Weather forecast for The West is predicted to be near normal temperatures withonly occasional light precipitation the next 2-3 weeks. California Coast norms67/44-48 . The Inland Valley norms 72-74/45 and The Desert norms 86/52.
****WARNING**** Extended below freezing temperatures have resulted in blister, peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities along with occasional decay.(Last Reported Issues)
CELERY- The celery market adjusted as transition back to Oxnard being the dominant production area. Once Mexico finish up supplies will moderate and the market will firm. Quality is improving daily. Seeders are expected to become an issue which will reduce the overall volume especially larger sizes.
STRAWBERRIES- Southern California Coast production is in full swing. The f
ruit is firm, with good size (15-17) with an occasional white shoulder and bruising. Santa Maria production continues to increase. Watsonville/ Salinas has just started to offer fruit that will travel. The market continues to be saturated. Most shippers areputting together as many promotions as possible to keep up with the heavy volume from all three districts. Good supplies of stemsare also available. Raspberries continue to be in short supply although production and quality will increase as the weather warms. Blackberries supplies and quality continue to decline with most fruit being shipped to close in markets.LETTUCE- Production continues from both Yuma and the transitionalgrowing areas in California Central Valley with Salinas expected to start by the end of the week. Size and weights are improving.Misshapen heads along with blister and peel continue to be present but are improving daily.
Quality will need to be closely monitored as to which area has the best. All three districts will have their own separate issues. Moderate temperatures forecast in the desert will allow some shippers to continue production in Yuma until theytransition to Salinas sometime next week. Seasonal insect pressure in the Central Valley has begun to show up in Huron and may present a significant problem next week. Once the desert finishes uplook for the market to rebound but in the mean time take advantage of the available deals.
LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine quality has improved which has increased supplies although
blister, peel and discoloration are still present but improving daily and should not be an issue by midweek. Insect pressure in Huron could especially affect Hearts. Salinas is expected to begin production slowly next week before fully transitioning the following week. Supplies will moderate and the market is expected to strengthen as Huron finishes by the middle of the monthCITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and goodflavor and sizing profiles. Packout is heaviest towards fancy but there continues to be deals available on smaller and choice packs. Steady increase in production has translated to good values on all packs
CAULIFLOWER- Production has started to increase in Salinas and Santa Maria Valley as production has ended for most shippers in the desert leading to a slight decrease in supplies. The market ended the week firm but could ease slightly next week as production picks up in the North although the market is not expected to adjust significantly until next weekend. Quality has mostly been good with occasional spotting on arrivals.
BROCCOLI- Production has shifted fully to Salinas and Santa Maria.Salinas quality is still fair and not allowing for normal crown production leading to a firmer market mostly on crowns. Santa Maria quality has been significantly better but overall volume has been slow coming. Production will pick up this week especiallycrowns and the market will adjust accordingly.
ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico has peaked as Salinas andStockton has begun to pick up . Quality from Mexico is starting todecline as domestic production has improved. The market continues to be weak with the overlap of growing areas but Mexico production is expected to drop off by the end of next week which will lead to the market firming significantly.
GRAPES- Shipments are steady this week from Chile with better sizing expected especially the Reds although there continues to be a wide range in quality and sizing with significant discounts available on off quality packs. Green varietals as well as Globes continue to see increases in supplies and the market adjusting based on quality but Reds should remain steady or even strengthen for the best quality.
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but with slightlysmaller sizing. The market is firm with steady demand.
ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production is peaking especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville. Additional globevarieties are also available. Most shippers have strong promotionscurrently and pricing reflects . Quality is excellent. Sizing is peaking on large sizes currently and will transition to the medium 24-30count by mid April with small sizes available by the end of the month.
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