Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:65/44-48) after aweek of cold frosty mornings next week forecast temperaturesstabilize near normal but light precipitation possible towards the end of the week and the following week. The Desert and Central Mexico (norms:78/45) should have seen the last of the frosty lowtemperatures and expect high’s to reach the 80’s early next week but possible low pressure system next weekend with a chance of showers and cooler weather the following week. Central Floridaforecast temperatures are expected to be near normal the next couple weeks. (norm:76/55lo) with an occasional Thunder shower.
****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 continues to wait on warmer weather to get production increasing . The forecast for warmer weather this weekend should help. Although possible rain in two weeks may disrupt production. Florida production has slowed but quality will benefit from cooling temperatures. 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 are substantial discounts on 30’s with most shippers running heavy percentage of smaller lettuce. The market on 24’s will slowly ease as the 30’s will absorb any decline in demand.
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. With additional frost this past week Romaine supplies tightened and the market advanced higher. Quality issues from frost will peak next week. After next week the range in quality will begin to widen depending on growing location as some areas received more frost than others. Romaine hearts continue to offer a better value with slightly fewer condition defects and slightly lower pricing. Quality issues from frost damage will continue to exist through the remainder of the desert deal and likely 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 although packout is still heaviest towards fancy. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.
CAULIFLOWER- Even with a return of cooler weather production started to rise. With warmer weather predicted this weekend look for another surge in production next week. 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. Warmer weather and additional production from California Central Valley will increase supplies 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 decline. Mexico has started primarily packing 28# as production has increased. The market is currently adjusting down but will stabilize with the start of the Easter pull by mid March. Shippers are now currently offering ads for Easter. An early Easter Holiday will get retailers to promote heavily so get in on advanced deals while they are available.
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 with discounts available on off quality packs.
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady. 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 and shippers are hoping frosted chokes give way to “clean” artichokes for Easter Promotions.
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