For the week ending February 21, 2025
We are approximately halfway through the 2025–2026 season, and this crop has presented ongoing challenges for food service–size apples. Across all varieties, the overall size profile has skewed larger than normal. Combined with lower pack-outs and strong retail bag programs, this has resulted in stronger-than-usual demand and pricing for smaller, lowergrade apples. We do not expect this dynamic to shift until the arrival of the new crop.
Mexican asparagus met demand early last week but tightened sharply by midweek as Valentine’s Day promotions drove demand beyond supply, leaving little open-market volume by Friday. Promotions booked at $18– $20 FOB quickly gave way to $30–$36 as Caborca production fell short and other regions finished. Limited Peruvian volume was absorbed quickly, with little relief expected before March. Large sizes remain extremely tight.
Markets remain steady at lower levels, with good fruit availability on the trees and decreased demand. Peak sizes are 40/48ct, with dry matter and oil content in the low 30s, resulting in very good eating quality. Updates will be provided if there are any changes in the avocado market.
There are no significant changes from last week’s update. Supplies remain steady from Mexico through Texas.
Product is arriving from Chile, Central Mexico, and California. Market conditions remain firm and steady across all loading points, including California, Texas, Florida, and New Jersey. Quality continues to be good.
TIGHT SUPPLY: The market remains steady, with adequate supplies from Baja and Central Mexico. Quality remains good.
We are currently in the Valentine’s Day pull period, which will continue through next week. West Coast production is steadily increasing under ideal weather conditions. Central Mexico is experiencing lighter volumes due to weather and some quality concerns. Florida has been impacted by a multi-day hard freeze, with recovery not expected until next week.
Broccoli supplies continue to tighten this week, and the stronger market reflects the reduced availability. Expect pricing to trend higher into the weekend. Planting gaps caused by rain events in late November and early December are driving the current market increases.
MARKET IMPROVING: Brussels sprout supplies continue to improve. In the Oxnard region, growers are dealing with insect pressure, some decay, and smaller sizing.
Cauliflower supplies remain extremely tight this week, and the market is expected to rise as reduced harvests from November and December rains limit available product.
Harvest in the Bakersfield region is nearly complete, with growers beginning light harvests in the Imperial Valley. Significant improvement across the California carrot industry is expected in about two weeks. Harvesting too early could result in smaller-sized carrots, which would be detrimental to the market. In a couple of weeks, sizing should be strong, accompanied by good availability.
Star Ruby grapefruit are available, peaking at 48ct, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) will finish packing this week, with minimal final floors available the week of the 16th. District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) will serve as the primary growing region until District 2 (Oxnard/Ventura County) ramps up in late March to early April. District 1 is currently peaking in 140/165/115 counts.
Mexican lime prices are rising as No. 1 yields decline, creating a split market between lower-cost off-grade and higher-priced premium fruit. Smaller sizes (230/250) are increasing, with 110/150 expected to tighten in the coming weeks as the new crop cycle begins. Freight and offshore competition are adding ongoing cost pressure.
The California Navel crop is peaking on larger sizes (56ct and 72ct), with small sizes (113ct and 138ct) extremely limited through the rest of the season and into March. Flexibility with size and grade will be needed, with substitutions to larger Navels or Cara Caras when available. Advance orders (4–5 days) are critical, as same- or next-day orders depend on availability. Expect higher markets on small fruit and Choice/Fancy grades. Schools and DOD programs should be encouraged to accept 72ct or 88ct fruit.
The celery market has tightened, similar to other row crops. Small sizes are most abundant, while value-added items remain at higher prices. Overall quality is above average, with all sizes available from Yuma and Southern California production.
Mexican production is rising under favorable weather, leading supply. Florida is finished after freezes, and Honduras volume is limited to contracts, keeping markets firm.
Florida eggplant is finished until late March, leaving Mexico as the main supplier. Light Mexican supplies, active demand, and recent weather are keeping prices high. Demand is expected to outpace supply through mid-March, even if production increases before Lent.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, complemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
The import season is in full swing, with strong volume from Peru and Chile. Supplies are good on both coasts, prices are steady, and this market is expected to continue through April.
Green onion supplies remain tight due to recent rains and cooler weather reducing yields. Availability is expected to stay steady into next week.
This market remains active and is expected to continue through February. Value-added items have risen to second-tier pricing, with supplies projected to stay limited. Shippers report weights of 35–39 pounds, with some misshapen heads, ribbing, and outer leaf discoloration.
The market is stronger for romaine, green leaf, and red leaf, with romaine value-added products at higher prices. Most leaf items are reporting good weights and sizing, and romaine hearts are expected to remain readily available this week. Market demand is expected to strengthen next week.
Tender leaf items like spinach, cilantro, and arugula remain tight due to quality issues and lower yields, with slight improvement expected next week.
Kale supplies and quality remain good, with similar conditions expected into next week.
PRODUCE SHORTAGE: Expect product shortages for both red and green.
Westside and Nogales deals are complete. Offshore cantaloupes are available in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast, with pricing stabilized due to demand. Lower yields are expected the week of 2/9–2/16.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available. Offshore pricing has stabilized due to vessel delays and lower yields, while Mexican honeydews have better supplies.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available. Offshore pricing has stabilized due to vessel delays and lower yields, while Mexican honeydews have better supplies.
Onions are available from WA, ID, and UT, with strong domestic demand. Yellow and red onion prices remain steady, while white onions are rising. Transportation is influencing the market. Mexican onions from TX have started, and U.S. TX onions are expected in March.
Onions are available from WA, ID, and UT, with strong domestic demand. Yellow and red onion prices remain steady, while white onions are rising. Transportation is influencing the market. Mexican onions from TX have started, and U.S. TX onions are expected in March.
Overall: Eastern bell pepper supplies are tight due to Florida freeze losses, with Mexico increasing volume to partially offset shortages and maintain elevated markets. Green Bells: Florida production and quality are down, while rising Mexican crossings are pushing prices higher. Red Bells: Mexico is the primary source, offering good quality and improving yields, with markets remaining firm in the short term.
The pineapple market is stable compared to last week but remains tight due to earlier rain and planting gaps. Contracts continue to take priority. Larger sizes are expected to increase slowly toward the end of February. For sizing, 6- and 7-crown counts are up, 8-crown counts are steady, and 8/10 crownless remain tight. Organic pineapples are also limited. No port delays this week, though some are expected the week of Valentine’s Day.
Supplies and demand are good, with sheds actively making deals. Smaller counts are becoming harder to find. Burbank potatoes are now available, with Norkoths as the main variety. Washington potatoes are peaking on mid sizes with excellent quality, while large and small counts remain tight. Florida colored potatoes are available, and trucking is driving the market.
Florida freeze damage has sharply reduced short-term squash supply, especially yellow squash, with some fields needing replanting. Yields are light and defects are higher. Supply should improve gradually as new plantings come online in the coming weeks.
Imported peaches, plums, and nectarines are in good supply on both coasts with steady, reasonable pricing. A few domestic kiwis are shipping from California, while imports from Greece and Italy maintain steady market conditions. Domestic Asian pears are also shipping from California and will continue at least through March.
Roma Tomatoes: Supply tight from Florida freeze and lower packouts; Mexico providing partial relief, with gradual quality improvement expected. Round Tomatoes: Availability lighter due to Florida freeze and delayed harvests; Mexico and Western regions supplement supply as conditions recover. Grape Tomatoes: Florida yields lighter after cold weather, offset by rising production from Mexico and Western regions to ease near-term tightness.
*The data contained in the Del Bene Market Report is provided for informational purposes only, is not tailored to your specific purchasing needs, and is not intended as a substitute for any other publicly available market data or information. The Del Bene market report is compiled from the last-received market data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or other market sources. The Del Bene Market Report is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein is the opinion of Del Bene Produce neither assumes any legal liability nor makes any warranty or guaranty, either express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of this information.
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