SALINAS, CA - As we near the end of California’s summer season, Tanimura & Antle is forecasting another six weeks left to the lettuce season in the state’s “salad bowl,” Salinas, CA, before making the transition to Huron, CA.
“There has been a slight increase in demand this week as retailers are stocking-up for the last holiday (Labor Day) of the summer,” T&A’s John Georgalos, Commodity Manager, tells me. “In addition, as homegrown winds down across the nation, we should see a lift in demand.”
The market has remained steady thanks to mild weather in recent weeks, John shares, translating to attractive prices for buyers compared to this time last year.
“Current prices are in the $10.00 to $11.00 range for a carton of 24 count Wrap Lettuce,” John says, adding that industry volume has been right at one million cases per week–just enough to meet demand.
As for the upcoming move to Huron, Tanimura & Antle is currently anticipating a smooth transition.
“Seed has been planted in Huron and we see no interruptions in supplies as we transition from Salinas to Huron," John explained. "Currently in Salinas, days to harvest are about two to three days behind schedule, which means the lettuce volume for the remainder of the Salinas season should remain strong as we push to finish the season here.”
While shippers not growing in Huron will stay in Salinas a while yet before shifting to Yuma, AZ, T&A currently reports that, barring Mother Nature’s influence in the last half of September and first two weeks of November, we should see an excellent time to promote lettuce.
AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you up to date on lettuce and other fresh produce categories throughout the remainder of 2016 and beyond.
