UNITED STATES - The Iceberg lettuce market is trending higher in California as supplies of key pack sizes remain limited, according to the USDA's National FOB Review issued June 10.

In Salinas-Watsonville, supplies of 30-count cartons were reported as very light, with 24-count supplies also light. The market was described as slightly higher, with 24-count film-wrapped cartons ranging from $50.65 to $61.45, mostly $55.50 to $57.95. Thirty-count film-wrapped cartons ranged from $32.55 to $50.75, mostly $46.75 to $48.75.

Santa Maria also reported a slightly higher market for film-wrapped cartons amid moderate demand. Twenty-four-count film-wrapped cartons ranged from $38.00 to $55.85, mostly $41.00 to $50.00.

Meanwhile, the Mexico crossing through the Texas market remained steady with fairly good demand. Twenty-four-count film-wrapped cartons were reported at $28.00 to $32.00, mostly $30.00 to $32.00, creating a substantial pricing gap compared with California production regions.

Organic Iceberg lettuce in California's South and Central District was reported in too few hands to establish a market for 24-count cartons, while 12-count film-wrapped cartons ranged from $19.00 to $25.00.

The latest USDA National FOB Review suggests that tightening California supplies, particularly for larger pack sizes, is supporting higher pricing despite only moderate demand. At the same time, lower-priced products crossing through Texas continue to provide buyers with an alternative source of supply.

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