Currently production is sufficient to match lukewarm demand. Cool , wet weather is forecast for the West Coast and parts of the desert which will impact supplies heading into next week. With cold weather forecast to return to the Mid West and East Coast after a couple days reprieve from the deep freeze , it may keep the market in check but volatility is expected. Quality has been improving with less epidermal peel reported and improved texture.
Mix Leaf
Romaine market remains steady as most shippers continue to deal with epidermal peel . Some are trimming off the worst in the field but some discoloration continues to show up on arrival. Romaine Hearts are showing the most improvement in quality as extra trimming can ensure a cleaner product on arrival. Even with the cooler weather expect Romaine supplies to be sufficient for a couple weeks. Green leaf and Red leaf prices continue to be elevated above Romaine with supplies are expected to be more volatile with the cooler temperatures.
Brussels Sprouts
Domestic production from Northern Coastal region is about finished with the recent heavy rains in Northern California pushing marginal quality over the edge. Mexico has started to pick up volume to meet demand as the market continues to be strong for better quality.
Onion
Ambitions to improve pricing is supply level justified…however trying to stimulate demand during this period by lowering prices does not move more onions during this time of year ie. Demand/shipping dip. To quote the National Onion Association, ”Every market niche deserves high quality product to maximize onion market utilization. General prospects and market transitions going forward are viewed with cautious to forthright optimism”
Celery
Desert production has started, although yields are lower due to cooler weather and rain. Supplies are limited and markets are gaining strength this week. Frost damage has been reported in most growing regions. We expect this market to remain strong into next week and could be active until temperatures warm.
Strawberries
Inclement weather has put the California Strawberries are in a Demand exceeds supply situation. We have experience 5 days of heavy rains in southern California leading into last weekend which includes the Oxnard area. These limited numbers will prevail through the end of the week and into the next as growers discontinue harvests for the next couple of days to allow cleanup of the plants and the dying out of the fields. A cold snap in the low 30s is expected through Friday further impeding plant growth and diminishing higher yield potential in the near future. Florida and Mexico are producing moderate numbers but not nearly enough to counter the shortages we are experiencing out West. We will continue to experience shorts into the Valentine Days pull.
Blackberries
We expect supplies to decrease as they reach the bottom of the plant cycle. Blackberries remain steady out of Mexico, supplies are fair with slight delays due to crossings being held up at the border.
Raspberries
Volume have been consistent on Raspberries we expect the same for next week. Steady supplies will be coming out of Central Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. Oxnard supplies dipped last week out of Oxnard, but we are looking slight increases, week over week, in the month of February.
Blueberries
Volumes will increase slightly over the next several weeks at the ports of entry coming out of Chile and Central Mexico. Loading points include Los Angeles,Yuma, McAllen, and Miami. Expect prices to be steady to slightly lower in February.
Cauliflower
Prices have increased the last few days as we find lighter supplies out of the Desert growing regions. Some of the seasonal shippers out of the Imperial Valley are either finished or winding down for the season which is taking some volume off the open market. Market will remain strong as we finish out the week.
Broccoli
Market has strengthened due to better demand and cooler temperatures in the California and Arizona growing regions. Look for prices to continue increasing as the week finishes out. There is limited volume as well coming out of Central Mexico thus dropping the amount of crossings into Texas. Central Mexico is expected to have limited supplies both this week and next. Overall it looks like we will see above normal pricing over the next 10 days.
Artichokes
Production continues steady with improving demand especially on the Heirloom variety. Most varieties currently are seeded or Thornless. at reduced prices. Production has shifted towards larger size profile as the weather improves in the desert. . Frost and Freeze damage can be found on most Artichokes for the duration of the month although mostly cosmetic it can slow demand.
Stone Fruit
Supplies are improving although size options remain limited. For the rest of this week and next week look to push White and Yellow Nectarines. Black plums are available with better supplies of red plums to hit us in 2 weeks. Peaches are limited with mostly pallet quantities available. Quality remains strong. Pricing steady.
Grapes
Supplies continue to remain limited and demand exceeds supplies making for firm pricing. This situation will slowly improve over the next 10-14 days as supplies increase from Chile. Looking ahead, there will be good grape sale opportunities coming at the end of February into the month of March. Quality will remain good.
Green Onions
Production from Mexico has been slow to return especially on iceless supplies. Cooler weather could keep prices elevated but overall expect prices to adjust as volume will improve week to week. Quality continues to be fair with some issues on arrival including occasional decay and some discoloration along with insect damage as product has been “sitting” in the fields for an extended period.
Squash
Quality is improving and volume is increasing out of Nogales, Arizona. We expect good volume throughout the month of February on Mexican product.
Florida production is increasing, which will likely result in a demand exceeds supply scenario into March.
Citrus
Oranges
Five straight days of rain has tighten up supplies on California Navels. Growers will be harvesting today Wednesday and Thursday before another 4 days of showers is to return. Peak sizes are 88/72/113 and heavy to the fancy grade. The quality remains strong and please promote with confidence.
Lemons
Ample supplies and a steady market expected for the coming week. Peaking on 115/95’s. Quality is good especially on the District 1 crop.
Limes
It has been a roller coaster ride the last 2 weeks. Currently supplies are tightening and the market is headed higher. Small sizes are in a demand exceeds supplies situation. Quality is good from Mexico.
Asparagus
It appears that some shippers didn’t take enough ad lids and the recent rains in Mexico have jump started a gush of crossings this week. The increase unexpected volume has caused the market to become saturated with product….mostly 11/1’s. Some shippers have switched to 28/1’s and are starting to kick in for feature items in most chain stores for breaking in early February and will have a major impact on the asparagus demand. If cold weather starts coming into the growing areas it could slow things down, but right now there is plenty of asparagus for feature.Kroger, Costco Walmart will all be featuring asparagus throughout the months of February, March and April. Spot market will be in the mid to low 30’s on 28/1’s and low teens on 11/1’s
Cantaloupes
Prices fell this week with some deep discounting being offered, particularly from East Coast POEs. Wintry weather along with increased supplies drove sellers to offer incentives to get the movement they needed. Quality overall was good except for some Costa Rican fruit. Sizes continued to peak on 9 and jbo 9s but smaller fruit was available as well. Demand did respond as the week unfolded with the onset of a thaw in the Midwest and East coupled with cheaper prices and fruit tray interest for Valentine’s Day. Next week supplies should be steady and sizes should remain peaking on larger fruit. Costa Rican quality has improved. Demand next week should be mixed. While the cheap pricing and moderate temperature will still be in effect, the holiday day demand will be over. We look for a steady market next week with some discounting still available, but less than this week.
Honeydews
Supplies increased a bit this week with Mexico getting back in the action. However there was not an abundance, with still light plantings and quality issues from Offshore areas and Mexico slowly returning in production albeit in lighter supplies due to winter planting and export planning. Demand was fair due to cold weather and high pricing. Prices were thus steady. Not much looks to change next week. High prices should continue due to light supplies and inconsistent quality and sizing keeping a lid on demand. We look for a steady market next week.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cauliflower Improved supplies helped push prices lower. Production is expected to level out as cooler weather has hit the Desert production area.
Broccoli Production on broccoli has also improved with prices reflecting better supplies. The market is expected to be steady for the rest of the week but could head higher next week
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Green production has improved and supplies are sufficient. Quality is slowly improving following a period of warm weather.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg demand continues to be strong as Romaine market adjusts to demand shift. Heavy mildew pressure following last weeks rain has slowed production and will keep supplies limited. Expect volatility for the duration of the Winter season.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Steady production and improving quality has led to better demand and stable pricing. Mexico and Chile quality is still variable and supplies should hold steady with a higher percentage of fancy fruit available .
Oranges Navel production has been strong as well as sizing profiles. Rain temporarily slowed harvest but most growers picked ahead in anticipation. with overall supplies expected to be plentiful. The rain will help improve sizing profile and prices to remain competitive.
Limes: As demand slowed post Super Bowl the market has eased but expected to settle by next week.
Grapefruit: Production continues to be good from the desert and Mexico
Mandarins: Production has been strong as well as demand . Prices have been edging higher with tightened availability. Supplies should become more available as we head toward February.
OG Avocados
Mexico: Production from Mexico continues to be strong meeting strong demand for the Superbowl. Supplies should continue to be good barring any manipulation from growers.
California: Season will begin in coming weeks.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot Production has been steady with average supplies . Demand has been very strong. Supplies should start to improve as production shifts south for the balance of the Winter season . Continue to plan ahead to get full coverage.
Potato production has finished for the season and whatever remaining supplies will move into storage on Gold, Red and Russets.
Onion demand has been good and production has finished as supplies will be shipped out of storage Expect quality to decline towards the end of the month.
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