United States: Heat wave leaves industry parched

While decreases across categories dragged the overall index slightly down, anxiety over Western heat and forecasted precipitation is causing prices for lettuce and certain dry vegetables to jump off the floor.Growing regions on the West Coast of the United States are under an “active heat advisory.” In anticipation of reduced yields and heat-related damage, iceberg and romaine lettuce experienced much needed price increases.In what has been a flat year for iceberg, a jump is a welcome change for growers weary of rock bottom prices. Although Iceberg is up +40 percent over the previous week to $11.50 per case, the rise is caused by reduced yields.Warranting further price increases, abnormal temperatures in the Central Valley will negatively impact yields and quality of the heat-sensitive crop over the next couple of weeks.Iceberg needs continued price increases to make up for losses and reduced yield.Similarly, Romaine has enjoyed a relatively even-keeled year. Though prices have ...