YUMA, AZ - The tides have been changing for the lettuce market out of Yuma this past week, with what had been a tight market with higher prices calming down and a big increase in supplies as we head into February.

“Since right before Thanksgiving and all the way through the New Year, the industry saw a time where both cold weather and increases in demand made for tightened supplies and increased prices,” explains John Georgalos, Lettuce and Romaine Product Manager for Tanimura & Antle. “Most shippers including processors were having to reach into future planting to meet demand, with estimated packing dates delayed 3 to 4 weeks due to cold weather.”

Now, with more moderate weather in western Arizona, supplies and quality are back up, contributing to the fluctuation back down to lower prices.

“The combination of warm Yuma weather and higher yields has held back our chances at holding up what had been a very strong market for the last 4-5 months,” adds John Scherpinski, Director of Sales for D’Arrigo Bros. “With plenty of product and very few outlets, the markets quickly fell. We have some hope for a little bounce in both iceberg and romaine markets though as retailers have adjusted store pricing to generate more sales and increase turnover.”

An upside to this big influx of romaine and iceberg? Now is a perfect time for retailers to promote without having to worry about supplies being interrupted, Georgalos tells me.

“We are now in a situation in Yuma where weather has moderated, days are longer, and ground temperatures are starting to warm up,” he adds. “All the acres that were behind schedule are now maturing and ready to harvest. We see a steady stream of excellent quality lettuce for the next 3 to 4 weeks barring another freezing episode, which is not being forecasted in the near future.”

As the lettuce market continues to fluctuate and weather starts to warm up, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the latest.

Tanimura & Antle D'Arrigo Bros.