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Check back often as the reports change frequently to provide you with the most up to date information.

Market Trends Updated 10/6/08

	Lettuce Supplies are extremely tight and this market is very active. Mildew problems are the biggest problem existing with this commodity. The change in weather has caused irregular growth patterns and excessive mildew to be issues growers are currently dealing with. Growers are peeling multiple wrapper leaves to have clean lettuce. Expect lettuce to be on the tight side throughout the week. The color and texture continues to be above average. The market is higher. Leaf Lettuce: The market continues to adjust itself. Supplies continue to increase as the week progresses. Pricing will be lower with most suppliers. Growers have a better production pattern and yields have been much better. Internal burn and tip burn still exists. This will occur due to past heat waves in the growing regions. The high prices will come down throughout the week. The market is lower.
	Strawberries Some of our shippers are harvesting in more than one area which has helped balance the overall declining supplies. Oxnard production continues to pick up slowly with reports of good quality only with minor defects like cat face and some creasing. Overall better quality can be found in Oxnard and Santa Maria rather than in the north. The market is steady.
	Broccoli The broccoli market is extremely active. Supplies will remain very tight through the week. The market is stronger.
	Tomatoes Local area production is ending but demand is not strong enough for any drastic changes we can expect to see a decent range of prices due to as stated local production ending. The market is steady.
	Berries Blueberry production in the Northwest continues at a moderate pace but is looking to end soon. Michigan is currently shipping all storage fruit and is done with fresh production. The pack size is 4.4oz and some 6oz. with reports of great quality. The market is steady. Blackberries: Blackberry production continues to be light; we can expect this trend to continue. Reports of quality on blackberries have been good. The market is steady. Raspberries: Raspberries are available with most growers but not in abundance. Growers are producing moderate volume with good quality. Quality is good.
	Summer & Zucchini Squash Squash is now being harvested in Georgia and Mississippi with little to no availability in Michigan. The southeast continues to see well below anticipated averages in crop yields so expect a rising market resulting from “supply and demand”.
	Grapes Red Seedless grapes will not predominantly be either Crimson Red or Ruby Red seedless. Princess and Thompson varieties will dominate the green seedless market. As we move into October, cooler weather will prevail and harvests will be lighter, but quality will continue to be very good. Black seedless and Red Globe seeded grapes remain in excellent supply. Sizes are LARGE, they eat very well and quality is outstanding!
	Peppers The bell pepper market has stabilized after a slight increase in recent days. There is limited availability out of Michigan but good volume on California pepper has kept Eastern prices from reaching higher levels. The market should decline gradually over the next week.
	Cucumbers The cucumber market continues to rise. Michigan is finished with their cucumbers and Georgia has simply not planted enough to meet supply demands. The market will continue to rise as more people look to the southeast for their cucumbers.
	Melons Cantaloupe: The market has backed off since the start of the week and look to hold at the current levels through the balance of the week. Expect to see a slight green cast on the Cantloupes, but that has not had an affect at all on the internal quality. The market is steady. Honeydew: The honeydew market is sharply stronger and the supplies are limited! Water availability issues are forcing growers to shut down early and production will remain very light going into next week. Production in some of the growing areas will increase next week, but there is good demand on the light supplies. The market is higher.
	Asparagus The market is showing some life. Supplies are light from all growing areas. Extra large and jumbo sizes continue to be the tightest in availability. Supplies will remain light through the week. Good quality is being reported in terms of color and texture on this product. The market is higher.
	Stone Fruit Peach and Nectarine volumes continue to fall and even with the late season varieties, production could finish within the next 7-10 days. Red Plums are finishing quickly, but Black Plums will go strong for another 2+ weeks with the Angeleno variety. For our Fall Fruit enthusiasts, there are Pomegranates and Persimmons available in good supplies!
	Carrots Quality and availability continue to remain steady on the West Coast. Carrots are crossing into Texas on a daily basis now. Market is steady.