THE SOURCE.
Stay informed on how the weather and other conditions across the country and the globe affect the quality, availability, and price of you fresh fruits and vegetables.
It's Spring Transition.
In the produce industry, we call the spring migration from growing areas in Arizona to California transition. As the weather warms up, growers gradually produce row crops in areas further north. During spring transition, quality and availability issues tend to be more common, since growing area are limited and susceptible to weather-related issues.
The Arizona season had extreme temperature swings, ending with weeks of extreme heat and rain, which accelerated plant growth and harvesting, and brought the season to an early end. At the same time, central California experienced heavy rain and flooding throughout February and early March, affecting planting on row crops (iceberg, romaine, leaf lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery) may be higher than usual, and quality is at a higher risk of being impacted.
We have about two weeks left of transition... Markets are surging on all leaf lettuces and romaine hearts. Broccoli will rebound soon; cauliflower has peaked. For best quality and value, you may want to discuss fresh-cut options with your sales representative.
APPLES:
Supplies on smaller-sized apples from Washington and New York are getting short.
ASPARAGUS:
The market is active due to the Mexican season finishing up and California just starting up. Local asparagus should be ready to harvest in the next few weeks.
BLUEBERRIES:
Blueberry supplies are limited. California production is very light but will improve over the next 2-3 weeks. Florida experienced some cold weather which has slowed down harvest. Mexico has been consistent, but light volume. The Chilean season has ended. Market prices have been high and firm. Quality is being reported as strong on Mexican and domestic fruit. We expect California harvest to improve in April with better availability by mid month. Jersey Blues are expected mid-June.
ALERT!
BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
There's a spike in the market due to quality out of Mexico from previous heat in their growing region. Also look for this trend as we head into April. Oxnard, California does not have the acreage to meet demand, but quality should be good.
ALERT! BROCCOLI:
As Yuma finishes the season, pressure has been put on Salinas, Santa Maria, and Mexico. Overall supplies are decreasing as we head into another supply gap. Look for this market to trend much higher as processors will be looking for acreage.
CAULIFLOWER:
Although the market is decreasing, supplies out of Salinas and Santa Maria remain the same. Demand is weak creating a downward trend; once demand picks up the market will trend much higher.
KALE:
Supplies from all growing regions are steady, keeping the market steady. Overall quality is good.The transition back to Salinas will be seamless.
ALERT! ICEBERG LETTUCE:
The market will continue to be strong as Yuma finishes and harvest numbers in the northern districts will be light.
ALERT! L
EAF LETTUCE:
Demand exceeds limited supplies on all leaf lettuce (green, red, and romaine). The desert regions are finishing rapidly as the recent heat has brought fields on ahead of schedule. The heat also caused some quality defects, reducing yields. The California growing regions of Salinas, Santa Maria, and Huron are starting slowly. The winter rains are making themselves felt with planting gaps and insect pressure. We expect demand to exceed supply for the next few weeks.
STRAWBERRIES:
California strawberry production is increasing. The weather in Oxnard and Santa Maria has been favorable this week, warm days and cool nights have increased yields and improved quality. We expect good volume of quality fruit over the next 2 weeks. We expect the Mexican season to finish over the next 4-6 weeks. Florida has now finished fresh production. Salinas production is getting started with very light volume, but will increase over the next 3-4 weeks. Markets have been fairly steady, but will begin to come down as volume increases.
STONE FRUITS:
The imported stone fruit season is coming to a close or has closed. Imported Peaches are done for the season. Imported Nectarines are days away before they are finished. Imported plums will arrive through April. Weather in California's San Joaquin Valley has been positive for good production. The wet winter and plenty of cold nights has growers expecting a great California stone fruit season!
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