Direction of markets continue to be dictated by Mother Nature. Whether warm thunderstorms in Florida, Cold nights in the California deserts or windy, foggy conditions along the California coast. On opposite ends of the country Florida has been unseasonably warm for the past month other than this past weekends frost warnings whereas California has been unseasonably cold with a few exceptionally warm days this past weekend. These ranges in temperatures have made for inconsistent quality and supplies. The good news is March should bring some stability and with it promotable supplies.
Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:64/42-46) After a warm weekend in the 70′s cold weather returns for the balance of the month withhighs in the upper 50’s and low’s in the 30’s with occasional scattered showers. The Desert and Central Mexico (norms:75/42-46lo) follow a similar pattern with high temperatures expected to be in the 60’s and low’s in the upper 30’s with potential low 30’s again next week but dry. Central Florida forecast after a cold weekend with frost a return to slightly above normal temps (norm:75/53lo) for the forecast window.
****WARNING**** Extended below freezing temperatures have resulted in blister, peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities along with occasional decay.
CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality continues to show signs of frost damage including pith and will continue to have varying degrees of issues depending on production location. With fair quality occasional discounts have been available to ensure product doesn’t age in inventory. 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 continues to be hampered by colder than normal weather and misshapen fruit as a result of the previous frosty conditions. A few days of warmer weather this past weekend may help spur production but a return of colder than normal temps and occasional scattered showers will keep West Coast production in check through the end of the month when production should start to ramp up considerably. Florida production has slowed and quality will start to decline especially with any additional thunderstorms and continued above average temps. Raspberries continue to be in short supply. Blackberries are available and offer a good value. Stems continue to be very limited.
LETTUCE- Production has increased but quality continues to be just fair with blister and peel. Shippers will try to strip down most affected leaves but that will increase mechanical issues and create further discoloration and breakdown. If quality is not too bad lettuce demand will again pick up and combined with cooler weather the market will continue to rebound..
LEAF LETTUCE- Quality continues to suffer from blister, peel, discoloration and occasional decay. Romaine continues to be much tighter than the colors but the market has already adjusted significantly on the colors but Romaine products are now beginning to see significant adjustment as competition from iceberg is having an impact. Quality issues from frost are now peaking causing shippers to strip down the Romaine into hearts which will further pressure the heart market to adjust. You’ll see with many shippers a trend of discounting hearts more than carton Romaine. Quality issues will persist through the remainder of the desert deal and likely to extend into the Spring .
CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Recent freezes have had minor impact on production so far only to increase choice offerings. Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.
CAULIFLOWER- A return of cooler weather again slowed production last week and the market has regained strength. There likely won’t be another surge in production until the end of the month. Quality has been mostly good .
BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast is improving while quality in the desert and Mexico continues to be good. The market bottomed out last week and with the return of colder than normal weather and will advance through most of this week. Additional production from California Central Valley will start next week which should keep the market from escalating too high although cooler weather will tighten supplies especially in the desert but too many production areas will keep a lid on overall market Wide ranging quality will make it necessary to watch quality depending on loading location.
ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico is finally starting to increase but at a minimal rate while Peru’s volume has continued to drop. There are a significant amount of early season ad promotions that will stabilize the market in the short term but look for increased volume and lower pricing as the weather warms. Most shippers are hesitant to offer Easter ads just yet but as production schedules start to come into focus promotional offers will be abundantly available as most shippers are optimistic about supplies once the weather warms. An early Easter Holiday will get retailers to promote heavily so get in on advanced deals when available.
GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Shipments are increasing again this week with better sizing expected especially the Reds . Red globe and most Green varietals with the best quality continues to come from Chile
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady. The market is steady locally and bulk supplies from Mexico continue to keep pressure on the market to maintain.
ARTICHOKES- Currently most supplies of artichokes are “frosted” and shippers are offering discounts to keep them moving. Supplies will start to increase by next week and shippers are hoping frosted chokes give way to “clean” artichokes for Easter Promotions.
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