Lettuce​

​Cold weather forecast came to fruition this past week delaying harvest with lettuce ice limiting supplies and forcing shippers to  firm prices. Forecast continue for below normal temperatures but not critically cold the desert occasionally experiences this time of year. The current frost conditions will extend blister, peel and discoloration well into January.   When temperatures return to normal supplies should improve rapidly.  In the meantime markets will  continue to be firm.

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Mix Leaf

After a surge of Romaine production cold weather has slowed growth and delayed harvest has allowed the market to firm. There is a significant disparity in quality which has allowed a range in the market  but as cold frost conditions continue the market range is narrowing.  Blister, Peel and discoloration will be the norm through January.  Other than the blister, quality has improved but still varies among shippers based on production area and severity of blister.      Greenleaf and red leaf production  has remained  mostly steady along with the market but will also tighten as frost conditions continue.  Blister and peel will be present but with less severity than romaine.

 

Celery

Pricing continues to creep up towards the $50 mark.  Although demand is slowing, supplies remain light and cold weather this week is delaying harvests and slowing plant development.  Soil borne pathogens are limiting production as well, although fewer cases are being reported at the field level this week.  Desert celery is still at least 10 days away from any significant production which will be necessary to ease the strain on California growing areas.  Heavy rain in the coming week will limit harvests and create more gaps in production, keeping markets strong.

 

Broccoli

Moderate supplies for the next couple of weeks. Crowns remain significantly stronger than the bunched product.  Increased volume is expected out of Mexico crossing in Texas which will help with some relief in the market.

 

Cauliflower

The industry continues to experience record low production on cauliflower. Expect some volatility with the market over the next couple of weeks.  There should start to be some price relief going forward as more production enters the market.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties have pick up slightly although limited from cold temperatures the past week .  The frost conditions in the desert will impact  artichokes  by  “frosting” the outer leaves. Many consumers refuse to purchase these “defective” artichokes  but some  shippers have begun to  market these as a characteristic that improves  taste.  There are a few production areas along the coast and in isolated areas of Mexico with limited exposure to frost  and are marketed  as frost free. The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until Spring.

Brussel Sprouts

Production  from Northern California and Mexico continues  to be heavy towards small sizing  with good demand on  Regular and  Jumbos.  Most shippers  are offering discounts on smalls while the standard medium sizes have remained strong. Issues  with insect and water quality remain along with  continued  heavy percentage of small sizing keeping yields far from optimal . Demand will continue to  increase through New Years.

Strawberries

Freezing temperatures that were not in the forecast caught the market by surprise this week out of California. Most growers will hold off harvests until next Monday as temps are expected to warm up over the weekend. Freeze related defect may appear in the market place next week. Expect higher pricing in the near term out of California. The McAllen area will have adequate supplies with prices $1.00 to $2.00 less than California.  Florida will be the best bargain this week as volume has been on the rise and it is expected to continue into next week.

Cantaloupes

Supplies remained tight for off shore melons with mostly fair quality and condition.  Sizes continued to run large. Demand was fairly good with some promotions and robust contract orders at lower prices than the spot market.  Next week there should be more fruit arriving as new islands start their deals. Demand will be slowed by holiday disruptions, so we look for the market to be lower.

 

Honeydews

Mexio finishes but with one last gasp during the first part of the week. Off shores supplies were steady and demand was fairly stable. Sizes on off sore melons continued to peak to the large size (jbo 5s and 5s).  The market remained steady with some dealing early in the week in reaction to the last flurry of Mexican supplies. Next week off shore supplies should increase and sizes should continue to run large. Demand , as with lopes, will be disrupted by holidays. We look for a lower market especially on jbo 5s.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon are short in supply from Mexico and there is very good demand. Weather has slowed production in Mexico and there are virtually no domestic Watermelon. Expect supply’s to remain tight until after the first of the year.

 

Limes

Limes have strengthened slightly as crossings are down. There are good supplies of most sizes , but expect supplies to dry up over the Holidays.

 

Mangos

Peruvian Ataulfos   01/2016