For the past month the industry has been subject to below normal temperatures in most of California/ Arizona growing regions.  This week culminated in some of the coldest temperatures of the season and in turn created widespread product shortages resulting in skyrocketing prices . Now there is a warming trend on the horizon that will help get most commodities growing again but there continues to be substantial damage left behind.  As most products  start to grow much of the damage from the heavy frost will have to be trimmed or the head may be left in the field altogether and the extent of the damaged won’t be determined until actual harvest of the crop.  Although quality will continue to suffer it will eventually lead to better availability and a return to more reasonable markets. This process has already  started as some buyers are looking for alternative growing regions to help supplement supplies on various commodities. Central Mexico which is home for many processors and commercial freezers with year round supplies on certain items and which  has been less affected by extreme cold temperatures has started to divert supplies of broccoli, Lettuce and celery to fresh market. These “imports” have helped keep markets from further escalating although these extra supplies will eventually create wild swings in supply and pricing as normal vegetable operations slowly ramp up supplies and specific target markets get saturated. There will be plenty of buying opportunities ahead but beware not all opportunities are good values. Continue to monitor quality .

 ******WARNING******Quality issues  ranging from Blister, Peel, Discoloration , Fringe Burn, Wilting amp; Decay will be present on ALL commodities for the next month .

Weather for most of the West Coast (norms: 64-65hi/40-45lo)   has made it through it’s coldest period and forecast to be near normal with intermittent spikes above and below normal for the next few weeks. The deserts have a similar pattern (norms:70-72hi/38-42lo) with forecast for warmer near normal temps  Soil temperatures have bottomed out and are expected to start rising but still far below the range needed for  normal growth. This is forecast to happen by the end of the month. Central Florida berry growing region is expected to return to near normal weather or possibly cooler (72hi/50lo)  with occasional isolated showers  for the next week  after experiencing a run of above normal temperatures. Central Mexico looks to be near normal (68hi/43lo) for the balance of the month.

Transportation rates are expected to remain steady. Continue to plan ahead to get the best value and service available.

BROCCOLI- The market has peaked as weather will start to turn around.  Presently supplies are limited in the desert but supplies of crowns will begin to be more prevalent  and eventually bunch  supplies will start to increase .  Quality along the coast continues  to be fair at best. Even desert quality is showing signs of the cold weather with purpling and discolored beads and epidermal peel on the stalk. There will  be increasing supplies coming from alternate growing districts such as Nogales, Mexico but those areas tend to have a WIDE range in quality and spec as well, so buyer beware. The market has peaked which will lead to better buying opportunities in ALL growing districts.

CAULIFLOWER- The market has continued to rise with the cold weather slowing production daily but with warmer weather predicted supplies will start to surge by the end of next week. Historically supplies peak sharply the first week of February. Look for promotional pricing to be available with volume on all sizes. Quality has mostly been good with some reports of black spotting, epidermal peel on jackets and bruising.

****WARNING****LETTUCE- Production has been slowed by cold temperatures along with quality issues arising from icy conditions. Now that most of the sub freezing temps are behind,  growers are evaluating the extent of the damage to the existing crop. Although likely decreases in yields are anticipated  overall production should increase  but the main concern is the quality issues on the upcoming fields. Severe blister amp; peel will eventually turn into discoloration and decay. All growers will experience some level of issues but the best ones  will be able to limit the quality issues that get into the box.  ALL shippers have contract clauses  that prevent inspections to count blister and discoloration as a scoreable defects although if serious enough decay will become an issue which is scoreable.  Continue to monitor quality and order minimum quantities until quality improves.

****WARNING****LEAF LETTUCE- Similar to Iceberg lettuce , quality will continue to suffer from blister, peel , fringe burn, discoloration and likely decay.Continue shopping for the product least affected by the frost will be necessary. Some shippers  try to strip all affected leaves before packing and some prefer to leave on a few “wrapper” leaves for protection. Either way there will be issues from pale heads highlighting discoloration issues or decay from the breakdown of damaged outer leaves.

ASPARAGUS- Market continues to be  active with limited supplies coming in from Mexico and Peru. Like most veg items the market has skyrocketed.  Supplies should start to increase sharply by the end of the month in Mexico but strong demand for ads will keep pressure on the market to remain high  once it comes off it’s historical peak. Now is the time to inquire about promotional pricing.

GREEN ONION- Supplies have been limited but are poised to rebound starting next week. like most veg items look for better values as we get closer to the end of the month. 

CELERY- The celery market continues to see strength even as cold weather has started to pass. Expect the market to ease slowly with 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.

CARROTS- Carrot production has been steady but starting to slow with seasonally cold weather.  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.

BRUSSELS SPROUT- Production from California has all but finished but Mexico production is well underway. Recent cold weather slowed production and allowed the market to firm. Quality will be significantly better from Mexico.

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. Further affecting the market is a fruit fly threat with Chilean imports . Red globe and most Green varietals  quality has been good  with the best quality coming from Chile.

CITRUS- Although  California Navel shippers are assessing damage their initial report is quality has only been slightly impacted by last weekends cold blast. They are still monitoring damage of the thinner skinned Lemons, Limes and Clementines .
So far this season quality has been excellent with good volume and improving flavor and sizing profiles from Central California.

STRAWBERRIES- Production has peaked from Mexico and Florida . Southern Californian Coast production is still limited but warmer weather forecast should start increase in quality supplies within the next couple weeks.  Now that the market has dropped to promotable levels the market looks to be holding as supplies are sufficient to continue promotions through the Valentines Day Holiday.  Quality from Florida and Mexico is good and California is  improving daily  depending on variety.  Stems will be available 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.