Weather in  California/Arizona growing districts are predicted to be normal (65/44-48 Coast ) through mid December but with  possible midweek rain events each week through mid December along the coast. The desert is predicted to be dry and above normal (72/48 Desert) . 

Rates  continue to ease off their Holiday high and will continue to ease slightly this week before stronger December Holiday demand kicks in by the end of next week. Service levels  traditionally suffer this time of year with the vast array of shipping locations but planning and persistence usually helps
 avoid any potential logistical obstacles. 

LETTUCE-  Yuma quality is improving daily and yields are likely to increase available supplies. Color, sizing and weight are all good.

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns likely to become more available as most growers are now breaking into their new fields.  Broccoli continues to be grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley ,Yuma and Mexico) . Yuma tends  to be  the most convenient and centralized  loading location although the best values come from the other growing regions mainly because of the lack of additional items available.  Discounts for volume orders are a regular occurrence. Inquire daily.

CAULIFLOWER-   Unlike broccoli, production of Cauliflower is more concentrated during the month of November. Salinas and Santa Maria are the primary growing regions and  production has yet to fully get underway in the desert. There is currently light supplies of cauliflower on the market but look for additional supplies towards the end of the week as conditions improve in the desert.

LEAF ITEMS- There continues to be  supplies of leaf being offered out of Salinas but the best quality is from the desert growing areas.  With the range in quality there is a wide range of quotes. Most offerings from the desert are reasonable and with improving weather conditions the market should maintain or likely ease. There is  also a strong supply of Hearts but  with the improved quality there will be less Romaine  being “converted” to hearts  so  overall market should be stable with minor upside.  Demand on green and red leaf will follow closely behind.

CELERY-  Benefiting from a strong Holiday push the market has surged on all sizes but not all production has transitioned to the new growing areas in Oxnard or Yuma. Demand  will  likely fall off this week  and the market will likely ease although similar to Broccoli there is less celery grown in Yuma and the best deals will come from the other growing districts such as Salinas and Oxnard. Most shippers transfer  celery to Yuma for mixer business.

ASPARAGUS–  Mexican production has been steady.  Market is  expected to remain steady as well.

GREEN ONION- Production is improving and  more importantly logistics and labor have returned leading to an increase in supplies. Some logistical issues (Mexican Holiday)  have kept supplies limited but look for slightly better availability as the week progresses.  Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher than small but look for more uniform pricing.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Supplies look to continue to be strong.  The  market is  likely to repeat its’ performance from early November with a good supply and a weakening market  But a significant amount of promotions for the Holiday will tighten market rapidly.  Take advantage of promotional pricing before and during the Christmas Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Oxnard is the primary shipping region for eastern quality fruit. Original forecasts for dry above normal temps has been modified to include a series of midweek rain events in the coastal growing areas  likely to further disrupt already limited production.Berries will continue to be exceptionally tight to non existent for traveling out of state. Continue to expect bruising issues on arrival. Mexico availability will  start to increase quality offerings but expect the market for top end quality  to be strong through the Holiday’s.  Supplies of Raspberries  is better with improving quality.  Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value. Production from Florida has begun in a light way but may not offer any relief until mid December.

CITRUS- California Navel shipments have begun . Quality is excellent with high flavor profile and improving color. Both will continue to improve throughout the season.  The crop is projected to be extensive and promotional supplies available.

CARROTS- California production has slowed with the transition to the shorter days and cooler nights . Combined with fewer growing regions the market has tightened and will continue to see strength through the Holidays