Volumes of lettuce out of the California's Central Coast have been less than expected, and prices have perked up.“Volumes are currently slightly below forecast,” said Don Klusendorf of Bonipak Produce. “The reason is that the season here started earlier, about two and a half weeks early, so if you start earlier then it stretches you out.” A large amount of lettuce is coming from Santa Maria and Salinas, which is in full production right now. Klusendorf added that they expect current volume levels to continue for about the next two or three weeks.
“Supply has a lot to do with many factors,” said Klusendorf. “It's been an extremely warm spring with average temperatures between January and March significantly higher than average temperatures for the last five years. So in growing varieties more geared to colder weather and putting them in heat those varieties don't yield quite as well.” With less supply, prices have steadily increased over the past several weeks.
On April 24, prices for a carton of iceberg lettuce 24s were between $14.00 and $17.55 out of Salinas, and a carton of Boston 24s ranged in price between $18.45 and $22.00. Out of Santa Maria, prices for a carton of iceberg 24s were between $13.50 and $15.85.
For more information:
Don Klusendorf
Bonipak Produce
+1 805 925 2585