Production continues to run steady with luke warm demand . Cooler, Drizzly weather has allowed shippers to slow their pace without sacrificing quality although we anticipate mildew pressure to pickup by the weekend. Wide range in quality continues to exist with irregular sizing, solidity and color are the most prevalent issues with some insect , mildew, seeder and/or tip burn visible. We still anticipate market volatility before the end of May as most current plantings have been affected by weather during its’ life cycle. Production from Southwest New Mexico is a Great source of Iceberg and Romaine with peak Production and Quality expected to continue through the end of the month. Transportation is also available upon request.
Mix Leaf
Production continues to concentrate from the Central Coast of California. Demand has improved especially Romaine Hearts. The market has eased slightly for some shippers while others remain firm. Quality remains varied as most have gone through inclement weather since planting. Fringe burn and Seeders are the most common issues and mildew pressure is expected to increase which could push more production towards hearts. Green leaf and Red leaf prices have been steady with varied quality available. Expect volatility to remain with continued uneven supplies distributed among shippers.
Brussels Sprouts
Production from Mexico has prematurely coming to a close and domestic production will be limited through May. The market has been strong with heavy demand and now severely reduced supplies. Quality has been marginal as well adding to the shortage of product.
Strawberries
The Mothers day pull demand is subsiding and we will see increases in volume as we move towards the weekend. Markets are soft and supplies are plentiful. Quality is good in all regions but reports of a steady occasional shower through Friday may have some effect on the quality on the front end of next week. This is a good time to promote. Look for markets to remain in a downward trend through the weekend.
Blackberries
Mexico is still the main supplier for blackberries. We are seeing slightly more domestic production in the West mildly bolstering supplies. The market will remain firm with higher undertones as the Mexican supplies lighten up a bit next week putting more pressure on the early new crop in CA. Quality is good out of all areas.
Raspberries
Conventional volumes are slightly of this week with fair demand. The bulk of the fruit is still coming out of Mexico. The west coast numbers will increase slowly beginning next week.increasing although they will probably lag behind until we get into June and increased temperatures take effect on the plants. Quality has been good and the market should remain firm through the weekend.
Blueberries
Georgia and Mexico are producing the bulk of the fruit in the market as we see the addition of the West Coast production begin to increase. Markets are steady. The Western new crop is commanding a premium. Quality has been reported as good through all areas. Look for the market to continue to soften as we approach the weekend as movement stalls after the main Mothers Day pull.
Cauliflower
Market momentum has been good for the past two weeks and what limited availability there was would sell out daily. We are now starting to see more shippers with availability so it seems as though prices will begin to decline as we finish out the week. I would stay on the conservative end when purchasing. Quality has been nice. Weather along the central coast of California has been mild keeping product in good condition. Nice white domes, with a full green jacket is the norm.
Broccoli
Supplies have been limited over the last two weeks due to planting gaps caused from the winter rains. It now looks like we will start to get back to normal production and we expect that markets will start to decline by the end of this week. Central Mexico continues to ship some limited volume. Prices have remained steady with most ranging from $11.50 – $12.50. We will have about 2 more weeks of production of our Shui Ling crowns available in Texas.
Artichokes
Production continues steady with improving demand especially on the Heirloom variety. Most varieties currently are seeded or Thornless. at reduced prices but still strong demand. Production continues towards larger size profile as the weather improves. Expect medium sizes to increase as we get deeper into May. Quality has been excellent especially on the Heirloom variety.
Onions
Northwest is finally finished and the emphasis is on Texas and Mexico crossings both in McAllen and Nogales. Rains in the Texas growing area is starting to take a toll on quality but should clean up in a few days.
California is started in a small way and the shippers are saying they are cleaning up everyday on Jumbo yellow in the 9-11-dollar range.
Reds are going and seem to be holding in the $12 range with a few quotes at $10.
White onions are anywhere from $20.00 to $30 dollars with protection out of Mexico and are finally coming back to earth on pricing.
Celery
Markets have softened slightly and a wider range of pricing exists between shippers. Although demand appears to have lessened, supplies are still light. We still expect nigh markets through the majority of this month, as volumes out of Oxnard will continue to be low. Seeder is still being reported, as well as insect damage and yellowing.
Stone Fruit
California Stone Fruit production is now kicking in. Peaches (Yellow Flesh & White fleshed), Yellow Nectarines, and Apricots are all available in limited way this week.. Markets are high but should slowly decline as production increases. By mid-May volumes, quality, varieties, and sizes will improve. The growers are forecasting an excellent season on all Stone Fruit with good availability and strong ad opportunities.
Grapes
The Mexican harvest has started in a limited way. By Monday, volume from Mexico should ramp up. Next week prices will be volatile and unpredictable. Better volume from Mexico and Coachella is expected the week of 5/20 on both colors and by then the markets should settle into reasonable prices. Ad volume on grapes should be available beginning the week of 5/27 and through nearly all of June out of both regions. The grower’s estimates for Mexico is for volume to be sharply up as compared to last year so promote heavily in June.
Green Onions
Production continues exclusively from Mexico with ample supplies. Reduced Summer plantings will eventually lead to tighter markets but not likely before the end of the month. Overall quality remains varied with heavy insect pressure and mechanical damage the main issues.
Citrus
Navel Oranges- Markets continue to creep higher as we get closer to the end of the season from California. Supply continues to peak on 72/88’s. 113’s and 138’s are limited and will stay that way for the balance of the season. The amount of choice graded fruit has increased due to puff but overall quality remains good. The Valenica Orange harvest has started and is helping to support the demand for small fruit.
Lemons- A steady go from California is expected for the next 10 days. Ample supplies on good quality coming out of the San Joaquin Valley (District 1) peaking on 115’s and larger with aggressive promotional pricing available. Small fruit (165’s & smaller) is tight and the market continues to be strong. A few Mexican lemons are now making there way into Texas.
Limes- Peak sizes continues to be on 200/235/250’s with the supply limited on 110’s – 175’s. This size structure is forecasted to remain on the small side for the next 4-5 weeks. Look for the two tier market to continue with 110’s through 175’s remaining at the higher levels and for pricing on the 200’s through 250’s to be in the teens.
Asparagus
Market is anywhere from 24.90 on Mexican (new crop) shipping from Brawley ..with a few “seedy” shipment from Mexico crossing in Texas..
California is $28.90 on 11’s and 28/1’s are all but finished in California 28/1’s.
Indiana and Michigan are into some bad weather and are being held up , thus sparking California and Mexico.
Washington is shipping 28/1’s in the mid $50.00 range with the quality in and out depending on shipper.
Squash
Soft markets are expected to continue through next week. Consistent supplies are arriving daily into Nogales, Az from Mexico. Shippers are looking to move Italian and Yellow Straight Neck varieties, especially #2s. Baja growing regions will start the week of the 20th and supplies should overlap.
Cantaloupes
Offshore production continued its gradual wind down toward the end of their deal. At the same time Mexico picked up. California started scratching the surface with one grower going in a very small way. Quality was still good from the Caribbean, variable from Mexico and good from California. Demand was tepid overall. Next week offshore will continue to wane. Mexico supplies should pick up with improves quality as the newer areas on Northern Mexico moves into the shank of their season. CA. should have one or two more producers by the end of the week, albeit in very small way for the first 10s days. Sizes will run predominately to12 count except for off shore. Demand will be continue to be tepid at best with more cherries, soft fruit and grapes coming on line, along with cheap berries providing stiff competition for the fruit consumers’ attention. We look for a continued pattern of fairly firm prices on offshore product, weakfish and reasonable pricing on Mexican product especially 12 count and smaller. And fairly firm prices on Ca product due to continued very light production.
Honeydews
Like cantaloupes off shore production waned as they approach the end of their season. Mexico increased. California/Arizona has not started. Size on off shore still skewered to jbo 5s and 5s. but with more of a percentage of regular 5s and 6s. Mexico product increased, although mostly on smaller fruit (6s and 8s). Prices were steady and fairly firm on jbo 5s and regular 5s offshore, but weak in Mexico particularly on 6s and smaller where very reasonable deals were being struck by buyers. Next week looks like more of the same with perhaps a smaller percentage of 8s and smaller and bit better percentage of 6s and 5s. Demand will be limited by cheap competition from berries and other fruits coming on board with increasing such as cherries and grapes and soft fruit. We look for an uneventful, steady and dull market most if not all of next week.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cauliflower Markets have been pushed higher . Limited production and weather related interruptions during the growing season in Northern California continue to impact supplies. We expect better supplies in coming weeks with improved weather
Broccoli Production on broccoli continues to be light but is expected to improve as the weather warms in coming weeks.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Green production remain varied with some quality issues affecting supplies but improved weather should help improve quality. Expect supplies to remain unstable as they grow through quality issues related to late Winter and Spring weather.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg & Romaine demand continues to be strong Production is transitioned North which will keep supplies limited as weather has been mild in Northern California . Expect volatility for the duration of the month.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Steady production and improving quality from the Central Valley and Oxnard District has led to better demand and competitive pricing. Expect a higher percentage of fancy, larger fruit available with continued lighter supplies and firmer prices of the smaller foodservice fruit.
Oranges Navel production has been strong as well as sizing profiles. Sizing profile and prices to remain competitive on Larger fruit although smaller sizes will remain limited at elevated pricing.
Limes: Supplies should start to improve now we are past the heavy Cinco de Mayo demand. We expect supplies to improve and prices expected to settle as well.
Grapefruit: Production continues steady from the desert and Mexico has begun to slow. Expect the market to firm
Mandarins: Production has been steady with good demand . Prices have been steady on Specialty Citrus including Pummelos, Caras , Bloods and Pixies although supplies are expected to diminish heading into May.
OG Avocados
Mexico: Strong demand with steady supplies are expected to continue through May until the next seasonal production surge is expected from Mexico.
California: Season continues 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 been slow to start but should start to ramp up on Gold, Red and Russets as the weather improves .
Onion demand remains strong although new crop supplies have begun from the desert region and prices should start to settle.
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