Lettuce

Lettuce production has increased slightly due to increased fall acreage which has helped to level off the overall market. Quality and weights continue to be inconsistent with most shippers continuing to harvest fields early to avoid further quality issues.  Production should continue to climb through the early fall season to meet increasing demand across the country.

 

Broccoli

Supplies remain on the lighter side and strong demand. Quality is nice on west coast product, some hollow stem but not a big issue.  Product is still coming out of Texas, however Mexico received a significant amount of rain, and more is expected in the coming days, putting more pressure on west coast product.  Expect this market to remain active into next week.

 

Cauliflower

This market remains steady, although lighter supplies. Be aware that yellowing is common this time of year with long, hot days.  Buy from suppliers that harvest near the coast to avoid heat related problems.  Some incidences of black spotting, although not as common.  There is a wide range of quality between growing regions and shippers. Rely on us to find you the best possible quality.

 

Mix Leaf

Leaf markets have been relatively consistent although quality continues to show issues.  Trouble with local production around the country has kept enough demand out West to keep prices elevated.  Look for continued strong markets heading into the fall.

 

Celery

Market remains flat, with cheap pricing and low demand. Freight is a factor in keeping pricing low as Michigan continues to produce cheap product at lower freight costs to the east.  Lighter supply on smaller sized product, maybe a dollar or more difference between sizes.  Quality is nice with very few problems to speak of, although some inspections show signs of black heart and pith. This market is at its bottom and could remain for at least the next week or so.

 

Onions
Onion volume out of California is beginning to wind down.  There are limited supplies on yellows out of the San Joaquin Valley, Lancaster, CA has some availability on both Whites and Yellows.  The Northwest has started with new crop on all colors.  You can load out of Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Nevada will start the week of September 22nd.

 

Potatoes:

Northern California growers will have supplies through the middle of October.  Quality has been outstanding on whites, reds and yellows there are also purples available as well mostly shipping out of Stockton, CA.  There are plenty of regional locations currently shipping as well.  You can load out Idaho, Minnesota, the Columbia Basin of Washington state, the San Luis Valley of Colorado and Central Wisconsin.

 

 

Brussels Sprouts

The market has been relatively steady with inconsistent quality with misshapen sizing and spotting from Mildew Stain. Production along the Central Coast will begin to ramp up by the end of the month due to increased acreage planted to supply processors fall demand. Supplies in Eastern Canada will also start to ramp up in anticipation of their Thanksgiving Holiday.

 
Strawberries

The strawberry market continues to show strength as the Salinas and Watsonville summer crop winds down and fall crop fruit has yet to increase in volume. Limited supplies out of Santa Maria will continue into next week. The Salinas/Watsonville area is forecasted for partly cloudy skies, with highs in the 70s increasing to the low 80s by Friday and lows in the 50s. The Santa Maria area is forecasted for partly cloudy skies with highs in the 70s increasing to the low 80s by the weekend and lows in the 50s. Salinas/Watsonville fruit is fairly firm, medium to dark in color with some bruising. Labor shortages will continue until the seasons end in the Salinas and Watsonville areas. Santa Maria fruit is firm with occasional bruising and white shoulders. Counts are averaging 18 to 22.

 

Blackberries

Production has picked back up out of Guatemala, as well as some local deals in the U.S. We are seeing some strong‐looking product out of Guatemala right now, with good supply numbers as well.

 

Blueberries

Blueberry production has shifted into Michigan and British Columbia, Canada. We have now seen the transition from Pints back to 6oz clams, most retailers have made this transition as well. Some California suppliers have shifted to 4.4 clamshells. The domestic supplies are nearing an end as we move towards imports.

 
Melons

The cantaloupe market has increased a little from last week. We are still seeing a higher percentage of larger fruit, but supplies are decreasing as the season is coming to a close! The honeydew market remains steady and supplies are plentiful.  Quality on honeydews has been decent.

 

Watermelons

Watermelons have been readily available, and the market is becoming more steady. Demand is meeting supply across the country.  The season is rapidly coming to an end.  Quality has been pretty good, but varying by region.

 

Grapes

The grape market is steady for another week.  There are ample supplies available of all colors, but we are seeing more medium sized fruit than the larger.  This could cause a reaction in the larger fruit eventually.

 

Citrus

Navels – We still have late navels and also offshore navels mostly 72’s – 56’s & larger. Valencia’s –  There are good supplies of 56-72-88’s, the 113-138’s have very good demand and are selling out 1^st. Lemons – we have offshore starting this week with limited supplies, the following week should be better. As far as domestic supplies, there is a lot of small fruit 200-235’s, the 165’s & larger is very limited in supply. Fruit on the tree has not sized due to lack of rain. We will be in a substitute and prorate position in the coming weeks. Grapefruit – There are good supplies of rubys. clementines are available in bulk and 10/3# bags.

 

Bell Peppers

The Green bell pepper market has firmed up a little in California and supply is meeting demand.  Quality has been very good.  The Red and yellow bell pepper market has adjusted and Oxnard is harvesting in force.  Supplies are available and quality is good overall.

 

Zucchini and Yellow Squash market is active due to a gap in production.  Transition into the next block of fields seems to be slow.  It is expect to remain strong for the next 7 -10 days

 

Cucumbers

Market is very active due to a lack of supply from Mexico.  Supply is being affected by the hurricane.  The volume that is crossing contains all sizes, so every pack is available, just limited in quantity.

 

Tree Fruit

Peaches are slowing down….   There is limited availability on VF 56’s and smaller.

Nectarines are finished for the season.

Red and Black Plums are available, but starting to wind down.  The market is strong and sizing is limited.  Quality on all tree fruit is nice.