SUMMER FRUITS HEAT UP

As we head into the dead of summer, we are seeing more volume on tree fruits, as well as the start of the summer melon deal, with cantaloupes, honeydews, and assorted mix melons coming in. Grapes have also started. Also, Bartlett pears are just around the corner, looking to start next week.

Long range weather shows continued hot, muggy weather in the Midwest and East, 100 degree plus temperatures in the growing areas of Fresno and Bakersfield, and mild days in Salinas and Watsonville.

Trucks are still firm in price, due to the lack of back haul loads from East to West. That keeps truck supplies fairly tight, and rates firm at their yearly highs.

LETTUCE–very light supplies and the market continues to get stronger. Shippers aren’t bashful about pushing prices for wrap 24s to $18+, and higher, fob, which makes it $25 and up delivered to the Eastern destinations. Quality is mostly good, with good medium plus head size, and good weights.

BROCCOLI–steady market on bunch 14s and 18s, and strong market on crowns. However, there is a wide range throughout on all broccoli, depending upon the shipper and area. Santa Maria has a bit more flex in their markets than Salinas. Bunch 14s and 18s range $6.50-8.00, while crowns are ranging from $8.50 to $10.50.

CAULIFLOWER–a fairly wide range in price on 9s, 12s, and 16s. Supplies are fairly light, but weak demand is preventing shippers from pushing things too high. We are seeing a range of $9.00 to as high as $13.00 fob for 12 size, depending upon the area and shipper. Supplies coming out of Salinas or Santa Maria.

LEAF ITEMS–still pretty dead on red, green, and romaine. Typical for this time of year, as local gardens are starting to pop with their crops. Prices are at, or close to the bottom, on red and green–$6-7.00 fob, while romaine is $8-10.00. Freight rates make delivered prices to the East coast high, as you need to add $9-10.00/box for romaine, and $7-8.00/box for red and green.

CELERY–fairly steady prices on all sizes. 18s, 24s, 30s, 36s, and 48s are all in the $10-12.00 range fob, except for Dole, who is as much as $5.00/box HIGHER across the board. Doesn’t make sense, but, they are able to get it.

STRAWBERRIES–continued strong market, with Driscoll raising their prices, and pro rating available supplies. Most other shippers are firm in price because of Driscoll pro rates. They pick up additional business every time Driscoll cuts orders, so they lay in waiting. Prices are firm, and look to stay that way all this week, at least.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com