November 12th, 2012

While we honor our Veteran’s  we jump right into the peak of the Thanksgiving Holiday demand. Shippers are continuing their transition south. With scattered production  most shippers  just trying to cover their regular business.  But with  transition, shippers routinely budget to have overlapping growing areas which can easily lead to oversupply and  discounted deals. These deals are usually sporadic and vary daily. This Holiday season appears to be no exception although inflated inventories and fluctuating weather pattern the past couple weeks has led to a wide array of quality concerns. Continue to plan ahead and monitoring shipment quality will continue to be top priority to ensure  best value.

After recent fluctuating weather in California/Arizona growing districts, temperatures will return for an extended run near normal ( 68/42 Coast ,  78/50 Inland desert) through mid December with the only chance of rain possibly next week.

Truck availability will be mixed this week. Last week rates continued to edge down but increased demand for the Thanksgiving Holiday pull will likely keep rates steady or even slightly higher  for those last minute needs. As always  advance notice will give you the advantage of best rates and service.

LETTUCE- Transition continues to the desert,   With ALL three districts still going there is an adequate supply available although quality from the  Northern areas (Salinas amp; Huron)  will take a significant step back.  Shelf life of Salinas lettuce is substantially reduced especially after last weeks swing in temperature. Yuma is initially reporting alot of small size lettuce but should improve as the week goes on.

BROCCOLI- Supplies of broccoli continue to be steady with crowns slightly tighter than bunch. Production continues to be slightly ahead of budget. Broccoli is grown in multiple districts (Salinas, Santa Maria, Central Valley , Yuma and Mexico) during this transitional period which should lead to ample supplies. This past weekends cold weather will keep product fresh but look for increased available supplies once the heavy demand period slows down. There are some  early reports for reduced yields on Desert broccoli but overlapping growing areas should offset any significant reduction.  

CAULIFLOWER-   Unlike broccoli, production of Cauliflower is more concentrated during the month of November. Salinas and Santa Maria are the primary growing regions and with production ahead of budget there is currently good supplies BUT will likely run short during the Holiday pull as there are no new districts to support demand until the desert ,which isn’t scheduled to start until the week of November 19th. Quality remains good. Look for supplies to strengthen the week of after Thanksgiving.

LEAF ITEMS- Romaine quality continues to be the driving force behind the improved market.  Much of the current crop continues to suffer from defects from seeder, tipburn, twist , mildew and rib discoloration. Most shippers are “trimming down” defects and converting to hearts.  This has led to carton Romaine market improving but the heart market continues to be over-saturated. Demand will continue to  improve but quality will continue to be an issue . There are a few quality concerns with the initial fields from Yuma but like iceberg lettuce, Yuma  will be the  preferred loading destination this week. Demand on green and redleaf will follow closely behind. 

CELERY- Market has strengthened slightly with Holiday promotions .  Inventories are down with the majority of shipments happening the next few days.  Eventually orders will slow down and spot buys with become available again by the weekend.  Usually on larger sizes as most retailers like to “downsize ” their celery spec during the Holiday to offer consumer a better per each value.

ASPARAGUS– Production from Mexico continues to be steady and demand has stayed strong. Quality continues to improve weekly. Supplies look to be on track for Holiday promotions.

GREEN ONION- Production is  steady  and demand has started to increase. Since most Green Onions are grown in Mexico it will be  an easy transition to the  desert.  Shippers  costs are actually reduced with the shorter delivery destination.  Also specials can usually be done within a days notice.  With the packaging technology available Iceless packs  continue to offer customers a very good value due to the reduced freight cost and the reduction in waxed cartons along with the reduced safety hazard of no excess ice. Pricing on medium and large sizes are slightly higher than small.  The market will likely strengthen as the week progresses.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS-  Good supplies and stronger demand have prices climbing. Most volume has been contracted out for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Most shippers are offering multiple packs  including clamshells, 1 amp; 2 lb microwaveable packages , and Stalks. Supplies look to continue to be strong even after the Holiday.

STRAWBERRIES-  Oxnard is the primary shipping region for eastern quality fruit although warm temperatures early last week softened the fruit then cold weather slowed it down.  Combined with some Holiday promotions , Strawberries have become increasingly tight especially for traveling East. Continue to expect bruising issues on arrival. Mexico availability will  start to increase quality offerings but expect the market for top end quality  to be strong through the Holiday’s.  Supplies of Raspberries  is better with improving quality.  Blackberries primarily from Mexico have increased and continue offer a good value. Production from Florida will begin around the first of December.

CITRUS- California Navel shipments have begun . Quality is excellent with high flavor profile and improving color. Both will continue to improve throughout the season.  The crop is projected to be extensive and promotional supplies available.

REMEMBER TO THANK  ALL VETERANS FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO OUR COUNTRY