We are seeing the BROCCOLI market separate between the “Haves and Have nots”. There continues to be plenty of supplies of Broccoli coming out of Santa Maria, which is represented by the lower prices. But the DESERT supplies are plentiful with some shippers and limited in other shippers. Therefore we are seeing a wide range in pricing.
Moderate supplies from Florida expected to remain about the same. Prices on Savoy type generally unchaged, others lower. Quality is generally good.
The carrot market continues steady at this time despite fair supplies. That being said expect to see supplies limited for the next few months as USDA Farm to Family box program kicks in for another round. Jumbo and cello market is inching back up; call to get your order on the books. Demand for snack carrots continues strong and advance ordering is a must. Look for prorating to be a possibility on snacks.
Cauliflower quality and condition have been good overall. Supplies are still plentiful with deals on 16s and 9s. Markets will be steady through next week.
Celery has been a two-tier market as demand has dropped a bit. Santa Maria and Mexican celery have good supplies with aggressive pricing while the larger Yuma shippers are still struggling on volume and sizing. Expect the market to remain strong through January.
The market continues to stay strong as many Mexican growers are now up against cold temps and rain production delays. Green Onions will stay hot throughout the month due to demand and limited supplies.
There continues to be plenty of GREEN LEAF available out of the desert. Recent rains will create muddy boxes and wet product, but the market should not change into next week.
Even with the recent rains and stoppage of harvest in the desert, the ICEBERG lettuce market has not moved. The current supplies have been equal to the current demand. Look for the market to remain steady into next week. Be advised that the product shipped at the end of this week will show mud and wet product.
As demand for RED LEAF has diminished, the market has adjusted down. Supplies out of the fields have not increased, but with the demand down, shippers are starting to build inventories.
As with other products being harvested out of the DESERT, Romaine cartons will be muddy and the product wet due to recent rains. Watch out for quality problems created by Epidermal peel coupled with rains. Keep orders close and don’t overbuy for about a week.