In typical August style, demand is sluggish and markets are just hanging in there for the majority of vegetable items out West. Lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, leaf, romaine, are all steady as she goes for this week, and most likely for the next several weeks. Lots of home grown items and backyard gardens are going full speed right now, and that has a huge impact on buying western vegetables and fruits.
Long range weather forecasts show steady, mild temperatures in Salinas/Watsonville areas and hot in the fruit country.
Still plenty of trucks around, and rates continue to drift downward. Diesel prices appear to have peaked out for the rest of the Summer.

LETTUCE–a fairly wide range in price, depending upon the shipper, with the preferred labels trying for a bit more. Still, there isn’t much business out there, and there can be some deals around this week.

BROCCOLI–not much change here. Bunch 14s and 18s are fairly steady, while the crowns are a bit more scarce, and show more of a range in price. Overall, good prices and quality are available in either Salinas or Santa Maria areas.

CAULIFLOWER–as expected, this market has come down. After the past few weeks of high prices, the high retails and lower priced local and Canadian cauliflower have taken their toll on demand for California product. There are especially some good deals on 9 size, which is an indication that the flower demand has slowed, and the product sits and grows in the field.

LEAF ITEMS–wide range in price for romaine and green leaf. Some shippers say they are light on red and green, heavy on romaine, while others say they are light on romaine and heavy on green and boston. In other words, if you can “shop” your leaf needs, there are some good deals out there.

CELERY–no change. Plenty of celery with good deals on ALL sizes. Celery available in Salinas or Santa Maria areas. Heart 12s and 18s available.

STRAWBERRIES–wide range in price here, with Driscoll leading the way. In fact, there is as much as a $5-6.00/box SPREAD between Driscoll and some other labels. Driscoll knows this is THEIR time of the year, and they price their berries the way they want. They also indicate they will have fairly light supplies for the next 3 weeks, or so, which means they will probably have strong prices during that time, as well. Raspberries and blackberries are also available, although quality is more of a “hit or miss” proposition on those items. Typical for this time of year.