CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been showing signs of frost damage of late and will continue to have varying degrees of issues depending on production location. Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production was stalled with last weeks showers causing an uptick in pricing which also affected pricing in Florida.  With showers still possible this week in California  and production peaked in Florida and Texas combined with Valentines promotions  the market is strengthening daily.  Quality from Florida has been good but extended warm days have softened the fruit slightly. California was  improving daily  before last weekends rain temporary setback. Stems will be available but limited mainly out of California with sizing limiting Florida and Mexico from producing stems.  Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries quality has fallen off lately causing some poor arrivals although quality should improve next week.

LEAF LETTUCE-  Quality continues to suffer and with recent rains quality has further declined especially Romaine. Some shippers are even quoting acceptance final but that may only last for another week as buyers , especially retailers and high end food service can’t use products that breakdown rapidly.   The market looks to to active early this week but likely will start easing  on colors although  Romaine and Hearts  may take a few more days.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from Mexico has been slow since the cold weather the last 3 weeks.  Supplies should slowly rebound over the next couple weeks and the market should stabilize. Quality has been good out of Mexico.

GREEN ONIONS-  Production continues to be slowed by labor and weather . The market has been relatively steady. Anticipated increase in production is still expected by weeks end. Look for the market to ease by next week. .

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies continue from Mexico keeping pressure on bulk packs. Demand at retail may start to drop off as many of the promotional events have past. 

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Recent freezes have had minimal impact on either quality or production only to increase choice offerings.  Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

CAULIFLOWER- The market corrected rapidly last week as supplies increased and demand fell. Look for continued softness in the market this week before supplies stabilize next week. Quality has been mostly good with some epidermal peel on jacket.

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving  while quality in the desert and Mexico continue to be ok- good. With the improved but still fair quality comes an increase in supply. The market looks to be adjusting this week with a wide range in quotes depending on quality and location.  You’ll continue to find steeper discounts on Mexican Crowns and Coastal broccoli but beware of wide ranging quality.

LETTUCE- Production should start to increase from the desert  but Quality will  continue to be the overriding concern for the next 3 plus weeks.  Shippers will try to strip down most affected leaves but that will increase mechanical issues and create further discoloration and breakdown. If lettuce stops moving at retail due to quality rejections then the market will slide significantly otherwise it will continue to gradually ease down as temperatures warm.

ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico is finally starting to increase although  Peru’s volume has continued to drop. There are a significant amount of ad promotions that will stabilize the market in the short term but look for increased volume and lower pricing after Valentines Day. 28 # packs will also become available. An early Easter Holiday will get retailers to promote heavily so get in on advanced deals while available.

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Shipments are expected to increase this week with better sizing especially  the Reds . Red globe and most Green varietals with the best quality continues to come from Chile.