Production continues stable with some variance in sizing and solidity affecting individual shippers differently. Weights and Color also have varied significantly. Demand continues moderate with some upside for the best quality. Market remains tiered between the North and South Coastal regions.
Mix Leaf
Romaine Heart demand continues to outpace Romaine. Many growers continue to push acreage towards heart production as the market has been more resilient. Increased tip and wind burn may reduce overall volume and firm prices but demand is currently stable. Green leaf prices continue on par with Romaine while Red leaf and Boston continue to lag behind.
Brussels Sprouts
Production is mainly from Central California The market has firmed with strong demand but additional volume is expected towards the end of the month. Quality has been varied although Increased insect pressure could hinder overall quality as the weather has improved along Coastal California.
Strawberries
The market remains steady with quality expected to improve as we finally move away from the weather events of early June. Which caused bruising and limited shelf life. Plants in the field are showing much better potential for quality.
Raspberries
Expect steady demand but light supplies coming out of Baja Mexico and Central California. Quality has been fair as some lots have been arriving looking aged along with having transfer damage.
Blueberries
Blueberries are plentiful with several growing regions to choose from. Quality has been good and demand has been steady. Look for this market to remain easy as several districts compete for business.
Blackberries
Very l light supplies as West Coast production is the main player on volume. Some product is arriving from Guatemala in a small way to help fill orders. Quality has been good with some problems of leaky berries and breakdown being reported on arrival on some older fruit. The Market should begin to ease up as production begins to pick up slightly next week.
Cauliflower
Good availability in all growing regions. Supplies exceed demand and shippers are looking for business. This may be short lived as a few shippers are stating that they will come into lighter volume by the middle of next week. Run your offers by us and lets see what we can get booked!!
Celery
Plenty of product available at competitive pricing. Salinas and Santa Maria are currently the main growing areas. Coastal weather continues to be mild and quality is very nice, with good color and structure. Run offers by us, particularly on larger sizes.
Broccoli
We are still finding that two tier market between Santa Maria and Salinas. There seems to be better volume and lower pricing coming out of Santa Maria and lighter supplies and higher pricing in Salinas. Supplies are readily available in Santa Maria, especially crown packs. Quality has improved over the last week. Small tight beads with some branchiness and the very occasional brown bead.
Artichokes
Production continues steady for the Summer months while demand has been tepid. Seeded or thornless are the predominant varieties available with the limited Heirloom variety returning later this Fall.
Onions
From our vantage point the overall California market is in the low teens and wobbly. With exception of a few quality shippers the overall demand for California Jumbo yellows has dissipated. There are a few shippers already going in Idaho and Washington with Nevada and few other lower volume markets starting. Already hearing pricing from Washington in the $10 fob range for out next week. Once the Washington and Idaho guys start blowing and going the markets will seek a level commensurate with California cleaning up and the pipelines being empty of” off” product.
Red Onions in California are getting hard to find…at least good ones. The market range is anywhere from $5.00 to $7.00 with a lot in between. There again the Washington crop will start next week and take up the slack.
New Mexico is still shipping with supplies dwindling, market range from$14-$16 on JY’s…Reds in the $7.00 range.
Squash
Plenty of volume expected industry wide for the month of August. Local growing regions are in full production and keeping markets sluggish nationally. Quality has been varied, although most reports are positive for the time being. The volatility of he local deals could affect markets, especially if extreme weather comes into play.
Stone Fruit
Peaches – Good supplies on larger sizes. Small sizes are in lighter supplies and markets are stronger on 64ct and smaller. Quality is nice industry wide.
Nectarines- Stronger markets, particularly on small sized fruit. Mostly large sizes available and 64 and smaller sizing is in lighter supply.
Plums – Light supply on reds, resulting in strong markets. better supplies on blacks and shippers are looking to move. Red supplies are expected to improve in 2 weeks.
Grapes
Reds, greens and blacks are in good supply. Quality is very nice and product is arriving nicely to all areas of the country. Flame, Sugar Ones and Summer Royals are the main varieties currently available.
Green Onions
Production continues exclusively from Mexico with moderate supplies. Reduced Summer plantings have led to lighter volume but demand remains light and the market remains at the bottom. Overall quality is good with some insect pressure and mechanical damage.
Citrus
Oranges – Valencias are producing good numbers. Quality is very strong with very few issues to report. Better volume on the larger sizes. Offshore navels are arriving on both coasts. Mostly large sized navels.
Lemons – Tighter supplies on California lemons. The season is finishing up on domestics. Chilean and Mexican fruit is arriving daily, with sizes peaking on 140s and 165s.
Grapefruit – Better quality coming out of California and supplies are improving. Brix levels are increasing, although some scarring has been reported.
Asparagus
Ahem…there is a shoot out going on in the Asparagus business. Peru’s numbers are increasing and Mexico is blasting away at them with lower prices. With demand, going into dog days, reducing, I look for some very promotable pricing to occur…look for $1.99 lb sales to stimulate demand. The market from Mexico out of California is in the low $20’s , depending on to whom you talk.
Cantaloupes
For weeks there has been a few variations in sizes but no notable changes in the market. That looks to continue into next week. Ideal weather looks to continue and we are well past planting gaps so supplies should continue to be ample and peaking on 9 count. Quality has been consistent and there is no change in store there. Demand has lackluster but steady and adequate. Adds up to same old song for next week.
Honeydews
Same can be said for honeydews. Good conditions, steady supplies, good quality and sizes peaking on 5s ten 6s along with adequate demand and it looks like steady as she goes next week.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cauliflower Production has again leveled off and prices have firmed. Quality has been good with some variations in color.
Broccoli Production remains steady and prices appear to be sustainable at current levels. We expect supplies to remain good to begin the month but could be affected by increased insect pressure as the weather heats up later this month.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Green production remain varied with some quality issues affecting supplies but improved weather has helped improve quality. Expect supplies to remain steady as demand for Homegrown supplies has increased.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg & Romaine Production has been steady and quality has improved. Demand has slowly moved to local production although the market continues steady. Expect insect pressure to increase heading into August as the weather is forecast to heat up.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Steady, Light production with sizing profile continuing to lean towards larger fruit. The market continues to be strong especially the smaller, foodservice sizes.
Oranges Valencia’s offerings continue strong as with most citrus larger sizes continue to be prevalent. We expect prices to remain competitive on Larger fruit although smaller sizes will remain limited at elevated pricing. Offshore offerings will eventually lead to sharper pricing.
Limes: Supplies have improved with sizing profile increasing although quality continues to be fair. The market appears to have bottomed out and should start to firm.
Grapefruit: Predominantly Large sized fruit continues to be available with limited smaller fruit.
OG Avocados
Mexico: Strong demand with limited supplies are expected to continue through August . New crop from Mexico is expected to peak later next next month.
California: Season continues with limited production. Expect supplies to start cleaning up next month.
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot Production has been steady with improving supplies . Demand has been very strong. Continue to plan ahead to get full coverage. Some damage to the tops is expected from recent high temperatures.
Potato Strong demand and steady production on Gold and Red’s with Russet production expected to remain limited.
Onion demand remains strong with production likely to remain steady for the balance of the season.
OG Grapes
Mexico: Shipments of Green and red grapes have slowed from Mexico with continued smaller sizing profile and reduced quality resulting in depressed pricing.
California: Supplies have transitioned to Central Valley of California and most shippers are starting to get into their specialty varieties with exceptional color and favor. We anticipate pricing to settle near current levels.
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