While the supplies of California Broccoli have increased helping to adjust the market, quality problems with some shippers are splitting the market. Be aware that a deal that seems too good to be true, might have some problems associated with the broccoli.
Moderate supplies from Michigan and North Carolina. Prices are generally unchanged. Quality is good.
The conventional market is up slightly as supplies of jumbo and cello continue to be limited. Growing conditions are such that the product is just not getting the size needed for these packs at this time. Demand continues strong on baby and processed product as well… though no change in markets here is expected.
Cauliflower demand is much better. Quality and condition are good. Shippers are saying less volume through next week. Markets look to be higher with maybe some deals on 16s and 9s.
The celery market is steady with good quality. Plenty of celery at the moment, suppliers are expecting the market to turn as we head into the holidays.
Green onions will be in steady supplies for a bit unless weather comes into play. Suppliers are working 6 days a week now and good volume with excellent quality.
Green Leaf continues to be the most active of all the leaf items. Limiting acreage in Salinas is the major contributor. Until we get to the desert to new fields, we will be in short supplies of Green Leaf.
As we get to the last couple of weeks of the Salinas Season, the limiting acreage has allowed the market to adjust and move upward. The new area of production (Huron) will start harvest this weekend. This will increase supplies, but not to the extent of a major market adjustment downward. Again, we will not see a big price adjustment until we get to the desert (4 weeks).
Even Red Leaf, which seems to be an afterthought of the leaf items is becoming active. End of the season acreage is limiting and supplies will become short until the desert starts.
Like all the leafy commodities, Romaine and Romaine Hearts will remain limited until we reach the desert. Continued high demand for retail and processed bagged business will keep supplies limited and pricing high. (very high)