Lettuce​

​An improvement in  supplies  along with poor weather in the East has turned the tide on most western veg markets including Iceberg Lettuce.  Markets  are still currently adjusting  and are predicted to bottom out next week .Quality concerns with  fringe burn, blister and peel along with associated discoloration will remain for another couple weeks.   Forecast calls for continued above normal temps through January  with a possible return of light frost early February. Take advantage next week to  secure promotional pricing .

​​

​​​

Mix Leaf

Romaine and leaf production has also been ramping up with  improved weather conditions .  Quality concerns  will remain with  Blister and discoloration being common in all growing districts but still varying degrees by shipper.   Romaine heart supplies should increase  as blister conditions worsen many shippers  will strip some of their romaine into hearts increasing supplies .

 

Celery

Strong markets continue this week as product remains tight in Oxnard and Santa Maria.  Yuma has started production in light numbers, which has eased markets slightly but will not make a significant impact until volume increases.  Production is expected to increase by late next week and markets will correct.  Quality remains nice with very few problems to report.  Temperatures are warming in the desert which will help production over the next 10 days.

 

Broccoli

Supplies have improved over the past week with lower markets as a result. The market has believed to have bottomed out this week and supplies are limited out of Mexico.  With good weather forecasted in growing areas expect sluggish markets through next week.  Shippers are listening to offers.

 

Cauliflower

Good supplies and a flat market. Shippers are overloaded with product and are trying to move product. Expect a flat market through next week.  Good quality industry wide.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties have pick up  slightly although still limited.  The  frost conditions in the desert and in Oxnard have limited production   by  “frosting” the outer leaves,  a characteristic still  frowned upon by most consumers. Limited production from  frost protected areas in Mexico has  started to arrive in the desert.   The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until Spring from Northern California.

Brussel Sprouts

Northern California  season is nearing its end with  recent heavy rains interrupting the final week of harvest. Production in Mexico  has improved slightly  but with  strong demand the market has been  steady.  Supplies will increase going forward  and the market is likely to ease off it’s current high level but the market will  still be good.

 

Strawberries – Oxnard area

The  Weather continues to remain cool, with limited sunshine and cooler temperatures expected to continue. It has rained at least once a week for the last 4 weeks. Not ideal growing conditions.  It does look like there will be a break in the rain after this week’s event and the balance of the month looks to remain cool, possibly dry.  However, this is an El Nino year and we will get more precipitation.

 

 

Strawberries – Mexico

The production areas in the Mexican States of Jalisco have had some weather

challenges.  In particular, Jalisco had some very cold weather

over the past few days, with freezing temperatures in the higher elevation growing

regions.  This will have an impact on future production, as well as an immediate

impact on this week’s forecast.  This cold and continual cool weather has kept one of the industries largest

production regions significantly behind over the last several weeks and this looks to continue

for the next two weeks.

 

 

Strawberries – Florida

Dover has had some heavy rains hit over the last week.  Combine this with cooler weather

the area is experiencing and some of the issues associated with the warmer temperatures earlier in their

production cycle and we will have very light supplies coming out of Florida.  At this point

it looks to remain very short for the next two weeks.  Also, the weather along the

gulf coast states has had an impact on some of the other smaller regional deals in the

area, adding an additional amount of pressure on the already short supplies

 

Raspberries

Production has dropped due the cooler weather in Central Mexico.  This area is one of the largest

production regions for the industry during this time of the year and without much volume from

other districts, it really places a tremendous amount of pressure on this district to cover

the marketplace with supplies.  At this point, raspberry supplies look to remain very

tight for the next two to three weeks, possibly even through the month of February.

Expect the usually boarder delays as well.

 

 

Blackberries

Cooler weather continues to be the nemesis and the Blackberry patch is suffering as

well.  Blackberries need warm sunny days to ripen and achieve their full color potential

as well as flavor profile.  We have not had this ideal weather and  production levels are

far off of forecasted numbers.  It is likely we will see very light volume coming out of

Central Mexico over the next several weeks. Border delays of 12 to 24 hours may be the norm.

 

 

Blueberries

Our offshore program has been limited to minimal arrivals on both coasts.  This has kept

supplies of large packs (pints and larger) to a very limited offering into the marketplace.

Central Mexico  continues to produce and supply  McAllen Texas with blues. Mostly

packing 6oz out of Mexico, but volume is light there as well. We expect better volume in about 2 weeks

out of Central Mexico, but not enough to effect market pricing dramatically.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon supplies are still on the short side. Quality from Mexico has been good, but offshore has been sporadic at best. The Seedless Watermelon market is still strong but demand to the East has wained due to the massive weather fronts affecting the east coast. There will be more availability for other areas but pricing should remain the same for the next few days . Expect volume from Mexico to increase later next weak and prices to soften towards months end.

 

Limes

718 loads crossed from 1/13-1/19 .  Suppliers are trying to hold pricing and keep it from free falling ,but with that amount of volume this week and last expect there to be a significant adjustment down. Quality could become an issues if inventory doesn’t move through the system quickly. The East coast weather will limit shipping possibilities and force the volume on the central and western United States. Produce West has limes available to load in McAllen and in Los Angeles.

 

Cantaloupes

Ample supplies of a wide range of sizes this week, coupled with demand challenges such as cold and story weather in Midwest kept prices on lopes in check and dealing the 10.95-12.95 range.  Some deals were being made for less.  Sizes were skewed a bit smaller with good supplies of 12s and 15s early the week. Next week sized will be running more toward 9s and jbo 9s again. Volume will continue to be ample.  Demand will be even more challenged than this week due to the winter storms bearing down in the East Coast. We look for prices to be lower and dealing on 9 and jbo 9s count. Steady possibly a bit higher on 12s and smaller

 

Honeydews

As has been the case all year, honeydew production has been lower than average. This has kept the market firm in the 10.00-1400 range with fair fruit at the lower end. Sizes ran heavily toward 5s and 6s with 4s becoming scarce.  Mexico got back into production following the holidays and traded a bit higher. Sizes there also ran heavily to 5s and 6s. Next week open weather in all of Latin America should lead to somewhat increased supplies. The weather challenges mentioned above will be afflicting demand. We look for lower market next week.

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.

​​​

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

 

 

Lettuce​

​​​Moderate temperatures have allowed production to increase  from the desert  and the Imperial Valley increasing pressure on the market. Improved lower pricing  has created  better movement in some sectors. Many shippers are at full capacity because of labor constraints  and with possible  cold weather forecast for next couple weeks supplies  again could shrink  causing the market to  firm.   Overall  quality other than blister has improved along with better weights.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine production

​ and quality  continue to  improve with a few shippers offering sharp volume discounts.  Quality varies among shippers based on  production area and severity of blister.  Strong supplies  should continue through next week but cold overnight temperatures forecast for upcoming weeks will once again tighten supplies  and further increase blister and peel issues.    Greenleaf and Redleaf  production  looks  like it may  continue to be  moderate  with no impending spike  which will allow the market  to maintain near current levels.

 

 

Celery

This market continues to gain momentum, even in the mid $30 range we can safely say that prices have not yet peaked.  Soil borne disease has plagued coastal growing areas, keeping volume down with little hope of catching up this week.  Quality issues are generally resolved before product leaves the field and overall reports show good quality at the consumer end. Desert production is still weeks away so we will continue to see tight markets and high pricing through the first of the year.

 

Broccoli

Demand exceeds and market will remain strong into next week.  Light volume from all growing regions including Mexico is expected for all of next week.  Cooler weather in California and Arizona is forecast-ed for next week as well which obviously wont help increase volume.

 

Cauliflower

There seems to be a little more product around, yet prices will stay at current trading levels all next week.  Shipper to shipper business and processor demand will remain strong next week.  We should start to see a price decrease and better availability the week of 12/21.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties continues to be limited but will likely start to  pick up in coming weeks ​from Oxnard and Mexico. The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until spring.

 

Brussel Sprouts

Production 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 as Christmas promotions begin.

Strawberries

As the market adjusts due to slightly better supplies and a sudden lack of demand, there will be a wide range in quality and pricing out of California and Mexico.  The market should find a bottom by the weekend. The weather forecast for the weekend is calling for periods of showers and heavy winds and this will continue into next week. If this storm front slides down the coast as forecast, it will help clean up inventories out of Santa Maria and Oxnard.

Cantaloupes

Product was tight all week as labor strife in Guatemala and weather related issues have caused a rather severe drop in production. At the same time there are contracts to fill and promotions set up a while ago to fill.  Production is falling far short of covering these needs.  Mexico is finished.  Prices this week on what little fruit was available shot up into the low 20s, although almost all shipments are at previously committed lower prices.  Next week we could see a slight increase in fruit as promotions will be ending. The following week of 12/21 there should be fruit arriving from newer areas such as Honduras and Costa Rica which should drive prices down.

 

Honeydews

Mexico was wrapping up and running moslty 8s. Off shore production was moderate but demand was slow.  Market was barely steady to lower.  Sizes running mostly to jbo 5s and 5s for Off shore fruit. Market should decline a bit next week with real weakness showing up the week of 12/21.

 

Watermelons

Supplies of Mexican watermelons are good and the quality is very good.  There are virtually no domestic watermelons left and the quality on those is varied. There are good supplies on  45s,60s and 4s,5s. The market in McAllen is slightly stronger than that of Nogales due the cheaper freight rates to Nogales

 

Limes

The lime market has continued to fall off. Supplies are down  considerably, but the market seems to be weaker than the lack of supply dictates due to slow movement. There are good supplies on the core sizes 150s-230s but quality varies do to light demand.

 

Mangos

Peruvian Kent Mangos are on the water and should be available by the end of the month . The will be loading in both Philadelphia and Los Angeles . There are still good supplies of Ecuadorian  Tommy Atkins around but quality is varied container to container. Produce West is working directly with importers for the upcoming Peruvian season and Mexico season .

 

Lettuce​

​​Production is starting  to pick up  in the desert  even though overnight temperatures has brought light to moderate  frost conditions the past week. Slightly more mild temperatures are forecast for next week combined with ambivalent demand the market  is likely headed for a correction even with the current limited supply. The current frost conditions  will cause light blister  to begin showing up  in coming weeks.  Overall  quality other than the blister will  improve along with better weights.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine production and quality has shown signs  of improvement this past week.  Cold overnight temperatures have kept  supplies  moderate but also will cause  blister to form on future shipments.  The market  is adjusting to  lower  demand  and will likely further adjust as production increases next week.  Greenleaf and Redleaf  production  looks  like it may  continue to be  moderate  with no impending spike  which will allow the market  to maintain near current levels.

 

 

Celery

Very few large sized celery currently available.  Issues with wilting have plagued the industry causing early harvests to prevent problems in the field, resulting in more small sized product on the market.  These issues are are suspected to be long term and we will most likely see a strong celery market through the first of the year.  Desert production is expected to start in 3 weeks.

 

Broccoli

Good supplies of Mexican crowns are crossing into the Texas Valley prices are $10.00 – $12.00 less than domestic product.  Quality is good, nice green domes with the occasional hollow core.  We are starting to see a little more availability out of California and Arizona and prices seem to be gradually coming down.  Quality is fair.  Product is branchy and knuckly which are  the two main defects, followed by some light purple color on the domes due to the cold temperatures over the last few days.

 

Cauliflower

Unavailable best describes this market.  Product will remain very limited for at least another two weeks. The desert growers will likely start harvesting more volume the week of December 21st if weather allows.  Until then pallet volume type orders will be all that can be covered with advanced booking.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties continues to be limited but will likely start to  pick up in coming weeks ​from Oxnard and Mexico. The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until spring.

Brussel Sprouts

Production 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 as Christmas promotions begin.

Strawberries

A wide range of pricing is available out of Oxnard and McAllen. Quality has been variable as well. Sticker shock is starting to set into the marketplace and many buyers are cutting back orders to get out from high priced inventory.  Supplies will continue to increase out of the McAllen area next week and Oxnard expecting average volume.

 

Cantaloupes

Market was demand exceeds very light supplies this week as Guatemala remained the only producing area and they were in a mini gap.  Next areas are not expected to arrive until Christmas week. Meanwhile there should be more Guatemalan fruit next week, but only a bit more. Most supplies have been sucked up by contracts and that should continue next week, leaving precious little supply for the spot market.  Sizes are still running large (mostly jbo 9s) with very few regular 9s and virtually no 12s.  Market should remain tight for the next 10-14 days

 

Honeydews

Nogales remains the place. Off shore could start in a small way next week but we will see when the boats arrive.  Demand for Mexican fruit has been lackluster and supplies moderate.  Market has been steady and dull. Little looks to change next week.  If off shore fruit comes in with any volume market could drop otherwise we see a steady and uneventful market for next week.

 

Watermelons

Watermelon will be done for the most part in Florida next week,  Texas has finished and Mexico’s volume  is increasing. Mexican Melons are crossing through both McAllen and Nogales . Pricing is Nogales is $.08 to $.10 per lb cheaper out of Nogales  the McAllen due to the freight discrepancy. Sizing is 3s,4s,5s with peak being 4s and 5s  .

 

Limes

Limes have firmed up with supplies being consistent but not overly long. There are good supplies to be had in the 150 to 230 range with prices varying on quality between $11 and $13 FOB.

 

Mangos

Mango prices have slid over the  past few weeks with demand being light. Most of the volume has shifted to Ecuador with Peru starting at the end of the month of December . Produce West will have  Mangos from Peru and can work out a program with its customers to transition from Peruvian to Mexican Mangos .

 

Lettuce​

Transition from Coastal California  to  Central Valley and now Yuma  is almost complete.  There will still be limited production from Santa Maria  through the month but Yuma and Imperial Valley will be the predominate lettuce growing area by next week .  Quality and sizing issues still remain in the desert limiting available supplies but overall quality is already a vast improvement. A return to cooler “Normal” weather  pattern will also help improve quality. Anticipate an eventual easing of the market as production and quality continue improving throughout the month.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine heart production is transitioning slightly slower than Iceberg keeping pressure on the market to remain firm. Quality will continue to be sporadic until the desert is fully operational by the end of the month.  Greenleaf and red leaf  are in a similar transition stage with good  demand  keeping markets  firm.

 

Celery

This market continues to gain momentum and supplies are slowly diminishing.  Salinas is finishing up and other growing areas are struggling to keep up with demand.  Santa Maria has light supplies and Oxnard is not yet in full production. Mix that with Thanksgiving holiday pull ramping up and we will continue to see a strong market on all sizes. Fewer large sizes available and most of the volume is on 36 size.

 

Broccoli

Cooler temperatures in California growing regions, transition and holiday demand will cause markets to increase over the next 7 days.  There will be limited availability out of Salinas and Santa Maria for the remainder of the week. Mexican Crowns are available out of Texas but prices are increasing there as well.  Quality out of California has improved with better color.  Mexico product continues to arrive with 40%-60% hollow core but overall quality on domes and color is good.

 

Cauliflower

Demand exceeds continues with cauliflower.  Tight markets are expected for the next 10 days.  Quality has been fair at best. Some riciness and discoloration on the curds continues to show up.

 

Artichokes

Production of thornless /seeded varieties are increasing from Salinas / Oxnard with mostly large sizes.  Mexico and the desert production will begin later next month as well.  The preferred eating Green Globe / Heirloom variety won’t return until Spring.

 

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues to be heavy with heavy demand to match.  Quality issues with insect and water quality remain keeping yields from being optimal . Demand will continue to  increase as Christmas promotions roll into  next month.

Strawberries

Most suppliers are taking a very large step down this week in production.  With the rain from Sunday and Monday’s thunder storms in the Salinas and Watsonville areas, availability will be volatile with the weather being the biggest driver. Arrivals are going to be rough.  Although we may provide you with volume forecast for a week or two out, this best laid plan could easily be disrupted by weather conditions that surface. We will also continue to provide you with an update on Florida production that is scheduled to begin the back half of November.

 

 

Raspberries

Even though the rain in the Watsonville/ Salinas areas continues throughout most of Monday, our overall production continues to be steady.  Although our supplies forecast for a fall peak the next two week the El Nino weather has had other ideas.  Both

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies started the week ample, but plunged by Wednesday in the face of cooler desert weather and acreage transitioning into its last phases. Mexico is getting going, but since the salmonella scares years ago, domestic buyers still shy away from them.  Off shore (Caribbean) fruit has started in a small way but is due to start picking up over the next few weeks.  Sizes have been running quite large domestically and continue to do so.  Demand has remained fairly steady, which is nothing exciting, but good enough to keep diminishing supplies cleaning up daily.  We look for the market to be firm to stronger going into the weekend and next week, but only moderately so.

 

Honeydews

Domestic honeydew supplies have been light all fall.  Demand has been fair.  Sizes have become more spread out rather than skewed large as they had been.  The domestic market waned a bit but still stayed at above average price levels.

Not so for Nogales.  Sizes are running large, but there are still ample supplies of 5s and smaller. Demand has been fair. There has been deep discounting on 4s and 5s and some discounting on 6s.  Mexico supplies going forward look to be ample and demand fair with markets remaining steady, but perhaps with a bit less dealing.

Lettuce​

Production continues winding down in Salinas while a few shippers are already transitioning out of Huron CA to Yuma AZ .  The market has peaked with shippers trying to price new crop areas higher although most quality issues remain   (see inset picture from Yuma) in all growing areas. We’re expecting quality to improve in a couple weeks when the desert is fully established.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Heart market continues to be strong. Production from multiple areas has helped supplies although quality continues to affect yields.  Many shippers continue to strip down romaine into hearts reducing overall quality even further. Greenleaf and Redleaf  supplies have slowed and the market has begun to react.  Many shippers will begin production from Yuma  and Coachella next week.  Once the desert is established, supplies should rebound in a couple weeks, barring any further weather issues.

 

Celery

Salinas production is slowing down.  There is product available in Oxnard, although light volume.  This market is expected to continue to gain momentum and remain strong through the thanksgiving pull.  Quality remains very nice with very few issues to report.

 

Broccoli

This market has remained strong, although multiple growing regions are currently in production.  Salinas and Santa Maria continue to produce but lighter numbers than previous weeks.  Mexico production is picking up and should remain consistent through November, though there has been a wide range in quality. Multiple quality issues include yellow beading, hollow core, pin rot, light green color, as well as a rubbery texture to this commodity in all the growing regions.

 

Cauliflower

As Salinas and Santa Maria volume continues to decrease we should see sharper markets into next week.  Yuma is not expected to start full production until the end of this month so we expect production gaps to widen as we near the Thanksgiving holiday.  Quality has been strong up to this point, but there have been more reports recently of yellowing and brown spotting.

 

Artichokes

Production on  seeded / thornless varieties  is starting to ramp up from Salinas and Oxnard.  The better quality chokes are producing larger sizes with most shippers limited on 24’s and smaller. Promotional volumes available on  12’s

 

Brussel Sprouts

Supplies continue to be heavy with an increasing amount of promotions to keep market elevated.  Occasional deals are being offered for volume but the market has begun to firm.  Quality is improving but still issues from insect and water quality remain.

 

Strawberries

The effects of Hurricane Patrica from a few weeks ago, combined with the current rainy & stormy weather, continue to make it difficult to get any fruit out of the 2 main growing areas, Central Mexico and Baja, California. It has been difficult to get product across the borders, as in most cases it is being kept close or rejected all together due to rain related defects. The forecast is for rain in both areas over the next 3 days. The northern areas are finished due the 2 inches of rain we received over the weekend.  There will be a few growers that will still try and harvest in watsonvile, but the fruit will be need to be kept close due to quality. Our best guess is we will see more volume coming into the marketplace late next week. This all depends on the lingering effects of the rains this weekend. The industry will be prorating at heavy levels for the next 7 to 10 days.

 

Cantaloupes

Supplies were moderate this week and still skewed to a large sizes. Demand was dull with few if any promotions and consumer focus on more autumnal fruit.  Thus the market was slightly weaker with some dealing.  Quality was adequate.  Next week we could see the very beginnings or transitioning from the Arizona deal to the off shore deal.  Yet we don’t expect demand to be much improved as Thanksgiving is not a melon holiday to say the least.  We look for the market to be slightly weaker next week.

 

Honeydews

The market on domestic dews stayed firm as plantings this year were light and yields have been very low.  Nogales has had adequate supplies. Sizes, for the most part ran large, particularly, in Nogales.  The market finished firm except on 4s in Nogales. Next week domestic dew supplies should stay relatively light, but Nogales should be ample.  We look for a steady market next week.

 

Watermelons: Produce West is finishing this week in Texas and will start packing melons in the Immokalee, FL area as well as Mexican Watermelons in McAllen and Nogales. Sizing on the remaining Texas Watermelons is running smaller with deal on 60s and 80s , carton 5s and personal 6s.

 

Mangos: Ecuador has started with good quality and pricing has remained steady . Brazil quality varies and there have been some arrival issues. There are deals to be had especially on  12s. Peru expects to start around the 1^st of December.

 

Limes: Demand is light. The market tried to pick up some last week but has weakened again . 568  loads crossed  in 7 days as of 11/7/2015 , this coupled with lack of demand will keep prices weak  for at least the next week.  There are deal on most sizes however quality is varied.

 

Lettuce​

Production is rapidly winding down in Salinas while a few shippers are transitioning to Huron in Central California as well as a few more starting in Yuma.  Wild swings in availability will continue for the next few weeks until Yuma is well established.  The market has peaked with some shippers still producing a high percentage of 30’s. Quality issues remain in all growing areas.  Continue to keep inventories low to limit exposure.   A lot of distressed lettuce has slowed overall movement.  The industry is hoping for a quality improvement from the desert.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and Romaine Hearts continue to be steady matching demand. Production from multiple areas has helped supplies although quality continues to affect yields.  Many shippers have been forced to strip down romaine into hearts. Greenleaf and Red leaf continue to trail. Transition will stretch out for the next 2+ weeks as shippers look to start in the desert by the second week of November.  Overall there shouldn’t be any gaps in supply but logistics is going to be challenging.  Promotional pricing has been limited due to the uncertainty of supplies. Once Yuma is established supplies should ramp up quickly barring any further weather issues.

 

Celery

With Michigan production finished and Oxnard not quite begun, this market is getting stronger.  Santa Maria has light volume and most of the pressure is currently on Salinas product.  Quality is still strong with very few issues to report off the west. Some product has been coming up from Mexico although very light numbers.  We expect this market to remain strong into next month as demand strengthens for Thanksgiving and Oxnard struggles to catch up.

 

Broccoli

There is better availability this week out of California but it may be short lived.  Most shippers are saying they will have lighter volume going into next week which will most likely drive prices higher.  Production out of Mexico continues to increase so this could help fill some of the void out of California.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have seemed to reach a level of trading that is now moving product.  Current prices will remain for this week and we should see higher prices at the start of next week. Quality is fair at best.  Some yellow cast as well as soft shoulders and riciness are present.  Expected start dates for the Imperial Valley and Yuma is the week of November 16.

 

Artichokes

Production is starting to ramp up from Salinas and Oxnard.  The better quality chokes are producing larger sizes.  Eventually medium sizes will also become available.

 

Brussel Sprouts

Supplies continue to be heavy with an increasing amount of promotions to keep market elevated.  Occasional deals are being offered for volume but those won’t last long heading into the Holiday season. Quality is improving but still issues from insect and water quality remain.

 

Strawberries

Supplies out of the Salinas / Watsonville area are dwindling down as we near the end of the season. We should see some supplies next week out the Central Mexico area if the weather cooperates. Demand is very strong and supplies are light and we expect to be in a demand / exceeds situation for the next 2 weeks. All labels of berries will have wet bruising and overripe’s defects. Counts remain in the 24 -26 area and most suppliers want to keep the fruit locally.
Bush Berries

Very little supply available due to inclement weather out of Central Mexico.  Tropical storm Patrica hit the region pretty hard and even with most of the fruit under hoops, high winds and rains took its toll.  Domestic Production is finished for the season. We will see increased supplies next week.

 

Cantaloupes

Desert regions remained the dominant source of lopes for the past week and should remain so next week. Nogales has lopes but domestic demand for Mexican fruit has never recovered from the Salmonella scares of the past.  Overall demand is only fair as we seem to have shifted into non seasonal demand mode.  Sizes peaked on 9s and jbo 9s with few smaller sizes in the mix.  Next week the weather is due to cool significantly and supplies should be lighter. Demand does not look to pick up soon and should remain steady.  We look for the market to be steady to slightly higher next week

 

Honeydews

Domestic honeydew plantings are much slimmer than in past years.  Also some areas have experienced some crop problems keeping domestic supplies very light. Nogales has had  slightly less than normal supplies.  Sizes have run mostly to 5s and Jbo 5s with few 6s available.  Demand has been okay but with light supplies markets have remained firm.  Next week cooler weather could make supplies even lighter. Demand looks to change little. We see a firm to moderately higher market next  week.

 

Lettuce​

Production from Salinas  and  Santa Maria  is winding down  quickly. Acreage and yields along with quality are declining daily.  Many shippers  are expecting some sort of gap in supply the next 3 weeks .  Not all shippers will  gap simultaneously and some will  only have smaller 30 size available and a few won’t gap  at all  but as an industry there will be  much volatility through mid-November. Flexibility will help bridge the transition to the desert. Production areas in Huron, CA and  Las Cruces, NM will also help facilitate the  transition.

 

Mix Leaf

Demand on Romaine and Romaine hearts continues to be strong.  Production gaps are expected for a few shippers but not as severe as  iceberg.  Many shippers  are being forced to strip Romaine  into  Hearts to avoid issues in the field further putting pressure on carton Romaine supplies  although allowing for occasional values on Hearts .  Transition to the desert will begin  in a couple weeks  although initial fields are reported to have poor stands and  quality issues  from earlier adverse  weather .  Quality and yields  are expected  improve quickly as new fields progress.  Greenleaf  and Red leaf  will  get stronger as well through the transition period.

 

Celery

This market continues to gain momentum.  Michigan is finished and all pressure is being put on the west coast.  Demand is increasing as weather cools and the holiday season is just around the corner.  Production is expected to be lighter than normal on the west coast due to water and labor issues.  We do not expect this market to soften any time soon due to these factors.  Large sized celery is even more limited.  Quality is still very nice, light volume is the main issue at this point.  Get your thanksgiving ad requests in as soon as possible.

 

Broccoli

Market will continue to trade at current levels through next week.  Overall quality is fair at best.  Yellow bead seems to be the most prevalent quality defect.  There is better availability with product coming out of Mexico, loading in Texas.  That quality seems to be improving with better green color and less hollow core.  Pricing on Mexican product is trading at lower levels than from California as well.

 

Cauliflower

There will be better availability going into next week.  Look for prices to decline slightly over the next few days.  Quality is good, not exceptional.  Varieties that are currently being harvested are planted for cooler growing temperatures and due to the warmer than normal temperatures over the last month quality has been affected slightly.  More yellow cast and soft shoulder is what is prevalent at this time.

 

Artichokes

Production from Salinas and Central California has started to improve after a month of little or no production.  Markets continue to be strong and will likely remain strong thru the Holidays.  New crop production from Oxnard may help supplies and offer values starting early next month.

Brussel Sprouts

Production continues from Salinas with additional production starting in Central California.  Demand has leveled off temporarily resulting in some volatility in the market. Heavy promotions next month will firm market.  Quality is good with some issues resulting from insect pressure and water quality issues.

 

Strawberries

The California Northern Districts will continue to wind down in production. The first substantial rain event will likely shut it down up here.  Currently, they are getting plants in the ground for next spring and Summer.  In Santa Maria, they are moving along well and are through the fall peak.  Production there will start to trend downward over the next several weeks. Oxnard production was forecast to peak this week, however, heat over the last two weeks has had a negative Impact on yields. Central Mexico production continues to increase week over week and will become a larger contributor to our overall volume in the weeks to come.
Raspberries

Raspberry production in the Northern Districts will continue to decline week over week.

Santa Maria and Oxnard will continue to produce, however as we head deeper into the

Fall and winter months, Central Mexico will take over as the largest producing district.  As we head into the rainy season in Central Mexico and in California, be advised that we could be facing some weather disruptions that our beyond anyone’s control.

 

Blackberries

Blackberry production, for all intents and purposes, is finished in the California.  We are now starting to see production in Central Mexico ramp up.  With 90% of the acreage hooped, Driscoll expect to be able to recover from most rain events quickly.  Currently, we are seeing the production out of Central Mexico increase significantly from week to week and look to be very well supplied, barring any adverse weather, by late October, early November.

 

Blueberries

Blues continue to flow into the supply line from Argentina and Mexico.  Argentina fruit has been

hitting the  Southern Cal and Florida in small, flown in quantities.  Central Mex and Baja fruit have been coming in through McAllen TX and into Oxnard California respectively.  Supplies will continue to increase each week through October.

 

Cantaloupes

Cantaloupe production has virtually ended in the Westside but has gotten into full production in the desert areas.  Sizes are peaking on 9s and jumbo 9s.  Demand has quieted as we get into late fall when melons are less seasonal as weather cools off across the country.  Thus market finished fairly weak with some dealing.  Nogales has also started.  Next week we see production to continue to be ample with demand remaining lackluster.  Market should be steady with some dealing.

 

Honeydews

production picked up as well, but there is not a huge amount of acreage planted. Nogales is underway along with the domestic desert areas. Sizes continued to peak on 5s.  Demand was unremarkable but better than cantaloupes because there are less of them and they are more popular in the fall than lopes.  Markets finished steady with some dealing. Next week the market should be steady to possibly a bit weaker as production picks up, particularly in Nogales.

 

Watermelon :

Watermelon have finished in California and for the most part on the East Coast, Mexican production is still very light   . There are a few melons out of Alabama and Georgia with those areas finishing next week. .  Florida will be starting out of Immokalee next week. South Texas has started new fields and quality is good, brix 10.5-11.5 . Produce West can pack bins, cartons and personal seedless to order.

 

Mangos

Brazilian Mango peak arrival is this weekend, look for prices to fall next week. Due to arrival delays from the last vessels some fruit that is currently in the system has had quality issues. Peak size is 10/12s with 9s and large being in short supply due to commitments.

 

Limes

Volume is down over the current 7 day period, however there is inventory built up. Prices should stay weak with opportunities on  230/200s.

 

 

Lettuce​

A surge in  production overwhelmed  moderate demand and the market has softened significantly.  Quality issues still  dominate the industry.  The are still many shippers with tight supplies but enough shippers  have been hunting orders which allowed the market correction.  Look for continued  surplus for another week  and then the market will likely firm heading into the Fall transition.  New production areas will include Huron , CA  and  Las Cruces NM starting in a couple weeks.

 

Mix Leaf

Romaine and  Romaine hearts production continues to be  moderate with  lighter supplies  looming .  A Few larger shippers have already begun raising  prices  to slow demand.  There are still values available but look for rising markets and stronger demand as local homegrown deals wind down. Quality  still is fair with a range of  problems from  Mildew , Insect  , Tipburn  and  Seeder.  Green and  Redleaf  continue to be abundant but will likely  tighten as Romaine gets  stronger.

 

Celery

Steady supplies on the west coast this week.  Shippers are looking to load volume orders for discounted pricing. Quality is very nice, strong structure and good color. Santa Maria volume is picking up. Oxnard is also starting up in small numbers. Michigan is finishing for the season which will put more pressure on west coast product. Pricing should remain steady for the next two weeks and then we could see markets strengthen and remaining strong through the holidays.

 

Broccoli

Look for a slight decline in prices over the next few days.  Yields are starting to increase due to normal growing temperatures and better quality.  Although some of the local deals on the East Coast as well as the Canadian growers are starting to finish,  supplies out of Mexico are starting to increase which will help offset the loss of local deals.  Quality is getting better, we are not seeing as much yellow bead and the domes are nice and tight with light green to green coloring.  Expect to start to see some purple color on the domes as nighttime temperatures in California growing regions decline.

 

Cauliflower

As we head towards November and the start of transition, shorter days and cooler temperatures we will begin the roller coaster pricing ride on most commodities and cauliflower looks like it will be the first. Supplies look like they will tighten over the next few days.  Prices have already begun to increase and will continue as we head towards the end of the week.  Fields will be yielding predominately 16’s and 12’s, there will be very few 9’s available.  Pre – books are highly recommended in order to get your orders filled as requested.

Artichokes

Production continues to suffer the effects  of the heat a couple weeks ago . Even with only moderate demand  the  market has spiked.  Look for continue lack of supply and high markets  through the month of October.

Brussel Sprouts

Stronger demand  , mainly from  Canadian Thanksgiving ,  has strengthened the overall market  .  Look for a slight respite in demand  for the next couple weeks until  promotions kick back in for the Holidays .  Take advantage of locking up pricing  for the Holidays while there is a surplus.  Quality has improved  with some Insect  and water quality issues affecting yields.

 

Strawberries

Quality continues to be the main concern in Watsonville, Santa Maria, and Oxnard.  Soft and bruising have been the main quality issues.  We are expecting warmer temperatures for the weekend, but volume looks to decline slightly in the coming weeks as number will not pick out of Oxnard area for another few weeks.

 

Cantaloupes

West side continues to wind down and will most likely peter out over the next week. Central Arizona has started and is running mostly large sizes. Yuma in on tap to start next week with Blythe close behind.  That being said, there is significantly less fall acreage planted than in the past. Also desert spring rains could affect yields and quality.    Central Arizona is the more mature fall deal and the sizes there should run a bit smaller next week. Newer areas of Yuma and Bltyhe should run larger.  Overall the market should be firm next week with 9s running 10.00 and higher and 12s running 9.00 some higher and lower.

 

Honeydews

Westside is virtually over but growing areas north of Sacramento have a week to ten days to go. Desert is going with Maricopa going and other areas getting started. Yuma and Blythe are about a week away. Sizes are peaking on 5s and 6s in the north and jbo 5s and 4s in the desert.  Markets are generally ruining in the 8.00-9.00 range with some lower.  We look for a change in volume producing areas with most shifting to the deserts over the course of next week. However, with the north winding down, we see steady market next week.

 

 

After the recent heatwave out west, weather has cooled down to normal fall conditions this week. The damage has been done however, and we will continue to see quality issues as a result of the heat.  A chance of rain is forecasted on the central coast over the next few days, but not much, and should not significantly affect markets.  Truck rates are still cheap and there are still plenty of truckers looking for loads.  Fuel prices are about $1 cheaper than they were this time last year, which should keep freight rates on the lower end for the next 5 weeks.

 

Lettuce​

Demand continues  to ease with  production mostly  steady from  Salinas and  Santa Maria .  Quality  continues to impact supplies .  Quality issues  range from  internal burn ,  weak tip , seeder , mildew and insect damage .  Weights have improved but are still lower than normal.  Current  market has weakened  but likely firm with increased demand  from East Coast  as local production winds down.  Transition  to Central Valley, CA for a  few  shippers  will  begin  in  2-3 weeks  along  with New regional production  from Las Cruces , NM  .  New  production areas currently on track  to have improved  quality.

 

Mix Leaf

Production on  Romaine and leaf  continue  to fluctuate among shippers but  overall  steady.  Quality has improved  slightly  but the range of issues  remain.  Similar transition on  Romaine to  Central  Valley  , CA  but fewer shippers participate due to  limited  water availability . Las  Cruces , NM  will have a  limited  production schedule  as well .

 

Celery

Plenty of product available out of Salinas and Santa Maria. Markets are sluggish and shippers are looking to deal.  Quality is nice, weather is cooler and we are seeing good color and strong stalks with less seeder in the fields.   Product is still coming out of Michigan, keeping markets down.  We should see better markets in a few weeks as holiday business picks up and Michigan production winds down.

 

Broccoli

Demand is increasing out of the Mid West and East Coast as local deals start to dry up.  Couple that with quality issues and lighter yields out of California due to the higher temps from last week and we now have ourselves in a demand exceeds situation.  Supplies will remain limited on all pack styles especially crown cuts well into October.   Export volume out of Mexico is beginning to increase but quality is fair at best due to heavy rains in their growing regions over the last few weeks.  Quality issues we are currently experiencing in California are yellow bead and spread.  We will do our best to find best quality for your orders and pre books are recommended.

 

Cauliflower

Prices have climbed over the last few days.  Deals that shippers were looking to make at the beginning of the week are now disappearing.  Markets will continue to trend upwards as the week comes to a close.  Quality has been nice, white to off – white domes with solid curds and good green jackets.

 

Artichokes

Production  has been limited  due to the heat damage  the last couple weeks .  Supplies look to rebound next month  but demand should keep the  market strong.  The  primary  variety continues to be the Seeded / Thornless  Globe ,   Limited Heirloom  Globes  won’t peak again until the Spring.

Brussel Sprouts

Improved demand, mainly from Canada, has firmed the market although quality issues continue to impede overall demand.   Heavy  promotional  supplies  will be available  but  cooler weather is  necessary to improve quality   heading into  heavy  production  Fall  program.

 

Strawberries

The Salinas and Watsonville growing regions are beginning to wind down for the season. Early reports from Oxnard, California have shippers harvesting very light supplies and Santa Maria shippers sold out until Thursday. The forecast for Santa Maria, California is for sunny skies, with highs in the 70s warming to the 80s on Friday and lows in the 50s. The berries have some bruising and are over ripe, occasional salmon color, occasional white shoulder and tip and average counts in the mid- to upper- 20s, with some 30s. New crop fruit is averaging a count of 22 to 24.

 

Cantaloupes

The Westside continues to wind down slowing with many in their last fields.  Sizes are running smaller and peaking on 12s then 15s.  9s are not short, but not plentiful. Overall quality is average.  Arizona started this week with sizes running mostly 9s. Quality is good, volume is moderate but should be increasing.  Demand has slowed due to fall arriving and prices being somewhat higher than mid-season.

 

Honeydews

Supplies are adequate as the northern areas around the Westside and north of Sacramento continue to ship although with less volume than mid-season peaks. Arizona is phasing in rapidly.  As with the cantaloupes, sizes in the more mature northern districts are peaking on 6s.  Arizona sizing is skewing to jbo 5 and 5s. Demand is moderate as inventories on the delivered end are high priced and consumers tend to gravitate toward fall fruit.

 

Limes

Limes are transitioning in to New Crop with large sizes becoming more available daily. There are still good supplies of 250/230s on hand but expect that to gradually change. There has been rain in Mexico and the is forecast for  rain at the end of next week. So expect volumes to remain roughly the same and prices as well.  So far the volume shipped is down compared to the same time frame last year.

 

Watermelons

The East Coast is expecting a strong weather front that should end the last of the East Coast melons.  West Texas is winding down  and quality is diminishing in that area . Southern Texas is just starting and will have more fields come on line in the next two weeks. Produce West will also have melons to load out of New Mexico next week we feel that the peak sizing will be 50% 45s 50% 60s from that area.