Demand continues to be moderate as supplies have started to increase in the desert as well as transitional areas in Central Valley California. With the additional supplies comes buying opportunities as shippers offer deals to entice shipments from production areas with lighter traffic (Currently Huron CA). Quality has shown improvement but varied in both production areas with issues ranging from Epidermal peel , Sizing , Rib blight. and solidity. Although we expect prices to ease through early next week , expect markets to remain volatile during the Spring transition as many fields recover from weather interruptions and delayed cultural practices.
Mix Leaf
As the weather begins to consistently warm in the desert quality has shown improvement along with increased production . Although significantly reduced , Epidermal peel is still present with most being trimmed in the field. The market has begun to ease although expect a tiered market based on quality. Romaine Hearts continue to offer good value as shippers have been pushing Romaine towards hearts to reduce the risk of quality issues. Green leaf and Red leaf prices have leveled off but could rebound along with Romaine as we approach transitional production areas where weather interruptions have impacted plantings. Expect volatility to remain with continued uneven supplies distributed among shippers.
Brussels Sprouts
Production mainly from Mexico continues steady with improving quality leading to improved demand. The market has been stable with occasional deals available but demand will continue to build through Easter Holiday season.
Strawberries
The Berry market continues to be strong with California now being the primary source for shipping. Florida and Mexico are all but finished which is adding extra pressure on the California shippers to perform. We are experiencing spring showers but the major rain events seem to have subsided. Temperatures are warming and we expect the volume to steadily increase over the next few weeks. Look for a firm market through the end of the week with heavy demand. Next week should be similar but better supplies are anticipated which should ease market pressure downward.
Blackberries
Blackberries continue to be tight with due to limited crossings. We expect a gradual increase in supplies over the next 2 weeks out of Mexico. Quality has been fair with some shippers running into problems with red cell.
Raspberries
Raspberries have been in consistent supply. There have been some shortages being reported due to weather and transportation difficulties. Prices took a modest upturn this week with quality being reported as good. We should see light but adequate supplies through the end of the week. All production is coming out of Mexico at this time.
Blueberries
The blueberry market is active with Mexico in a slight gap. Export numbers are down due to Peruvian numbers on the decline. Central California and Florida have begun to produce in a light way, but should steadily increase over the next few weeks.
Cauliflower
The market is declining and looks like it has room to fall some more. Load with market protection over the next few days. Quality is still better out of the Desert compared with Santa Maria or Salinas. Better quality in the latter locations should start to appear by the middle of next week.
Broccoli
Market remains unchanged out of California. Prices on crowns are steady and look like they will finish the week out this way. Bunch broccoli seems to be a little more available and we could see a slight decrease over the next few days. Although production from Mexico is starting to wind down and there will be lighter availability over the next few weeks prices are weakening. The Fob’s have come down a $1.00 or $2.00 over the last few 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 and the Coast. Quality has shown improvement with Frost and Freeze damage being limited . Discounts are still being offered on frosted chokes but expect better quality and prices to increase as we approach the Easter Holiday.
Stone Fruit
Chilean Stonefruit supplies are winding down and will slowly head to a mid to late April finish. Plums and Pluots are available in promotable volume. The quality remains solid on the imports. The new crop from California is forecasted to start in early May.
Grapes
Red Seedless (Crimson Seedless) market is generally holding steady with a few lots being offered at lower prices. Heavy arrivals on Crimsons are expected to continue for at least two more weeks prior to the marketing order. This is a good time to lock in some ads. On green seedless (mostly Thompsons), we will see lighter supplies as the import season winds down. We are forecasting a gap in late April before the new crop starts from Mexico. Please contact us now to lock up supplies to cover your needs.
Green Onions
Mexico is in full production and the market is bottoming out. Most shippers have significant inventories and looking to move while some have been packing to order and keeping product fresh. Overall quality has improved but be wary of aging related issues. We anticipate market to remain weak through next week before firming heading into April.
Citrus
Oranges- Good supplies on California Navels expected for the coming week. Peak sizes continue to be 72/88/113’s. Peak of the season aggressive pricing available on Choice Navels making for a good time to promote. Pricing should remain steady for the coming week as should good quality. Navels are brixing 12-14.
Lemons-There are good supplies on good quality coming out of the San Joaquin Valley (District 1). Peaking on 115’s and larger. There has been and will continue to be aggressive deals on the large sizes making for a good time to promote. On the smaller sizes, the market continues to be trending higher on 165’s and smaller. This will remain so until District 2 get harvesting with volume in 2-3 weeks.
Limes- Pricing is beginning to move lower as a result of increase supplies coming from the fields. Supplies have picked up on 110’s and 150’s and as the new crop is harvested more 230’s and 250’s have come available. The weather forecast for Veracruz calls for mostly dry, warm conditions to prevail which will continue to help ease the market off of these high prices.
Squash
Steady supplies continue and shipper are looking to move yellow and Italian squash. Quality is very nice with very few problems to report. Florida has start production, further softening markets. Georgia is 3-4 weeks away from production. Shippers are looking to promote volume for the month of April, so run offers by us.
Celery
This market continues to be on fire. pricing remains at historically high levels with little relief in sight. The desert season is approaching the end, and transition gaps will be in effect. Oxnard will be the next growing area and supplies will be light starting off. This will provide little relief to current high markets. Expect high pricing through at least the first 2 weeks of April. Quality issues include pith and frost damage.
Onion (Dry)
Business isn’t that good, still, the Onion markets seems to have come to it’s senses a bit. There are still 3-4 million 50# bag equivalents left in Washington with about an equal amount left in Idaho/Oregon. Texas numbers are off from last year and Mexico is still limited in it’s supplies. Reds are in the 11-12 dollar range and have come down a bit since the last report.
Sweet Onions from Peru are winding up and are now Grano variety. There are just a few loads left with the end being very near. Mexican sweets are not too wonderful and there have been reports of rejections around the country. Texas 1015’s are shipping now and seem to be in good supply. Georgia Sweets are starting and Vidalias will not be far behind. Reports from Brawley indicate that acreage is down, but sometimes growers have a tendency to fudge on their information.
Asparagus
Markets are waxing and waning at this point…there are very low-price deals from certain shippers that, apparently didn’t take enough ad business. The promotion prices are hovering around the $30-$34 range with some deals being made in the low $20’s
With the Culican deal starting to wind down and Oberon not quite started we are going to see much higher prices on Asparagus for the end of the month and the Easter pull…Prices are starting to surface in the low $50’s on California grass and high $40’s for Mexican.
Cantaloupes
More of the same ahead for cantaloupes, which means a comfortably active market. Supplies are steady with increasing production in Honduras offsetting declining volumes from Guatemala and Costa Rica. Quality has been consistently good with some fair quality from Guatemala. Sizes should continue to peak on 9s then jbo 9s with 12s and smaller sizes rather slim. Demand has picked up in response to Daylight Savings time, spring’s arrival and some warmer weather. Retail promotions continue to be robust and heading into Easter this looks to continue for two to three weeks. We look for a firm to slightly higher market next week.
Honeydews
Different story for honeydews. Production from all areas is abundant and quality is okay. Sizes continue to peak on 5s and 6s. Mexico’s production is ample and increasing with their improving weather. Quality is generally good in Mexico but there is some fair quality as well. Demand is just fair. Retailer promotions seem to be more cantaloupe focused. We look for a barely steady to weaker market next week with discounts being offered to keep product moving.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cauliflower Markets have been pushed higher A return to warmer weather pattern should start to push supplies although pricing remains elevated due to limited acres left in the desert and expected production interruptions from Northern California.
Broccoli Production on broccoli is also transitioning North where weather related issues will remain through the Spring keeping prices elevated.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Green production has surged with the improved weather. Most items will remain in the desert through next week but will likely start transitioning North in the coming week. Expect volatility of supplies, Quality and pricing throughout the Spring .
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg demand continues to be strong as well as Romaine supplies have been very limited. Improved weather has helped improve supplies but expect volatility for the duration of the Transitional season.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Steady production and improving quality from the Central Valley District has led to better demand and mostly stable pricing. Rain has temporarily delayed harvest but hasn’t impacted supplies other than improving size profile. Expect a higher percentage of fancy, larger fruit available with lighter supplies of the smaller fruit .
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 although smaller sizes will remain limited.
Limes: Production has slowed and the market has firmed . Quality remains variable with varied sizing profile .
Grapefruit: Production continues steady from the desert and Mexico has begun to slow. Expect the market to firm
Mandarins: Production has been strong as well as demand . Prices have been steady Specialty Citrus including Pummelos, Caras, Bloods and Pixies continue to be available with weather expected to vary throughout California production areas
OG Avocados
Mexico: Strong demand with steady supplies should continue barring any manipulation from growers.
California: Season has begun with limited production. Expect supplies to be much lower than previous years.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot Production has been steady with improving supplies . Demand has been very strong. Continue to plan ahead to get full coverage.
Potato production has finished for the season and remaining supplies will move into storage on Gold, Red and Russets.
Onion demand exceeds as storage supplies are winding down. Expect supplies to remain tight as the Spring crop has been delayed by the cool, wet weather in the West.
OG Asparagus
Mexico Production from Mexico has been heavy with temperatures returning to above normal. Expect supplies and quality to diminish rapidly heading into April.
California Season has been delayed by inclement weather with supplies expected to be much lower than previous years.
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