Sluggish demand prevails due to continued strong production and moderate quality. Many shippers are passing by fields without cutting a head in an effort to improve quality and demand although some shippers continue to harvest “everything.” Unseasonably Hot weather this week will Not help quality nor demand. For these reasons quality remains inconsistent. Blister and peel, pale and ribby along with fluctuating sizing and Heavy Inventories are all affecting overall quality. Fresh harvest with lower weights are your best defense against arrival issues.
Mix Leaf
Romaine and Romaine Heart production has been heavy of late with light demand. Quality has been wide ranging with some better texture and color while many continue to harvest over mature, pale and ribby which has led to arrival problems. Shop for lower weights and darker colors. Hot temperatures this week in the desert will likely lead to some wilting on arrival as well. Green and Red leaf markets have been weaker with weak demand.
Brussels Sprouts
Production from Northern California continues along with Mexico and Southern California, creating a glut in supplies as the market has slumped. Now is a good time to promote Brussels with bulk and value added packs available. Quality has been excellent.
Celery
This market continues to be sluggish with plenty of volume and not enough demand. Oxnard and Santa Maria areas are currently producing the most volume. Yuma and Imperial Valley celery is in full production although commanding higher prices than West Coast product. Some defects include bowing and branchy stalks, as well as some insect damage being reported. Shippers are looking to move product and plenty of volume deals available through Produce West.
Strawberries
The Warmer weather in California will help bring on the fruit out of the Santa Maria and Oxnard areas. Even with the increase in fruit out of California, Supplies may decline out of Central Mexico as they are forecasted to experience some colder temps next week. Expect the wide range in pricing between growing areas to disappear as prices will move lower out of the California areas.
Broccoli
Good supplies out of California, Arizona and Mexico will remain constant for the rest of the week. There is a chance the market could start to turn upwards by the middle of next week. We will keep you posted. We continue to ship beautiful crowns out of Central Mexico packed on our “Shui Ling” label. Good green color with a 4″- 5″ inch cut and 4″-5″ dome. See pictures of this weeks product.
Cauliflower
There is definitely an uptick with demand and pricing this week. The market has a chance to climb slightly higher as we finish out the week. Pre – books are advised in order to get your needs filled.
Asparagus
Production from Mexico continues to surge ahead with warmer weather in Mexico. Most shippers have transitioned into 28# packs and are eager to promote. Strong promotions will likely help firm the market as we approach Valentine’s day. Take advantage of these while volumes are on the rise.
Artichokes
Production continues to be moderate and demand has slowed along with most western veg. Quality concerns with some frost damage has slowed demand. Hot weather will help speed the artichokes through any adverse effects. The Heirloom season is right around the corner an NOW is the time to lock in promotions.
Green Onions
Green Onion production continues heavy mostly to smaller sizes. Demand has picked up marginally. Look for promotional volume through February.
Oranges
Fancy grade remains predominate in supply, consisting of about 80-90 percent of the harvest pack out this week. There are very few small sizes available, with mostly 72-88 ct fruit available. Warmer than normal weather is causing a supply shortage on small fruit, as well as volume shortage industry wide. Product is sizing up too quickly and not enough sugar. Trees are being stressed by higher temperatures and dropping fruit. We expect markets to get stronger over the next few weeks and should remain active throughout the season. Get your orders in early and prepare for stronger markets.
Cantaloupes
Prices were lower this week as ample to abundant supplies from the Caribbean Basin kept flowing into all ports of entry. At the same time demand was hobbled by wintry weather and the lack of reasonably prices transportation. Little business beyond contracts was evident and those on contracts struggled to take their minimums. Sizes were peaking on 9s but there was increased supplies of 12s and smaller and adequate amounts of jbo 9s and 6s. Deep discounting was evident on 12s and smaller. 9s and larger were discounting some but not as much. Next week the supply spigots will still be open and running. Demand will still be stunted by wintry weather and high priced transportation, but that freight rates could become a bit more reasonable if demand picks up at all. We look for a dull and steady market next week with discounting continuing.
Honeydews
I could cut and paste the above outlook for cantaloupes and substitute the honeydews for them. Supplies will continue to be ample. Demand will continue to be dull and markets will continue to be barely steady to lower. Sizes are spread between 5s and 6s mostly with some jbo 5s and plenty of 8s. Mexico is having a heat wave so supplies from there should be abundant as well. Looks like a steady market with discounting next week or a flat out lower market.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Cauliflower Production has stated to slow after surging the past week although unseasonably warm weather will likely return production levels back to normal.
Broccoli Production has been fairly steady and is likely to increase with warmer weather although heavy insect pressure is likely if the hot weather lasts too long. Demand has been good for the Super bowl.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production. The market is expected to remain stable especially as the weather has turned Hot in the desert.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg as well as Romaine from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and demand. Ideal conditions continue this week , keeping supplies steady. Blister and peel continue to be light but prevalent. Many shippers are trimming damaged leaves in the field.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot Production continues to improve but advance notice is still required especially with Super bowl promotions currently increasing demand
Potato supplies continue to be erratic from the Northwest Rocky Mountain region. Onion demand has been very good with strong and steady pricing expected through January.
OG Citrus
Lemons: The market continues strong with good demand. Production from the Central Valley is expected to be the main growing area until the coastal region of Southern California begins early February. The crop has been good quality with mostly moderate sizing profile. The market is expected to remain strong into next month.
Navels : Navel Crop continues with good sizing and quality . Demand continues strong . Production had been interrupted late last week by rain but has since returned to normal. We’ve seen improved quality and sizing profile since the rain.
Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement and the market continues strong but we’ve seen increased production from Mexico which should help match demand for Super bowl promotions.
Grapefruit: Supplies have been good with good quality and demand keeping prices elevated.
Mandarins: Clementine production has improved with good quality and availability.
OG Avocados
Mexico: Production from Mexico has surprisingly kept up with demand for the Super bowl promotions. Expect an artificial drawback by Mexican growers after the strong push to keep prices elevated, Supplies from Chile have been steady but light. Demand is good.
California: New Crop has started with good demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties.
OG Melons
OG Watermelons Supplies on seedless have improved. Quality has been good with lower temperatures in Southern Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales and little weaker from Texas. Mini seedless have good supplies with improving brix levels.
OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production from East coast offshore fruit now available with improving sizing profile.
OG Grapes
Green & Red : Offshore fruit from Peru is available on the East and West coast.
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