Cauliflower

Weather Dominates in California’s Winter Desert Vegetables

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 23:34:41 GMT

The “cool” in “cool-season crops” means something different when it comes to California’s deserts in winter.

For example, winter highs average 69°F to 80°F from December through March in the Palm Desert of southeastern California. Lows average 45°F to 54°F during the same time. In the more arid southern tip of the San Joaquin Valley, winter highs usually average 60°F to 71°F and winter lows average 41°F to 46°F.

Garret Powell, general manager of sales at Peter Rabbit Farms, likens California’s deserts in winter to summers for most of the rest of the country’s farming regions.

“Sunny days and cool nights create an ideal growing region for wintertime,” he says.

Speaking specifically of the Coachella Valley, where Peter Rabbit has been a seasonal grower of bell peppers, leafy greens, and eggplant for 75 years now, Powell adds that there is little rain and ample available water in the form of reliable aquifers.

“It means that we’re able to grow all sorts of vegetables here,” he says.

Steve Adlesh, director of sales and marketing of Beachside Produce, describes California winter desert growing as an essential element for any company that wants to provide vegetables to customers year-round. Powell similarly describes the time and place as the natural transition point for growers and distributors that grow in Mexico and South America in early spring and elsewhere in the U.S. in summer.

For cool-season vegetable crops like broccoli, cauliflower, celery, Brussels sprouts, cilantro and kale, the unique winter climate of California’s deserts is beneficial, Adlesh adds.

“Those have to be in a climate where you’re not going to have much rain, and in the desert region, there’s really little to no rain during December, January and February,” he says.

Weather is Everything in the Desert

Despite being essential to a year-round vegetable strategy, winter growing in California’s deserts comes with potentially unexpected weather-related challenges.

“The thing we worry about in the desert are the freezes and freezing temperatures,” Adlesh explains. “It can get into the 20s when you get into late November to late December.”

While most cool-season crops can tolerate a freeze, it results in logistical difficulties.

“[A freeze] curtails the harvest because you have to let the produce, especially the lettuces, thaw out before you can harvest them, or you damage the tissue, and it’s just no good for the customer,” Adlesh says. “If you have ice in the morning and you can’t start harvesting until 11, obviously the production is going to decline and there’s going to be a lack of supply. So that can be a deal breaker if we have a really cold, cold winter.”

However, this winter looks like it will potentially be warmer than usual. In early October, the National Weather Service announced a weak La Niña condition , which usually means drier and warmer winters for Southern California, had been confirmed. At the end of October, it projected higher-than-average temperatures will likely exist for the area through the end of January.

This fits with what Peter Rabbit Farms has experienced in the Coachella Valley, according to Powell.

“This is a peculiar fall, we’ve had about 12 [degrees] to 15 degrees of higher-than-average temperatures for the last two weeks,” Powell reported during the first week of November. “This season has been getting much warmer temperatures than average. So, it’s really brought all the crops forward a little bit. I think this year we started our red peppers maybe 15 days earlier than normal.”

Desert Weather Giveth and It Taketh Away

What the weather does in the desert can have outsized impacts on winter vegetable markets.

For example, Powell explained that while Peter Rabbit Farms was able to start its fall bell peppers early and get good color on them earlier; so too were all the other fall and early-winter pepper growers in the desert.

“The guys in Central California were allowed to keep going, and it has created a pepper market where you have a lot of suppliers that are either ending their season and then you have a lot of suppliers who are now starting earlier and getting started,” Powell says. “So, there’s been high availability of peppers out there, and that’s the challenge.”

The inverse is also true.

“Right now, the markets are so high due to Mother Nature,” says Adlesh, speaking of the hail that hit some greens-growing regions. “It’s crazy. There’s lettuce, $40, $50; romaine, $40, $50; green leaf, $40, $50. That’s because of what Mother Nature threw at us here about a month ago.”

While the success of all agriculture rests on the whims of weather, Adlesh says that is especially true in the California deserts in winter given the extremes in play and what that weather can mean for markets.

“It’s hard to make money in the desert, period. We go down there to keep our customers in supply year-round, but it’s a huge risk for all the shippers that do year-round programs,” he explains. “You just plan what you need for your contract and, outside of that, don’t take any chances, because if the if the weather is nice all winter and the supplies are heavy, it can be an absolute nightmare.”

Different Sort of ‘Winter’ Desert Vegetable

While sweetpotatoes aren’t grown in California’s deserts in the winter, with harvest usually wrapping up at the end of October, they are in highest demand during winter holiday meals and are grown in California’s deserts. These deserts are uniquely well suited to sweetpotatoes’ growing needs, according to Jeremy Fookes, director of sales at AV Thomas Produce.

Fookes explains that the massive day-to-night temperature swings, sometimes as much as 40 degrees to 50 degrees, common in California’s deserts are essential to sweetpotatoes’ ability to develop the best flavor. The nature of the desert soil is also important, he adds, describing a small patch of California’s Central Valley between southern Stanislaus County down through northern Merced County as perfect “for producing good looking sweet potatoes.”

“The soft, sandy soil allows for the shape of the potatoes to develop the clean look to them that makes for high-quality, aesthetically pleasing potatoes,” he says. “There are certain regions throughout the country or even the world that produce good quality wines. Well, it’s the same thing with sweetpotatoes and a lot of other crops.”

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of June 1

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:40 GMT

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = May 16; 2nd no. = May 23; 3rd no. = May 30. Expected movement is for June 21 to July 4. F.o.b. prices are as of June 1.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (19-17-16) — Movement expected about the same. Supply 12-18s fairly light. Trading 12-18s active, 24-36s moderate. Prices 12-18s higher, 24s slightly lower, 30-36s generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s mostly 18.55-18.75, 18s mostly 17.05-18.75, 24s mostly 14.75-16.65, 30s mostly 12.65-14.75, 36s 12.65-14.65; ORGANIC 12s 26.55, 18-24s 22.55, 30s 20.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA Imports (18-33-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same this week, decrease next week. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Large Much Lower, Standard and Jumbo Lower, Extra Large and Small Slightly Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 15.75-16.75, xlge mostly 15.75, lge mostly 14.75-16.75, std mostly 15.75-16.75, sml mostly 10.00-13.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (2-15-22) — Movement expected about the same. Trading opened active, closed fairly active. Prices Lower. Pyramid cartons 28 pound bunched Green large and std size mostly 48.00-52.95, 11 pound cartons bunched large and std size mostly 19.75-21.75. Quality good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (23-18-19) — Expected to remain the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large 16.75-17.75. Extra services included.
WALLA WALLA DISTRICT AND LOWER YAKIMA VALLEY WASHINGTON — Shipments (17-9-8) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most handlers have finished marketing the crop. Washington Extra Fancy 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates bunched large and standard supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched large and standard supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Light — Shipments expected to continue thru June 12. LAST REPORT

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (122-113-83) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Available supply fairly light. Trading early active, late very active. Prices much higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 14.35-15.65, 18s mostly 14.85-16.15; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 16.35-18.85, Short Trim mostly 17.45-19.85. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s mostly 30.55-32.95; 20-pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 32.55-34.50. Quality variable. Most present shipments from previous commitments and/or prior bookings.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (66-64-79) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late very active. Prices much higher. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim 13.50-14.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (53-44-38) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late very active. Prices much higher. Cartons bunched 14s 14.00-15.85, 18s mostly 14.50-16.35; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 15.85-17.75, Short Trim mostly 17.85-20.85. ORGANIC Cartons bunched 14s 30.00-34.50. Quality generally good.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (173-185-231) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 50 pound jumbo slightly lower, others generally unchanged. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.30-15.40; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 12.65-16.40; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 6.65-8.20; cartons 30 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-20.70. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (59-72-68) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices Lower. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo mostly 9.50-10.00. Quality variable.

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (100-86-83) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Supply fairly light. Trading early active, late fairly active. Prices 9-12s slightly higher, 16s generally unchanged. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 15.35-17.65, 9s mostly 14.45-16.50, 16s mostly 13.55-15.65; ORGANIC 12s mostly 22.50-24.55, 9s mostly 22.00-22.55, 16s mostly 22.50-22.55. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (41-35-36) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 12.85-16.85, 9s and 16s 11.00-13.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (256-272-220) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading moderate. Prices slightly lower. Cartons 2-3 dozen mostly 9.45-11.55; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 13.65-15.55. ORGANIC cartons 2-2 1/2 dozen 32.56-32.85; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 21.56-22.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (62-60-54) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons 2 dozen 8.00-9.85, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 8.85-9.85, 3 dozen mostly 8.00-9.00. Quality generally good.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (2-3-8) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5.

Corn, sweet

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (51-200-147) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices many shipments under contract prices. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 20.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Shipments (207-161-80) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White, Yellow and Bi color mostly 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 7. Quality expected to be generally good. The first FOB report is expected to be issued by June 12. FIRST REPORT

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (171-142-126) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices small much lower, 24s generally unchanged, others lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 8.95, fair quality mostly 6.95; small 5.95, large mostly 6.95. Cartons 24s 3.95-4.95, 36s mostly 4.95-5.95. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (103-88*-92) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices large generally unchanged, others slightly lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 9.95-10.95, fair quality 7.95-8.95; large 8.95-9.95. Quality variable. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (10-26-33) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Higher. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium 20.35-20.85 fair quality 8.35-8.85, cartons 24s 6.35-6.85. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (29-39*-28) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Active. Prices GREENHOUSE 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 10.95-12.95, fair quality 8.95-10.95, large mostly 8.95. Quality generally good. (*revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (37-23-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Includes palletizing and precooling. 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates Pickles 150-200s 16.90, 200-300s mostly 20.00-21.90. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (456-435-426) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, 30s slightly lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 14.35-15.00, filmwrapped mostly 15.35-16.00; 30s filmwrapped mostly 10.65-12.45; ORGANIC 24s filmwrapped 14.50-16.50, 12s filmwrapped 8.50-10.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (74-82-72) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.00-15.25, filmwrapped mostly 13.00-16.25. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (373-360-365) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices Hearts 12 3-count slightly lower from market high on Friday, May 29; Hearts 48s generally unchanged from market high on Friday, May 29; 24s generally unchanged. Cartons 24s mostly 7.45-8.65; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 11.56-12.85, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 13.45-14.75. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 20.55-23.25; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 16.55-18.25. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (60-58-41) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, Hearts generally unchanged. Cartons 24s 8.50-11.25; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 12.85-13.50. Quality generally good.

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (1,169*-1,213*-1,056) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were California, New Mexico, Georgia, Columbia Basin Washington, and Mexico. (* revised)

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (296*-333*-242) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano Type 50-pound sacks super colossal 9.00-10.00, colossal 8.00, jumbo 7.00-8.00, medium mostly 9.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo mostly 12.00 medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 6.00-7.00, medium mostly 6.00. (* revised)

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-25-150) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers receive onions. Trading Moderate. Prices Reds higher, Yellow super colossal and jumbo lower, others generally unchanged Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks super colossal 12.00-14.00, colossal 11.00-12.00, jumbo mostly 9.00-10.00, medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 8.00-9.00, medium mostly 9.00.

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (162-156-131) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 21.00-24.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 27.00-31.00.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (239-134-127) — Movement is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano-Type Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 16.00-18.00, Yellow Grano - Type 50-pound sacks colossal mostly 10.00, jumbo mostly 9.00, medium 10.00-12.00, White 50-pound sacks jumbo 14.00-16.00, medium 12.00-14.00, Red 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 8.00, medium mostly 8.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (176-152-111, Includes exports 31-15-19) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP Crossings — (153-249*-91) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (* revised)

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (41-57-46) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Unofficial prices fro Monday, June 01, 2020 Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks colossal 10.00-11.00, jumbo 9.00-10.00, medium 9.50-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 8.00-9.00, medium 7.75-9.00.

ARIZONA DISTRICT — Shipments (49-49-37) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (6-6-18) — Movement expected to increase as shippers receive more onions. FOB price report expected next week (June 8, 2020). First report.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (10-9-6) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Peppers, bell

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (86-81-80) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading yellow large fairly active at lower prices, others fairly active at slightly lower prices. Prices Yellow large lower, others slightly lower. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red jumbo and extra large 15.95-17.95, large 14.95-15.95; Yellow jumbo and extra large mostly 16.95-17.95, large 14.95; Orange jumbo and extra large 18.95-19.95, large 17.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (97-84-62) — Movement of Green expected to decrease seasonally, Red about the same. Trading early very active, late moderate. Prices Green slightly higher, Red lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green extra large mostly 26.95-28.95, large 24.95-26.95; irregular size fair quality Green mostly 18.95-20.95, Red mostly 16.95-18.95. 1/2 bushel cartons Red extra large and large mostly 16.95. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (29-58-55) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 22.35-22.85 extra large 22.35-22.85 fair quality 16.35-18.85 large 18.35-18.85. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest of Green expected to begin the week of May 31. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5. FIRST REPORT.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,722*-1,800*-1,482) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, California and Florida. (* revised)
UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments — (718-781-642, Includes exports 9-6-6) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A mostly 6.50-7.00; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 12.00-13.00, 80s mostly 10.00, 90s 8.00-9.00, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum 4.00-5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 7.00-8.00.

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (224-243*-151, Includes exports 13-14*-12) — Movement expected to be about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-9.50, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A mostly 10.00; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 12.00-14.00. (* revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-152-149, Includes exports 37-36-38) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 50-70s higher, carton 40s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 11.00-12.00, 50-70s 13.00-14.00, 80s 11.00-13.00, 90s 10.00-12.00. 100s 9.00-11.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (141-126-111) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices U.S. One Round Red size A higher, others generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-23.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-21.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75-16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (109-107-104) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (62-69-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.
ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (22-29-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (43*-45*-27) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5-pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands. (* revised)

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-31-18) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-14*-15) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (*revised)

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (15-12-10) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (7-0-0) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-152-149, Includes exports 37-36-38) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 50-70s higher, carton 40s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 11.00-12.00, 50-70s 13.00-14.00, 80s 11.00-13.00, 90s 10.00-12.00. 100s 9.00-11.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (141-126-111) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices U.S. One Round Red size A higher, others generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-23.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-21.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75-16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (109-107-104) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (62-69-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (22-29-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (43*-45*-27) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5 pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands. (* revised)

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-31-18) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-14*-15) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (*revised)

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (15-12-10) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (7-0-0) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

Squash

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (20-24-17) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Yellow Crookneck small lower, medium unchanged, others higher. ½ and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small 14.35-16.85 medium 12.35-14.85, Yellow Straightneck small 16.35-16.85 medium 14.35-14.85; 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck small 14.35-14.85 medium 8.35 8.85. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (10-6-4) — Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

VIRGINIA — Shipments very light. Movement expected to increase as more growers begin harvesting. Current supplies are very light and insufficient to establish market. FIRST REPORT.

Squash, spaghetti

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (19-19-12) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons small mostly 12.95, medium mostly 16.95-18.95, large mostly 18.95. Quality generally good.

Squash, yellow straightneck

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (23-17-8) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. 4/7 bushel cartons supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable. Light and sporadic crossings expected to continue through June 6. LAST REPORT

Squash, zucchini

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (73-65-40) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices small-medium generally unchanged, other higher. 4/7 bushel cartons small and small-medium mostly 10.95, medium mostly 8.95. Quality variable.

Tomatoes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings (158-155-152) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading fairly active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 16.95-18.95, 5x5s mostly 14.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5 -5x5 size mostly 13.95-14.95, 5x6 size mostly 12.95. Quality generally good. Most present shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (213-155-141) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Mature Greens 85% U.S.One or better 5x6 size 17.95, 6x6 size 17.95, 6x7 size 17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (78-49-83) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s 16.95-18.95, 5x5s 14.95-16.95, 5x6s mostly 12.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (30-29*-10) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-0-3) — Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 5 days. Expect sufficient number of shippers for first F.O.B. within 7 days.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (6-7*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (*revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 14. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 21.

Tomatoes, cherry

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (3-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (3-2-1) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Flats 12 1-pint basket with lids 16.95-17.95. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes, grape

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings— ( 17-15-15) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Available supplies very light. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Flats 12-1 pint containers with lids medium-large supplies 16.95. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large supplies insufficient to establish a market. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (26-18-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 15.95-16.95. 20 pound cartons loose 29.95-33.95. Quality generally good.

FLORIDA WEST AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-2-10) — Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 5 days. Expect sufficient volume for first F.O.B. within 7 days.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (5-3-7) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late active. Prices pints higher, cartons slightly higher. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 9.95-10.95 and 20 lb carton loose medium-large mostly 16.95-17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (#-#-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 7. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (267-162-189) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early very active, late active. Prices much higher. 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large and large mostly 16.95, medium 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (99-89-105) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late active. Prices much higher. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 16.95-17.95, large mostly 13.95-14.95, medium 12.95-13.95. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (64-58-45) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Extra services included. 25 pound cartons loose extra large 17.95, large 17.95, medium 17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (51-39*-35) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Active. Prices 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large and large mostly 18.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 7. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 14. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 21.

Recent cauliflower news and updates

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:27 GMT

Been missing the latest news and updates on everything cauliflower? Not to worry, here is your rundown of recent content.

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of July 6

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market.

U.S. fresh fruit exports rise in May

U.S. fresh fruit exports rose by nearly 10% in May compared with a year ago, offsetting an equal decline in fresh vegetable exports. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show that U.S. fresh fruit exports in May totaled $367 million, up 9.9% compared with the same month a year ago.

Lakeside Organic Gardens debuts organic fioretto

Industry looks for changes to direct payment program

Specialty crop growers have only received a small portion of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, and panelists on a United Fresh LIVE! session on federal coronavirus relief programs said the direct payment program for growers is targeted for changes by industry lobbyists.

Seasonal produce items enjoy strong start to season

The peaks and valleys of fresh produce sales growth amid COVID-19 appear to have leveled off, with three straight weeks of gains in the high teens.

Dollar sales of fresh produce the week ending May 17 were 16% higher than the same period in 2019, according to IRI. Sales increases during the previous two weeks were 17.1% and 17.2%, respectively. Vegetables continue to outperform fruit by a large margin — 21.6% growth versus 11.2% growth for the week ending May 17.

All things cauliflower!

Top crops retain standings in Monterey County production

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:31 GMT

Monterey County’s top four most valuable crops remained unchanged from 2018 to 2019, led by leaf lettuce, which saw an increase of almost 15%, boosted by better pricing for romaine.

Overall, the county’s ag production value increased 3.5% in 2019, to almost $4.41 billion, according to the Monterey County 2019 Crop Report , issued by the county’s agricultural commission.

Of the top 10 crops, ranked by production value, seven categories are vegetables, with the exception being strawberries, in the No. 2 slot again, and wine grapes and nursery products. All 10 crops are the same crops from the 2018 list.

Strawberries saw an increase of about 5%, with a bump of more than $34 million, to $732.76 million, mostly due to improved fresh strawberry prices, according to the report.

Head lettuce, Monterey County’s third-most valuable crop, increased almost 12% to $514.09 million. Increased production and higher average prices for carton-packed lettuce are the main reasons for the increase, according to the report.

Overall, vegetable crops saw an increased production value in 2019 of about $228 million, at just under $3.1 billion. The fruits and nuts category dropped about $15.7 million in value to $1.03 billion, according to the report, but that includes a 25% drop in wine grape crop value. Dropping wine grapes from the category gives fruit and nuts a $46 million (5.7%) boost from 2018 to 2019.

Monterey County’s top crop values, followed by 2019 and 2018 rankings, are:

Leaf lettuce : $840.56 million, 1/1;
Strawberries : $732.76 million, 2/2;
Head Lettuce : $514.09 million, 3/3;
Broccoli : $457.39 million, 4/4;
Cauliflower $212.38 million, 5/6;
Misc. vegetables: $196.84 million, 6/7;
Celery $186.39 million, 7/9
Wine Grapes: $186.1 million; 8/5
Nursery: $143.98 million, 9/8; and
Spinach : $127.12 million, 10/10.

Church Brothers adds five Green Giant Fresh value-added items

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:10 GMT

Church Brothers Farms, Salinas, Calif., is adding five Green Giant Fresh value-added products.

The products are Sweet Baby cauliflower and broccoli , and cubed butternut and spaghetti squashes and sweet potatoes .

“Our goal is to deliver fresh, healthy food that is prepped and ready to use for consumers looking to bring restaurant-style dishes into their home,” Rick Russo, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Church Brothers, said in a news release. “The cubed veggies are a fresh take on favorite fall vegetables. We are excited to deliver nutrition and flavor to shoppers at affordable prices.”

Details on products include:

Sweet baby cauliflower: six 10-ounce pouches per carton, with a 16-day shelf life;
Sweet baby broccoli: available in 1-pound pouches with handles, 12 to a carton, 8-ounce overwrap trays, 12 to a carton, 8-ounce pouches, six to a carton, 18-count iced bunches, and 18-count iceless bunches, with 18-day shelf lives (8-ounce pouch has 16 days);
Sweet potato cubes: half-inch cubes, six 16-ounce bags per carton, with a 16-day shelf life;
Spaghetti squash cubes: 1 ½-inch cubes, six 16-ounce bags per carton, with a 16-day shelf life; and
Butternut squash cubes: ¾-inch cubes, six 16-ounce bags per carton, with a 16-day shelf life.

The sweet baby Green Giant Fresh items reduce prep time and food waste at home, according to the release.
“These new items give retailers the opportunity to build a Sweet Baby category,” Russo said in the release. “Their uniform stand-up pouches look great side by side on the shelf.”

Related stories:

Church Brothers Farms expands Green Giant line

Church Brothers introduces sweet baby broccoli, cauliflower

Church Brothers acquires Green Giant Fresh value-added line

Inc. Magazine recognizes Cece’s Veggies for skyrocketing growth

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:25 GMT

Vegetable “pasta” maker Cece’s Veggie Co. , Austin, Texas, made Inc. Magazine’s annual list of fastest-growing private companies, with a three-year revenue growth of 23,880% to put it at No. 3.

The company, established in 2015 with two stock-keeping units available at one retailer, first exhibited to the industry at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Oct. 2016, displaying spiralized zucchini , butternut squash , sweet potato and beet products.

Additions since then include organic riced broccoli and cauliflower, organic meal kits with vegetable pasta and cheese or marinara sauce, and Grillerz, which are carrots, sweet potatoes and summer squash, fresh-cut with ridges.

“The company’s mission is to make it easier — and more fun — for everyone to eat more veggies, more often,” according to a news release from Cece’s.

“Cece’s started as a hare-brained scheme in my kitchen involving my kids (who have gluten allergies), power tools, and a lot of mangled sweet potatoes,” Mason Arnold, Cece’s Veggie Co. founder, said in the release. “ … We were confident that the brand would resonate with consumers, but for a produce company to be ranked at the top of this list is completely bananas.”

In 2018, the company moved to a new 42,500-square-foot processing facility, and production is five times what it was since the move, according to the release.

Cece’s Veggie products are available at Whole Foods Markets and Sprouts stores nationwide, and regionally at Target, Kroger stores, Albertsons, Safeway, H-E-B and other retailers.

The company’s Veggiccine line received Best New Vegetable Product at the 2017 United Fresh Produce Association show, and in 2018, United Fresh presented Arnold with its Achievement Award for innovation.

Related stories:

Cece’s launches crinkle-cut veggies

Cece’s Veggie Co. finalist for innovation award at United

United Fresh to honor Veggie noodle, indoor tech wizards

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of May 4

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

Apples

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2019 CROP — Shipments (1,053-1,133-1,147, Includes exports 265-256-279) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Gala active, others moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy Carton tray pack Red Delicious 72-88s mostly 14.00-16.00, 100-113s mostly 13.00-15.00; Golden Delicious fine appearance 72s mostly 25.00- 28.00, 80s mostly 24.00-26.00, 88s mostly 22.00-26.00, 100s mostly 18.00-22.00; Fuji 64-88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00- 18.00, 113s mostly 14.00-17.00; Granny Smith 64s mostly 18.00-20.00, 72-80s mostly 18.00-22.00, 88s 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 17.00- 19.00, 113-125s mostly 16.00-18.00; Gala 64-72s mostly 22.00-24.00, 80s 20.00-24.00, 88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 15.00-17.00, 113s 13.00-16.00, 125s mostly 13.00-15.00; Honeycrisp 56s mostly 28.00-34.90, 64s mostly 32.00-38.90, 72-80s 34.00-40.90, 88s mostly 32.00-38.90, 100s mostly 30.00-36.90. Cartons 12 3-pound film bags Red Delicious Washington Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum mostly 15.95-17.95; Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-18.95; Granny Smith 1/2" minimum mostly 18.95-20.95; Honeycrisp 2 1/2" minimum mostly 30.95-34.95. ORGANIC cartons tray pack Gala Washington Extra Fancy 64s mostly 22.00-26.00, 72- 80s mostly 20.00-26.00, 88s mostly 18.00-24.00, 100s mostly 18.00-20.00; cartons 12 3 pound film bags Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-20.95.

NEW YORK 2019 CROP — Shipments (68-72-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Fuji Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-27.00; Gala Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-30.00; McIntosh Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 27.00-28.00; Empire Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 23.50-26.00; Cortland Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 24.00-28.00. Cartons 12 3-pound Film Bags Red Delicious U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 16.00-19.00; Fuji U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 20.00-22.00; Gala U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 20.00-23.00; McIntosh U.S. Extra Fancy 2 ½ inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00; Empire U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (61-68-51) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. cartons 12 3- pound film bags U.S. Extra Fancy Gala and McIntosh mostly 18.00-20.00, Red Delicious mostly 17.00-19.00, Jonagold mostly 17.00- 18.00, Fuji and Golden Delicious mostly 19.00-21.00, Tray pack 88s Gala and Fuji 24.00-28.00, Red Delicious mostly 20.00-22.00, Golden Delicious 21.00-24.00. Supplies of Golden Delicious and McIntoshlight and in few hands, Fuji fairly light.

APPALACHIAN DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (22-19-20) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Unchanged. Cartons traypack U.S. Extra Fancy Red Delicious 72s-88s $20.00-21.00, 100s $19.00-20.00; Golden Delicious 72s-88s $25.00-26.00; Fuji 80s-88s $27.00-28.00; Gala 80s-88s $27.00-30.00; and McIntosh 80s-88s $26.00-28.00 cartons 12-3 pound filmbags U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum Red Delicious mostly $18.00-19.00, Golden Delicious $20.00-22.00, Fuji $21.00-23.00, Gala $22.00-24.00 and McIntosh $19.00-21.00.

NEW ENGLAND 2019 CROP — Shipments (2-2-3) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Apricots

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Light and sporadic has harvesting has begun. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. First F.O.B. expected week of May 10, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Avocados

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS 2019 CROP — Crossings (353-543-437) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 38.25-40.25, 40-48s mostly 38.25-40.25, 60s mostly 36.25-38.25, 70s mostly 27.25-29.25, 84s mostly 21.25-22.25. Extra services included.

SOUTH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (112-140-U) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices 60-84s lower, others generally unchanged. Carton 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 44.25-46.25, 40-48s mostly 42.25-44.25, 60s mostly 39.25-41.25, 70s mostly 29.25-30.25, 84s mostly 22.25-23.25. Carton 2 layer Hass ORGANIC 48s mostly 58.25-60.25, 60s mostly 56.25-58.25, 70s mostly 42.25-45.25. Extra services included. (U = unavailable)

Blueberries

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (17-38-52) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 20.00-22.00, ORGANIC 12 1-pint cups with lids medium large 25.00-28.00, 6 ounce cups with lids medium-large 14.00-18.50. Quality variable.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS — Crossings (56-53*-48) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading early moderate, late slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-oz cups with lids mostly 10.00. Quality and condition variable. (* revised)

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (12-18-27) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Slow. Flats 12 1- pint cups with lids 18.00-28.00 mostly 22.00-24.00 occasional higher flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 10.00-16.00 mostly 12.00-14.00 occasional higher. ORGANIC flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 12.00-16.00 mostly 14.00-16.00 few 10.00 occasional higher.

CENTRAL AND NORTH FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (33-18-14) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as nearly all growers have finished for the season. Expect very light — Shipments for 1-2 more weeks. LAST REPORT

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light harvest expected during the current trade week (May 03-09, 2020). Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Cherries

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-47) — Movement expected to increase. Harvesting has begun in the Southern portion of the district. First F.o.b expected to begin on or around May 7th.

Grapes

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (44-205-38) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading White Seedless Type Moderate, others Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge 16.00-18.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med 12.00-14.00 Black Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00-16.00, med-lge mostly 12.00-14.00 Red Globe jbo mostly 16.00, exlge 14.00-16.00, lge 12.00-14.00 SPECIAL STORAGE White Seedless Type exlge 34.00-36.00, lge mostly 32.00-34.00, med-lge mostly 28.00-30.00.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (6-13-31) — Movement from Jalisco expected to increase slightly. Harvest in Hermosillo is expected to begin the week of May 2. The Hermosillo Grape Growers Association estimates the 2020 crop at 19.7 million 18 -pound cartons, down 20 percent from 23.6 million in 2019. Harvest of White, Red and Black varieties expected to begin the week May 3 from Sonora, Mexico. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issued the week of May 10, when most shippers expect to be fully underway.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY LOS ANGELES AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (13-29-23) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading White Seedless Type Moderate, others Slow. Prices Red Seedless Slightly Lower, others Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med-lge 12.00-14.00 Black Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med-lge mostly 12.00-14.00 Red Globe jbo mostly 16.00, exlge 14.00-16.00, lge 12.00-14.00 SPECIAL STORAGE White Seedless Type exlge mostly 34.00-36.00, lge mostly 32.00-34.00, med-lge mostly 30.00-32.00.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Light harvesting is expected to get underway the week of May 11th. F.O.B. expected to begin on or around May 18th. FIRST REPORT

Lemons

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Shippers First Grade 75-115s and 165s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 24.18-26.20, 95-115s mostly 25.18-28.20, 140s mostly 24.18-27.20, 165s mostly 24.18-26.20, 200s mostly 23.18-26.20, 235s mostly 19.18-22.20; Shippers Choice 75s mostly 16.18-19.20, 95s mostly 17.10-20.20, 115s mostly 18.18-20.20, 140s mostly 19.18-23.20, 165s mostly 21.18-24.20, 200s mostly 20.10-24.20, 235s mostly 18.18-21.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 28.18- 32.20, 95-115s mostly 37.18-42.20, 140s mostly 37.18-41.20; Shippers Choice 95-115s mostly 22.18-26.20, 140s mostly 24.18-30.20.

Oranges

FLORIDA — Shipments (85-96-84, Includes exports 2-3-2) — Prices not reported. — Shipments are for weeks ending April 4, April 11 and April 18 in that order.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (12-15-17) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Valencia No Grade Marks 72-88s mostly 13.95-15.95, 113s 13.95-15.95, 138s 13.95-14.95. Quality variable.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments 113-138s Fairly Light, others Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices First Grade 40s and 113s generally unchanged, others slightly higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 40s mostly 17.18-19.20, 48-56s mostly 19.18-20.20, 72s mostly 17.18-20.20, 88-138s mostly 17.18-19.20; Shippers Choice 40s mostly 13.20-14.20, 48-72s mostly 14.18-15.20, 88s 14.18-16.50, 113s mostly 15.18-16.20, 138s mostly 14.18-16.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 48-72s mostly 26.18-32.20, 88s 24.18-28.20, 113s mostly 24.18-28.20; Shippers Choice 56s mostly 18.18-22.20, 72-88s mostly 16.18-22.20.

Peaches

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Light and sporadic has harvesting has begun. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. First F.O.B. expected week of May 10, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Strawberries

SANTA MARIA DISTRICT — Shipments (218-286-352) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Conventional active, Organic moderate. Prices Higher. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 8.00-10.00. ORGANIC Flats 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 10.00-12.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments.

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (224-240-198) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids small-medium mostly 8.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. Some berries being diverted to to freezer and/or processor.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (37-82-168) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Conventional active, Organic moderate. Prices Higher. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids large-extra large mostly 9.00-10.00. Quality variable. ORGANIC flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large-extra large mostly 10.00-12.00.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA CALIFORNIA — Crossings (43-33-22) — Movement expected to decrease sharply. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality and condition variable. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor. Light and sporadic — Crossings expected to continue through May 9. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (5-6-6) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large 12.00-14.50. Includes palletizing and cooling.

Watermelons

FLORIDA SOUTH DISTRICT — Shipments (381-537-733, Seeded 46-54-56; Seedless 335-483-677) —Movement expected to increase. Trading Red Flesh Seedless 60s Very Active, Others Active. Prices Red Flesh Seedless 36s and 45s Slightly Lower, Others Generally Unchanged. 24 inch bins. Red Flesh Seeded type 35s mostly 105.00; Seedless type 36s 126.00-133.00, 45s mostly 147.00, 60s mostly 147.00. Quality generally good.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (318-408*-558) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Miniature 6s and 11s generally unchanged, others slightly higher. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins approximately 35-45 counts mostly 140.00-147.00, approximately 60 count mostly 133.00; Miniature (supplies light) cartons 6s 10.95-12.95, 8s mostly 13.95, 9s mostly 12.95-13.95, 11s 8.95-9.95. Quality variable. (* revised)

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (111-100-43) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly .17-.18. Quality variable.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (5*-13-8) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 10. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Harvest expected to begin in Western Arizona the week of May 10, followed by Central Arizona the week of May 17. Quality expected to be generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 3. Quality expected to be generally good.

Salinas Valley crops look promising, growers say

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:00:24 GMT

Good growing weather this winter should result in some exceptional fruit and vegetable crops out of California’s Salinas Valley this season.

Monterey County, which encompasses the valley, produced about $2.8 billion worth of vegetables in 2018, the latest year for which statistics are available from the county agricultural commissioner’s office, and just over $1 billion worth of fruit.

Salinas-based Coastline Family Farms will ship about 25 kinds of mixed vegetables, including iceberg lettuce, romaine, romaine hearts, leaf lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, green onions, kale and spinach this season, said Tami Gutierrez, vice president sales and marketing.

Wet weather during planting and again during harvesting in April could reduce early-season yields and result in scattered quality issues that should be resolved as the season progresses, she said.

Volume at Coastline should be about the same as last year early in the season but likely will be down during the summer as the company cuts back planting because of competition from other growing areas during the peak growing season and because of the impact of COVID-19.

“Due to COVID-19, we have reduced our summer planting because we don’t know what the recovery period is going to be like,” she said.

Related content: Helping growers safeguard workers from the coronavirus

Gonzalez, Calif.-based Misionero Vegetables LLC has year-round programs for salads, value-added lettuces and mostly organic vegetables, said Nicole Zapata, marketing manager.

Like many Salinas grower-shippers, the company grows in the desert during the fall and winter and transitions back to the Salinas Valley for spring and summer.

“Given the current circumstances happening across the globe, we are being mindful of our planting schedule,” Zapata said.

“We’re maintaining retail distribution and anticipating potential bounce back for foodservice sales throughout the summer and fall.”

There were a few weather challenges this winter, Zapata said, but overall, quality is good.

Iceberg lettuce, romaine, romaine hearts, broccoli, cauliflower, green leaf and red leaf are shipping from Salinas-based Bengard Ranch Inc., said Steve Koran, general manager.

The company now has a celery deal in Oxnard that will switch to Salinas in June.

Quality is excellent, he said.

“We didn’t have any disruption with any weather events.”

Product is plentiful, he said, but he added that retail and especially foodservice demand was uncertain in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Related content: Salinas volume lighter due to rain

“Everybody is rolling along, but the distribution avenues are going to change drastically until restaurants open again,” said Gib Papazian, president of Lucky Strike Farms , Burlingame, Calif.

Although restaurants in California were closed because of the outbreak, more than half were open for takeout orders, he said.

“They’re not doing a brisk business, but they’re doing enough business to keep their place on life support,” Papazian said.

He said he was concerned for independent restaurants.

“Several of them are having a terrible struggle right now,” he said.

Lucky Strike’s foodservice business is “within acceptable risk tolerances,” Papazian said.

“It is still a daily financial challenge collecting money and paying our growers in accordance with our historical practices,” he said. “But we’ll get through it.”

The company handles a full line of vegetables, citrus, some melons and fruit.

“I expect quality is going to be top-notch through the summer,” he said.

The berry deal also was progressing well.

In an April 10 crop update, The Buzz, from Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms , the company said that Salinas berries should be good quality despite some mid-April showers.

With no rain forecast for the rest of April, Cal Giant was looking forward to “a very rapid increase in production.”

“Our blackberry and raspberry season will also kick off come May and into June,” the company said.

Raspberries were set to begin in the middle of May, and blackberries should be ready for harvest by the middle of June.

Related content: Salinas Valley Produce

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of May 18

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:34:20 GMT

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = May 2; 2nd no. = May 9; 3rd no. = May 16. Expected movement is for May 24 to June 6. F.o.b. prices are as of May 18.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (20-20-19) — Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. Prices 18-36s slightly lower, 12s generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s mostly 14.50-14.75, 18s mostly 16.55-16.75, 24s mostly 16.55-16.65, 30s mostly 14.65-14.75, 36s 14.65-14.75; ORGANIC 12s 26.55, 18-24s 22.55, 30s 20.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP Crossings — (30-20-23) — Expected to remain the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large mostly 28.75-30.75. Extra services included.

WALLA WALLA DISTRICT AND LOWER YAKIMA VALLEY WASHINGTON — Shipments (25-20-17) — Movement expected about the same. Available supplies light. Trading Very Active. Prices 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates slightly higher, 11 pound cartons/crates generally unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates bunched large and standard mostly 66.75-68.75; 11 pound cartons/crates bunched large and standard mostly 30.75-32.75. Most present Shipments from previous commitments and/or prior bookings.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-1-2) — expected to increase sharply. Harvest has resumed in Southern region following freeze and expected to get underway in West Central region current week. Expect first FOB Shipping Point Prices later in current week.

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA Imports — (U-U-U) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Large and Standard Moderate, others Fairly Slow. Prices Much Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 22.75-23.75, xlge mostly 21.75-23.75, lge 23.75-25.75, std mostly 22.75-24.75, sml supply in too few hands to establish a market. (U = unavailable)

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (126-124-122) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Crown Cut fairly active, bunched moderate. Prices Crown Cut higher, bunched slightly higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 7.35-8.65, 18s mostly 7.85-9.15; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 8.15-9.65, Short Trim mostly 9.15-10.65. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s mostly 12.50-12.85; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 14.50-14.85. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (79-59*-66) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late active. Prices Slightly Higher. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim 10.35-12.50. Quality variable. (* revised)

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (56-69-53) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 8.00-9.00, 18s mostly 8.50-9.50; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 9.00-10.00. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (1-12-7) — Volume expected to remain about the same. No F.O.B. issued. Insufficient number of shippers to establish market. No F.O.B. issued.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (179-161-173) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Higher. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.30-15.40; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 13.30-16.85; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 6.65-8.85; cartons 30 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-20.70. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.20, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.20, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (57-52*-57) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo 12.00-13.00. Quality variable. (*revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (23-19-23) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Sacks 48-1 lb film bags, 24-2 lb film bags, and 10 5-lb film bags medium-large $15.00-16.00; 50 pound sacks loose jumbo $14.00-15.00. Extra services not included. Quality generally good.

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (102-105-100) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late active. Prices higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 9.50-10.85, 9s mostly 8.50-9.75, 16s mostly 8.35-9.75; ORGANIC 12s mostly 14.50-16.55, 9s and 16s mostly 13.50-16.50. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (54-50-41) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late active. Prices Higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 11.00-12.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (270-254-256) — Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. Prices slightly lower. Cartons 2 dozen mostly 10.65-11.95, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 11.55-12.50, 3 dozen mostly 11.65-12.50; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 14.65- 15.65. ORGANIC cartons 2-2 ½ dozen mostly 25.55-25.56; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 22.55-25.56. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (45-63-62) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 2 dozen slightly higher, others generally unchanged. Cartons 2-3 dozen mostly 9.85-11.85. Quality generally good.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5.

Corn, sweet

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (336-396-346) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Very Active. Prices Higher. Includes palletizing and cooling. Wire bound crates Yellow 4-4 1/2 dozen 14.95, White 14.95, Bi-Color 14.95 Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Shipments (99-207-161) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White mostly 13.95-15.95, Yellow and Bi-color mostly 14.95-15.95. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-51) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good.

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (230-187-171) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices 36s much higher, others higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 8.95-10.95, fair quality 6.95-7.95, ordinary quality mostly 3.95-4.95; small mostly 4.95-5.95, large mostly 6.95. Cartons 24s 3.95-4.95, 36s mostly 6.95-7.95. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (151-119*-95) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late active. Prices Higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 8.95-10.95, fair quality 6.95-9.95; large 6.95-8.95. Quality variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (53-55-37) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Pickles Very Active. Prices Pickles 200- 300s Higher, 150-200s Generally Unchanged. Includes palletizing and precooling. 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates Pickles 150-200s 16.90, 200 -300s mostly 20.90-21.90. WAXED supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (16-18*-20) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of May 24. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA — Shipments (0-2-10) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers begin to harvest. Prices Unchanged. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium 14.35-16.85 fair quality 8.35-10.85, cartons 24s 5.35-6.85. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (451-433-456) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly active. Prices much higher. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.85-13.75, filmwrapped mostly 13.85-14.75; 30s filmwrapped mostly 9.65-11.45; ORGANICS 24s filmwrapped mostly 16.00-16.50, 12s filmwrapped mostly 8.00-10.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (73-78-74) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly active. Prices Higher. Cartons 24s film lined 8.85-11.65, filmwrapped 10.85-12.65. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (370-365-373) — Movement expected about the same. Trading moderate. Prices 24s higher, Hearts slightly higher. Cartons 24s mostly 7.65-8.75; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 10.65-11.75, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 11.65-12.75. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 18.00-20.55; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 14.50-16.75. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (44-63-60) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly active. Prices Hearts higher, 24s generally unchanged. Cartons 24s 8.85-9.50; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages 10.85-13.50. Quality generally good.

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (7-5-3) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. Lighter — Shipments expected to continue through May 30. LAST REPORT

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (1,122*-1,178*-1,141) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were California, Texas, Columbia Basin Washington, Georgia, and Mexico crossings. (* revised)

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (149-269*-282) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano Type 50-pound sacks super colossal 9.00-10.00, colossal 8.00, jumbo 7.00-8.00, medium mostly 9.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo mostly 12.00 medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 6.00-7.00, medium mostly 6.00. (* revised)

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (280-280*-239) — Movement is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Whites higher, others generally unchanged. Yellow Grano-Type Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 16.00-18.00, Yellow Grano - Type 50-pound sacks colossal mostly 10.00, jumbo mostly 9.00, medium 10.00-12.00, White 50-pound sacks jumbo 14.00 -16.00, medium 12.00-14.00, Red 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 8.00, medium mostly 8.00. (* revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (260-204-176, Includes exports 25-29-31) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (171-159-162) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 20.00-22.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 27.00-30.00.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (95-84-140) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ARIZONA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-29-49) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (3-31-41) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

IDAHO AND MALHEUR COUNTY OREGON — Shipments (133-86-38, Includes exports 5-4-2) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (9-8-10) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Peppers, bell

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (59-80-97) — Movement of Green expected about the same, Red expected to increase seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo and extra large mostly 24.95- 26.95, large 22.95-24.95; irregular size fair quality Green mostly 16.95, Red mostly 24.95. 1/2 bushel cartons Red extra large and large mostly 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (105-89*-79) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Active. Prices slightly higher. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red and Yellow jumbo and extra large 16.95-18.95, large 14.95-16.95; Orange jumbo and extra large 18.95-20.95, large 17.95-19.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 17.95-20.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (125-118*-67, Field Grown 102-95-52, Greenhouse 23-23*-15) — Movement of Red expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Active. Prices Red slightly higher, irregular size much higher. Red 15 pound extra large mostly 18.95-20.95, large mostly 18.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel cartons irregular size mostly 20.95-22.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-29) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 22.35-24.85 extra large 22.35-24.85 fair quality 16.35-18.85. FIRST REPORT.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (63-68-25) — Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,556*-1,591*-1,715) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, Florida and Wisconsin. (* revised)

UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments (606-717-718, Includes exports 3-7-9) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Carton 40-70s active, others moderate. Prices bales higher, carton 90-100s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A mostly 6.50-7.00; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 12.00, 80s mostly 10.00, 90s 8.00-9.00, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum 4.00-5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 7.00-8.00; Russet

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (208-191*-226, Includes exports 10-14*-15) — Movement expected to be about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices USONE baled 10 5 -pound and 5 10-pound lower, others unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-10.00, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A mostly 10.00; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 12.00-14.00. (*revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (141-141-159, Includes exports 32-34-37) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 40-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 40-70s higher, bales and U.S. twos lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 12.00, 50-70s mostly 12.00-14.00, 80s mostly 10.00-11.00, 90- 100s mostly 9.00-10.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (197-168-141) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-22.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-20.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75- 16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Round White U.S. One 50 pound cartons size B mostly 18.50-20.00, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 35.75-40.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 25.75-30.75, size B mostly 16.75-18.50. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (96-93-109) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (53-54-62) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (49-39-36) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5-pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands.

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (0-0-36) — Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (23-30-31) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-18-20) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (35-19-15) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

Squash, yellow straightneck

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (44-30-23) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 4/7 bushel cartons small 8.95-10.95, small-medium mostly 10.95, medium mostly 6.95. Quality variable.

Squash, zucchini

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (136-116-73) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Higher. 4/7 bushel cartons small and small-medium 8.95-10.95, medium mostly 6.95-7.95. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium-large 3.00-4.95. Quality variable.

Sweet potatoes

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (101*-103*-92) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. No. 1 15.50-17.00, U.S. No. 1 Petite 12.00-13.00, U.S. No. 2 8.00-10.00, No Grade Marks jumbo 10.00-12.00. (* revised)

MISSISSIPPI 2019 CROP — Shipments (27-23-25) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. Number One mostly 21.00 U.S. Number Two mostly 14.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 14.00-15.00. Quality generally good.

ATWATER LIVINGSTON CALIFORNIA 2019 CROP — Shipments (16-15-16) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies are getting light. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Type U.S. Number One mostly 32.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium mostly 18.00-20.00 jumbo 20.00-22.00; White Types U.S. Number One 34.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium 20.00-22.00 jumbo 18.00-22.00; Japanese Types U.S. Number One mostly 35.00-38.00. Organic 40 pound cartons supplies in too few hands to quote. Quality generally good.

LOUISIANA 2019 CROP — Shipments (8-9-7) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons U.S. Number One 22.00-24.00 U.S. Number Two 14.00-16.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 14.00-16.00. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (219-196-213) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices 6X7 size Lower, Others Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Mature Greens 85% U.S.One or better 5x6 size 27.95, 6x6 size 27.95, 6x7 size 19.95-23.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (169-166*-154) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices 4x4-4x5s much lower from market high on Friday, May 15, others slightly lower. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 14.95-16.95, 5x5s mostly 12.95-13.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5 size mostly 14.95, 5x5 size mostly 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good. Most present — Shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (73-120-78) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices much lower. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s mostly 16.95-18.95, 5x5s mostly 10.95-12.95, 5x6s mostly 10.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (30*-29*-5) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (3-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of May 24. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31, as most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 7. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. FIRST REPORT

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Light harvest expected to start within 20 days. Expect sufficient number of shippers for first F.O.B. within 25 days.

Tomatoes, cherry

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (3-3-3) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Flats 12 1-pint basket with lids mostly 7.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (2-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of May 24. (* revised)

Tomatoes, grape

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (23-26-26) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 8.95. 20 pound cartons loose 15.95. Organic flats 12 1-pint containers with lids Insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (25-20-17) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early fairly slow, late active. Prices much higher. Flats 12-1 pint containers with lids medium-large supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large 22.95-24.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (8-6*-5) — Movement expected about the same. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large and 20 lb carton loose medium-large supplies insufficient to establish a market. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (#-#-0) — Movement expected to increase as most shippers begin the week of May 24. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of May 31. FIRST REPORT (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (258-317*-267) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early slow, late moderate. Prices medium generally unchanged, other slightly lower. 25 pound cartons loose Roma (supplies heavy) extra large and large mostly 8.30, medium 8.30. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (91-104-91) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late fairly active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 8.95-9.95, large mostly 8.30-8.95, medium 8.30- 8.95. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (63-67-64) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Extra services included. 25 pound cartons loose extra large 11.95-13.95, large 11.95, medium 9.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (20-31*-32) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of May 17. (* revised)

Lakeside Organic Gardens debuts organic fioretto

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:09 GMT

Lakeside Organic Gardens , Watsonville, Calif., has a unique new product, organic fioretto.

Fioretto, also known as flowering cauliflower and caulilini, means “little flower” in Italian, according to a news release.

The natural hybrid is in the brassica family and was developed by a Japanese seed company in 2014, according to the release.

Lakeside Organic Gardens has planted a small “trialing section,” to generate customer awareness, and the company believes there will be strong demand for the edible bouquet, according to the release.

“It’s striking in color, the flavor is mild and slightly sweet, and the tender light-green stems with white florets are ideal for light cooking or serving raw for dipping,” according to the release. “Eye-catching when paired with sweet baby broccoli; there are many ways to enjoy flowering cauliflower.”

sautéed with a hint of butter and sea salt, stir-fried quickly, pickled or used in tempura.

The organic fioretto is packed in eight-ounce clamshells, eight to a carton.

Related stories:

Plastic boxes help remove wax cartons from landfills

Lakeside Organic Gardens brings back arugula

Organic produce business updates

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of July 6

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:34:20 GMT

What the numbers mean

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = June 20; 2nd no. = June 27; 3rd no. = July 4. Expected movement is for July 5-18. F.o.b. prices are as of July 6.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (17-18-17) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices 30s lower, 24s slightly lower, others generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s 10.75-12.75, 18s 10.50-12.75, 24s mostly 9.55-10.65, 30s mostly 7.50-9.05, 36s mostly 8.75-10.65; ORGANIC 12s 18.55, 18-30s 24.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (29-40*-37) — Expected to remain about the same. Trading Slow. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large 21.75-24.75, standard 21.75-24.75. Extra services included. Many sales being booked at previously committed prices. (* revised)

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA — Imports (21-27*-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Slow. Prices Much Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 23.75-25.75, exlge mostly 24.75-26.75, lge mostly 24.75-25.75, std mostly 23.75-25.75, sml 18.00-19.00. Few new sales. Quality generally good. (* revised)

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (83-97-96) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 13.45-15.35, 18s mostly 13.95-15.85; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 15.65-16.85, Short Trim mostly 16.35-18.65. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s 24.50-28.55; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 28.50-30.55. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (104-110*-95) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim mostly 12.00-13.00. Quality variable. (* revised)

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (19-24-20) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons bunched 14s 10.00-13.85, 18s 13.50-14.35; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 13.00-15.35, Short Trim mostly 14.00-17.85. Quality generally good.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (216-221-173) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.40-15.85; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 15.00-18.40; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 7.50-9.20; cartons 30 -lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (53-49*-48) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo mostly 11.00-12.00. Quality variable. (* revised)

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (85-86-89) — Movement expected about the same. Trading 12s moderate, others fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 8.45-10.65, 9s mostly 8.45-9.65, 16s mostly 7.50-9.45; ORGANIC 9-16s 19.50-24.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (33-35-43) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late slow. Prices much lower. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 7.00-8.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (204-233-211) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late fairly active. Prices 2-2 1/2 dozen higher, others slightly higher. Cartons 2-2 1/2 dozen mostly 18.35-19.65, 3 dozen mostly 18.35-19.55; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 20.45-21.65. ORGANIC cartons 2 dozen mostly 18.00-18.56, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 16.50-18.56; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 16.50-20.56. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (60-53-69) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices 2 dozen much lower, 2 1/2 dozen lower, 3 dozen slightly lower. Cartons 2 dozen mostly 12.00-14.85, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 14.00-16.65, 3 dozen mostly 14.00-16.50. Quality generally good.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-0-#) — Movement expected to increase. Initial light harvest of hearts underway. Season delayed by hot weather and early May freezes. FIRST REPORT. (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Corn, sweet

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (73-163-224) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 22.95-24.95. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (89-182-163) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late slow. Prices much lower. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White mostly 18.95-20.95, Bi-Color 24.95-26.95. Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (20-10-2) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Very Slow. Cartons/crates supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. Lighter Shipments expected to continue through July 11. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN VIRGINIA — Harvesting is expected to begin on approximately July 10.

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (68-81*-94) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 12.95-14.95, fair quality 9.95-10.95; large mostly 10.95-11.95. Quality variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-5-29) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 14.85-16.85, fr qual 6.00-8.85, cartons 24s 6.00-7.00. Quality good. Supplies light.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (55*-52*-23) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Available supplies light. Trading large and 36s active, others active at slightly lower prices. Prices large and 36s generally unchanged, others slightly lower. GREENHOUSE 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 18.95-20.95, fair quality mostly 16.95, ordinary quality mostly 8.95-9.95, large mostly 16.95. Cartons 24s mostly 6.95-8.95, 36s mostly 10.95; ORGANIC GREENHOUSE cartons 36s 10.95-12.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (53-84-23) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium mostly 12.35-12.85 fair quality 6.35-7.85, cartons 24s 3.35-5.85. Quality generally good.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (28-27-5) — Movement expected to continue decreasing as most shippers are finished for the season. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. LAST REPORT.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-0-1) — Movement expected to increase as more producers begin to harvest. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (451-427-398) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, 30s lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 16.65-18.45, filmwrapped mostly 17.65-19.45; 30s filmwrapped mostly 13.00-14.75; ORGANIC 24s filmwrapped mostly 16.00-16.50, 12s filmwrapped mostly 8.55-10.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (74-53-71) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late fairly slow. Prices lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.85-14.00, filmwrapped mostly 13.85-15.00. Quality variable.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (370-324-301) — Movement expected about the same. Supply of Hearts fairly light. Trading 24s fairly slow, Hearts moderate. Prices 24s much lower, Hearts slightly lower. Cartons 24s mostly 16.50-19.65; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 26.45-28.65, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 27.45-29.45. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 20.50-24.55; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 24.50-28.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (56-53-49) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices lower. Cartons 24s mostly 18.85-20.50; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable.

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (946-924*-895) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were New Mexico, California, Mexico, Georgia and Columbia Basin Washington. (* revised)

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO 2020 CROP — Shipments (368-452-415) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Yellow colossal, jumbo, White medium and Reds higher, others generally unchanged. Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks super colossal mostly 14.00, colossal 13.00-14.00, jumbo 12.00-14.00, medium mostly 13.00-14.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo 12.00-14.00, medium mostly 12.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 10.00-11.00, medium mostly 10.00-11.00.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (150-174-220) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Hybrid - 50 pound sacks Super Colossal 10.00-12.00, Colossal mostly 11.00-12.00, Jumbo 10.00-12.00, Medium mostly 12.00-13.00; White - 50 pound sacks Jumbo mostly 13.00, Medium 10.00-12.00; Red Globe Type 25 - pound sacks Jumbo 9.00-10.00, Medium 9.00-10.00.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (152-153*-109) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (* revised)

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (102-88-88) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 24.00-26.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 30.00-31.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-22) — Movement expected to remain about the same while over wintered onions are being harvested. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Currently in over wintered onions, transplant onions are expected to start in a couple of weeks. FIRST REPORT.

WALLA WALLA DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-15-17, Includes exports 0-2-3) — Movement expected to increase as shippers receive onions. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Walla Walla sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 22.00, medium 20.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (45-23-11, Includes exports 7-2-0) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (15-11-6) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

Peppers, bell

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (80-74*-87) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red jumbo and extra large 18.00-20.00, large 16.95-17.95; Yellow jumbo and extra large 19.95-20.95, large 18.95-19.95; Orange jumbo and extra large mostly 20.95-21.95, large 19.95-20.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 22.95-25.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (56-87-87) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Very Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green extra large mostly 26.95-28.95, large mostly 24.95-26.95, irregular size fair quality mostly 18.95, Place Pack extra large-large 26.95-30.95; ORGANIC extra large and large mostly 45.00-50.00, irregular size fair quality mostly 35.00-40.00. Quality generally good. Harvest of Red expected to begin the week of July 5.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-1-20) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Active. Prices 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 30.00; extra large 30.00-32.00, fair quality 24.00-28.00.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (53-36-11) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo and extra large mostly 26.35-26.85 fair quality 20.35-22.85 large 24.35-24.85 and Turning Red extra large-large mostly 20.35-24.85. Quality generally good. LAST REPORT.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (27-15-6) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as mostly shippers are finished for the season. Trading Very Active. 1/2 bushel cartons Red supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. Lighter Shipments expected to continue through July 18. LAST REPORT

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-0-1) — Movement expected to increase as more producers begin to harvest. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,678*-1,677*-1,477) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, California and Wisconsin. (* revised)

UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments (735-717-575, Includes exports 15-17-12) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A 7.50-8.50; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 14.00-15.00, 80s mostly 11.00-12.00, 90s mostly 9.00-10.00, 100s mostly 9.00; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum mostly 5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 9.00.

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (238-197-212, Includes exports 22-26-18) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-9.50, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A 10.00-10.50; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 13.00-14.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-167-141, Includes exports 35-35-29) —Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A 7.00-9.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-10.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 13.00-14.00, 50s mostly 17.00-18.00, 60-70s 17.00-18.00, 80s mostly 12.00-14.00, 90s mostly 11.00-13.00. 100s 10.00-12.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum 7.00-9.00.

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (168-156*-136) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50-pound cartons size A 20.00, Size B 22.00; Yellow 50-pound cartons size A mostly 22.00, size B 16.00-18.00 (* revised)

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (83-75-81) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-23-67) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers start to harvest new potatoes. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. FIRST REPORT.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (57-66-60) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ELIZABETH CITY DISTRICT NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (21-60-46) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Round Red and Yellow Type slightly lower, Round White generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound sacks size A 20.75-22.75, size B 20.00-24.75, tote bags approximately 2000 pounds per hundredweight size A 40.00-44.50, size B 48.50; Round White U.S. One 50 pound sacks size A 14.75, size B 14.75-16.75, tote bag approximately 2000 pounds per hundredweight size A 28.50; Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound sacks size A 26.75, size B 14.00-16.75, tote bags approximately 2000 pounds per hundredweight size A 52.00-52.50.

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (33-38-44) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-22-42) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 50 lb sacks Round White US One size A 14.75, chef 17.75-18.75; 50 lb sacks Round Red US One size A 20.75-21.75, size B 24.75; 50 lb sacks Yellow Type US One Size A 26.75.

ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (23-24-20) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MISSOURI 2020 CROP — Shipments (36-32-17) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (13-12-12) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (11-7-9) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

Squash

MICHIGAN — Shipments (0-10-21) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Zucchini medium slow, others moderate. Prices Lower. One-half bushel cartons Zucchini small 8.00-8.85, medium 5.00-6.85, Yellow Straightneck small 12.00-12.85, medium 10.00-10.85. Supply of Yellow light. Quality good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (18-10-8) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 1/2 and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small mostly 8.35-8.85 medium mostly 6.35-6.85, Yellow Straightneck small 12.35-12.85 medium 10.35-10.85; 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck small 20.35-20.85 medium 18.35-18.85. Quality generally good.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-1-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Lower. 1/2 and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small 7.00-10.00, medium 5.00-8.00; Yellow Straightneck small 10.00-12.35, medium 8.00-10.35.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (1-1-1) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers are finished for the season. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. LAST REPORT.

VIRGINIA — Shipments light. Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices Lower. ½ bushel cartons Zucchini small mostly 6.00-8.00, medium mostly 4.00-6.00; Yellow Straightneck small mostly 12.00, medium mostly 10.00.

Squash, yellow crookneck

LEXINGTON SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (1-1-1) — Movement expected to increase Trading Active. Prices Lower. SUPPLY VERY LIGHT. DEMAND VERY GOOD. 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck sml 19.00-25.00 mostly 19.00, med 17.00-20.00 mostly 17.00.

Squash, zucchini

LEXINGTON SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (1-2-1) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Active. Prices Lower. SUPPLY VERY LIGHT. DEMAND VERY GOOD. 1/2 bushel cartons Zucchini sml 9.00 few much higher, med 7.00 few much higher.

Sweet potatoes

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (86-89*-71) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. No. 1 15.50-17.00, U.S. No. 1 Petite 12.00-13.00, U.S. No. 2 8.00-10.00, No Grade Marks jumbo 10.00-12.00. (* revised)

MISSISSIPPI 2019 CROP — Shipments (23-23-22) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Types U.S. Number One mostly 21.00-22.00 U.S. Number Two 12.00-14.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 12.00-14.00. Quality generally good.

ATWATER LIVINGSTON CALIFORNIA 2019 CROP — Shipments (10-9-8) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies are getting very light. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons Orange Type U.S. Number One 32.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium mostly 18.00-20.00 jumbo 20.00-24.00; White Types U.S. Number One 35.00-36.00 No Grade Marks medium 20.00-22.00 jumbo 20.00-
22.00; Japanese Types U.S. Number One 34.00-38.00 No Grade Marks medium 30.00-34.00. Quality generally good.

LOUISIANA 2019 CROP — Shipments (5-6-7) — Movement expected to decrease. Some shippers are finished for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. 40 pound cartons U.S. Number One 22.00-25.00 U.S. Number Two 14.00-16.00 No Grade Marks jumbo 14.00-16.00. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (47*-147-150) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. 25 pound cartons loose Mature Greens extra large 7.95-9.95, large and medium mostly 9.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (147-145*-127) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Moderate. Prices 4x4-4x5s slightly lower, others generally unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 12.95-13.95, 5x5s mostly 10.95-11.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5-5x5 size mostly 10.95-12.95, 5x6 size mostly 9.95-11.95. Quality generally good. Most present — Shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (122-82-63) — Movement expected to remain about the same as some growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Extra service included. Mature Greens. 85% U.S. One or Better. 25 pound carton loose. 5x6 size 15.95,, 6x6 size 15.95, 6x7 size mostly 15.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (29*-29*-10) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (25-31*-7) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices Lower. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s mostly 12.95, 5x5-5x6s mostly 10.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Current supplies insufficient to establish market.

ALABAMA — Shipments — Light harvest expected to start within 10 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 14 days.

EASTERN TENNESSEE VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE — Shipments — Light harvest expected to start within 7 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 10 days.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light movement expected to begin over the next 7-10 days. Currently, no F.O.B.s being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Tomatoes, cherry

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (5-9*-1) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading active at slightly lower prices. Prices Slightly Lower. GREENHOUSE flats 12 1-pint baskets medium-large 10.95-12.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Current supplies insufficient to establish market.

Tomatoes, grape

FLORIDA WEST AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (30-24-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same as many growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1- pint containers with lids 15.95-17.95; 20 pound cartons loose mostly 32.95-33.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (13-15*-11) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 9.95-11.95. 20 pound carton loose mediumlarge mostly 15.95-16.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (4-7*-5) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 10.95. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large mostly 20.95-22.95; ORGANIC GREENHOUSE flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large 12.95-14.00, 20 pound cartons loose medium-large 28.95-
30.00. Quality generally good. (* revised)

EASTERN SHORE VIRGINIA — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Trading fairly active for light supplies. Prices from industry sources flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 15.95-17.95; 20 lb cartons loose 33.95. Supplies in very few hands.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light movement expect to begin over the next 7-10 days. Currently, no F.O.B. is being reported. FIRST REPORT.

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (157-167*-168) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices Lower. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 9.95-10.95, large 8.95-9.95, medium 8.30-9.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (71-69*-29) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early active, late fairly slow. Prices medium lower, others slightly lower. 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large 12.95-14.95, large mostly 10.95-12.95, medium 8.95-10.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (8-20-25) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. 25 pounds cartons loose Roma extra large 11.95-12.95, large 10.95-11.95, medium 9.95-10.95. Quality generally good.

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (6-9-2) — Movement expected to decrease as growers finish for the season. Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN TENNESSEE VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE — Shipments — Light harvest expected to start within 7 days. Expect significant number of growers for first F.O.B. within 10 days.

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light movement expect to begin over the next 7-10 days. Currently, no F.O.B. is being reported. FIRST REPORT.

Dole and ‘Monsters, Inc.’ seek to make fruits, vegetables familiar

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:40 GMT

Dole Food Co. , is adding recipes and accompanying videos, along with social media content and digital downloads to its summer promotion of unfamiliar fruits and vegetables through Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” and “Monsters University.”

The company is using its partnership with Pixar Animation Studios and The Walt Disney Co. to highlight recipes for children that include Brussels sprouts , dragon fruit and kiwiftruit .

“As a mom of three, I can confirm that there are two types of fruits and vegetables in our house: friendly and scary,” Rachel Young, Dole’s manager of digital marketing and communications, said in a news release. “However, since many of the fruits and veggies considered frightening are only because of their names or the way they look on the outside, I’ve found that fun recipes and interactive activities can go a long way toward changing minds and creating new favorites.”

The promotion also includes activities at www.dole.com/Disney .

The five new “Monsters, Inc.” inspired recipes join five others that were released earlier this summer. They were created by Melanie Marcus, Dole’s health and nutrition communications manager, according to the release.

Related stories:

Dole quashes produce paranoia with ‘Monsters Inc.’

Pixar, Disney characters provide inspiration for Dole promotion

Dole partnership focuses on healthy eating at schools, homes

Braga Fresh gears up for fall

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:18 GMT

Soledad, Calif.-based Braga Fresh Family Farms plans to extend its Josie’s Organics Cut Veg product line by late October with an organic riced cauliflower option, said Heather Fuller, senior sales manager.

The company’s organic romaine , green leaf and red leaf lettuce crops as well as organic lacinato and red kale are scheduled to start by mid-September, she said.

Green kale is available now, and a strong organic celery program is planned for fall.

Sweet baby broccoli is available year-round.

Sales of the company’s newest organic commodity, purple baby broccoli, are expected to ramp up significantly by mid-March, she added.

Braga Fresh already was anticipating the seasonal transition from the Salinas, Calif., area to its desert growing region in California’s Imperial Valley for its Josie’s Organics brand product line, said Peter Cling, senior vice president of operations.

Broccoli and cauliflower are scheduled to start harvest in the desert in early December.

“We are also planning to have a longer overlap than normal given the COVID situation and have product in both areas for the Christmas season and strong early January demand,” Cling said.

Other desert start dates include spring mix and spinach in late October; romaine and romaine hearts, Nov. 1; iceberg, mid-November; bunching greens (kales), early to mid-November; cabbage, early December; and celery , late December/early January in Yuma, Ariz.

On the personnel side, the company has named a new vice president of operations and welcomed a new member to its sales team.

Colby Pereira, the new vice president of operations, has an extensive background in farming, harvesting and food safety and holds a bachelor’s of science degree in agricultural business with a minor in crop science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

Jason Duran joined the Braga Fresh seals team in late July, Fuller said.

Duran is an expert in the organic produce industry, having spent more than 20 years at Whole Foods Market, she said.

Related Content:

Jason Duran joins Braga Fresh sales team

Colby Pereira joins Braga Fresh as VP of operations

Braga Fresh bringing new products to United Fresh Live

2020 Fresh Trends Data: cauliflower

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:18 GMT

The likelihood of a cauliflower purchase increased according to income for the seventh consecutive year, and income seemed to mark both ends of the spectrum. Shoppers in the top income bracket ranked as the most likely to buy the cruciferous vegetable overall, while those in the bottom income bracket were among the least likely to buy.

Families without kids were more likely to buy cauliflower, at 27%, than those with kids, at 21%. Consumers with two kids living at home were among the least likely overall to buy the crunchy vegetable.

The popularity of cauliflower has been all over the map in recent years; this year Midwestern consumers were the most likely to buy when considering region, and in fact, they were among the most likely overall to make a cauliflower purchase.

African Americans were by far the least likely to buy cauliflower. Caucasians were the most apt to buy the white florets when considering ethnicity, a trend that continues from last year.

Slightly more than one-fifth of cauliflower buyers (21%) said they picked up organic product at least some of the time. Nine percent said they always bought organic cauliflower.

Church Brother Farms offers new Ready Sides at retail

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:52 GMT

Church Brothers Farms has four new value-added fresh-cut items under a new line called Ready Sides.

It’s the first retail value-added product with the Church Brothers Farms brand, according to a news release. The company’s fresh-cut items have been marketed under the Green Giant Fresh brand — which it acquired from Growers Express.

The new products are designed to cook in three minutes in a microwave. Each one includes eight ounces of fresh-cut vegetables and a seasoned butter puck, and each one is 90 calories or less per serving, with 2.5 servings in each side dish.

The Ready Sides line launches with four options:

Caramelized Onion and Bacon, a cauliflower dish;
Homestyle Buttery Garlic, a broccoli dish;
Savory Italian Herb, with broccoli, carrots and cauliflower; and
Mediterranean Lemon Thyme, with broccoli and cauliflower.

The products come in a microwaveable bowl and have a 16-day shelf life.

Suggested retail price are $2.99 to $3.50, depending on the market, and they are shipping nationwide.

“Ready Sides is a perfect way to bring healthy and convenient food to the table,” Rick Russo, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release. “With consumers doing more cooking in the home, we wanted to create a product to satisfy the changing demands and needs of the shopper.”

Part of the company’s strategic plan is to create innovative products that provide convenience and value and are healthy.

“With Ready Sides, our goal was to help consumers get healthy, great tasting food on the table, quickly and easily,” Russo said in the release.

Related stories:

Church Brothers adds five Green Giant Fresh value-added items

Church Brothers introduces sweet baby broccoli, cauliflower

Church Brothers acquires Green Giant Fresh value-added line

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of July 6

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:00 GMT

What the numbers mean

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = June 20; 2nd no. = June 27; 3rd no. = July 4. Expected movement is for July 5-18. F.o.b. prices are as of July 6.

Artichokes

Asparagus

Broccoli

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Corn, sweet

Cucumbers

Lettuce, iceberg

Lettuce, romaine

Onions, dry

Peppers, bell

Potatoes

Squash

Squash, yellow crookneck

Squash, zucchini

Sweet potatoes

Tomatoes

Tomatoes, cherry

Tomatoes, grape

Tomatoes, plum

Church Brothers Farms expands Green Giant line

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:41:38 GMT

Salinas, Calif.-based Church Brothers Farms has “worked tirelessly” to expand its retail line of Green Giant Fresh products, said Rick Russo, senior vice president of sales and marketing.

“We are proud to present our new, reformulated Tuscan Tender Leaves, Ready Leaf and our Sweet Baby Cauliflower & Sweet Baby Broccoli,” he said.

“Our Sweet Baby products (cauliflower and broccoli) use our innovative and exclusive Stay Fresh packing technology, ensuring the highest-quality product and the most reliable shelf life in the industry,” he said.

Church Brothers recently began packing green leaf clamshells in the Green Giant Fresh brand and expanded its Whole Leaf facilities in Mexico, doubling the company’s capacity to produce whole leaf products.

“Along with this, we’ve rebranded our Ready Leaf product, which is the perfect foodservice leaf for sandwich and burger applications,” Russo said.

The company will have several new retail Green Giant Fresh product rollouts in the upcoming months, he added.

Related Content:

Church Brothers introduces sweet baby broccoli, cauliflower

Good-quality leaf, lettuce items arriving from California

Church Brothers acquires Green Giant Fresh value-added line

Ocean Mist adds to Season & Steam line

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:41 GMT

Ocean Mist Farms , Castroville, Calif., has five new products in its Season & Steam line.

The new products are backed by a recent Nielsen Concept Test in which more than half of the consumers surveyed said they would “definitely” or “probably” buy Season & Steam products over other fresh and frozen vegetable products, according to a news release.

The five new items include vegetables that are among the top-10 value-added vegetables posting growth in the in the past year, according to Nielsen’s Answers on Demand report released in July.

The new Season & Steam line items are:

Broccoli Florets;
Floret Medley, with broccoli and cauliflower florets;
Vegetable Medley, with broccoli and cauliflower florets and baby-cut carrots ;
Cauliflower Florets; and
Cauliflower Rice.

The packages are resealable to allow for seasoning before cooking the vegetables.

“We’ve found shoppers want Season & Steam because the technology uniquely allows them to add their own seasoning and reseal the microwavable bag prior to cooking,” Diana McClean, senior director of marketing, said in the release. “We are excited to extend the line and include more options for our shoppers to add convenience and a personal touch to their meals.”

The Season & Steam line additions start shipping Nov. 1.

According the release, the United Fresh Produce Association’s first-quarter 2020 FreshFacts on Retail Report found that consumers value convenience, nutrition and the ability to cook products during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ocean Mist launched the Season & Steam line in 2015, which included Brussels sprouts products (whole, shredded, halved and baby sprouts). According to the United Fresh report, Brussels sprouts have shown year-over-year growth since 2017.

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Ocean Mist Farms promotes Chris Drew to COO

Ocean Mist launches Season & Steam

Del Monte’s Better Breaks: quick, convenient and plant-based

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:40:51 GMT

Del Monte Fresh Produce is launching Better Break, a snack line featuring an array of vegetables.

The Better Break line takes three minutes to microwave, according to a news release, and is designed to be a snack or a small meal.

Options in the line are:

Spicy Pomodoro: kohlrabi linguine and spicy chipotle pepper tomato sauce;
Zesty Green Chile: kohlrabi, cauliflower , kale , chickpea and bell peppers in a green chile sauce; and
Summer Corn: cauliflower, broccoli , sweet potato , kale and corn sauce with roasted corn and bell pepper.

The Better Break line appeared on store shelves this summer.

“We know that our consumers – millennials especially – are looking for tasty, convenient and wholesome options when it comes to lunch and afternoon snacking,” Dennis Christou, vice president of marketing at Del Monte Fresh, said in the release. “Better Break is our solution for everyone who may be too busy to prepare their own plant-forward options, and we look forward to adding them to our Del Monte lineup at our retailers nationwide this summer.”

The line has a suggested retail price of $3.99, according to the release.

Del Monte is showcasing the Better Break line at National Association of Convenience Stores Show Oct. 1-4 in Atlanta. Del Monte and Mann Packing, which Del Monte acquired in 2018, share booth No. 8511. Del Monte Fresh Produce will also showcase Better Break products at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Expo Oct. 18-19 at booth No. 1036.

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Del Monte, Mann Packing unite product development

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Organic vegetable sales skyrocket, marketers say

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:32:51 GMT

Whether you’re looking for organic Brussels sprouts, romaine hearts, tomatoes or just about any other vegetable this summer, supplies should be ample.

“With the growth of organic fruits and vegetables up almost double the rate of the growth of conventional produce in 2019, organics have moved from niche to mainstream,” said Helen Aquino, director of brand marketing and communications for Village Farms International Inc ., Delta, British Columbia.

Organic production at Ocean Mist Farms, Castroville, Calif., will include iceberg lettuce, spinach, cauliflower, artichokes, fennel, baby bok choy, red beets, broccoli, celery and specialty vegetables, said Diana McClean, senior director of marketing.
Ocean Mist has a line of about 20 organic cooking vegetables.

The company grows organically in Castroville, Coachella and Huron, Calif., at various times of the year.

Ocean Mist launched its Ocean Mist Organic brand in the summer of 2015 and has been growing organically since 2000, she said.

Organics account for 5% to 10% of the company’s production.

Related content: Organic news and updates

About half the products that Los Angeles-based 4Earth Farms LLC offers are organically grown, said Mark Munger, vice president of sales and marketing.

The company has a core organic product line of about 25 items, he said, and has access to dozens more.

Brussels sprouts are 4Earth Farms’ No. 1 organic seller followed by green beans, with French beans “an up-and-comer,” Munger said.

Other popular organic items include green and yellow squash, mini sweet peppers, Persian cucumbers and colored bell peppers.

“Because of our location and our relationship with our growers and our ability to have access to markets, we kind of view ourselves as a one-stop organic shop,” Munger said.

The company grows in multiple regions, such as California, Baja California and Guatemala, simultaneously to ensure consistent supplies.

During the spring and summer, most of the firm’s products come from California and Baja California, where growing conditions have been good, but where there’s been a lot of late-season rain.

“While it’s happening, (rain) is definitely a bit of a nuisance, but we always view rain as money in the bank,” Munger said. “We’re going to continue to take it while we can get it.”

With above-average rainfall last year and normal levels this year, “It puts us in a solid position for the season,” he said.

The future looks bright for organics, he said.

Related content: Organic grapes continue to trend upward for many growers

“We’re seeing availability of organic produce improve during all 12 months of the year.”

On the organic mushroom scene, Leamington, Ontario-based Highline Mushrooms expects to continue to ship its full variety of mushrooms through the summer, said Jane Rhyno, director of sales and marketing.

“Quality looks great across our farms and, as always, we pick, pack and ship fresh every day to provide the consumer the best quality on shelf,” she said.

Volume at Highline has been very strong and should continue throughout the spring and summer, she added.

Mushrooms are in line with many of the current food trends, Rhyno said, including plant-based eating, health and at-home cooking.

“It’s a great category that retailers can look to promote in the upcoming months,” she said.

The organic greenhouse-grown program at Village Farms International “is thriving and is in full swing,” Aquino said in mid-April.

“The crops look great,” she said.

All of Village Farms’ greenhouses that grow organically have been certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and verified by a third party, she said.

Tomatoes rank in the top 10 for both dollars and volumes in the organic category, she said.

“Right now we are harvesting Juicy beefsteak tomatoes, Delectable TOV tomatoes, Sinfully Sweet Campari tomatoes, and Lip Smackn’ Grape tomatoes,” she said.

“We have a number of pack sizes available to meet our customer needs and those of the organic consumer,” added Bret Wiley, senior vice president of sales and sales operations.

Growers Express recalls Green Giant Fresh products

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:56 GMT

Growers Express , Salinas, Calif., is recalling a variety of fresh-cut products, including Green Giant Fresh brand butternut squash and Cauliflower Crumble products, due to a positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes.

The Massachussetts Department of Health, which found one positive sample of listeria, notified Growers Express, which posted the recall on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the July 1 recall. Most of the products have “Best If Used By” dates of June 26-29.

No frozen or canned Green Giant brand products are involved.

The products originated from the Growers Express plant in Biddeford, Maine.

“The safety of our consumers is our first priority,” Tom Byrne, president of Growers Express, said in the notice posted on the FDA site. “We self-reported the need for this recall to the (FDA) and stopped production immediately after being notified of a single positive sample by the Massachusetts Department of Health.

“We are deep sanitizing the entire facility and our line equipment, as well as conducting continued testing on top of our usual battery of sanitation and quality and safety tests before resuming production,” Byrne said in the release.

Almost two dozen products are in the recall, with product going to retailers in these states:

Big Y Foods, Massachusetts, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles, Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice Blend,” and Butternut Diced;
Bozzutos, Connecticut, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles, and Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice Blend;”
C&S, Massachusetts., Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice Blend,” Butternut Cubed, and Butternut Diced;
Food Lion, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Crumbles “Fried Rice” Blend;
Four Seasons, Pennsylvania, Green Giant Fresh Ramen Bowl;
Native Maine (foodservice), Pennsylvania, Growers Express peeled butternut squash;
Procacci, Pennsylvania, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles;
Ruby Robinson (Performance Food Group/foodservice), Maine, peeled butternut squash;
Shaws, Maine, Signature Farms Cauliflower Crumbles, Green Giant Fresh Cauliflower Sweet Potato Crumbles, Ramen Bowl and Butternut Diced;
Stop & Shop, New York, Maryland, Green Giant Fresh Zucchini Noodles; and
Trader Joe’s, Alabama, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee (only Knoxville and Nashville), Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin, Butternut Squash Spirals; and
Trader Joe’s, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee (only Knoxville and Nashville), Virginia (only Glen Allen, Newport News, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg) and Wisconsin, Zucchini Spirals.

For specific items stock-keeping units, Universal Product Codes and lot numbers, and for updates, see Growers Express’ information page on the recall at http://www.growersexpress.com/voluntaryrecall/ .

Cyclospora cases increase in Del Monte vegetable tray outbreak

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:31:41 GMT

Health officials have again increased the number of consumers who’ve contracted Cyclospora illnesses linked to recalled Del Monte vegetable trays.

As of July 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 212 consumers involved in the outbreak, up from 185 in an earlier update. Consumers in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin have been linked to the outbreak; another two in Michigan reported they’d purchased the vegetable trays in Wisconsin, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

The vegetable trays Del Monte recalled are 6- and 12-ounce trays with broccoli, cauliflower and carrots with dill dip, sold in the four states where the illnesses are located, as well as Indiana. A 28-ounce tray with broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery and dip were recalled in Indiana and Illinois, according to the FDA.

“FDA has not identified which of the ingredients is the vehicle for this outbreak; each component of these vegetable trays is under consideration,” according to the most recent update on the outbreak. “FDA is currently reviewing distribution and supplier information related to the vegetable trays; the investigation is ongoing.”

According to the product labels, all of the vegetables were grown in the U.S. except the broccoli, which came from Mexico.

Listeria test prompts U.S., Canada recall of fresh-cut Mann products

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:40:20 GMT

Mann Packing Co. is recalling products in the U.S. and Canada after federal health agencies in the two countries notified the company of a potential contamination of Listeria monocytogenes.

Mann issued its recall Nov. 3 in response to a notice by the Food and Drug Administration and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, according to a news release from Mann posted on the FDA recall website. No illnesses in the U.S. or Canada have been linked to the recalled products.

The U.S. recall covers more than a dozen brands and more than 100 fresh-cut products, including organic items.

They include:

Del Monte: Better Breaks (Green Chile, Pomodoro and Summer Corn);
H-E-B: broccoli products, including organic;
Hungryroot: delivered meal kit items, including salad blends;
Mann’s/Mann’s Snacking Favorites/Mann’s Organics: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, stir fry, cauliflower products, CraveABowls, and Nourish Bowls;
Marketside/Marketside Organic (Walmart): broccoli products, Cauliflower Crumbles and vegetable medleys; and
Signature Farms (Albertsons): broccoli and cauliflower products.

The recalled products in the U.S. have “Best If Enjoyed By” dates of Oct. 11 to Nov. 16. The full list of recalled products in the U.S. and Universal Product Codes is available online.

In Canada, most of the products are under different Mann Packing brands, and all have “best before” dates up to and including Nov. 16 .

According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Mann Packing recall was an update to a Nov. 1 recall of six Compliments (Sobeys) brand fresh-cut products. That recall was also an expansion of an Oct. 30 recall, of Compliments Sweet Kale Blend. The kale item was recalled following a test from the Canadian agency that detected Listeria monocytogenes.

Related story:

Sobeys recalls Sweet Kale salad blend

Steinbeck changes marketing identity to Nature’s Reward

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:37 GMT

Steinbeck Country Produce , Salinas, Calif., is changing its marketing identity to Nature’s Reward to capitalize on consumer brand recognition, and has a new website design.

The new site, naturesreward.com , features easier navigation and product specifications. The company also plans to release consumer recipes and usage ideas, according to a news release.

“While the company name Steinbeck Country Produce is widely recognized, our brand Nature’s Reward has become even more identifiable within the industry and to consumers,” CEO Chris Huntington said in the release. “To that end, we are streamlining our efforts to focus on the strength of the brand.”

Company’s e-mails will change to name@naturesreward.com.

The company ships year-round from Salinas and Oxnard, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz. It ships vegetables including lettuces , cauliflower , Romanesco, and strawberries .

“The Nature’s Reward label has become so widely known it makes perfect sense to capture its strength in all of our correspondence and marketing,” Larry Ryan, vice president of marketing and business development, said in the release.

Texas takes big share of Mexican import growth

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:37:07 GMT

Texas is taking a big share of Mexican import growth in recent years.

Avocados, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and celery are some of the Mexican commodities with volume gains through Texas, said Tommy Wilkins, director of sales for Donna-based Grow Farms Texas.

“I think it is in the infancy of where it is going,” Wilkins said.

U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics show 2019 crossings of Mexican open field tomatoes were twice as high in Pharr, Texas, compared with Nogales, Ariz., and crossings of Mexican adapted environment-grown tomatoes were just 9% less in Pharr than in Nogales.

The proximity of South Texas distribution to population centers makes it an efficient place for loading to shipments to destinations markets all over the country.

In the next five to 10 years, Wilkins thinks avocados will continue to grow, and tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers will continue to be substantial.

“We have to be smart to not flood the market; that doesn’t help anybody,” Wilkins said.

The entire Mexican program of produce shipments to the U.S. will continue to expand, and will include items such as broccoli, cauliflower, celery and lettuce.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture Statistics, the market shares for U.S. ports of entry for select commodities were:

Avocados: Nogales, Ariz., 2%; Pharr, Texas, 45%; Tampa, Fla. (boat), 1%; Laredo, Texas, 51%, Otay Mesa, Calif., 1%; Progreso, Texas ,1%.
Cauliflower: Pharr, Texas, 58%; Otay Mesa, Calif., 9%; Rio Grande City, Texas, 26%; Nogales, Ariz., 7%.
Watermelon: Progreso, Texas, 21%; Rio Grande City, Texas, 3%; Pharr, Texas, 1%; Nogales, Ariz, 72%.

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Onion growers anticipate strong market for smaller crop

Gold Coast YMCA camp teaches children about healthy eating

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:41:51 GMT

Gold Coast Packing teamed up with the Santa Maria Valley (Calif.) YMCA recently to teach children how to grow vegetables and turn them into center-of-the-plate dishes.

In late June, Gold Coast sponsored the Health Cooking Camp at the YMCA in Santa Maria, teaching 9- to 11-year-olds how to make Cauliflower Ceviche, Broccoli & Cauliflower Stir-fry, and Spinach Salad. They also talked about food safety tips and table etiquette.

“Working with these kids each day was a complete joy,” Crystal Chavez, marketing coordinator at Gold Coast Packing, said in a news release. “We learned many had never eaten cauliflower or spinach before, but loved how we prepared it and quickly became new veggie lovers.”

Healthy living and youth development are areas of focus at the YMCA, and healthy eating is part of that, Kelsey Ferguson, childcare director at the facility, said in the release.

“We are grateful to Gold Coast Packing for the generous supply and variety of new veggies to introduce to our campers and inspirational recipes to take home and share with their families,” Ferguson said in the release. “Some of their favorite items were the watermelon radish tacos with cilantro aioli and cauliflower rice ceviche. Our campers and staff are already looking forward to another partnership with Gold Coast Packing!”

Gold Coast provided the fresh produce used during camp, and encouraged children to draw on their own experiences to personalize recipes.

Related stories:

Gold Coast to add Brussels sprouts

Gold Coast’s Sunny Superfood Salad is a colorful blend

Gold Coast celebrates 40th anniversary

Be the holiday plant-based destination with help from Frieda’s

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:40:26 GMT

Los Alamitos, Calif.-based Frieda’s is offering solutions for plant-based eating during the holiday season.

Frieda’s wants to be sure shoppers have the option to shop a variety of items, as 60% of people say they are more likely to include at least one plant-based main dish this year than in the past, according to a news release.

“As more shoppers are looking for meatless main dish alternatives, it’s important for retailers to make plant-based foods a focus in their stores,” Alex Berkley, director of sales for Frieda’s, said in the release. “Frieda’s Colored Cauliflower is a great option for holiday main dishes such as whole roasted colored cauliflower with salsa verde. Cauliflower continues to explode in popularity and adding colored cauliflower to your produce set will keep you on trend with consumers.”

Also, with “Friendsgiving” celebrations increasing in popularity among millennials, Thanksgiving now consists of multiple meals giving shoppers more opportunities to buy and cook, according to the release.

Frieda’s suggests retailers add signage and recipe cards for displays of plant-based dish ideas, according to the release.

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