Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:64/43-48) After a cold week the temperatures stabilize next week before finallywarming above normal as we head into March. The Desert and CentralMexico (norms:77/44-46lo) follow a similar pattern with high temperaturesexpected to reach the 80’s by the end of next week. As with recent weeksCentral Florida forecast has been the exact opposite of California where temperatures are expected to be mostly below normal the next couple weeks.(norm:75/54lo)
****WARNING**** Extended below freezing temperatures have resulted in blister, peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities along with occasional decay.
CELERY- The celery market has begun to adjust as volume from Florida has increased eroding demand from California which has been relatively steady. Quality continues to show signs of frost damage including pith and blackheart and will continue to have varying degrees of issues depending on production location. Production in California is not expected to increase significantly and may even decrease as desert production winds down. As the market adjusts look to take advantage of special offers before the market firms back up.
STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production continues to be hampered by sporadic rain and colder than normal weather and misshapen fruit as a result of the previous frosty conditions. The forecast for warmer weather by the end of next week should get production to increase. Florida production has slowed but quality will benefit from cooling temperatures starting next week. Raspberries continue to be in short supply although production should increase as the weather warms. Stems should become more available as well . Blackberries are available and offer a good value.
LETTUCE- Supplies continue to fluctuate with weather and quality. Size and weights are off significantly. Misshapen heads along with blister and peel appear to be the norm. Shippers will continue to strip down most affected leaves but that will increase mechanical issues and create further discoloration and breakdown. The market should peak out early next week before warmer weather gets production and quality to rebound. .
LEAF LETTUCE- Quality continues to suffer from blister, peel, discoloration and occasional decay. Romaine continues to be much tighter than the colors but the market has already adjusted significantly on the colors. Romaine adjusted slightly last week but more cold weather tightened supplies again. Quality issues from frost are now peaking causing shippers to strip down the Romaine into hearts which will further pressure the heart market to adjust. You’ll see with many shippers a continued trend of discounting hearts more than carton Romaine. Quality issues will persist through the remainder of the desert deal and likely to extend into the Spring .
CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Recent freezes have had minor impact on production so far only to increase choice offerings. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.
CAULIFLOWER- A return of cooler weather again slowed production last week and the market has regained strength. There will likely be another surge in production by the end of the month. Look for promotional volume in 9 size as the weather heats up. . Quality has been mostly good .
BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving while quality in the desert and Mexico continues to be good. With the return of colder than normal weather the market jumped significantly this past week and should advance through early next week before warmer weather and additional production from California Central Valley will start next week. Continuing to monitor quality will be important depending on loading location.
ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico is finally starting to increase while Peru’s volume has continued to drop. There are a significant amount of early season ad promotions that will stabilize the market in the short term but look for increased volume and lower pricing as the weather warms by the end of next week. 28 # will also become more available. Most shippers are still hesitant to offer Easter ads just yet but as production schedules start to come into focus promotional offers will be abundantly available as most shippers are optimistic about supplies once the weather warms. An early Easter Holiday will get retailers to promote heavily so get in on advanced deals when available.
GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals . Shipments are increasing again this week with better sizing expected especially the Reds . Look for better supplies and deals available by the end of the month
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady. The market is steady locally and bulk supplies from Mexico continue to keep pressure on the market to maintain.
ARTICHOKES- Currently most supplies of artichokes are “frosted” and shippers are offering discounts to keep them moving. Supplies will start to increase by next week and shippers are hoping frosted chokes give way to “clean” artichokes for Easter Promotions.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.