Primo

 Lettuce: 

Lettuce markets are still active. Supplies remain moderate, but production in Salinas is expected to increase in the next few weeks. Huron is expected to run until the second week of May. Yuma had late plantings, but the high temperatures in this region will cost growers to lose acreage. The escalation of value-added items will continue this week. With warm temperatures in the forecast expect lighter and puffier lettuce with multiple suppliers. Quality is fair to good. 

Leaf: 

– Romaine markets are slightly coming off. Yuma’s production is mostly finished. Production in southern California is light. Huron has moderate production while supplies in Salinas will be light throughout this week. The escalation of value-added items will continue this week. Some common defects being reported include tip and fringe burn, blistering, and peeling. Quality is fair to good. 

– Romaine Heart markets are slightly coming off. Yuma’s production is mostly finished. Production in southern California is light. Huron has moderate production while supplies in Salinas will be light throughout this week. The escalation of value-added items will continue this week. Some common defects being reported include tip and fringe burn, blistering, and peeling. Quality is fair to good. 

– Green and Red Leaf markets are slightly down on Green Leaf, but active on Red Leaf. Yuma’s production is mostly finished. Production in southern California is light. Huron has moderate production while supplies in Salinas will be light throughout this week. The escalation of value-added items will continue this week. Some common defects being reported include tip and fringe burn, blistering, and peeling. Quality is fair to good. 

Lettuce Tender Leaf: 

– Italian Parsley, Cilantro, and Arugula all remain tight. The product in Salinas continues to be behind schedule for 7 days. This is due to the heavy rains they had last month. The product is slowly sizing up and the weights are not to spec. They hope growth improves as the weather warms up slightly in the next few days in the Salinas Valley. Quality is fair at best. 

– Spring Mix and Spinach are in good supply. Quality is fair to good 

Broccoli: 

Broccoli markets are coming off, but florets continue to be limited in Yuma as production starts in Salinas. Supplies in Santa Maria and Mexico are steady. Overall, the quality is above average. Look for this market to adjust lower for the weekend. 

Cauliflower: 

Markets are very active and sold out. Cauliflower supplies including florets continue to be in a demand exceeds supply situation as shippers start production in Salinas. Santa Maria and Mexico supplies are tight as well and seeing more demand. Expect this market to continue to rise as we approach the weekend. Quality is fair. 

Carrots: 

– Cello and Loose markets are steady. Quality is good. 

– Value-add Snack Carrots are steady. Quality is good. 

Celery: 

Celery markets are up and strong for all suppliers. Production in Yuma is finished. Oxnard & Santa Maria has moderate availability with heavier production on small sizing. There have been reports of defects such as slight pith and seeder. Expect this market to strengthen over the next few weeks. Quality is fair to good. 

Strawberries & Bush Berries: 

– Strawberry markets are coming off. The market is experiencing a major production increase due to warmer weather. Quality is good. 

– Raspberry markets are still active. Very light numbers are coming out of Central Mexico while we wait for Central California to ramp up in late May. Quality is fair to good. 

– Blueberries markets are softening with more domestic product available. Quality is good. 

– Blackberries markets are still active. Very few supplies exist for this item and the markets are firm. This current gap should close in 2 weeks. Quality is fair. 

Potatoes: 

The potato market is strong and starting to tighten up. 40ct through 80ct are becoming very tight. We will be in old crop for another 4 months, Quality is good 

Onions: 

The onion market is very tight with heavy rains in Texas and Mexican crop winding down. Overall quality is good and pricing is up. 

Cucumbers: 

– Cucumber market is steady. Quality is good. 

– Euro cucumbers markets are steady at the bottom. Quality is good. 

Peppers: 

– Green bells markets are steady. Quality is good. 

– Red Pepper markets are steady. Quality is fair to good. 

Herbs: 

– Basil: We are still seeing minor quality issues. Overall, quality is fair to good. 

Citrus 

– Orange markets are up and tight on small fruit with significantly less volume. Val’s have started, but volume is very light. Quality is good. 

– Lemon markets are up. Small fruit is tight due to the past rain increasing fruit size. Markets continue to climb higher each week. Quality is good. 

– Limes market is softening. Overall quality is good. 

Grapes 

Grapes are limited, and will be for the balance of import season. Mexican grapes are late and will start end of May, ramping up in June. 

Tomatoes: 

The market is reacting a bit due to the Florida rains. The Ruskin/Palmetto area is now the main region. The quality is good. Out west, Mexico is on its seasonal decline and will continue for another 4-6 weeks weather permitting. Baja has started lightly with mostly big fruit available. 

Cabbage: 

– Green Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality has been good. 

– Red Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality has been good. 

– Bagged Cabbage: Markets are steady. Quality is fair to good. 

Market Alerts: 

The items listed below are being prorated by Shippers. 

1.) Cauliflower 12ct & 16ct 

2.) Cauliflower Florets 

3.) Snipped beans 

4.) Red grapes