Long range weather shows continued normal to below normal pattern for the coastal regions and  slightly above normal  temperatures  for the  inland valley’s  and deserts.   Ideal for continued exceptional  quality for each individual growing region.

Trucks continue to be tight for most areas on the country, especially to the east coast. Although we are seeing a trend of better midweek availability .  Rates are likely to have peaked and may  start to ease after the  4th of July holiday.

LETTUCE- Market has stabilized with  steady volume  being shipped from  Salinas . Quality is  mostly  excellent. Weights have been  ideal in the  low to mid 40’s.    Look for demand to improve with  moderate supplies  and  an increase in  holiday  promotions on bagged salads.  But will it be enough to support a market increase?

BROCCOLI–production in California’s  2 growing areas (Salinas, Santa Maria) is increasing moderately , combining with  high retail prices  the market will  adjust.  Mexico production is  still limited and Asian export market is  still active which will help the market make a soft landing  heading into  the   Home-grown ( Anything produced outside California)  heavy production  period.

CAULIFLOWER–Similar to  broccoli  , supplies  of cauliflower  are  increasing and demand will begin to push for Home-grown heading into  the summer months.  Quality has been  exceptional.

LEAF ITEMS–continued good production  out of Salinas and Santa  Maria.  Quality is  improving but still occasional  fringe burn and  mildew issues. Even with these issues some  east coast buyers temporarily  returned to California  not satisfied with  local  Home-grown quality.   This will be a trend  throughout the summer months.

CELERY–Production has started in Salinas .  Quality has been  good to excellent.  Mostly  large  sizes with  good  demand on the limited supply of smaller sizes.   There are  a limited amount of shippers  still harvesting in  Oxnard and they  are looking to deal on their remaining inventory.  Production will finish  early next week.

STRAWBERRIES–  Salinas  quality has been  excellent with a few  seedy green tips on certain varieties.  Santa Maria  quality has also been good  but with much smaller berry size. Raspberry market continues to be  very  active with light to moderate .  Look for a tightening  of supplies heading into the weekend as  4th of July promotions kick off.

CHERRIES- Commercial Production has finished out of Central California for shipments  outside the  state with limited  shelf life for the remaining  soft and ripe fruit.  Northwest  shippers out of Washington have begun shipments with reported excellent quality. ASPARAGUS – California production  has  all but  ceased  and imports from   Mexico & Peru have been limited.  Domestic production from  Michigan has increased but with limited shelf space the market has been steadily declining.

ARTICHOKES- Most shippers have transitioned into their “seeded” variety which usually yields larger sizes.  Although volume  is  down from the  spring peak,  promotional volume  is  available on the  larger 12 count artichokes.  Quality has been  very  good.