THE RECENT COLD AND FREEZING TEMPERATURES HAVE ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE FOLLOWING COMMODITIES. IN SOME INSTANCES PRODUCTS WILL BE IMPACTED TO THE POINT OF DEMAND EXCEEDING SUPPLIES RESULTING IN SHORTAGES TO CUSTOMER ORDERS. SUBSTITUTE ITEMS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ACCORDINGLY. THIS REMAINS A DAY BY DAY SITUATION AND WE WILL UPDATE AS WE RECEIVE MARKET INFORMATION. BELOW ARE MORE SPECIFIC UPDATES ON THE BROCCOLINI, BROCCOLI, CAULIFLOWER, ICEBERG, ROMAINE, AND GREEN ONIONS. SPINACH AND SPRING MIX ARE NOW INCLUDED.

Severely impacted that will result in limited supply. The following items are critical and supply interruption is highly likely for the next 2-4 weeks.

• Broccolini: Supplies are in an unprecedented supply situation. The recent cold and freezing temps in Yuma have caused the plants to simply die in most cases. At this time, our suppliers are estimating they have lost 75% of the crop. It is recommended that a substitute product be considered for at least the next 4 weeks.
• Broccoli, Florets/Crowns: Supplies are extremely short and limited. Our suppliers are telling us that order fulfillment on these items could be affected by as much as 50% of what is ordered. Market prices are rising due to a rapid overall decline in raw product availability. Cold and freezing weather conditions have interrupted planting schedules. Quality issues of open bead and flowering are being reported.
• Green Onions: Market is active due to short supply. Order fulfillment is being impacted. Expect higher prices due to strong demand and limited production.
• Spinach: Supplies are quickly becoming short and limited. Our suppliers are telling us that order fulfillment on these items could be affected by as much as 20-30% of what is ordered. Market prices are rising due to a rapid overall decline in raw product availability. Erratic weather conditions have interrupted planting schedules. Quality issues of yellowing and mildew are being reported. [ more…]

• Spring Mix: Supplies are quickly becoming short and limited. Our suppliers are telling us that order fulfillment on these items could be affected by as much as 20-30% of what is ordered. Market prices are rising due to a rapid overall decline in raw product availability. Erratic weather conditions have interrupted planting schedules. Quality issue of occasional wilting/weakness at pack out and component availability remains a main concern.
• Cauliflower: Cauliflower supplies continue to be light and market is active. Higher markets are anticipated due to limited supplies in the coming weeks. Quality issues of discoloration and inconsistent sizing are being reported. Florets availability will be limited as well.
• Romaine: Product continues to be poor to fair in quality, with very visible blistering in most lots and lower weights. Volumes are still very low and will continue that way through the next few weeks. Commodity and Processors continue to extremely short on raw product. Market continues to be a demand exceed with prices increasing daily.
• Iceberg: Quality is mostly fair, with epidermal peel and blistering being the major quality challenges. In addition to that, small sizes continue to be prevalent throughout the industry resulting in lower weights; Even with the warmer weather expected this week, there will not be a big improvement in volume. Epidermal peel (blister) and mildew scarring are also visible on some product blocks, further affecting yields.
• Pre Cut Lettuce: Precut lettuce quality is fair to good. Salad manufactures are doing their best to trim off most of the freeze related issues affecting the product.
  January 12th, 2015