In what is a typical post-Thanksgiving scenario, most of the vegetable markets are correcting themselves. In other words, going DOWN. Lettuce, romaine, leaf, celery, broccoli, cauliflower are ALL dropping in price this week. But, next weekend starts the pull for Christmas, so things could reverse again. ALWAYS fun in the produce world.

Long range weather in the “new” growing areas of Oxnard and the desert, show mild temperatures and dry. The desert is now the main area for lettuce, leaf, mix items, broccoli. We make it a point to watch temperatures there, as once we get freezing night, ANYTHING can happen, and usually does. For now, though, lows will be in the mid to high 40’s.

Trucks are readily available, although it usually takes a week for the trucks to get back on schedule after Thanksgiving.

LETTUCE–usually lots of lettuce ads after Thanksgiving, and this year is now exception. There will be a LOT of lettuce shipped out this week, but there is plenty available in Yuma and other desert districts. Right now, the market is trying to adjust after the high prices the past 2 weeks. We may see the market go lower than it should, and then could bounce back up. Quality out of Yuma is starting out nice, with good color, size, and weights.

BROCCOLI–supplies scattered from Salinas to Yuma, and points in between. This market has much correcting to do, and currently, we are seeing as much as a $5.00/box SPREAD depending upon the area, shipper, and quality.

CAULIFLOWER–this item is also coming off high prices, but is not coming down as rapidly as some of the other items. There were quite a few ads for Thanksgiving, so once the retails are changed, we should see this market slide further. With that, don’t buy to heavily.

LEAF ITEMS–romaine, green, and red are ALL trying to find the right place, as far as the markets are concerned. There is plenty of product in the desert, plus there is still product coming out of Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard. This competition will force prices down all this week.

CELERY–prices are nearly half what they were for the Thanksgiving push. We will see the celery market continue to slide, then firm back by the end of next week. Dole continues to be $3-5.00 higher than the mostly market. Hearts are available, and that market remains strong.

STRAWBERRIES–Florida is gearing up, and that will help release pressure for California fruit. Driscoll has pushed their market in 8/1# ANOTHER $2.00 this week, and quality is poor to fair. They are basically saying “go to Florida”.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com