Saddle Up

July 17th, 2012

As  we  approach the middle of Summer continue to monitor quality daily.  Changes  can occur rapidly, usually for the worse. It’s a good practice whether you’re a retailer, wholesaler  or shipper to keep product moving this  time of year.  It’s  easy  to get “bucked off”  but if you’re on top of your inventory you can stand tall in the Saddle.

Long range weather shows little change. Continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the inland valley’s  and deserts. 

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast mainly from the lack of backhauls. A reduced force is typical  for this time of year which will keep rates elevated but down from their June peak.  Look for rates  to drop by the  end of the month as trucks  get “back on the road”

LETTUCE-  Production continues to be steady with good demand. Local production continues to be limited .  Quality is good  in Salinas with occasional discolored wrapper leaf.  Weights  have been  mostly in the mid 40’s.  Market appears to be  stable with occasional deals  for sporadic volume.

BROCCOLI–Quality continues to be good to excellent.  Market has held steady  with   moderate  production coming out of  Salinas and Santa Maria. Production from Maine and Eastern Canada will have an impact on the  market.  Look for an initial decline in the  market but lighter production in August may lead to stronger than expected  market.

CAULIFLOWER– Demand continues to be weak overall.  Plenty of product still for promotion through early next week. Weather has been ideal for excellent quality although occasional brown/black spotting on the curd. Continued lighter planting planned for next month.

LEAF ITEMS–  Demand is off slightly from last weeks peak.  Production continues to be moderate but markets have adjusted . Romaine Hearts continue to be strong considering the lack of local competition on hearts.  Depending on the  quality of the Ohio, Jersey, and  Eastern Canadian production areas , prices  will continue to adjust throughout the Summer  as demand  and quality dictate.

CELERY– Demand has slowed and yield on larger sizes has increased leading to better production. The  market is  currently adjusting and look for the market to settle by early next week.  The  market has a  chance to strengthen if the local production doesn’t hold up to the heat. Quality on California  celery continues to be good.

STRAWBERRIES–   Production continues at peak levels for the Salinas/Watsonville area. Santa Maria is past its’ peak  but will start a new  crop in a month. Quality continues to range from fair to excellent.  The best quality continues to come from the cooler coastal climates. Bruising and occasional  decay on arrival are the  issues currently.  Demand  has been very good with heavy promotions.  Raspberry production is increasing to moderate levels coming from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most fruit is being priced to move depending on quality.  Continued promotions will keep  the  market active . Blackberries are extremely  limited  with limited production being shipped east. Imports & local production have helped ease demand.
ASPARAGUS – Limited imports from  Mexico & Peru have kept supplies  tight and the demand  limited  but strong. 

ARTICHOKES- Continue light to moderate volume on mostly seeded varieties.  These varieties generally produce larger sizes. Quality is mostly nice and market is steady.

Tim Tomasello

Produce West