As the east coast and Canada finish up their veg deals, there is more interest for various California veg, including, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery that have otherwise been supplied by “local” means. Shippers our west have been anxiously awaiting this demand to help get some of these markets off the floor. With Thanksgiving business scheduled to start as early as the end of next week, this demand can’t come soon enough for western shippers and growers.

After a late heat spell in Salinas last week, we are back to normal for this time of year, with early morning overcast, followed by clearing in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 60s-low  70s. No rain in sight.

Trucks readily available and rates have leveled out. We will probably see higher prices starting the end of next week that will continue strong through Thanksgiving business.

LETTUCE–Most shippers have moved their operations to Huron for the 2011 fall deal. There are some shippers that hang around Salinas and Santa Maria through the fall, but the better quality will be out of Huron. And that term is used LOOSELY. The lettuce in the Huron area is very typical for the Fall. Smaller, light weight lettuce, with not much head formation. There are also internal problems, that actually don’t show up on the shelf. It isn’t until you cut into the head that you see internal tip burn. It’s really no big deal, but it IS a score able defect. The good news is that quality should improve weekly. The market is currently much stronger than it has been in weeks, and delivered prices to the east coast will be near $20.00 for wrap 24s. We expect shippers to continue to drive prices up as long as they can.

BROCCOLI–continued wide range in price, especially on crowns, with as much as a $5.00/box spread, depending upon the shipper, label, and area. However, just about everyone has good quality, so you might as well shop around. Bunch 14s and 18s are also available. This market should start to make a move upward, by the end of next week.

CAULIFLOWER–definitely more interest in California flower. Canada has all but finished, and jacket flower is also almost done. The current market is a bit wide ranged, as shippers are trying to find what where the market should be.

LEAF ITEMS–even though the market for red, green, and romaine is fairly wide ranged, the overall trend is for higher. This, again, is attributed to the east coast and Canada finishing their crops. We don’t see these markets going too high, as these aren’t traditional Thanksgiving items.

CELERY–all ads are set and orders placed for Thanksgiving, so now all the shippers have to do is wait until the end of next week, when the pulls start. Right now, though, there is no change, with shippers dealing on the larger size 24s and 30s and scarcer on the 36s and 48s. Hearts continue strong.

STRAWBERRIES—the Fall crop in Oxnard and Santa Maria have started, as well as berries crossing from Mexico, via McAllen, Texas. Salinas and Watsonville will continue until the rains come, which could be the middle to the end of November. Quality has definitely improved after the rains that hit 2 weeks ago, and we are also favoring the new districts of Oxnard and Santa Maria for our berry needs.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com