Active weather patterns have created unusual market conditions nationwide.  Storms in the east and tornadoes in the Midwest have slowed overall demand.  West coast weather has been volatile, with hot days followed by rain and wind.  Coastal temperatures in the 80s and 90s this week will be followed by a cooling trend with chance of rain next week.  These factors will surely affect quality industry wide.  Freight rates remain high with little sign of relief as diesel prices rise.  Crude oil prices are expected to remain near $100 per barrel throughout the summer.  This will have a noticeable effect on retail pricing throughout the country for the long term.

LETTUCE – Plenty of supply this week, quality is marginal due to recent rains.  Volume should tighten up next week as harvesting forecast show 30% less volume for the upcoming weeks.  Weights continue to be heavy, mostly in the 43-46 lb range.  Ribbing and discoloration are the common problems we are currently facing.  Quality is expected to improve as coastal temperatures cool into the weekend.

BROCCOLI – Fairly steady market, plenty of volume.  There will possibly be a production gap later next week which could tighten up supply.  Eastern crowns will be finishing up and demand will move west in the coming weeks.  Mexican crowns are showing quality issues including browning and decay. Be cautious with purchasing broccoli out of Texas unless you know exactly what you are getting.  West coast quality is better albeit pricier.

CAULIFLOWER – Still a very strong market here.  Supplies have improved this week and are expected to increase daily. Demand has slowed due to high markets and this market will continue to drop into next week, although volume could turn around at a moment’s notice. Plenty of quality issues to report mostly because shippers are putting as much as they can into the box to capitalize on the high markets.  Brown spotting, yellowing and decay are issues we are seeing daily.

LEAF – This market remains flat, plenty of volume and cheap pricing.  Shippers are looking to move, beware of old product.  The rain has not helped quality, pink ribbing and fringe burn are issues to watch out for.

CELERY – Currently plenty of volume on celery, and shippers are pricing to sell.  High freight rates have and will continue to hold this market back because of high delivered prices.  Some pith and seeder has been reported, but issues have not been extreme.  Seeder could become a larger factor in the weeks to come, as shippers will bypass product in the field and yields will be down.  This market could get slightly stronger as early as next week since Florida will be finishing up. More volume on larger product, fewer 36 sizes available.

BERRIES –

Strawberries – Tight market this week, the rain last week took its toll on volume.  Supplies are improving daily, but well below last weeks numbers.  Hot weather will affect quality and expect softer fruit on upcoming arrivals.  With Mother’s day business finishing up and cooler weather in forecast, quality and availability should improve.  Chance of rain next week could keep the market stronger than normal. Oxnard product is winding down, and more product will be coming out of Salinas and Santa Maria areas.

Raspberries –Mexico is winding down and most fruit will be coming out of Oxnard and Salinas areas.   Variable weather conditions will surely result in some quality issues over the next few days.   Overall quality is above average but there have been reports of soft fruit.

Blackberries – Steady supplies this week.  Mexico product is winding down, and most product will be coming out of California.  Quality is fair overall.

ASPARAGUS – California, Washington and Florida are the main areas.  Washington supply is expected to tighten up, California production is already tight.  Mostly smaller sizes available and quality is good.  Mexican product is still available, but is plagued with quality issues.