SALINAS, CA - As always, the market is constantly keeping fresh produce industry members across the board on their toes. And as the transition between the desert growing regions to Salinas, California is wrapping up, that is definitely so. Broccoli is a category that has definitely been in flux in recent months and as shippers tell me, the market could possibly firm up in the next couple weeks but recent rains could also bring on more volumes. I spoke with Ippolito and Tanimura & Antle who gave me the 411 on the recent conditions.
Ippolito’s Broccoli Manager, Bill Vargas, tells me, “We were split between Yuma and Salinas last week on broccoli as we wrapped up and Yuma had been heavier than Salinas on production in terms of supplies. Demand this week will improve as more orders will be transitioning north for us. With our current contract base, orders will transition to Salinas starting this week and will give us a solid base to work from, and should allow pricing to improve as we move forward.”
For Ippolito, sizing was a little irregular the first week, but Ippolito is reporting that while production can be up and down, the team sees that improving as the season gets going for Salinas.
Bill talks to me about the interesting dynamic between the two regions and how it essentially affects the day-to-day sales models, “Demand has been steady here in Salinas this week, Yuma had the better demand due to lighter representation of product in the desert. It has allowed us to firm up our pricing when we have had to be more flexible in Salinas to attract customers.”
Growers tell us that another thing that may affect the market could be that the Central San Joaquin Valley has been finishing up with possible lighter supplies coming out of Santa Maria as well.
But as it always goes, growers have to see how the week plays out and what Mother Nature has in store next.
Janelle Seebeck Commodity Manager for Tanimura & Antle tells me that the company has been back in Salinas 100% for a few weeks now and finished Yuma pretty abruptly and moved right to Salinas without much of an overlap.
“We did gap on broccoli for a few days,” Janelle notes. “Broccoli supply is right on point for the next couple weeks for us with growing demand and with no large dips expected as of now. But, things can always change.”
When I ask her if she has noted any challenges thus far in terms of weather, Janelle tells me that T&A doesn’t anticipate any issues right now but reiterates that things can truly change on the span of a week.
“Our broccoli guys are troopers and the rain doesn't affect them much as far as harvesting goes. If anything, it may bring on a bit more product,” Janelle says. “So, look for promotional opportunities up ahead.”
With Salinas production underway for the spring and summer months, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the categories in California.
