For the week ending June 13, 2025
Apple inventories are expected to tighten further throughout June. At the same time, seasonal demand typically softens during this period, which should help moderate the pace of price increases. Red and Golden varieties are expected to face the greatest upward pricing pressure, while supplies of Fuji and Pink apples are also becoming increasingly limited. In contrast, Granny Smith apples remain readily available and are expected to maintain strong supply levels until the new crop arrives.
Mexican asparagus supplies remain steady and are expected to increase through the summer, while Peruvian supplies are currently tight due to shipping delays but should improve later in June. Domestic production is winding down and will largely finish by early July. As the market shifts back to Mexico and Peru, asparagus prices are expected to trend higher. DelBene Produce has Michigan asparagus in stock and shipping.
Mexico’s avocado market continues to tighten as the main crop enters its final five weeks and grower participation declines. Many growers are slowing harvests in anticipation of stronger late-season pricing, driving field costs higher as packers compete for limited supply. Current Mexican shipments are projected to fall below U.S. demand, while California production is helping to supplement availability but remains limited. Looking ahead, the market is expected to remain volatile with elevated costs until Flor Loca and Peruvian volumes begin ramping up in July. Suppliers are closely monitoring availability and may require continued flexibility on sizing and country of origin substitutions to maintain consistent supply.
MARKET ON WATCH
CEMEX supplies remain steady, with good volume crossing from Mexico. California production is underway, though crop development has been slightly delayed by cooler weather. Demand remains light, helping keep the market well supplied.
CEMEX volume is expected to decline sharply over the next two weeks as the season comes to an end. California has adequate supplies to meet relatively light demand, while the Pacific Northwest is expected to begin light harvests next week. Georgia continues to provide strong coverage for much of the Southeast market.
CEMEX supplies remain steady, with strong volume crossing into the U.S. California production is available but continues to run slightly behind schedule due to cool weather, similar to blackberry crops. Demand remains light, keeping overall market conditions balanced.
ALERT: MARKET UP – SUPPLY ISSUES: Following last week’s rain, supplies in Salinas and Watsonville are expected to remain steady as fields recover, with yields projected to improve heading into the weekend. Santa Maria production continues to trend lower due to normal seasonal planting declines. Across California, growing regions are still contending with unusually cool temperatures, and while a brief warming trend is expected, forecasts indicate cooler than-normal conditions will persist next week.
ALERT: Supply shortages.
Broccoli supplies remain abundant, and market conditions continue to improve. Prices are expected to gradually ease further as we move into the weekend.
ALERT – TIGHT SUPPLY: Broccoli supplies remain abundant, and market conditions continue to improve. Prices are expected to gradually ease further as we move into the weekend.
Cauliflower supplies remain strong, with good quality available. The market is expected to stay steady into next week, supported by ample availability.
MARKET ON WATCH: The Bakersfield region is currently the primary source of baby carrots, with improved availability. Jumbo carrots remain somewhat tight due to smaller sizing, though this is expected to improve as the season progresses.
Star Ruby grapefruit are available, primarily peaking at 48ct sizes, and are being shipped out of Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
ALERT: The lemon market remains elevated due to limited availability and sustained strong demand. Supplies are expected to stay extremely tight through June, keeping prices firm in the near term, with relief anticipated in July as offshore imports increase. District Two (Ventura County/Oxnard Region) is currently in full production and supplying the majority of fruit.
Lime supplies continue to improve, putting downward pressure on prices despite potential short-term impacts from forecasted rain. Large sizes remain limited, but increasing production in Mexico is helping boost overall availability and keeping the market steady to slightly lower.
ALERT: The California Valencia crop is heavily weighted toward larger sizes, mainly 56ct and 72ct, while smaller sizes (113ct and 138ct) remain very limited and are expected to stay tight for the rest of the season. Flexibility on sizing will be needed, with substitutions to larger fruit likely as availability of small sizes declines. Suppliers will maintain contract size averages, and programs are encouraged to shift to 88ct or 72ct to ensure consistent coverage.
ALERT: Production is steady with all sizes available through the remainder of the week. While there is some escalation in value-added items, this is expected to subside by the end of the week. Harvests will continue out of the Santa Maria and Oxnard regions, and Salinas shipments will likely include a transfer fee in FOB pricing. Overall quality remains above average.
Sonora production is winding down as Baja ramps up, helping keep the market stable. Georgia supplies remain tight on retail sizes due to weather impacts, though off-grade product is more readily available. North Carolina production is just beginning and is expected to improve availability over the next 1–2 weeks.
MARKET ON WATCH: Florida production is finished, while Georgia supplies continue to build and are expected to improve over the next two weeks. Mexico and California remain extremely short with very limited availability. The market remains active but is expected to ease slightly as Georgia volume increases, creating promotional opportunities next week.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, supported by ongoing Mexican supplies that continue to complement domestic production.
Mexican grapes are crossing through Nogales in good volume, though the market is beginning to firm as early varieties like Flames and Sugar Ones transition to newer varieties such as Sweet Celebrations and Sweet Globes. Domestic Coachella grapes remain stable but limited and heavily committed. Larger domestic volumes are expected to begin in the Bakersfield region from mid-June into early July.
Green onion supplies remain strong overall and are expected to stay steady into next week, depending on temperatures.
ALERT: MARKET UP – SUPPLY SHORTAGE
ALERT: Cold temperatures followed by rain and then warm weather have disrupted crop development, contributing to lower yields across many shippers due to INSV and fusarium in the soil. The market remains active, with escalation on all value-added items in effect and expected to continue through at least this week. Common defects include discoloration, light weights, outer leaf discoloration, pink ribbing, and misshapen heads.
Romaine and romaine hearts remain in very limited supply, with demand continuing to exceed available inventories, a trend expected to persist through the week. Green leaf and red leaf lettuce are also tight, with reported quality issues including tip burn, fringe burn, and lighter-thannormal weights. Erratic weather and soil disease pressures are impacting growing regions and limiting overall production across leaf lettuce varieties. Additional price increases on value-added items are expected by the end of the week, and customers should plan accordingly.
Spinach and spring mix are in good supply for normal business with solid quality. Arugula varieties are also showing improvement this week.
Kale supplies and quality remain mostly good, with similar conditions expected to continue into next week.
Offshore cantaloupes are finished for the season, with domestic melons now serving as the primary supply. California desert suppliers are currently dealing with whitefly pressure, which is impacting yields and sizing, particularly on larger fruit. Flexibility on sizing will be necessary, and these supply and sizing challenges are expected to continue through the remainder of June.
Offshore honeydews are finished, while Mexican supplies continue to move strongly through Arizona and domestic production is underway in the Brawley/Yuma region. Summer retail ads are expected to increase demand for honeydews.
Crossings from Mexico have declined, putting upward pressure on market prices. Domestic watermelons are available in limited volumes from California and Florida.
Onion supplies from Texas, Georgia, and the California desert are coming to an end, with shipments shifting to Central California and New Mexico for the remainder of the summer season. Freight is currently the main factor influencing the market.
Anjou volumes continue to tighten, though several larger shippers do not expect to finish before new crop Bartletts begin in Washington in early August. The Bosc season is nearly complete, with most shippers either finished or on final inventories, and Red Anjou supplies are also nearly done. California is expected to begin new crop Bartletts in the last week of June.
ALERT: Bell pepper supplies are improving as production ramps up in South Georgia and California transitions into Bakersfield. Green pepper demand remains strong, keeping supplies relatively tight, though increased regional production should help balance the market in the coming weeks. Red pepper availability is improving in California, while limited Georgia supplies and the conclusion of Western Mexico production continue to support demand. As supplies build, prices are expected to ease over the next two weeks.
The pineapple market remains stable, though supplies are tight and expected to continue through June, with contract business prioritized. Larger sizes should improve by mid-June, while crowned 6 and 7 count fruit is increasing and 8 count remains steady. Crownless 8 and 10 count and organic pineapples remain limited.
Good supply and strong demand continue, though sheds will have limited hours for Memorial Day weekend, so advance ordering is needed. The new Burnbank variety is peaking on smaller sizes. Washington potatoes are showing strong quality, peaking on mid-size counts, while large and small sizes remain tight. Florida colored potatoes will be available for another 3– 4 weeks. Fuel costs are up about $1 in some regions. Yellow potatoes remain tight, while reds are in better supply. North Carolina sweet potatoes will stay limited until new crop begins.
Georgia has strong supplies with promotable pricing, while California and Baja production continues to build. Florida is wrapping up for the season with only limited harvest remaining. North Carolina and New Jersey production is increasing, adding additional supply to the market.
California’s Central Valley stone fruit season is ramping up quickly, with peaches, plums, and nectarines all increasing in volume and improved varieties expected as the season progresses through June. Imported kiwi from Chile is in good supply, with prices beginning to ease. Washington cherry season has begun and volumes are expected to pick up next week.
ALERT – MARKET ON WATCH: Tomato supplies remain generally adequate as production transitions across both East and West. Eastern volume is shifting from Central Florida into South Carolina and other summer growing regions, while Western production moves from Sinaloa to Baja, Central Mexico, and California. Despite some lighter supplies and minor quality issues in certain areas, increasing production in newer regions is expected to support stable availability through June and into the summer season.
*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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