COMMODITY ALERTS

B & W Arugula & Watercress -The recent torrential rains and flooding across the Southeast simultaneously washed out the current crops of baby arugula at the B & W - Alabama and Tennessee farms. As a result, there will be no crop of baby arugula in all packs for approximately the next two weeks. Current loss of recently planted crops and delays in returning to the fields due to standing water and extremely wet conditions. While the Florida farms were not affected, they will not be ready for harvest for several more weeks. Arugula will not be available until late next week. Four consecutive days of rain have also affected the watercress for a short period of time. Watercress will be very limited for the next two weeks.

Cauliflower, Broccoli & Lettuce -Availability will be very tight for the entire week. Expect cauliflower to be very tight through next week also and lettuce is yet to be determined. There are a few reasons for the shortages. The growing regions have had cold weather at nights and only moderate daytime temperatures. This has slowed the growth pattern of the plants. Local production in the Canadian region as well as Midwest and East coast is producing much less product. This has caused a greater demand to be placed on California product. Also, keep in mind that growers in the Salinas Valley have cut back their plantings which has caused smaller volumes of product to be produced. Currently, mildew issues are occurring on lettuce and this is creating lower yields.

Cantaloupe & Honeydew - The situation on both Cantaloupes and Honeydews has gone from bad to worse with Honeydews being the most affected. Honeydews are in a demand exceeds supply situation and Cantaloupes could soon follow. Cold temperatures have hampered the abilities of growers to harvest fruit and also have dramatically scaled back production level yields in both California and Arizona.

The Westside deal is still in light Cantaloupe production, but cold weather has limited daily harvests significantly. This will be their last week of production and with the heavy demand for what is left they are now finishing in a demand exceeds supply situation. Honeydew production on the Westside is finished for the domestic season.

Arizona is experiencing below normal and cold temperatures in all current and major growing areas. Yields are down radically and sizing is limited to large ONLY. As a result they are limited to daily pack out numbers and they are very low on both Cantaloupes and Honeydews. This will remain the case over the next 7-10 days and they will remain in a demand exceeds supply situation.

Mexico is currently starting on Honeydews, but production is very light to start with and they are only in their 2nd day. More growers will come on line within the next 7 days, but until that time they will remain extremely short and limited on sizing.

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