August 18th, 2023 Market Report
Lettuce:
Lettuce markets are steady. In the growing regions, temperatures are expected to reach 80-100 degrees with rain this weekend, which will inevitably affect the quality of this commodity. Expect puffiness, some internal burns, and misshapen heads. Quality is fair to good.
Leaf:
– Romaine markets are steady. Due to the warm temperatures and rain hitting CA this week, the quality of romaine may be affected by early next week. Slight tip burn are some common defects reported. Quality is fair to good.
– Romaine Heart markets are steady. Due to the warm temperatures and rain hitting CA this week, the quality of romaine may be affected by early next week. There have been reports of slight twisting on romaine hearts. Quality is fair to good.
– Green and Red Leaf markets are steady. Due to the warm temperatures and rain hitting CA this week, the quality of Leaf items may be affected by early next week. Slight tip burn are some common defects reported. Quality is fair to good.
Lettuce Tender Leaf:
The heat over the last few weeks has affected Parsley, Cilantro, Arugula, Spring Mix, Arcadian, and Spinach. Yellow/brown/black leaves may appear at receiving due to heat-related quality issues. Quality is fair.
Broccoli:
Markets are steady. Broccoli supplies continue to be average in Santa Maria, Mexico, and Salinas. Mexico is still struggling with yields due to the erratic weather. Quality is fair to good.
Cauliflower:
Markets are steady. There is a steady supply of cauliflower in Salinas, Mexico, and Santa Maria. Quality is good.
Carrots:
– Cello markets are steady out West. Quality is good.
– Loose market is steady. Quality is good.
– Value-add Snack Carrots are steady. Quality is good.
Celery:
Markets are steady. Warm temperatures in all the growing regions may result in some bending of celery stalks. Quality is above average.
Strawberries & Bush Berries:
– Strawberry markets are coming down. New crop plantings are already underway in the Santa Maria area, with Oxnard following soon after. Although the market is weakening, demand remains strong. It is past peak numbers in Salinas and Watsonville, but shippers are still seeing fair production in later plantings. Quality is fair to good.
– Raspberry markets are coming down. More product has been brought on by slightly better temperatures, providing some relief from the recent extreme shortages. The Baja fruit is still making its way into the distribution areas of California from the San Diego area. Quality is fair to good.
– Blueberries markets are tightening up. Quality has been good.
– Blackberries markets are steady. Yields are increasing due to warmer temperatures. Red Cells are being reported on inbound. Quality is fair.
Potatoes:
We are now into new crop. Quality has been good
Onions:
The onion market is stable. Overall quality is good.
Cucumbers:
– Cucumber market is steady. Quality is good.
– Euro cucumbers markets are steady. Quality is good.
Peppers:
– Green bells market is steady. Quality is good.
– Red Pepper markets are very active. Quality is fair.
Herbs:
– Basil: We are still seeing minor quality issues. Overall, quality is fair to good
Citrus:
– Orange markets are moving up as school demand picks up. Valencia’s are the main variety. Quality is good.
– Lemon markets are still up and extremely tight out West. Import Lemons are steady on 115, 140 and 165ct choice fruit. Quality is good.
– Lime cost in Mexico remain elevated but demand in the U.S. has declined and pricing trends should follow suit. Extreme heat and humidity are impacting quality and shelf life. Overall crossings have declined and current pack-out yields account for a loss of approx. 20-25% on the line, which has improved from prior weeks. Peak sizing consists of small fruit, including 230’s & 250’s; large fruit will remain limited in availability.
Grapes:
Grape markets are slightly up. Quality is good.
Tomatoes:
In the east, grape and cherry tomatoes are higher due to the weather. California and Baja are in full swing with good supplies, but quality has been rough. Eastern Mexico crossings through South Texas are lighter but shippers should start to see more volume coming across. Canada has good supply and quality on Round and Roma tomatoes.
Cabbage:
– Green Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
– Red Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
– Bagged Cabbage: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
Market Alerts:
The items listed below are being prorated by Shippers.
1.) Poblano peppers
2.) Danjou pears
3.) Brussel Sprouts
4.) Brussel Sprout Halves & Shaved
5.) Golden Delicious apples
