CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength as good demand and reduced acreage combine to keep market active. Quality has been showing signs of frost damage of late and will continue to have varying degrees of issues depending on production location. Small sizes have become more prevalent due to colder weather and stripping of damaged outer stalks.  Limited quantities being grown in the desert continue to result in a wide ranging market due to the fact most celery is transferred to Yuma for consolidation. The best values will continue to come from Oxnard.

BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast continues to suffer effects of earlier rains, frost and again with more recent rain where pin rot and brown bead are prevalent. The quality in the desert and Mexico is better but far from perfect.  Some epidermal peeling on the stalk with occasional discoloration. Yuma even had some rain over the weekend which may contribute to future decline in quality. The market has eased only slightly off it’s peak especially in the desert.  You’ll continue to find deals on Mexican Crowns and discounts on Coastal broccoli but beware of wide ranging quality

LETTUCE- Quality will start to dictate market direction.  Cold weather causing blister and peel has given way to subtropical moisture which will further breakdown product in the field. Shippers will try to strip down most affected leaves but that will increase mechanical issues and create further discoloration and breakdown. If lettuce stops moving at retail due to quality rejections then the market will slide significantly otherwise it will continue to gradually ease down as temperature warm.

LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine continues to suffer the same effects as iceberg. Quality continues to suffer and with recent rains quality is sure to further decline.  The market looks to to active early this week but likely will start easing by the weekend on all colors and varieties.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to hold as Peru’s volume has continued to drop and Mexico’s production has been delayed by previous cold weather. This time last year most shippers were packing 28#.  Most are still projecting better volume by next week but off their original forecast and with promotions in place the market should continue to be strong.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from Mexico has been slow since the cold weather the last 3 weeks.  Supplies should slowly rebound over the next couple weeks and the market should stabilize. Quality has been good out of Mexico but some residual product from Northern California has been poor. Make sure you are aware of products origin.

GREEN ONIONS-  Production continues to be slowed by labor and weather . The market has been relatively steady. Anticipated increase in production was expected but a few shippers have expressed concern with lost acreage from earlier frost which will keep pressure on the market to remain active.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady.  The market is steady locally but an influx in bulk supplies from Mexico have deals on bulk packs. Good demand  through the heavy promotional period should help maintain pricing especially for the retail packs.

CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles. Recent freezes have had minimal impact on either quality or production.  Steady increase in production will translate to better values as the season progresses.

GRAPES- Limited shipments from Chile and Peru have kept the market strong especially the Red varietals. Most vessels are sold before they hit port on either coast. Shipments are expected to increase starting this week . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.

STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production was starting to ramp up last week which contributed to an already saturated market. Prices were at a season low. Now with some rain interrupting supplies in California and production peaked in Florida and Texas combined with Valentines promotions  the market is poised to react.  Quality from Florida has been good but extended warm days have softened the fruit slightly. California was  improving daily  before this weekends rain temporary setback. Stems will be available but limited mainly out of California with sizing limiting Florida and Mexico from producing stems.  Raspberry production  has stalled with most production out West and the market is very active on limited supply. Blackberries primarily from Mexico continue offer a good value.

CAULIFLOWER- The market gradually eased as prices topped out but short supplies of all other veg items has kept the market relatively active. Further increase in volume is expected by the beginning of February look for the market to continue to ease downward. Quality has been mostly good with some epidermal peel on jacket.