather in the growing areas of Salinas/Watsonville show cooler days by 5-7 degrees, while the Fresno area is forecasted for the mid to high 90s, which is a bit below normal for this time of year. We already know what is going on on the east coast.

LETTUCE–slow demand, low market, as shippers are ALL looking for business. Quality for product in Salinas has improved a bit, with better size and weights. The cooler weather this week may slow down growth and production, and we could see the market perk up by this weekend.

BROCCOLI–with all the available product on the east coast, demand for broccoli in California is very slow. Still, there is a shortage of crowns out west, and shippers are looking to raise their prices by $1-2.00 over last week. It may be short lived, as no one really cares, and will buy their product in the east.

CAULIFLOWER–a very wide range in price on 12s and 9s, with as much as a $5.00/box spread, depending upon the shipper and area. Overall quality is very good to excellent, so it is worth shopping around for the best deal.

LEAF ITEMS–no change. Market at, or near the bottom on red, green, and romaine. What is keeping it there is, not just local product, but freight. Currently, the freight for a box of these items is costing more than the FOB! As a result, delivered prices are not too attractive, and retails aren’t priced to move.

CELERY–market fairly weak on the large size 18s, 24s, and 30s, while the smaller size 36s and 48s are tight, and priced $3-5.00/box more than the larger sizes. The main reason is that demand for hearts is VERY strong, so shippers, lacking in heart material, are moving to 48s and even 36 size for the their heart material.

STRAWBERRIES–good demand and strong prices. August and September are usually Driscoll months. Quality usually starts to fall off during this time, and buyers want Driscoll, due to their overall consistent quality. But,  as Driscoll’s demand goes up, so does their pricing, as well as pro rates. If you’re “in” with Driscoll, that’s good. If not, you are on the outside LOOKING in.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com