For the week ending August 1, 2026
The apple market is expected to remain steady through the rest of the month. Gold Delicious supplies continue to tighten, with Red Delicious inventories also declining, supporting gradual price increases. Gala and Granny Smith remain well supplied, keeping the market stable, while lighter Fuji and Pink Lady volumes are expected to hold steady on price.
ALERT: The asparagus market remains extremely tight, driven by limited Baja supply, declining Central Mexico quality, and below-average Peruvian production. California FOB prices are expected to stay elevated as Central Mexico winds down in the coming weeks, creating a supply gap until Baja production returns in October. Strong global demand and reduced harvests are expected to keep supplies limited and market pressure high through the Thanksgiving season.
The avocado market is beginning to stabilize as pricing eases from recent highs. Increased Flora Loca harvests are expected to provide additional relief in the coming weeks. The remaining Negra crop is eating well with high oil content but is ripening quickly, while early Flora Loca fruit is maturing more slowly. California production is underway, with Peru expected to continue increasing shipments in the coming weeks.
MARKET ON WATCH
TIGHT SUPPLY: Supplies are expected to gradually improve over the next several weeks as production increases in the Pacific Northwest and Central Mexico.
Supplies remain adequate, supported by production from Oregon, Washington, Michigan, and Central California. Delbene Produce is currently stocking 5lb bulk MI blueberries item 16482.
Supplies are improving as Baja production increases and California volumes gradually build. As availability expands, the market is expected to continue easing.
Warmer temperatures in California have impacted fruit quality, resulting in softer, more mature fruit that is increasingly susceptible to bruising and decay. Light oversupply and weak demand continue to keep the market soft.
Broccoli supplies are very good this week with good quality. Look for this market to stay steady going into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain strong with good overall quality. The market is expected to stay steady, with potential for a slight increase heading into next week.
Cauliflower supplies remain strong this week, with the market expected to stay steady heading into next week.
Bakersfield remains the primary growing region, with strong availability and good sizing across all carrot packs.
ALERTS on Lemons and Small-Sized Navels
Star Ruby grapefruit is available, with peak sizing at 48-count. Fruit is shipping from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
The lemon market remains elevated due to limited supplies and strong demand, keeping pricing firm in the near term. Offshore product is arriving on both coasts, while District Two (Ventura/Oxnard) is in full production and supplying the majority of fruit.
Lime crossings remain steady, with supply expected to hold over the next three weeks before tightening. Weather continues to impact U.S. No. 1 yields, while declining Mexican production will be supplemented by Colombian imports. Peru’s new season is expected to begin in September/October.
California Valencia oranges are heavily weighted toward larger sizes, with production peaking on 56ct and 72ct fruit. Smaller sizes, especially 113ct and 138ct, remain extremely limited and are expected to stay tight through the season. Flexibility on sizing will be important, as larger fruit substitutions may be needed to maintain coverage.
MARKET ON WATCH
Supplies are expected to be lighter this week, particularly in the Salinas Valley, while Oxnard and Santa Maria offer better availability and more competitive pricing. Quality remains above average with slight pith reported. The market is more active, with higher pricing expected on value-added items next week.
Markets remain mostly steady, with increasing Baja supplies expected to support promotional opportunities through the summer. Regional production in the East and Midwest continues to improve, though weather-related quality concerns remain in New Jersey. DelBene is currently stocking MI grown cucumber.
East Coast production is increasing, with promotable supplies expected in the coming weeks despite a slower-than-normal start in New Jersey. California supplies remain lighter than usual, keeping prices above seasonal averages despite a softer market.
Shipments have transitioned to Mexican peeled garlic as of June 22, 2026, and will continue until the new California crop becomes available in late July to early August.
This is the strongest time of year for grapes, with excellent quality and strong supply loading from Fresno through Bakersfield. Most shippers are peaking on large and extra-large red and green seedless varieties. The market is expected to remain steady with reasonable pricing barring any weather-related disruptions.
Green onion supplies remain good overall, with the market expected to stay steady into next week, weather permitting.
Excellent availability and strong quality are expected to continue throughout the week. The market remains flat, with strong production from both northern and southern regions. Weights are averaging 40-44 pounds with good color and texture, and slight misshapen heads are being reported minimally.
Excellent availability and strong quality are expected to continue throughout the week. The market remains flat, with strong production from both northern and southern regions. Weights are averaging 40-44 pounds with good color and texture, and slight misshapen heads are being reported minimally.
Spinach, arugula, and spring mix supplies remain strong, with good quality and sufficient availability to support normal demand.
Kale supplies and quality remain strong, with the market expected to stay steady into next week.
Domestic cantaloupe supplies are strong as production transitions into the Westside region of Central California. Fruit is peaking on 9-count with good availability and promotional opportunities on the new crop.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are finished for the season, leaving domestic production as the primary supply source. California Desert growers were impacted by white fly, causing an earlier-than-expected shutdown and a temporary supply gap before Central California was ready. Contracts remain a priority but are being prorated, with sizing substitutions likely.
Watermelon demand remains steady following the holiday pullback. Supplies are available from California, the Southeast, and Texas, supporting a stable market.
MARKET ON WATCH
Onions will continue loading from Central California and New Mexico through the remainder of the summer season. Lower yields are keeping pricing elevated, with freight also impacting the market. Pricing is expected to remain firm until new Pacific Northwest supplies become available. Winter storage onions remain available from Washington.
California Bartlett pear production is running 2-3 weeks ahead of normal this season. While some Delta shippers have completed harvest, they still have several weeks of shipping remaining, which should bridge the transition to Washington’s Bartlett crop beginning in early August. No supply gap is expected at this time.
The market is easing as California, the Carolinas, and New Jersey maintain strong production, with FOB prices expected to trend lower. While heat in the East could impact supply and quality into early August, production from the Midwest and Northeast should help fill any gaps.
Pineapple supplies remain steady with fair-to-good quality and demand. Markets are steady to slightly higher, with contract business taking priority. Larger sizes are improving, but crownless and organic supplies remain tight.
MARKET ON WATCH
Large potato sizes are tightening as the season progresses, with lower pack outs and storage issues impacting availability. Lead time will be needed to secure product. Washington potatoes have strong quality, peaking on mid sizes, while larger counts remain tight. Colored potatoes and sweet potatoes also remain limited.
Supplies are strong across New Jersey, New York, and Western North Carolina, with promotable volumes available. Yellow squash remains slightly tighter due to lower yields, while zucchini and gray squash are readily available. DELBENE IS STOCKING AND SHIPPING MI GROWN YELLOW SQUASH & ZUCCHINI.
Peaches, plums, and nectarines are in full production, with peaches and nectarines sizing up and limited small fruit available. Small plums remain a strong value opportunity. Chilean kiwi supplies remain steady and will continue until California production resumes in October.
Tomato markets remain firm due to tight supplies and steady demand, with Roma and greenhouse tomatoes facing the most pressure. Southeast production is increasing, which should improve availability in the coming weeks, though freight will continue to impact sourcing decisions.
*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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