Transportation rates rose again throughout the week and are expected to continueheading higher. Limited trucks and increased fruit has kept rates firm. Look for rates to continue to climb as we approach the Summer season.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Salinas production is in full gear. Quality is good butcontinued gusty winds have caused some fringe and tipburn with occasional mildew.  Supplies are expected to lessen slightly and the market could firmearly next month. 

CITRUS- Navel production is winding  down and most shippershave started to offer Valencia’s. Sizing profile should quickly improve whileflavor profile will take a few additional weeks.

ASPARAGUS- Limited Production continues from all regions Salinas, Stockton, Washington and  Peru  has kept market significantly active andelevated.  Production areas in upper Midwest and Canada have been delayed by late Spring cold temperatures and will  help keep the market strong heading into Summer. 

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be heavy with mostly good quality although fringe and tipburn along with mildew have increased .Green and Red leaf  supplies have been sufficient with a wide range in qualityas well.
 
CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing.  The market is firm with good demand.

BROCCOLI- Production has shifted fully to Salinas and Santa Maria.  Quality has been good with production heaviest to crowns. Strong export demand continues to keep pressure on the market to remain active and limits the shippers ability to pack bunch broccoli. Supplies look to be steady for the next couple weeks.   

CAULIFLOWER-  Production has leveled and the market firmed.   Salinasand Santa Maria Valley are in full production with excellent quality although continu
ed windy conditions have contributed to a few bruising anddiscoloration issues. 

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production on the preferred Green Globe variety has given way to other globe varieties and its’ predominant  large sizingalthough light demand overall has kept prices low.  

CHERRIES-  California Cherry production is in full swing although cooler than expected temperatures have revised the outlook from a bumper crop to asufficient one. Bing production should begin to peak over the next couple weeks. Supplies will be available for the next few weeks before transitioning to the Northwest region.

BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California desert continues to produce excellent quality.  Green sizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo. The market firmed up with additional East Coast demand but that looks to be easing as Eastern bells have started to rebound.  Red and Yellowshave started with better volume and will improve daily. Look for additional supplies with the warm desert temperatures although the market may remain active if Eastern Bells continue to be limited.

GRAPES-   Production from Mexico is increasing rapidly and the market has started to adjust. California desert production has also increased . Quality has been excellent with good sizing and flavor profile.