Production has slowed significantly and most shippers estimate lighter supplies though next week although not sure they’re taking into account warmer weather forecast in the desert which will eventually advance production once again. Shippers have been proactive in raising prices ahead of the demand curve in fear of running out of acres with many plantings previously 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule. Transition to the Central Valley of California where weather has been much colder , could start in a couple weeks for a few shippers who use this region to bridge their production to the Salinas Valley. Quality remains sporadic with mostly fair condition. Blister and Peel have returned with some moderate to heavy epidermal peel reducing yields for processors and food service sector which will keep pressure on the FOB market through the transition. Expect some discoloration on arrival and keep inventory low.
Mix Leaf
Romaine and Heart demand continue strong while supplies have slowed due to late frost in the desert allowing the market to react sharply. Forecast call for warmer weather as the week progresses which should help boost supplies sometime next week . A few shippers have reduced their Heart production pushing acres towards carton Romaine to avoid arrival issues on hearts. Further breakdown of Epidermal peel may force shippers to reverse the trend next week. Quality continues to vary with wide ranging color and texture and now moderate to heavy Blister and peel. Expect blister to be evident for the balance of the desert. The Green leaf and Red leaf markets have improved although not as brisk as Romaine . Expect to see discoloration and blister on leaf as well.
Brussels Sprouts
Production mostly from Mexico and Southern California continues with steady supplies. Temperatures have cooled in most of the production areas but not severely, The market has firmed slightly but volume deals continue to be available. Expect a surge in demand for Easter and the market to firm accordingly. Quality continues to be mostly excellent.
Celery
This remains a steady market overall. Some shippers have bumped their prices up in response to colder weather, however supplies remain plentiful. Most product is coming out of Oxnard areas. Desert celery is also available. Expect better pricing out of California. Quality is very nice and we have not seen any significant issues related to the recent cold weather.
Strawberries
The market will remain tight into next week as inclement weather is expected. The weather forecasts for the California growing regions call for more rain starting later this week. This could possibly delay harvest and affect yields for next week. Oxnard and Santa Maria are expecting some moderate rainfall on Saturday (approximately half an inch) then may see some occasional light showers throughout next week. We do not expect any major disruptions in order fulfillment from California, but we may see lighter supplies and higher prices at the front part of next week. Florida has had a bit of a heat wave recently. The weather is gradually cooling off this week, but forecasts call for rain by the weekend. Unfortunately, these weather patterns can create major issues with quality. This may cause the Florida season to come to an end sooner than expected. Depending on how the weather plays out, we may shippers finish in Florida by the end of next week. Market prices will remain low as growers try to push through as much fruit as they can. We can expect quality in this area to be fair with soft fruit and occasional bruising. Mexico strawberry production has started to wind down with some shippers already done for the season. We can expect supplies to continue to become more limited as shippers wrap up their Mexican season.
Blackberries
Blackberry supplies have improved slightly this week, but are still limited. Due to varietal shifts and cooler weather in both Mexico and California, production volumes continue to be light. The cold and wet weather in California has delayed domestic production but is expected to gradually improve over the next 2-3 weeks. Mexico production has been light, but we will see improvements and overlap with California over the next two weeks. Market prices have been higher, but are expected to remain at current levels.
Raspberries
Raspberry supplies remain limited this week. This is mostly due to cooler temps delaying domestic production. Mexico has been in its lowest production period, but we will see slight increases over the next two weeks. We expect domestic production to gradually improve over the next 2-3 weeks pending weather and we will see an overlap in supplies between Mexico and California. Quality has been good. Market prices have been slightly higher on light volume / yields.
Blueberries
We will start to see reduced inbound arrivals of import fruit over the next several weeks as the Chilean season winds down. We have had reports of some soft berries on the last arrivals for fruit, and we expect quality to slowly diminish as we finish the season. Market prices have been steady to lower. Mexico will continue with consistent production for the next 3-5 weeks. Quality in this area has been good. Prices are slightly higher. Domestic production has started on the west coast with light volumes of organic blueberries. Conventional crops in Santa Maria and Oxnard have been slowed down due to the cold weather and are expected to come on slowly late March to early April. Florida is expected to start by the end of the month, followed by Georgia in late April.
Broccoli
Demand remains good and prices will stay at current trading levels for the remainder of the week. A few shippers have started this week out of Salinas and we should see a few more get started next week. The market will likely begin to decline next week as more shippers get started out of the Salinas Valley as well as Santa Maria. Rain is forecast ed for the Central Coast of California over the next 5-7 days which could hinder harvest, stay tuned. Supplies out of Central Mexico continue although you will begin to see volume decrease as they head towards the end of their winter season over the next four weeks. Quality out of Central Mexico remains good. We are starting to see more hollow core in the product which is normal for this time of year as temperatures warm and the product grows at a much faster pace than a few weeks ago. We will continue to ship our Shui Ling crowns for the remainder of the month.
Cauliflower
Demand remains strong. It does sound like we should start to see more product harvested going into next week as a few shippers get started here in the Salinas Valley as well as Santa Maria. Prices should start to decline as we head into next week. Quality is fair, most product has some yellow cast and some soft shoulder.
Asparagus
Production continues mostly from Mexico with limited production from Northern California. As expected cooler weather has slowed production and the market has risen. Expect the market to remain firm with heavy demand expected by the time supplies increase for the Easter promotions. Organic supplies are expected to be light with limited Domestic acres .Quality has been excellent.
Artichokes
Production of the heirloom artichoke is starting to ramp up and expected to peak in early April. The recent frost “kissed” most of the early crop but it will allow for better value. Once the plants “clean” up expect the market to rise sharply. Take advantage of the substantially superior variety while supplies last. Moderate supplies of the “thornless” varieties are available also showing light to moderate frost damage.
Green Onions
Production from Mexico is expected to be steady. The market for iced firmed slightly while the ice less demand has been better. Quality has been slowly improving.
Oranges
Steady markets and supplies through the next week. Rain in California has slowed production slightly, although there will be harvests for the next few days. More rain is expected to hit the central coast and that could delay harvest during the latter half of next week. Sizing is larger overall. Quality remains nice with very few problems to report.
Cantaloupes
Supplies from the Caribbean basin are looking as if they will increase next week and skew once again toward larger sizes. Quality has been consistent all winter and we see no reason for that to change. Determining market factor next week will be demand. It will need to pick up to hold the market or we will see a decline. Weather across the country looks as if it will be moderating following this week’s Eastern Seaboard and Midwestern late winter blasts, which could help. At the same time it is still the end of winter, which is not a melon consumption season. We look for as steady to lower market next week, with discounts being offered on larger fruit.
Honeydews
Volume looks like it will increase on honeydews as well, not only in Caribbean but also Mexico which is expecting clear weather with temps in the mid 80s. Demand once again will be the driving market force. Warmer and less disruptive weather in Midwest and East could help, but the unseasonable nature of product should offset that. We expect a lower market on honeydews next week.
Grapes
Markets are fairly sluggish over all. Chilean product is coming by the boatload on both coasts. Some flames are showing some signs of age. Greens are slightly better quality although we have seen some isolated issues reported.
There remains plenty of volume arriving and we expect this to continue through the Chilean season.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Cauliflower: Variations in weather the past month have left supplies short . Warmer weather in the desert will help improve supplies next week but some shippers have finished their desert production and are awaiting Northern California to begin where temperatures are still below normal.
Broccoli: Production has also slowed with the cooler weather although not as swiftly. Expect the market to firm through next week . Quality has been improving the desert but some water spotting has been seen from Coastal California production areas where intermittent rain is forecast for the next 10 days.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have maintained good production. The market is expected to strengthen with improved demand.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg as well as Romaine from Arizona continue strong with variable quality and improving demand. Cooler weather in the desert has led to lighter supplies and higher pricing. The roller coaster weather pattern continues with Warm weather forecast to return to the desert after high winds and frost last week. Quality is mostly fair. Expect Blister and peel to be evident through the remainder of the desert season.
OG Citrus
Lemons: The market continues strong with good demand. Production from Southern California had been increasing but isolated heavy frost and heavy rain has impacted production in some areas. The crop has been good quality with mostly moderate sizing profile. The market is expected to remain strong through the month with likely production delays due to Rain forecast for the next 10 days.
Navels : Navel Crop is winding down fast for many growers with still good sizing and quality. Demand continues strong. Mostly larger profile although much cooler weather pattern with rain last week has slowed production for a few growers helping prolong the season with the crop significantly ahead of schedule. Valencias are still at least a couple weeks away for most growers.
Limes: Quality was showing signs of improvement from Mexico and the market continues strong. California production is still a few weeks away.
Grapefruit: Supplies have been steady with good quality and demand keeping prices elevated. Rain will temporarily slow production.
Mandarins: Clementine production has improved with good quality and strong demand. Tangos are currently running heavy with Golden Nuggets and Pixies ready to start with very limited availability expected.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot: Production will slow with the cooler weather and advance notice is required
with current heavy demand.
Potato: Supplies continue to be steady from the Northwest Rocky Mountain region. Onion: demand has been very good with strong and steady pricing expected to continue.
OG Avocados
Mexico: Production from Mexico has been steady with strong pricing. Light supplies from Peru have started.with good demand.
California: New Crop Hass have started with good demand and elevated pricing compared to imports and other varieties.
OG Melons
OG Watermelons Supplies on seedless are steady. Quality has been good from Southern Mexico. Availability has improved and the market is good from Nogales and Texas. Mini seedless supplies have slowed temporarily.
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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