October 12th, 2023 Market Report
Lettuce:
Lettuce markets are still declining. There has been an acceleration of growth due to the very warm weather in California. Weights are 35-42 pounds depending on the shipper. The plants are a bit tired, so shelf life of value-added products has been shortened from 3-4 days. Quality is fair.
Leaf:
Romaine markets are steady. Slight fringe and tip burn are some common defects reported. Quality is fair to good.
Romaine Heart markets are steady. Slight fringe and tip burn are some common defects reported. Quality is fair to good.
Green and Red Leaf markets are steady. Slight fringe and 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 slowly improving, but overall is fair.
Broccoli:
Markets are slightly down, but still tight. There is pin rot, yellow beads, hollow cores, and decay in the fields, reducing production. There is a AOG price increase on broccoli florets. Quality is fair.
Cauliflower:
Markets are active. In recent weeks, warmer weather has brought fields forward and is causing quality issues resulting in lower yields. There is a AOG price increase on cauliflower florets. Quality is fair to good.
Carrots:
Cello markets are steady out West. Canadian carrots remain strong and appear to be getting stronger. Quality is good.
Loose market is steady. Quality is good.
Value-add Snack Carrots are steady. Quality is good.
Celery:
Markets are coming down. Demand has dropped off for this commodity, which has stabilized the market. Salinas production remains limited, Oxnard/Santa Maria will have ample supplies to meet market demand. Quality is good.
Strawberries & Bush Berries:
Strawberry markets are steady. Small amounts of fruit are beginning to cross regularly marking the very front end of the Central Mexico season. Harvest quantities in Salinas and Watsonville are on a steady decline as the season draws to a close. There is a slow increase in new crop fruit in Santa Maria and Oxnard. Quality is fair to good.
Raspberry markets are steady. As we wait for Baja to cross more fruit, production out West is very light and declining weekly. Over the next few weeks, this increase should begin. Light numbers are beginning to make their way to the border out of Central Mexico. Quality is fair to good.
Blueberries markets are very active. We are still in an extreme demand exceeds supply market situation which is expected to last through October. This lack of supply is due to El Nino weather events that affected Peruvian and Argentinean production areas several weeks ago. As much as 50% of supplies are down in both areas. Quality is fair.
Blackberries markets are getting active. Due to the very wet winter, we experienced this past year, very limited quantities are being harvested in the Central Coast California regions. There is barely enough production coming out of Central Mexico and Baja to meet demand for this item. In mid-to-late October, shippers expect better availability. Quality is fair.
Potatoes:
Quality is good, just seeing some skin Immaturity from the potatoes not being able to set yet.
Onions:
The onion market is stable. Overall quality is good.
Cucumbers:
Cucumber market is steady. Quality is good.
Euro cucumbers markets are active. Canada is gapping and expect markets to be active until Mexico gets started in November. Quality is fair to good.
Peppers:
Green bells market is steady. Quality is good.
Red Pepper markets are steady. Quality is good.
Herbs:
Basil: We are still seeing minor quality issues. Overall, quality is fair to good.
Citrus:
Orange markets remain strong and active. The price of 113ct and 138ct will remain elevated through the remainder of the Valencia season. With the hot temps in the Central Valley, shippers can expect fruit to begin re-greening soon (normal this time of year). This is purely cosmetic and does not affect the fruit’s flavor. Mid/late October is expected to be the start of domestic Navels. Other quality issues in play are softer fruit/pack pressure & stem-end aging due to increased temperatures in the growing region. Quality is fair to good.
Lemon markets remain strong and active. District 2 is approaching the end of its season. Lemons are tight across the board. District 3 (California desert/Arizona) has begun lightly. Quality is fair to good.
Lime Costs remain elevated, especially on large fruit. There’s a significant pricing gap across the sizing spectrum. The market is expected to be relatively stable/firm over the next few weeks; demand will dictate. The new bloom has been impacted by severe weather events over the last few months; pricing & availability could represent record-breaking numbers vs. “normal” historical trends in Q4. In addition, extreme heat and humidity has impacted quality and shelf life, which is also contributing to low availability. Quality remains subpar.
Grapes:
The grape market continues to be active. The majority of shippers expect to have domestic grapes through October, with a few continuing into early November. Between the end of the domestic crop and the start of the Peruvian import season, there may be a short gap in November. For the remainder of the domestic season, this market will remain high and tight. Quality is fair.
Tomatoes:
Round markets are steady. Grape tomato markets are going back up. Cherry tomato markets are still active. Roma tomato markets are steady. The Eastern supply continues to transition south with Quincy starting this week and Florida the week of 10/22.
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.) Broccolini 18ct & 3/2lb
2.) Brussel Sprouts Halves 2/5lb & Shaved 5/2lb
3.) Blueberries
4.) Snipped beans
