Transition is wrapping up with most vegetable production coming out of Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard.  Transportation has been a challenge, more loading areas, pickups, and rates have risen to compensate for multiple stops and a higher demand.  Trucks are currently available but rates have jumped $1000 or more since last month and will remain strong through Easter. More product available in Salinas towards the later part of this week that should help keep pickups down, although Easter pull will keep rates inching upward.  Unseasonably hot weather hit the central coast earlier this week, with temperatures well into the 80s, and inland temperatures in the low 90s. A cooling trend will follow into the weekend.

LETTUCE – Yuma is mostly finished up and most shippers are exclusively up north.  Huron is nearing the end and pressure will be put on Salinas and Santa Maria areas.  Lighter numbers this week is causing a slight uptick in market, shippers are selling out daily.   There is a large variance in quality from extreme weather conditions, starting with rain last week and a few days of heat this week. Keep in mind that issues such as pink rib, light color and heavy weights are industry wide.

BROCCOLI – Markets have been gaining momentum and higher prices are expected later this week. Lighter supply expected in the next several days.  Multiple growing regions, as well as coast product are factors keeping this market from making significant jumps.  That’s not to say the market is weak, but it could be a lot higher.  The overall broccoli market will most likely be strong into the summer because of lack of supply due to water restrictions in the central valley.

CAULIFLOWER – steady market for now.  Demand has not increased substantially, although we should see a strong market through Easter pull.  Some shippers are sold out and forecasting light numbers for the next few days.  Quality has been holding up for the most part, Salinas has been yielding good product and bright white color.

LEAF – Supplies are rebounding from last week.  Expect this market to come off slightly towards the end of this week. Romaine and Romaine heart prices have leveled off for now.  Salinas is nearing full production and supplies are increasing. Some quality issues like fringe burn and red ribs but quality is mostly good.

CELERY – Still plenty of celery available in out of Oxnard.  More large sized celery available with fewer deals on smaller sizes.  Quality is currently very nice, although seeder is beginning to become an issue and will continue to be evident in the coming weeks.  Celery is not a big Easter item and we expect a fairly flat market in the weeks to come.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Market is currently tight industry wide.  Supplies are trying to recover from the rain and hot weather from the past week.  With mild weather forecasted for the next week on the coast, supply should slowly rebound, but demand will continue strong through the Easter pull.   Quality has been average, very few issues to speak of other than some bruising and overripe.

Raspberries – Still very tight, heavy pro rates. Quality has been marginal at best, with some reports of leaky and overripe fruit. Expect light numbers for the next 7 days and better supply at the tail end of Easter pull.

Blackberries – tight supply, and will continue to be light into next month. There has been a wide range of quality industry wide and a variance of pricing as a result.

ASPARAGUS – Strong market continues as we near the Easter holiday.  Salinas and central valley product is the majority of production. While there are still supplies coming out of South America and Mexico, numbers are very light and demand is strong. Quality has been nice this year, very few issues.