From Driscoll, explaining the strawberry shortages we’ve been seeing….”Our overall forecast was still depending on a sizeable contribution from our acreage in Oxnard to help fill our demand needs this week. The weekly forecast had the Oxnard region penciled in at 35% of our overall source of supplies.
With last week’s and this week’s rain events, we will be hard pressed to reach the 35% contribution rate from this region. Cull rates due to quality issues and field conditions are expected to be high in this region. Overall, look for continued short supplies, with pro rates and cancellations likely in Oxnard. Although we have been able to move many customers into our facilities in TX to load Mexican straws, Mexico is not in a position where they are producing enough yet to pick up what California is dropping. As we move through December we anticipate limited volume will remain as California sees a slow recovery. We do know that Mexico and Florida production will naturally rise, however they are currently moving slower than anticipated due to slightly cooler trends in temperature in their respective regions. We have lots of gorgeous Florida citrus! Navels, Tangerines, Juice Oranges, and Grapefruit. ‘Tis the season for Florida fruit!
Cucumbers continue to be in short supply as Mexico just can’t get their season going. Florida doesn’t produce any significant volume of cucumbers this time of year as most farms bring in Central American cukes and then repack them there. They’re anticipating the shortages to last until mid January. Prices are staying strong on the short supplies. On the other hand, seedless cucumbers remain at bargain prices as they seem to have a glut right now.
Central American Honeydews and Cantaloupes are arriving now and addling a lot of needed volume to the market and putting pressure on the high prices out of California. Prices are way down, especially on cantaloupes.
Check out our gorgeous organic lettuces! We have a beautiful blend called Carolina Mix that has 8 different lettuces with a variety of flavors, colors, and textures! We’re also growing our own Little Gem lettuces now.
Q: What do Santa’s elves listen to as they work? A: Wrap music.
Q: Where do Chickens come from? A: Eggplants
