It’s hard to imagine that we are already looking to the first week in May, and Mother’s Day business! This is a big week for several items, but mainly STRAWBERRIES. And, unfortunately, more rain is forecasted this week, which will keep things messed up this week, to be sure.

Long range weather shows rain showers forecasted for tomorrow and Wednesday, followed by cooler temperatures for the end of the week. California can’t seem to get into a spring pattern.

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas of the country, and rates are going up to levels that we normally see for the Summer. NOT a good sign.

LETTUCE–plenty of product around, and prices are fairly wide ranged, with as much as a $4-5.00/box SPREAD on wrap 24s. Supplies are all but finished in Huron, so now we are concentrating on Salinas and Santa Maria. We will be here until October.

BROCCOLI–good supplies and attractive prices for bunch 14s and 18s, while crowns are a bit more scarce, and priced $2-3.00/box higher than bunch. Supplies mostly coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria areas, with a few shippers going in Oxnard.

CAULIFLOWER–supplies still VERY tight this week, and prices are easily in the low to mid $20’s FOB. With rain and cooler temperatures forecasted for this week, supplies will remain light, and prices strong.

LEAF ITEMS–not much change in prices on red, green, boston, and romaine. There are deals out there, depending upon the area and shipper, so shop around. Stay away from Huron. Anything coming out of there has bug issues. Salinas and Santa Maria are the areas to be.

CELERY–continued wide range in prices on all sizes, depending upon the shipper, with Dole leading the way. They are basically priced $2-4.00/box MORE than the mostly market.

STRAWBERRIES–Mother’s Day business is getting going, and supplies are TIGHT, with pro rates the norm, especially from Driscoll. With rain coming in, it will get WORSE. Hopefully, we will only get a few sprinkles, as these later storms usually don’t have the punch of the winter storms. Still, we will experience cooler temperatures that will keep supplies VERY tight ALL week.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com