Market Notes
  December 3, 2015

YUMA BLOOMA?

Okay, we were wrong again, but this time it is for the better. What was expected to be a three week shortage turned out to be only one week? So allocations and price increases are over and it is almost back to business as normal. Mesclun, spinach, arugula, mizuna and baby lettuces are all looking great. Baby kale and specialty mixes are available in good supply as well. There is only one problem, and that is our baby head lettuce. We rely on one source when we move to the desert and this grower has fields that have suffered from early morning frost. There is no working this product so fields had to be disked and it will be another two weeks before we have good supply. We have good supply in LA and Salinas but nothing in Yuma for a few weeks. Yes, product can be transferred but they have to be full pallets and there is obviously a pallet charge for cross docking.

THE SHOW-LUCK IS THE RESIDUE OF PREPARATION!

These are the elements we had to deal with. Rain, which is OK because we usually have to deal with snow so maybe we look at this as a benefit? It is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the day before the Christmas tree lighting at Rockefeller Center. Our Consolidation point is in the middle of Midtown. Needless to say half the product we shipped did not make it to our booth. One of the items, our new retail Finger Lime pack did not make it to our booth nor did many of our greens and some amazing dried fruit. For the first time in 20 years we were actually not ready when the show began, a personal failure. But Produce Business magazine and the EPC create such an uber cool environment ultimately we prevailed. We had hoped to serve tiny masquerade potatoes in tiny savory ice cream cones, but the potatoes were too large for the cones and the cones were too small for the cone holders. Another fail, but that turned into a great sauté. If it is not lack of parking it’s horrible weather or failed electricity and while we maintain a very high standard for our booth we have come to realize that even if we achieve half of what we are going for we will at least be okay. We have also learned that smaller regional shows are better than the larger ones. They create a higher energy, a better vibe, and every attendee can easily walk the show. It also allows for better conversation as there is no urgency to get to every booth. Then you add the New York produce environment and it really becomes a party. So, while we cavort, hoot, and holler with old friends it is that exact energy that draws new customers to our booth. Not meaning to mimic the WHO but this being our second last food show ever, we did go out with a bang and a good time was had by all. Again our thanks to Produce Business (Ellen), the EPC and Big Apple for produce ego central. Photos on Facebook (Culinary Specialty Produce) or by request.

NEW PRODUCE QUIZ – – WHO AM I???

God blessed America – He gave it country quilts, apple pie, Fourth of July and me!!! I am a member of a healthy family. You won’t find me flourishing in the fields but you will find my clusters sprawled throughout the woods, mountainous regions and peaty soils. My flesh is sticky sweet, and don’t miss my seeds, they’re tiny!! I have approximately thirty varieties all falling under the categories of Vacciinium Angustifolium, which are smaller, milder tasting version (Are you from Jersey? If so then you have no problem finding me, this version is widely cultivated there). However I’m not around for long, don’t blink or you may miss me. Please! Treat me gently when you wash me I am very fragile and highly perishable. I’m an all day long delight, served plain or dried, as a breakfast accompaniment, in fruit salad, yogurt, sorbets, vinegar, juices, jams, pies, cakes and even topped with orange juice and vodka for a tasty after dinner delight. I am a significant source of Vitamin C, Potassium, Sodium and fiber. Hey, if you don’t consume me for my delightful flavor, keep in my mind I am also a “pharmafood” and said to have the effects of an astringent, antibacterial, and antidiarrheal. Don’t mistake me for Cousin Bill and beware of tricky peas holding their breath to fool you, although their true colors eventually come out with the stars.

Answer To Last Week’s Quiz…RADICCHIO…Congrats To All Winners
Call 908-789-4700 –Lisa, Mark or Richard– Fax 908-789-4702
Visit us at www.culinaryproduce.com
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Culinary Specialty Produce, Inc., 2015