As expected light supplies have led to a sharp rise in the Lettuce market. For most of the Summer West Coast supplies have been moderate but until now we haven’t felt much of an effect because demand has not been strong with plenty of East coast grown product. A surge in demand as the market was firming helped push prices higher but the processors further fueled the market as they have been purchasing acres to offset low yields and light weights. Some shippers were offering small size 30s at discount prices as late as this week but have since forced contracts to use or have sold those acres to processors. Also looming is transition to the Central Valley where sustained heat All Summer is likely to continue with quality issues.and lower yields .
Mix Leaf
Romaine and Romaine Heart demand is improving as continued lower yields are affecting supplies. Still showing signs of tip burn and seeder as well as rib blight although most major issues are being trimmed. Romaine Heart quality continues to struggle as well with twist, ribby seeder and discoloration on arrival. In short quality is marginal at best. Both markets are expected to shadow the iceberg market as it heads higher. Demand for Green and Red leaf is starting to improve also as supplies are being affected from heat related issues.
Brussels Sprouts
Production continues from Northern California with improving quality but still showing varied sizing , discoloration and insect pressure. Eastern Canada local production is underway and Central Coast California supplies are expected to improve as many shippers are starting their Freezer production which will translate to increased supplies and lower pricing. Fall promotions will be available although strong demand will keep supplies moving.
Celery
This market remains sluggish and is expected to continue through next week. After next week we could see stronger markets as Michigan and Northeastern growing regions wrap up production for the season. Salinas production will continue into November, with Oxnard starting the end of October. We could see lighter production and stronger markets towards the middle of October in the weeks before Oxnard production begins.
Bell Pepper
Green Bell production in Gilroy and Hollister continues strong with good demand and strong but stable pricing. Red Bell supplies have peaked with also good demand and steady pricing.
Broccoli
Prices remain strong out of California. The information that we have gathered is that we should start to see a little more volume being harvested by the end of the week and maybe some price relief. Quality is still marginal at best with some spread, purple color of the domes and the occasional cateye, although it has gotten better over the last few days. Production out of Central Mexico has picked up this week and pricing is more aggressive out of there compared to California. One thing to be aware of out of Mexico at times like this when pricing is high is to make sure you know where your broccoli is originating as you will get a lot of growers diverting from their freezer contract and sending to the fresh market and they may not have all the correct food safety documents in place. We will have our Primus Certified ( certificates available upon request) Shui Ling crowns available for loading on Saturday. Check with your Produce West salesperson for pricing.
Asparagus
Supplies are expected to increase from Mexico and Peru and the market will ease sharply heading into October.
Cauliflower
Demand exceeds and will remain like this through the week. Lighter supplies due to mildew issues is causing the current situation. Overall quality is fair at best, some soft shoulder and light yellow cast of both the dome and the jacket leaves. If you will be needing any flower for the remainder of this week we recommend you pre book.
Artichokes
Seeded varieties are in full production with sizing profiles from Large to medium. Limited demand has kept markets depressed most of the Summer but look for better demand heading into the Fall.
Strawberries
Salinas & Watsonville has begun to lighten up volume as we begin the shift to Santa Maria and Oxnard. The 3 growing areas have created a wide range in pricing and quality. The new crop fruit will continue to command a premium over the more Northern growing areas. Demand is expected to be strong through the weekend and into next week.
Green Onions
Green Onion production was severely affected by Tropical rain storms. The market reacted sharply but has now peaked and slowed demand with lower pricing although supplies have yet to fully recover and the market is trying to find its’ equilibrium.
Oranges
Valencias will be mostly finished by next week. It is a demand exceeds supply scenario for the next month. Normally the Valencia supplies can carry us through the month of October until the navel season starts, but the severe rain and heat this year devastated supplies and ended the season several weeks earlier than expected. Elevated pricing in effect and will continue through November.
Melons
The Westside enters its windup period next week on both lopes and dews. At the same time the desert deal is starting on both. But there are only a handful of growers this year in the desert. The lack of demand kept the prices in check on lopes with the market rising only moderately. Honeydews rose more. With volumes dropping we look for an improving market on both next week.
Organic Items
OG Broccoli & Cauliflower
Production has slowed and supplies have been limited and will continue to be limited well into October. Broccoli production continues to suffer from quality issues mainly due to heat the past three weeks. Supplies and quality may improve with cooler Fall weather pattern.
OG Herbs & Bunch Greens
Most Herbs and Bunching Greens have experienced quality issues along with persistent insect pressure causing intermittent shortages although local Homegrown supplies continue to be sufficient to offset any availability issues.
OG Leaf and Iceberg Lettuce
Leaf, Iceberg as well as Romaine from California with heat and insect pressure will continue to impact supplies and now a spike in demand will allow markets to react sharply although competition from homegrown supplies continue to keep demand capped..
OG Root Vegetables
Carrot Production has finally succumb to continued excessive heat in the Central Valley joining Potato supplies that have been cut short due to extreme heat in the Central Valley this Summer. Supplies are expected to be limited through the Fall season. Onion demand has been good with good supplies shifting to the Northwest.
OG Citrus
Lemons: Imports from Mexico have improved supplies and the market has settled from its’ Summer high although quality has yielded less than 50% fancy. The desert crop is expected to begin next month which could help further reduce pricing.
Limes: Quality is starting to show signs of improvement although still not ideal after a string of Tropical storms affected quality and supplies.
Grapefruit: Supplies from the desert appear to be a few weeks away.
OG Melons
Watermelons have been hampered all season by heat and delays on new plantings leading to limited production from California . Supplies have improved lately but excessive heat this past weekend will bring an early end to the season by the end of the month.
OG Cantaloupes and Honeydews production has been slowed by heat and has brought an abrupt end to the season.
OG Avocados
Mexico: The Main Fall crop has started to improve availability this week and Demand has likely peaked after historically high pricing the past month. The crop is currently peaking on 48’s and 60s with moderate oil content. The market is expected to correct as supplies continue to improve heading into October.
California: New Crop is not expected to start until late Fall .
OG Berries
TOG Strawberries
Soft fruit continues to be the norm with small fruit susceptible to bruising. The Fall crop from Santa Maria was expected to improve supplies and quality but yields haven’t been ideal and quality improvement was short lived. Oxnard will start their new crop in coming weeks with better sizing and hopefully better quality.
OG Blueberries
Supplies remain limited awaiting the first large arrivals of import fruit delayed by Hurricanes and Tropical storms. Domestic harvest has been trending downward over the last couple of weeks, and will likely finish the season by the end of the week. Markets have been firm as supplies are becoming increasingly limited.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.