Southern California is projected to ship about 7.2 million trays of kiwifruit this season, 2 million fewer than last season.
Because Italy’s crop are even lighter than California’s -about 22% lighter, California shipments should remain strong for produce haulers. California still has about 45% of its crop remaining in storage. Loadings should continue on a steady basis until Chilean product begins arriving in April.
You know when Californa and Arizona lettuce prices go through the roof due to freezes and rains in the desert, shipments are much lighter due to lack of volume. It difficult to forecast when loading opportunities will improve. While produce haulers may find more lettuce for hauling during February, shipments will once again decline in March until crops make a seasonal shift to Huron in the San Joaquin Valley and then to Salinas in only a few weeks.
Not only has it been quite a roller coaster ride in the Imperial Valley and Yuma, but in the Coachella Valley with vegetablaes as well. The weather also has resulted in shipping gaps in Southern California with everything from berries to citrus.
Now, during the weekend of February 9 and 10th the San Joaquin Valley, particularly the area just north of Bakersfield, had freezing temperatures. However, apprently the ctrus crops escaped damage. About 60 of the crop remains to be harvested.
Desert vegetable shipments grossing about $6200 to New York City.