For the week ending April 5, 2025
The annual Spring transition moving operations from Yuma, AZ to Salinas, CA has begun a little early. Transition is driven by the need to follow the optimal growing seasons for produce, ensuring a year-round supply of fresh vegetables, particularly lettuce and other leafy greens.
The apple market remains stable, with a healthy supply of food service sized apples available.
Supplies from Mexico remain very tight due to heavy rains and winds in Caborca, which have led to reduced yields. As a result, the market continues to be more active, with decreased volumes coming from the region.
Markets remain high. Harvest was impacted due to Benito Juarez Day. With harvest resuming size structure is peaking at 60ct and smaller, with 48ct+ priced higher. California’s season is ramping up, but limited harvest is expected this week due to rain. Elevated markets will persist until relief in Mexico.
The California berry season is ramping up with ideal weather. Baja production will peak in the next week or two with high volume. Florida finishes this week, and Central Mexico is nearly done, with only some larger shippers still crossing fruit into the U.S.
Markets are firming up as availability becomes lighter for most shippers. West Coast production won’t increase until after Easter. Central Mexico and Peruvian offerings are light, and Florida’s season is just beginning, with a few more weeks needed to ramp up.
Production from Baja and Central Mexico remains steady, though it is lighter than usual.
Blackberry supplies are growing increasingly limited due to the high temperatures in Central Mexico. A significant portion of the harvest is not meeting quality standards by the time it reaches the border.
Supplies and quality remain strong across all regions, with the market expected to stay steady through the weekend.
Domestic and Mexican supplies remain strong, with no changes expected in the overall volume outlook. Both bulk and processed categories are solid options for promotion. Quality is generally very good, though some domestic crops show occasional insect damage, while Mexico’s crop is in good condition but has some elongated seed cores/stems.
Harvest in the Imperial Valley desert growing region is progressing smoothly, and the outlook remains positive. Lake Park, GA is shipping a variety of products, including chunks, cellos, jumbos, and baby sizes, with shipments expected to continue through May.
Supplies have improved, with quality and texture showing significant enhancement over the past few weeks. The market is expected to remain steady through the weekend.
Markets are firming up across the board as the rain has helped the fruit size up. We’re seeing a tightening of 115ct and smaller sizes. The main regions, District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) and District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard), are peaking on 95ct and larger.
The market is significantly higher, with lower yields expected, particularly on larger fruit. Some offshore fruit is available, loading out of Miami. The market is expected to remain steady through Easter, with a slight decrease anticipated afterward, barring any tariff changes.
Star Ruby is our current in stock grapefruit. Red-blushed fruits with a smooth yellow rind. The flesh is very darkly-pigmented, juicy, and low-seeded or seedless.
Peak sizes have shifted to 72ct/88ct, with deals still available on smaller sizes. However, markets are strengthening due to limited harvesting caused by rain. Brix levels are around 13, making it a strong year for foodservice. Valencia oranges are expected to come into play by late May or early June.
Pineapple supply will remain tight until mid-April, with peak volumes expected in May. Costa Rican pineapples are the main source, and large crownless pineapples are in high demand. Rain is expected to lower yields, impacting availability and pricing in the short term.
Demand is moderate, with light production in Yuma and plentiful supplies in Oxnard/Santa Maria. Transfers to Yuma will continue with a surcharge, even for contract orders, so please be aware. Overall, quality remains good with most shippers.
Florida production is slowly increasing with good quality, and supply is expected to improve in 7 days. The Honduras import season is nearly finished. Mexico (Sinaloa/Sonora) is seeing moderate production with high quality, and volumes are set to rise next week.
Florida supply is currently limited, with Plant City expected to start in mid to late April, possibly resulting in a volume drop. Sinaloa has a moderate to substantial supply with good quality, remaining steady through Lent. The next region to watch in the West is Coachella, which will begin production in May.
Garlic quality is outstanding, and supplies are anticipated to remain strong in the coming weeks.
Green onion supplies remain plentiful with strong quality, and this trend is expected to continue into next week.
Production is ongoing in Yuma, Huron, and Santa Maria, with warm temperatures in Yuma possibly affecting the season’s end. Quality in Huron and Santa Maria is good, and the market remains steady. Weights range from 39-43 pounds across regions.
The market is firm with multiple suppliers, and green/red leaf and butter will have ample availability this week. Production is in Yuma, Huron, and southern CA. Warm temperatures may cause light fringe and tip burn next week, but quality remains above average. Romaine hearts are steady across all regions.
Supplies are good with fair quality as we approach the start of the Yuma season. However, some tip burn on the leaves is being reported due to the recent and ongoing warmer weather in the area. As the transition period progresses, expect supplies to tighten.
Kale supplies are expected to remain plentiful this week with excellent quality, and this trend is likely to continue into next week.
Cantaloupe pricing has stabilized and is beginning to soften. The spring crop (third rotation) from Guatemala has arrived just in time for the Easter pull. Retail contracts are expected to drive increased demand, and suppliers are preparing accordingly. Sizing is peaking on 9s, with 12s in limited supply.
Offshore honeydews are available at all ports in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast. Nogales honeydews from Mexico are also available, with the market peaking on larger sizes.
Watermelon demand remains light, and supplies are stabilizing. Prices are expected to hold steady this week, with better availability on larger sizes.
Yellow and red onions from ID, OR, and WA are in strong supply, while white onions in the Northwest remain limited. TX and MX are bringing onions to market, with TX onions available. Market pricing is below production costs. Mexican onions are available through early May, and California’s season is set to start in mid to late April.
Pears are in a tough spot—California’s Bartletts won’t arrive until mid-July, and Washington’s crop is down 25-50%. Bosc pears are nearly nonexistent, leaving just Anjou pears, which are slowly creeping up in price while we all settle for them.
South Florida has a reliable supply, with new fields offering larger varieties and established fields providing sun-ripened options. XL sizes are limited this week but expected to increase. Sinaloa is slightly up, with moderate Western volumes. Quality in Florida is strong, and Sinaloa’s quality will improve in 10-14 days.
The market is 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 available from NC, Arkansas, and California. Mississippi’s crop is ending due to a short yield.
Imported stonefruit is beginning to wind down, with domestic fruit set to start in late April or early May, beginning with cherries. This will be followed by apricots, peaches, and nectarines, with plums expected to start 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.
Production in South Florida and Ruskin/Palmetto is light due to January’s cool weather, resulting in slower maturity and limited supply. Ruskin/Palmetto volumes are expected to increase slightly in 2-3 weeks, while Culiacan remains low, lighter than January/February. Grape harvest is improving, with more light expected soon. East/Central Mexico will remain light until late April.
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