US: Temporary oversupply of lettuce

“Due to the warm weather in Yuma (AZ), harvest of lettuce is way ahead of schedule”, says Doug Classen, Sales Manager with The Nunes Company, the shipper of “Foxy” brand produce. “Currently, we are in a situation of slight oversupply and prices are depressed as a result. However, I do foresee that changing in the next few weeks”, said Classen. As production came forward, the transition into Huron and Salinas Valley will come earlier as well. “Usually, we wrap up in the dessert around the third or fourth week of March, but this year, we are likely to make the transition in the first or second week of March. We will see some supply gaps during the transition period as I expect a few companies to be out of product. Therefore, I am anticipating prices to increase as we make our move up north”, said Classen.

This time of the year, competition from other lettuce growing areas is limited for California. “Mexico’s lettuce production plays a role for Texas, but does not compete with California”, Classen mentioned. “Of all iceberg lettuce supplies during this period, 95 to 99 percent comes from Yuma (AZ) and Imperial Valley (CA).”

For more information:
Doug Classen
The Nunes Company
dclassen@foxyproduce.com
www.foxy.com