Mild temperatures along the coast have allowed shippers to get ahead of their lettuce crop and lighter weights and yields have resulted in reduced industry volume. Most shippers shot up pricing rapidly although most of the demand was coming from other shippers. Nevertheless the market reacted although lukewarm demand has since stabilized pricing. Quality appears to be unchanged varying from excellent to fair throughout the valley. Tip burn and mildew are visible on many lots with varying degrees of color and weight.
Mix Leaf
Romaine market remains steady with mild to moderate demand and Romaine Heart production has steadied with sporadic demand. Quality has varied with fringe burn, mildew and seeder pressure. Green and Red leaf are also showing variable quality around the valley. Local Homegrown production areas continue with some weather issues but will continue to put pressure on California market to remain steady although with many shippers in their reduced summer acreage ,spikes in demand could lead to sudden price fluctuations.
Brussels Sprouts
Production continues from California with improving quality but still showing varied sizing, discoloration and insect pressure. Supplies are not expected to increase for another month.
Celery
Plenty of product at extreme bargain prices. Shippers are looking to move on all sizes. Better deals are being made on large sized celery. Quality is very nice industry wide. Some seeder has been reported although the damage is minimal. Michigan is still in full production, easing demand on the west coast. Plenty of deals so run offers by us.
Bell Pepper
Green Bell production in Gilroy and Hollister continues strong with stable pricing. Red Bells continue to be strong although supplies are expected to increase in coming weeks.
Broccoli
Market remains unchanged as Eastern markets continue to be inundated with local product. Although supplies are somewhat limited on the West Coast they are able to take care of the demand west of the Mississippi. We do not expect to see much fluctuation with the market over the next 10 days.
Cauliflower
It has been awhile since we have seen the market sit on the floor for this period of time. We are beginning our fourth week of very low FOB pricing and there does not look to be an end in sight. Shippers are making deals for all delivery locations. Get with your Produce West sales representative and get some orders on the books.
Artichokes
Seeded varieties are in full production with sizing profiles from Large to medium sizing. Limited Summer demand continues although expected to improve in coming weeks.
Strawberries
The market continues steady as the market has a $4.00 range, due to quality differences. The weather on the central coast remains foggy in the AM with clearing in the afternoon. The primary growing areas, Santa Maria, Salinas and Watsonville are expecting steady volume through the labor day weekend. We are entering the labor day pull for our friends on the East coast, so look for the market to tighten, but prices should continue to remain in the $8.00 to $12.00 range.
Oranges
Strong demand for California fruit this week as schools return to session, particularly on the small sized fruit. Demand exceed supply on 113 and 138 size Valencias. Strong demand will continue through labor day as many central valley growers finish up for the season . The fruit is starting to show signs of stress from excessive heat all summer long. Expect stronger markets through the weekend and even lighter supply next week.
Cantaloupes
The market as expected stayed dull thru the first part of this week and not so expected has stayed stubbornly slow so far. Product has been plentiful, especially in light of the poor demand. Local product and a general lack in promotional interest has kept the market depressed with many sellers offering discounts on all levels of the distribution chain. Quality overall has been good. Sizing seems evenly split between jbo 9s and 9s with 12s a bit lighter in supply. Weather will be a bit warmer next week in the San Joaquin and production is expected to keep going. Demand could improved due to the return of school programs, but so far it has not been felt. We look for a steady and dull market next week.
Honeydews
As they have for the past several weeks honeydew markets have mirrored cantaloupes. Demand has been dull. Production has been ample; sizing has been peaking on 5s then Jbo 5s then 6s. Quality has been good. Market stayed dull and steady this week. Next week little looks to change on the production side. Good growing conditions should keep harvests plentiful. Sizing looks to change little as well. Demand could possibly improve with the arrival of September, which traditionally is good demand month for dews. But this year demand has been stubbornly slow and there is nothing that looks to change that. Little change expected next week.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Cauliflower supplies have increased dramatically and the market has begun to correct although Broccoli production continues to be steady with overall light supplies and good demand. Insect pressure is the main culprit limiting supplies. The market has remained firm on limited supplies but should ease as quality improves in coming weeks.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most of the Herbs and Bunching Greens have experienced quality issues along with persistent insect pressure causing intermittent shortages although local Homegrown supplies have been sufficient to offset any availability issues.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Supplies have improved on Leaf, Iceberg as well as Romaine from California although heat and insect pressure will continue to impact supplies. Markets continue steady with limited demand to due competition from homegrown supplies.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot production continues to be strong although the heat has impacted harvest and quality. Onion demand has been good with good quality White, Yellow and Red Onion supplies from Central California while Potato supplies have been limited due to extreme heat in the Central Valley.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Supplies from California continue to be limited while Chilean imports are helping overall availability and Mexico is improving although peaking on choice fruit after being hindered and delayed by Tropical storms.
Limes: The market continues to be strong with continued weather from Mexico hampering supplies but should rebound with drier conditions.
OG Melons
Central Valley Watermelons have been hampered all season by heat and delays on new plantings leading to limited production from California. OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production has been steady with moderate supplies.
OG Avocados
Mexico: The summer crop is small with limited availability. Demand exceeds supplies as the U.S. market is pushing upward rapidly. This looks to be a continued trend. The crop is currently peaking on 60s and smaller. Mexico’s new main crop is expected to start mid-September if maturity level of the fruit is sufficient to harvest.
California: New Crop is not expected to start for 3-4 weeks .
OG Berries
Strawberry production from Salinas and Watsonville continues with varying sizing and quality due to fluctuating high temperatures and overcast weather. The market has tried to strengthen on better quality although bruising remains prevalent. Some Fall crop production has started from Santa Maria with improved sizing although limited supplies are expected until next month.
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