After a  short warming period,  Long range weather shows  West Coast cooling to near normal with highs in the mid 60’s to mid 80’s but continued  above normal temperatures for the inland valley’s and  deserts. The  rest of the country finally gets a reprieve from the Hot , Dry weather with an extended forecast of seasonal precipitation and  below normal temperatures.

Freight rates have adjusted and for now are holding steady for most of the country. Preferred rates are still available for mid week, advanced notice loading. Climbing diesel prices, especially on West Coast may affect rates in the short term but with more equipment available heading into the Fall  rates  should start to ease.

LETTUCE- Production continues to be steady  with good demand. Local production continues to be limited.  Quality is ranging from ok to good in Salinas with occasional mildew and fringe burn.   Weights have been mostly in the mid 40′s.  Market appears to be stable with potential upside due to limited local production.

BROCCOLI–Market continues to show some upside especially for the next 10 days with most  demand coming from the Midwest and West Coast with continued sporadic contribution from the  East . Production coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria with quality continuing to be excellent . Most volume discounts  will originate from Santa Maria.

CAULIFLOWER– A recent surge in production has market adjusting  with a wide range in quotes.  Production  should stabilize by mid week leaving fewer 9’s  available and erratic supplies of 12’s . Some customers are taking  advantage of the deals which will lead to stabilizing the overall market.  Local production should cap any extreme upside.  Quality continues to be good with occasional black spotting reported.

LEAF ITEMS–    Production continues to be moderate and demand has been very good. Markets will continue to see surges of demand even with East Coast quality improved but still fair.   Quality issues also in California have limited volume and have kept markets  active.  Romaine Hearts continue to be strong everywhere while carton Romaine is not far behind.  Continued fringe burn and now  internal burn issues are widespread.  You may even see demand for carton Romaine surpass  Hearts due to shippers actively “stripping” down problem leaves  from their carton Romaine.  

BRUSSELS SPROUTS- Production out of Mexico is winding down with some worm damage being reported. While production has increased out of Central California with an array of sizes from  small to  Jumbo’s .  With unsettled quality the market has dropped considerably.  Most shippers  are trying to find the appropriate level to get the  market jump started.  Once quality returns most retailers will jump back in for the nouveau  veg item and the market will stabilize.

CELERY– Production has leveled and the market seems to have settled.  Quality from Michigan  and subsequent demand from the  East will dictate market direction . Currently quality from Michigan is  reported as fair at best but improving.  Quality on California celery continues to be good with few quality issues to report. Similar to Cauliflower look for a narrowing in market prices with possible upside.

STRAWBERRIES–   Slowing Summer production and smaller fruit has limited  production causing an increasingly active market and higher prices .  Quality ranges from fair to good with ALL fruit showing some signs of bruising  and fair quality showing some decay at shipping point.  Even with the best, expect some bruising on arrival.  Demand continues to be  strong and shippers  are limiting shipments to their best customers with fewest problems.    Raspberry amp; Blackberry production also peaked from Salinas/ Santa Maria, with a wide range in quality. Most production being shipped to nearby markets. Quality won’t likely improve until the Fall crop starts around the first week of September.

ASPARAGUS – With minimal production from  Mexico and sporadic shipments from Peru supplies are limited and the  market is substantially higher than the previous week.  Quality has been good although occasional aging issues  due to the  distribution cycle from  East Coast to West Coast BACK to East Coast.  

ARTICHOKES- Lighter Summer supplies have led to a boost in the market on all sizes.  Quality has been excellent. Market should  remain  active for the  duration of the month.

WESTSIDE MELONS-Cantaloupe production has peaked from the Westside  with Honeydews  starting to increase volume. Most shippers having taken on a considerable amount of promotions  between now and the  Labor Day Holiday  which will result in an active market and higher pricing.