Lettuce

Lettuce production has suffered from the warm evenings. Although most shippers are doing a good job trimming any visual problems, reddish discoloration and occasional decay are common arrival issues.   Most shippers are being forced to harvest fields early to avoid further quality issues with most offering deals on 30 size lettuce but 24’s continue to command a premium.  Look for production levels to remain light through mid-September.

 

Broccoli

Processors are using up as much acreage as possible, keeping supplies light. Quality has been good on west coast product and more quality issues on eastern product due to stormy summer weather patterns.  Crowns are now available in Texas, although very light supplies.  Better supply on 14s and some deals are available. Expect markets to remain strong through the weekend.

 

Cauliflower

This market is getting stronger, smaller sizes are more readily available.  Many shippers have been starting the day sold out on all sizes. The hot weather has caused a cream color in the heads industry wide, normal for this time of year.  Demand continues to be strong, and we could see a few dollars higher by the weekend.

 

Mix Leaf

Continued mild evening temperatures along the coast has production well ahead of schedule but also has weakened texture resulting in reduced yields. Cooler nights are forecasted along with increased acres heading into the fall season should help with overall volume and keep market steady if not weaker. Some local production areas in the Midwest and East continue to suffer from weather related issues as well.

 

Green Onions

Green Onion market should stay strong for the next few weeks.  Rain in the Mexico growing regions has significantly affected yields out of that area.  Pricing has increased dramatically over the last 5 days and looks to stay at its current range for the remainder of the week.

 

Cucumbers

Harvest production out of the Mexico growing region is improving. Look for markets to remain at current trading levels into next week.  There are still good supplies of regional product across the Midwest and East Coast which will keep demand from those areas limited.  Production out of the San Joaquin Valley of California will start next week.

 

Bell Peppers

The Green bell pepper market is still depressed in California and supply exceeds demand.  Quality has been very good.  The Red and yellow bell peppers market should loosen up by next week, as Oxnard began harvesting.  Supplies are expected to be light, but available.

 

Squash

The 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

 

Strawberries

We currently are experiencing a split market due to quality. Higher prices will continue for the remainder of the week as we should have better supplies of fruit next week for the fresh market. Counts are averaging 22 to 24 out of the Salinas / Watsonville area. Santa Maria fruit is firm with occasional bruising. Counts are averaging 14 to 16 for the new fall crop fruit. The forecast for the next seven days, looks to be favorable for the berry growers. Salinas-Watsonville: Low-mid 70s Tue-Wed, cooling to upper 60s to low 70s Thu, warming to low-mid 70s Fri-Sat. Santa Maria: Mid 70s Tue, cooling to low 70s Wed-Thu, returning to mid-70s by Sat.

 

Melons

The cantaloupe market has eased up a little after the holiday. We are still seeing a higher percentage of larger fruit but the quality has been good! The honeydew market remains steady and supplies are plentiful.  Quality on honeydews has been decent.

 

Watermelons

Watermelons have been readily available, but the market is staying somewhat active. Demand is exceeding supply across the country.  It is expected to remain this way through the summer and into fall.  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 of the medium sized fruit than the large.  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 ruby’s. Clementine’s are available in bulk and 10/3# bags.

 

Tree Fruit

Peaches are readily available and mostly peaking on 50 size TP….   There is some availability on VF 56’s and smaller.  Nectarines are also available and peaking at the 50 size as well.  VF 56’s and smaller are available.  Red and Black Plums are available and peaking at the 35 size.  The market remains strong and all sizes are available.  Quality on all tree fruit has been very nice.