Weather forecast for the California Coast (norms:66/44-48) calls normal thru most of next week but with possible rain late next week leading to below normal temps the following week. The Desert and Central Mexico (norms:84/50) may also see a thunderstorm roll through the area the next weekend but otherwisenormal temperatures through next week with moderate temps to remain through mid April. Central Valley California (norm:70/42) has forecast similar to the rest of the state with average temperatures other than possible weekendthunderstorms predicted for next weekend followed by cooler temperatures the following week.
****WARNING**** Extended below freezing temperatures have resulted in blister, peel and discoloration issues on most vegetable commodities along with occasional decay.
CELERY- The celery market has started to adjust as transition back to Oxnard being the dominant production area has begun. Much of the supply shipping from the desert will be transferred product. Once the desert area finishes and with Florida winding down supplies should tighten back up in a couple weeks especially if the predicted seeder issue is significant. Quality continues to show signs of frost damage including pith and black heart and will continue to have varying degrees of issues for another week.
STRAWBERRIES- Production and quality continue to decline from Mexico and Florida. Southern California Coast avoided any rain this past week to allow production to keep up with the extensive Easter Holiday promotions. Further promotions will be necessary to keep the market from dropping significantly but look for lower prices and good promotional opportunities in the coming weeks. Good supplies of s
tems are also available. Fruit is firm, with good size (14-16) with an occasional white shoulder and bruising. Santa Maria has started to increase production which is where the majority of fruit willtransition in a couple weeks. Watsonville/ Salinas is still a couple weeks from commercial production. Florida production has slowed and soft fruit has limited their ability to ship product too far out of state. Mexico production will likely continue to decrease before finishing for the season at the end of the month. Raspberries continue to be in short supply although production is starting to increase as the weather warms. Blackberries supplies and qualitycontinue to decline with most fruit being shipped to close in markets.
LETTUCE- Supplies continue to be short from the desert but additional supplies from transitional growing areas in California Central Valley are underway. Size and weights are improving.Misshapen heads along with blister and peel continue to be present but are improving daily. Demand from processors has eased slightly. Even with overall supplies still light demand will likely slow causing a moderate correction in the market. Moderatetemperatures forecast in the desert will allow some shippers to continue production in Yuma until they transition to Salinas and avoid the transition to Huron. Seasonal insect pressure in the Central Valley has begun to show up in Huron and may present a significant problem in the coming weeks.
LEAF LETTUCE- Romaine quality has improved which has increased supplies although
blister, peel, discoloration and occasional decay are still present but improving daily. Romaine hearts continue to offer a better value with slightly fewer condition defects but pricing has returned to normal above carton range as most shippers are not forced to strip down Romaine into hearts.CITRUS- Navel production continues with good volume and goodflavor and sizing profiles. Packout is heaviest towards fancy but there continues to be deals available on smaller and choice packs. Steady increase in production has translated to good values on all packs
CAULIFLOWER- Production has started to increase in Salinas and Santa Maria Valley as production has ended for some shippers in Yuma leading to a slight decrease in supplies. The market ended the week firm but could ease next week as production picks up in the North.
BROCCOLI- Quality along the coast has surpassed quality in the desert. Shippers will be finishing production in the desert next week but Salinas should pick up the slack. Look for the crown market totemporarily firm next week until full transition back to Salinas. Santa Maria will continue to have good quality and supplies throughout the week.
ASPARAGUS- Production from Mexico has peaked with additional supplies available from imports. Salinas has also started with some production leading to a good supply of aspargus. Most shippers firmed prices to meet their Easter Holiday ad prices but some shippers are offering deals to keep movement steady especially as the Mexican deal winds down. Look for prices to firm back up in a couple weeks.
GRAPES- Shipments are increasing again this week from Chile with better sizing expected especially the Reds although there continues to be a wide range in quality and sizing with significant discounts available on off quality packs. Green varietals continue to see increases in supplies and the market adjust but Reds should remain steady or even strengthen for the best quality.
CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but with strongHoliday demand. The market is steady but bulk supplies from Mexico continue to keep pressure on the market.
ARTICHOKES- Artichokes production has started it’s seasonal peak especially the preferred Green Globe variety in Castroville/ Salinas. There also continues to be other globe varieties available and withmost “frosted” issues having past all shippers have been offering promotional pricing. Most production missed the Easter promo slot but now is the time to promote. Sizing will peak on large sizes the next couple weeks and will transition to the medium 24-30 count by mid April with small sizes predominant by the end of the month.
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