With the holiday approaching, there is stronger demand for summer items.  Back yard BBQs are going to be more popular this year than in previous years mostly due to fact that folks are saving money and staying close to home for the holiday.  Strawberries and melons remain hot items, and tree fruit is no exception.  Salinas weather is improving from weeks before.  The next 10 days show temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s, ideal temperatures for Salinas vegetables and strawberries.  Truck rates are still high, however rates are showing signs that they have reached a plateau and in some cases have slightly fallen in the past week.  The lack of west bound freight is still a main contributor to the high rates we are currently seeing.

LETTUCE– good supplies in Salinas and Santa Maria areas.  Demand has been decreasing as a result of high retail prices. Warmer weather will bring on more product this week and FOB prices should remain where they are for now and the near future.

BROCCOLI–plenty of product and shippers are looking to move.  Another problem is the fact that there is a lot more product out in the field that has yet to be cut.  This will create even more supply and shippers will be forced to blow out as much as they can at bargain prices.  Good growing weather that is forecasted will bring on some nice product.  Expect good quality and cheap prices as the week progresses.

CAULIFLOWER–supply is limited.  as the week goes on, however, we should see better volumes as fields are harvested. Many shippers have been sold out for the past few days. Keep in mind that the market was pushed pretty high last week, so it has quite a bit to come down.  Because supplies are gapping, shippers are going to end up killing the market with high prices, and will ultimately result in cheaper prices possibly by the end of this week.

LEAF ITEMS–not much change in the market with plenty green and red leaf. However, romaine is still very active.  Light supplies due to quality issues are allowing the shippers to keep pushing the romaine market.  Quality issues like internal burn, salt and peppering, have been seen.  Much of the romaine has been grown in warmer areas of the south valley, and quality issues have stemmed from unusually warm weather in these areas.

CELERY–transition from Oxnard to Salinas has been quiet and smooth.  Plenty of small sized celery, and larger sizes are harder to come by, which is normal during a transition.  It may take a week or two for the product to size up and fill the demand for 18 and 24 size.  Quality is fine.

STRAWBERRIES–Berries are slightly tighter this week.  Pro rates have increased up to about 30%.  Quality has been ok.  4th of July business increased demand over the past week, but things should be back to normal in a few days.  Get your orders in early.

Ed Brem
ed@producewest.com