Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:65/44-48) next few days calls showers Friday followed by clearing and cold before FINALLY rebounding to above normal temperatures most of next week but with possible showers again next weekend. The Desert and Central Mexico (norms:80/47) may also see a thunderstorm roll through the area Friday with cold temperatures but quickly turning hot next week. Central Florida forecast temperatures are expected to continue slightly above normal the next couple weeks. (norm:77/56lo) .
****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 adjusted this past week but the market has begun to firm as volume from Florida and Mexico has steadied Quality continues to show signs of frost damage including pith and black heart 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. There is a wide range in quality and sizing depending on loading location. Some shippers are peaking on large size 18’s and some with 36’s As the market adjusts look to take advantage of special offers on off sizes.
STRAWBERRIES- Production and quality are on the steep decline from Mexico and Florida just as Southern Californian Coast starts to increase. If the Southern Coast escapes any significant precipitation this weekend the forecast for warmer weather next week will help shippers fill demand for Easter promos. Florida production has slowed and soft fruit has limited their ability to ship product too far out of state. Mexico production will likely continue to decrease before finishing for the season in a couple weeks. 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 but supplies and quality will rapidly decrease in coming weeks from Mexico.
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. There has been substantial discounts on 30’s with most shippers running heavy percentage of smaller lettuce but with heavy demand from processors and salad promotions shippers are firming prices on all sizes. Hot weather next week may help bring on more volume but quality may suffer .
LEAF LETTUCE- Quality continues to suffer from blister, peel, discoloration and occasional decay. Romaine continues to be much tighter than the colors as the market has already adjusted significantly on the colors. Romaine supplies tightened and the market advanced higher. Quality issues from frost are currently peaking but will continue to exist through the remainder of the desert deal and likely extend into the Spring .Warmer weather next week will help volume but quality may suffer from dehydration. Romaine hearts continue to offer a better value with slightly fewer condition defects and slightly lower pricing.
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 although packout is still heaviest towards fancy. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.
CAULIFLOWER- Production stalled slightly this week and good advanced orders being quoted by most shippers has firmed the market. Warmer weather should increase promotional volume in 9 size as most 12’s have been pre committed on ad. Quality has been mostly good.
BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving while quality in the desert and Mexico continues to be good. Warmer weather and additional production from California Central Valley and now the Salinas Valley will continue to increase supplies next wee
. Continuing to monitor quality will be important depending on loading location.
ASPARAGUS- After having production delayed by weeks Mexico is finally starting to have improved supplies. The market adjusted earlier in the week but as the start of the Easter pull begins next week most shippers are already firming prices to meet their ad prices. Most shippers have stopped giving promotional pricing until after the Easter Holiday. An early Easter Holiday has benefited both suppliers and retailers.
GRAPES- Shipments are increasing again this week from Chile with better sizing expected especially the Reds although there continues to be a wide range in quality and sizing with discounts available on off quality packs. Green varietals should continue to see increases in supplies and the market adjust but Reds should remain steady or even strengthen.
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but demand has been strong. The market is steady locally with bulk supplies from Mexico continuing to keep pressure on the market.
ARTICHOKES- Currently most artichokes are “frosted” and shippers are offering discounts to keep them moving. Supplies will start to increase by next week but most will still be frosted which will limit movement for the normally heavily promoted Easter holiday. There will likely be significant promotional opportunities after Easter once they clean up and volume peaks in early April especially on the superior Green Globe variety.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.