This week is starting out on a quiet note, even with 4th of July approaching.  The last of the holiday product is being loaded and things are looking quiet as we progress into the middle of this week.  Summer items like berries, melons and tree fruit are in the spotlight.

Truck rates hit their peak 2 weeks ago and now are settling down after the holiday, although rates will continue be abnormally high.  High freight rates have kept the general market from making any significant move, high retail prices have kept a lot of the product on the shelf, resulting in people buying only what they need.  There has been news of fuel prices easing, which will help bring rates down.

Some rain in the forecast for this week on the central coast, but is only expected to linger in the northern areas like San Francisco and Sacramento.  Temperatures are normal for this time of year, between the high 60s and low 70s.

LETTUCE — Plenty of product available and shippers are looking to move. Shippers are not happy with the current movement so we could see prices drop a dollar or two towards the end of the week.  Quality is nice, cool temperate June weather has produced some nice heavy heads with legs to go pretty much anywhere.

BROCCOLI  — market has fallen off from what it was a week and a half ago.  Plenty of product available, and even more in the fields will most likely keep broccoli down into the single digits for the time being.  High freight rates have certainly kept this item from making any sort of move.  Quality is nice, some branchy but overall tight presentation.

CAULIFLOWER — Prices have certainly fallen off from last week.  Demand just wasn’t there and freight was expensive.  Quality is fine, shippers are looking to move and deals are everywhere.  Possibly lighter supply next week and we may see a slight market increase.

LEAF ITEMS — Romaine has made a slight increase in price, most likely due to a small supply gap, but nothing major. prices are still cheap and good quality.

CELERY — plenty of product around.   Oxnard is trying to clean up the last of their product so they are making dirt cheap deals on larger sizes.  High freight rates have kept FOB prices low and demand has decreased due to increased focus on summer berries and melons.

STRAWBERRIES — tighter supply this week, Driscoll is once again in to pro rate mode and there is lighter supply industry wide.   Weather has been mild and berries are strong and making arrival with little or no problems.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com