For the week ending March 7, 2025
The apple market continues to trend upward at a gradual yet steady pace. This season has presented notable challenges for foodservice sizes, as the overall crop across all varieties has skewed larger than typical. Coupled with lower packouts and aggressive retail bag programs, this has driven unusually strong demand and elevated pricing for smaller, lower grade apples. These conditions are expected to persist until the arrival of the new crop.
The Mexican asparagus market remains firm, with demand outpacing supply and FOB pricing holding at $28 to $30. Although all regions are harvesting, yields remain below historical averages. If production does not improve soon, supply could tighten further heading into Easter.
Markets in Mexico have edged slightly higher, with peak sizes running 40 and 48 count. Dry matter and oil content are in the low 30s, and the fruit is eating very well. We will provide updates if anything changes on the avocado front.
Cold weather continues to limit production in Central Mexico. Industry wide shortages are expected as labor availability, and logistics are disrupted by ongoing cartel activity in several growing regions.
ALERT: MARKET UP – This item is seeing rising prices due to adverse weather in Central Mexico, Chile, and California. Availability is limited, and ongoing cartel activity in Mexico is expected to further constrain supplies from Central Mexico and Baja.
TIGHT SUPPLY:Markets are rising as availability tightens. Cold weather and ongoing cartel issues are further restricting supplies from CEMEX.
California is recovering from last week’s rain, with production expected to improve by the end of the week. Baja and CEMEX continue to face logistics and labor challenges due to recent cartel activity. Florida production remains steady, though cooler temperatures are returning, with overnight lows forecasted around 36 degrees, but no hard freeze is expected.
Broccoli supplies are tightening this week, driving higher markets. Prices are expected to rise gradually into the weekend, as planting gaps from late November and early December rain events continue to limit availability.
MARKET ALERT:Currently experiencing short supply chain issues due to cold weather.
Brussels sprout supplies and quality continue to improve, with the market expected to remain steady into next week.
Cauliflower supplies remain tight but are gradually improving this week, with the market expected to ease slightly into the weekend.
MARKET ON WATCH: Harvest in the Bakersfield region is nearly complete, with growers beginning light activity in the Imperial Valley. Significant improvement in California carrot supply is expected in 2 to 4 weeks. Harvesting too early could result in smaller-sized carrots, but in a few weeks sizing and availability should be strong.
Star Ruby grapefruit are available, peaking at 48 count, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) is finished. District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) will remain the main growing region until District 2 (Oxnard/Ventura County) ramps up around late March to early April. District 1 is currently peaking in 140, 165, and 115 counts.
ALERT: Prices remain high due to reduced Mexican yields from cold weather and January freezes. Tight supplies are expected through April, with limited relief from Colombia, Peru, and other sources. Volatile markets are likely at least through April.
The California Navel crop is heavily weighted toward larger sizes, peaking on 56 and 72 count, while small sizes (113 and 138 count) remain very limited through the season and into Valencias. Flexibility with size and grade will be needed, with substitutions to larger Navels or Cara Cara oranges likely. Suppliers will hold to contract size averages, and advance orders of 4–5 days are recommended. Expect elevated markets on Choice, Fancy, and small-size fruit, and encourage schools and DOD programs to accept 88 or 72 count.
Overall, the market remains firm across multiple suppliers, with all sizes being harvested. Availability is moderate to light in both northern and southern regions. Elevated pricing on all value-added items is expected to continue at least through this week. Quality remains good, with only minor seeder issues reported.
Eastern supply is primarily coming from Honduras, with limited volume and quality challenges. Florida fields are delayed, with gradual increases expected into April. Overall availability remains light to moderate in the near term.
Florida’s eggplant season has ended until late March, leaving Mexico as the primary supplier. Recent weather has limited Mexican volumes, resulting in an active market with high prices. Strong demand is expected to outpace supply, keeping markets firm through mid-March.
The California garlic crop is progressing well 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 very tight but are slowly easing from recent highs. Recent rains and cooler weather have lowered yields, and supplies are expected to stay limited into next week.
Supplies are expected to tighten by the end of this week and further next week. Very warm temperatures in Yuma starting Wednesday will likely lead to insect damage, lightweights, and puffiness. The best deals are expected Tuesday through Thursday, so plan heavier orders this week to take advantage of competitive pricing. Next week will see active markets, with escalated pricing continuing on all value-added lettuce items.
Romaine, along with green and red leaf, is strengthening in the market. Warm growing temperatures are causing tip and fringe burn, as well as pink ribbing on all leaf items. Romaine hearts are tightening, and currently, romaine is the only value-added leaf item with escalated pricing.
Tender leaf items like spinach, cilantro, and arugula are now in good supply and are expected to remain steady into next week.
Kale supplies and quality remain strong, with similar conditions expected into next week.
MARKET ON WATCH:Supplies still limited. Starting to see some improvement on green, red needing time to rebound from weather related grow issues.
Westside and Nogales deals are complete. Offshore cantaloupes are available in California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast. Pricing has stabilized due to tempered demand, influenced by nationwide weather concerns. Retail promotions in March are expected to boost movement.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available, but challenges are expected throughout March. Fields in Guatemala and Honduras have been affected by plant viruses, leaving Mexican honeydews to help supplement the market.
Lower yields and Mexican border issues have kept watermelon prices elevated. Cooler temperatures nationwide have slightly reduced demand, but limited Mexican crossings have shifted focus to offshore watermelons.
Onions are available from Washington, Idaho, and Utah. Demand has slowed this week due to nationwide weather concerns. Yellow and red onion prices remain steady, while white onion prices are rising, driven by transportation costs. Mexican onions from Texas have started, and U.S. Texas onions are also available.
The pear market is beginning to strengthen. Strong production of Anjou, Bosc, and Red pears is starting to meet rising demand. More shippers are finishing Bartletts for the season, and foodservice sizes are less available than in recent weeks.
Florida: Severe freezes have caused major losses in unprotected bell pepper fields, with supplies expected to stay limited through March and April. Mexico: Crossings are down due to pest and disease pressure and more red harvests, tightening number one green bell pepper volume through March. Overall Market: Strong demand is expected to keep pricing elevated in the weeks ahead.
The pineapple market is stable compared to last week but remains tight due to prior 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- and 10- crown crownless remain tight. Organic pineapples also remain limited.
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 producing excellent quality, peaking on mid sizes, while large and small counts remain tight. Florida colored potatoes are available. Transportation is driving the market.
MARKET ON WATCH: Florida production remains very limited following the recent cold snap, with Homestead fields still recovering. Both items are in light supply, with tight availability in key districts. High demand in Nogales is pushing prices higher. Volumes are expected to gradually improve in 2–3 weeks, though yellow squash quality remains variable.
Imported peaches, plums, and nectarines are available with fair supply on both coasts, and the market remains steady with reasonable prices. A few domestic kiwis are still shipping from California, supplemented by imports from Greece and Italy. Domestic Asian pears are also shipping from California and are expected to continue at least through March.
U.S. tomato supplies are tightening sharply after late-January sub-freezing temperatures in Florida devastated crops, limiting domestic production through mid-April or later. Mexican volumes, usually a key supplement, are lighter than normal due to prior weather damage and recent violent unrest causing roadblocks, shipment delays, and freight issues. Tight supplies and market pressure are expected to continue through March.
*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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