For the week ending April 12, 2025
The apple market remains stable, with a healthy supply of food service sized apples available.
Asparagus supplies from Mexico remain tight, especially for larger sizes, due to rain and winds in Caborca, which have reduced yields. The market is more active with lower volumes from Mexico, but Peruvian production will ramp up in the coming weeks.
Markets remain high with no signs of decreasing soon. The size structure remains consistent, peaking on 60ct and smaller sizes, with 48ct and larger priced higher. California’s season is ramping up, but limited harvest is expected this week due to rain. Peak sizes in CA are medium, primarily 48ct and 60ct.
Santa Maria and Oxnard are in full production despite last weekend’s rain, with Baja’s peak output helping stabilize prices. Colder weather may slow California production, but quality remains strong across all regions. Central Mexico and Florida are done, while Salinas and Watsonville are still two weeks from significant volume.
Blueberry supply is currently limited from Central Mexico, Baja, and Peruvian offshore arrivals. However, availability is expected to improve by late April. Florida has just begun to produce a small quantity as the early part of their season kicks off.
There have been no significant changes since last week. Pricing is gradually decreasing, but supplies remain limited from Central Mexico and Baja.
This item is becoming increasingly scarce due to adverse weather in Central Mexico, which is affecting quality. Products are being rejected at the border, with some additional USDA holds. We’re still a few weeks away from the California and Georgia crops coming online.
Quality remains excellent with good sizing and vibrant color. Minimal yellowing or browning has been reported due to last week’s high desert temperatures. Expect the market to stay steady heading into the weekend.
Supplies from both domestic and Mexico remain strong, with no expected changes in volume. While temperatures are rising in desert growing regions, overall quality remains excellent.
Harvest in the Imperial Valley is going strong, with a positive outlook ahead. Lake Park, GA is shipping volumes of chunks, cellos, jumbos, and babies, and will continue through May.
Quality remains strong, with significant texture improvement over the past few weeks. Light insect damage and minimal black mildew have been reported but aren’t major concerns. The market is expected to stay steady with good supplies heading into the weekend.
Markets are firming up as rain has helped fruit size up, with 115ct and smaller sizes tightening. The main growing regions are District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) and District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard), with peak sizes at 95ct and larger.
The tariff threat has disrupted the Mexican market, slowing operations. Yields are dropping as the old crop ends, with fruit peaking on smaller sizes and large fruit still limited. Overall quality remains good. Offshore fruit is available from the New Jersey and Miami areas.
Ruby Reds are available, primarily peaking at 56ct and smaller sizes, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Peak sizes have shifted to 72ct/88ct, with deals still available on smaller sizes. However, rain is strengthening the market due to limited harvesting. Brix levels are around 13. Valencia oranges are expected to arrive by late May or early June.
Pineapple supply will remain tight until late April, with peak volumes expected in May. Over the next 3-4 weeks, flexibility in sizes will be needed to balance supply and demand. Costa Rican pineapples are the main source, with contracted business prioritized. Large crownless pineapples are in high demand, and rain is expected to lower yields until mid-April, impacting availability and pricing in the short term.
Supplies remain strong in Southern California, while production in Yuma is moderate to light. Quality continues to be excellent across most shippers, and the industry will accommodate large orders as needed. Overall demand is moderate, with all sizes available.
Volume remains light, but production is set to increase in both Florida and Mexico. Baja will contribute, but significant volume won’t arrive until early June. As supply grows, expect prices to decrease.
Domestic supplies remain light with mixed quality, while Mexico is offering a good supply and excellent quality.
Garlic quality is outstanding, and supplies are anticipated to remain strong in the coming weeks.
Green onion supplies remain plentiful and of good quality. Expect this market to stay steady as we move into next week.
Demand is outpacing supply for this commodity, with production from Yuma, Salinas, Huron, and Santa Maria. Quality remains above average, with weights averaging 39-44 pounds depending on the supplier. Availability looks good for the week, and shippers are flexible on volume orders.
Production of romaine, green, and red leaf remains steady, with minimal fringe and tip burn due to recent warm temperatures. Yuma and Huron expect strong production this week, while Salinas will have lighter volumes. Steady supplies of romaine hearts are also anticipated.
Warmer weather last week in Yuma is causing some uneven stands in baby leaf items as the season winds down. Longer stems are appearing in spinach fields. Overall quality remains good, with slight tip burn expected into next week.
Kale supplies are expected to be abundant this week with excellent quality. This trend is likely to continue into next week.
Cantaloupe prices have stabilized and remain firm. The spring crop (third rotation) from Guatemala has arrived just in time for the Easter pull, with retail starting to activate contracts. Offshore production is peaking on 9s and J9s, while smaller sizes are limited.
Honeydew supplies are available at all ports in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast. Nogales honeydews from Mexico are currently in season, with the market peaking on larger sizes. Mexican cantaloupes are expected to be available by the end of April.
Watermelon supplies are expected to increase slightly this week as more growers in Sonora begin harvesting. Smaller sizes will remain tight, with new fields primarily producing larger fruit.
Weekend rain in Texas has impacted harvest, and the new crop will be limited for the next 10-14 days as fields dry out. Another round of rain is expected this weekend, which may affect the timeline. We’ll be monitoring for lower yields and quality. Mexican onions are available through early May, with California’s season set to begin mid to late April.
Pears are in very limited supply right now, likely until mid-July when California’s Bartlett crop arrives. Washington’s pear production is down 25- 50%, and Bosc pears are especially scarce. Anjou pears are the main option, but prices will keep rising. Imported Bartletts are available, but we need more domestic pears to meet demand.
Florida is transitioning from southern to northern regions, with average quality and more choice fruit available, but fewer #1 large sizes. Nogales is nearing the end of its season, while Coachella is expected to start in May. Expect light to adequate supply over the next few weeks.
The market remains steady this week with stable pricing. Distributors are seeking DLVD pricing over FOB. Color potatoes are available from FL and ND, while sweet potatoes are coming from NC, Arkansas, and California. Mississippi production is ending due to a short crop.
Imported stone fruit is beginning to taper off, making way for the arrival of fresh domestic varieties. Cherries will be the first to hit the market in late April or early May, followed by apricots, peaches, and nectarines. Plums will make their debut in late May or early June. Meanwhile, the kiwi market remains steady.
South Florida has a strong zucchini supply, but yellow squash is limited due to weather. Zucchini quality is good, while yellow squash is moderate. The West is transitioning from Sinaloa to Sonora, and the East has more zucchini than yellow squash, with both offering good quality.
Florida production remains light, with supply expected to improve by May. Central Florida has started with light volumes, and production will gradually increase through April and May. Mexican supply is steady, though rounds remain the tightest variety. More fruit availability is expected in late spring.
*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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