Market Report
- Wednesday, 23 December 2020
Over the years, week fifty two of our market report has been reserved for an uplifting message to close out the calendar.
Like all things in 2020, the COVID cloud continues to rain on our industry.
The latest round of “shelter in place” orders comes just as we’re ready to shop, eat out and celebrate with others. No can do.
This year has been one for the books. As a partner in the food supply chain, we’ve had a front row seat to the constant disruptions the food industry continues to encounter.
Every food sector; retailers, restaurants, cafes, schools, prisons, casinos, and hotels has been on a swivel. Modify, pivot and adapt has been a constant dance since March.
Day-to-day business has been anything but normal. We’ve felt the pain of our customers. Starts and stops, limited capacity mandates, front-line worker safety, financial investments to combat COVID, inside, outside, curbside– the list goes on. It’s been a staggering climb to meet the challenges.
On the supply side, farmers and ranchers are also caught up in the schizophrenic nature and fallout from the pandemic. Sound planning for ample crops, is based on true demand. That demand continues to shift along with many other uncertainties.
Weather conditions, wildfires, smoke, power outages and COVID-related labor shortages were uncontrollable for farmers to deal with. The latest round of foodservice restrictions leaves everyone head scratching.
Growing concern over viability through the coming weeks is a real factor for anyone in the hospitality or restaurant business. They are in survival mode.
All the while, all food sector channels continue to feed hungry people. If you have food on the table and a full pantry, count that as a blessing. Now more than ever, food insecurity is at a fevered pitch. Financial hardship is a by-product for families impacted from COVID work shutdowns.
Our local Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services organization partners with over 220 local agencies. Together they distribute food to individuals and families in under-served communities. That need has now grown to all rural and suburban areas.
- Thursday, 17 December 2020
Staying in on these cold winter nights is easier to swallow with something warm to sip on. Mulled ciders and wines are just thing for this end of year contemplative period.
Holiday entertaining was the perfect excuse for crowd-pleasing pots of spicy, fragrant hot drinks.
Without having any large group gatherings, it’s still imperative this season to create special scaled down moments of comfort and cheer. Mulled drinks take top consideration.
Smaller recipe versions of mulled concoctions will generously serve two to four people. Don’t skimp.
Intoxicating kitchen aromas while mulling will come mostly from citrus choices, sliced apples, star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Fresh ginger root, rosemary sprigs and citrus peel do double duty as both garnish and ingredient.
Hot sipping drinks are meant for slowing the frenzy of the holiday pace. Utilize what is on hand or add a few key items to the shopping list. Check the pantry first to see what is already on the shelf for a quick “pick me up” cup of something special.
Holiday entertaining was the perfect excuse for crowd-pleasing pots of spicy, fragrant hot drinks.
Without having any large group gatherings, it’s still imperative this season to create special scaled down moments of comfort and cheer. Mulled drinks take top consideration.
Smaller recipe versions of mulled concoctions will generously serve two to four people. Don’t skimp.
Intoxicating kitchen aromas while mulling will come mostly from citrus choices, sliced apples, star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Fresh ginger root, rosemary sprigs and citrus peel do double duty as both garnish and ingredient.
Hot sipping drinks are meant for slowing the frenzy of the holiday pace. Utilize what is on hand or add a few key items to the shopping list. Check the pantry first to see what is already on the shelf for a quick “pick me up” cup of something special.
- Thursday, 10 December 2020
Playing it safe for the upcoming holidays– Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Year’s and beyond– seems like the biggest killjoy for festive social gatherings.
Public health messages, mandates and restrictions have been great about advising on what not to do.
Newly issued county and state orders push the “stay at home” behavior models for preventing more COVID escalation.
We hear of the no-no’s and high risk behaviors to avoid. Once those are spelled out, we can modify activity. What about attention paid to what we can do?
This newest round of public lockdowns comes as COVID fatigue and resentment peaks. Humans are social creatures.
These past months have been stressful and isolating. Our collective strong desire is to be with family, friends and loved ones for ritual and celebration.
Public health messages, mandates and restrictions have been great about advising on what not to do.
Newly issued county and state orders push the “stay at home” behavior models for preventing more COVID escalation.
We hear of the no-no’s and high risk behaviors to avoid. Once those are spelled out, we can modify activity. What about attention paid to what we can do?
This newest round of public lockdowns comes as COVID fatigue and resentment peaks. Humans are social creatures.
These past months have been stressful and isolating. Our collective strong desire is to be with family, friends and loved ones for ritual and celebration.
- Friday, 04 December 2020
Bring the outside in for necessary holiday cheer. Lifting spirits is only one of the by-products of decorating using aromatic evergreens, colorful fruits and dried produce.
Creative expression is well-fed and satisfied when it comes to assembling gathered and sourced stems, branches, cuttings and the like.
Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and floral arrangements set the holiday tone. Seed pods, pinecones, fruits and berries add texture, color and notably fragrance to already interesting designs.
Cranberries and pomegranates add wonderful pops of color to any cut greenery. Citrus slices come in an array of yellow, orange and gold. With new varieties coming into season, blood oranges, grapefruit and Meyer lemons are attractive elements for swags and mantels.
Cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves are not relegated to just hot toddy duty. Tie them, glue them and string them for gift wrapping bling, tree ornaments and bowls of scented room fresheners.
Pears and apples hold their ground during December supply. Keep in mind the tiny versions for holiday place settings and tablescapes. Seckel and Forelle for the pear choices are simply adorable. Lady and crabapples hit the bullseye for diminutive apple selections. It’s especially important this year to change up living and work space environments for psychology sake.
Working remotely or self-isolating benefit from event the smallest gesture of décor changes. Elevate the mood with something new to view.
Aromatherapy properties of a single sprig of rosemary can reshape attitudes and act as a de-stresser.
Explore other herbs and greens found in the yard, neighborhood or retail shops.
Creative expression is well-fed and satisfied when it comes to assembling gathered and sourced stems, branches, cuttings and the like.
Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and floral arrangements set the holiday tone. Seed pods, pinecones, fruits and berries add texture, color and notably fragrance to already interesting designs.
Cranberries and pomegranates add wonderful pops of color to any cut greenery. Citrus slices come in an array of yellow, orange and gold. With new varieties coming into season, blood oranges, grapefruit and Meyer lemons are attractive elements for swags and mantels.
Cinnamon sticks, star anise and whole cloves are not relegated to just hot toddy duty. Tie them, glue them and string them for gift wrapping bling, tree ornaments and bowls of scented room fresheners.
Pears and apples hold their ground during December supply. Keep in mind the tiny versions for holiday place settings and tablescapes. Seckel and Forelle for the pear choices are simply adorable. Lady and crabapples hit the bullseye for diminutive apple selections. It’s especially important this year to change up living and work space environments for psychology sake.
Working remotely or self-isolating benefit from event the smallest gesture of décor changes. Elevate the mood with something new to view.
Aromatherapy properties of a single sprig of rosemary can reshape attitudes and act as a de-stresser.
Explore other herbs and greens found in the yard, neighborhood or retail shops.