The Holiday veggy shopping season has gotten off to a good start with good supplies of most Holiday items. That could  change as we enter into a seasonally heavy demand period for snacking fruits and vegetables.  With office, New Years and Super Bowl parties not to mention those annual dieters , fruits and veggies will command more attention. Warm weather on the West Coast has provided an abundant supply of produce the past few weeks. But now the weather has started to cool and most commodities will start to get back on schedule. Lighter supplies and possible higher prices are expected on some  items  while providing opportunities for promoting  other commodities.

Weather for most of the West Coast growing regions has started to cool especially the night time low temps. Along the Coast,  Santa Maria to San Diego will be slightly below normal (63hi/39-42lo) this week before dropping 5-8 degrees next week with possible scattered showers throughout the week. Temps are forecast to remain below normal through the first week of January. The Desert and Central Mexico will be near normal (68hi/38-40lo) this week,  dropping below normal next week with possible freeze for  Christmas week. Rain becomes a possibility for the desert starting 12/29.  Central Florida berry growing region is expected to have Normal weather (73hi/52lo)  other than one strong cold front expected to bring significant rain followed by cool temps this weekend otherwise an occasional thunder storm  and near normal the next couple weeks.

Stronger Holiday business provided the demand for Transportation rates to stay steady but with lighter demand and supplies out west rates should continue to roll back but plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

LETTUCE- Production has peaked as the weather has been ideal . Slightly cooler weather will steady production and eventually lead to lighter supplies as cold weather will allow shippers the flexibility to hold lettuce a few extra days before harvest if needed. Shippers will also be quick to raise prices to ensure covering contracts. Quality has been very nice on lettuce harvested ahead of schedule. Some quality issues were reported on lettuce harvested over mature..

LEAF LETTUCE- Good supplies of all leaf will continue to saturate the market.  Quality is very good from all desert districts. Possible frost is expected next week would could start the cycle of blister and peel although the effects won’t be seen for a couple weeks after the first frost. Continue to promote with confidence.

BROCCOLI- Cooler weather along the coast and in the Central Valley over the weekend has led to lighter supplies.  Combined with Holiday demand the market has reacted upward. There will still be supplies coming from all growing districts which will keep prices from getting out of control but as long as cool , unsettled weather pattern is predominant then the market will continue to have upside. The quality from most growing areas is comparable but some signs of pin rot are still showing up on Salinas broccoli.  There are volume deals available but not as widespread as last week.

CAULIFLOWER- The  market has reacted to a week of strong demand and cooler weather along the coast. There will be available supplies early this week but may tighten with continued strong Holiday demand and cooler weather.   Quality has been excellent.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been abundant but with good demand. Traditionally supplies become limited during the Holidays due to labor and logistical issues out of Mexico. The market has already reacted anticipating lighter supplies  and has possible upside through the New Year. Good values continue to be on smaller sizes and Iceless packs  which have an extended shelf life due to the breathable film.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but could start to slow with seasonally cold weather.  The market is steady with possible upside with good  demand which will continue through the heavy Holiday promotional period.
CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been very nice with larger sizes becoming more prevalent.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru.  Increased shipments should help supplies but strong Holiday demand will keep pressure on the market to remain high.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Supplies continue to be strong with good demand. Take advantage of good promotional pricing through next month.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good  volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

STRAWBERRIES- Continued scattered showers through most growing areas have kept an already tight supply even tighter.   With Oxnard  production disrupted due to previous rains and now cooler weather the market has been exceptionally strong with a seasonal low in volume due to limited starts in Mexico and Florida. The good news is production in Mexico and Florida are expected to increase throughout the week BUT may get disrupted again by more unsettled weather.  Either way the market has likely peaked and available supplies will again be available soon. Continue to bring in minimum quantities until consistent quality can be seen. Bruising , inconsistent color and occasional soft rot are the issues currently. Raspberry production  should also improve going forward. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.