Transportation rates leveled this past week although still at elevated rates. With increase in fruit offerings and D.O.T. inspections this week truck availability will be tested and rates will likely rise as the week progresses. Look for rates to continue to spike as we approach the Summer season.  Plan ahead for best value and service.

LETTUCE-  Production in Salinas is starting to transition to the northern part of the valley where yields and quality normally improve although this year quality will continue to see the effects from the strong winds the past month . Fringe and tipburn with occasional mildew.  Suppliesare expected to lessen slightly and the market could continue to firm. 

CHERRIES-  California Cherry production is starting to come to an early end and the delayed start in the Northwest along with scattered thunderstorms has tightened supplies just as the Summers promotional season kicks in. Revised estimates have tighter supplies until the end of the month. 
CITRUS- Navel production is almost finished but Valencia’ssizing and flavor profile are quickly improving and the market is steady.

ASPARAGUS- Limited Production continues from the West Coast and  Peru  has kept market significantly active .  Production areas in  Canada and coastal Baja in coming weeks will  help improve supplies and reduce demand pressure.

LEAF LETTUCE-   Romaine  production continues to be heavy with mostly good quality although fringe and tipburn along with mildew continue to be present. Green and Red leaf  supplies have been sufficient with a wide range inquality as well. Local East Coast supplies also are contributing to lessen the demand out West.

CARROTS-  Carrot production has been steady but with slightly smaller sizing.  The market is firm with good demand.

BROCCOLI- Salinas and Santa Maria production continues to be steady  but on the lighter side.  Quality has been good with production heaviest to crowns. Strong export demand continues to keep pressure on the market to remain active and limits the shippers ability to pack bunch broccoli.
Supplies look to be steady for the next couple weeks.   

CAULIFLOWER-  Production has leveled and the market firmed.   Salinasand Santa Maria Valley are in full production with excellent quality although continued windy conditions have contributed to a few bruising anddiscoloration issues. 

ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production on the preferred Green Globe variety has given way to other globe varieties and its’ predominant  large sizingalthough light demand overall has kept prices low.  

CELERY-   Better supplies on larger sizes have started to allow the market to ease . Higher freight rates have also contributed to lighten demand. Transition back to Salinas is expected to begin by the weekend but will once again bring back quality issues which will likely limit availability and strengthen the market once again.

BELL PEPPERS- Production  in the California desert continues to produce excellent quality.  Green sizing will be heaviest to XLarge and Jumbo. The market firmed up with additional East Coast demand but that looks to be easing as Eastern bells have started to rebound.  Red and Yellowshave started with better volume and will improve daily. Look for additional supplies with the warm desert temperatures.

GRAPES-   Production from Mexico is increasing rapidly and the market has started to adjust. California desert production has also increased . Quality has been excellent with good sizing and flavor profile. Production from the Central Valley shippers will start early by the end of the month.  The overlap should make for good promotional pricing.