Now that the 4th of July is officially over, we start settling into full summer mode. With that, stores continue to pound away on tree fruits, melons, grapes, and other assorted fruits, along with various summer vegetables, such as lettuce, celery, carrots, and leaf items. As hot as it has been on the East coast, no one is even THINKING about cooking items.

Long range weather shows continued hot in the East, although scattered thunderstorms will be around. As far as the growing areas in California, continued mild temperatures in Salinas and Watsonville, and hot in the fruit regions of San Joaquin Valley and Bakersfield.

Trucks are still fairly tight, especially after the 4th of July, as trucks are a bit messed up due to their arrival schedules. Rates are still at their summer highs.

LETTUCE–supplies remain fairly light, and prices are high. Shippers aren’t afraid to push for more money, and edging towards $20 FOB, even with the high freight rates. Quality is mostly nice.

BROCCOLI–overall supplies fairly light, but so is demand. We see a steady market this week. Crown supplies continue sporadic, as some shippers are quoting as much as $3-4.00 more than others.

CAULIFLOWER–like broccoli, fairly light supplies, and prices are fairly wide ranged, with as much as a $5.00 spread, depending upon the shipper and area. Still $20 delivered prices to the East coast is fairly common. Not much change expected this week.

LEAF ITEMS–no change. Good deals on red, green, and romaine, and prices are at the bottom. Too much local product around.

CELERY–Oxnard is totally finished, and Salinas is the area to get celery needs. Most shippers have plenty of product, however Dole is pro rating, and priced $3-5.00/box more than the general market.

STRAWBERRIES–a roller coaster ride. Supplies are down right now, and priced firm. Driscoll is pro rating, as well. We see a strong undertone all this week, and next.

Ed Brem

ed@producewest.com