Keep on  Promoting Fruits & Veg
June 27th, 2012

While we are in the  middle of the  4th of July  holiday  pull , keep in mind there are still  plenty of items to promote after the  holiday.  Berries,  Stonefruit,  Grapes Melons  and  don’t forget your veggies.

Long range weather shows continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the  inland valley’s  and deserts.   Ideal for continued exceptional  quality for each individual growing region.

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast.  .  Rates are likely to have peaked and may  start to ease after the  4th of July holiday.

LETTUCE- Demand has continued to be steady without much pressure from  the  local  production areas.  Although look for  increased production from eastern Canada and  Colorado in  the coming  weeks  to put pressure on the Salinas  area  shippers.  Quality is  excellent although there is  some  indication of early  Verticillium wilt  that will  affect yields.  

BROCCOLI–The overall market has adjusted  but appears  to be  stabilizing at reasonable levels .  Demand  is  only  slightly off from the  peak early last week but supplies  continue to  be  moderate and  quality  is  excellent.

CAULIFLOWER– The  market continues  to  adjust  downward with sporadic demand. Currently a wide range in quotes but look for  demand to stabilize and  supplies to  moderate  which  should  result in a  more concentrated  market quote.  Most shippers  will  start reducing acreage within the next 3-4 weeks  to account for the drop in  summertime demand.

LEAF ITEMS–continued trend of  Ferris wheel demand due in large part to  decreased plantings out west and  sporadic demand  in the east. Quality continues to improve but still occasional  fringe burn and  mildew issues.

CELERY–  Quality has been good to excellent.  Mostly  large  sizes with  good  demand on the limited supply of smaller sizes.   Look for market to be  relatively  stable  until  Michigan  starts production  by  mid July.

STRAWBERRIES–  Demand for berries will  be  strong through the  weekend  with the 4th of July  Holiday.    Raspberry market continues to be especially active with light to moderate supplies  coming from Salinas.  Demand  should  ease and  markets moderate  once the  heavy pulls  are over  but continued promotions will keep  the  market from  bottoming out.  Quality continues  to  shine  especially in the cooler coastal  climates.  Most  counts are 16-20 with occasional  bruising  and  slightly smaller sizing out of Santa Maria.
ASPARAGUS – Limited imports from  Mexico & Peru have  kept supplies  tight and the demand  limited  but strong.  Without  sufficient support at retail , market will  remain  steady.

BELL PEPPERS- Green Bell market is  steady  and Red Bells  are very active . Quality on Greens  is  excellent with mostly X Large sizing out of the San Joaquin Valley. Reds will  transition by mid July.