For the week ending August 8, 2026
The apple market is expected to remain mostly steady over the next few weeks. Supplies of Golden Delicious continue to tighten, driving prices higher as shippers wrap up the season. Red Delicious inventories are also declining, while Gala and Granny Smith supplies remain adequate. New crop Gala is expected to begin shipping shortly. Fuji and Pink Lady supplies continue to run lighter than normal, and prices could strengthen further as school demand increases.
ALERT: Mexican asparagus supplies remain tight due to weather-related production issues, with markets firming to about $38.75 for Standard, $44.75 for Large, and over $50.00 for XL/Jumbo. Peruvian supplies also remain below normal because of reduced production and strong global demand. Overall, availability is expected to stay limited through the fall, with potential supply concerns heading into Thanksgiving.
Markets are stronger on 48ct and larger sizes, while 60ct and 70ct prices have eased as Flora Loca becomes the primary crop. Dry matter and oil content are averaging around 24%, resulting in slower ripening compared to the late-season Negra crop. California and Peru continue to provide additional supply.
Markets have eased as availability improves from Central Mexico, California, and Oregon. Quality continues to improve overall, although some lots are still showing signs of red cell regression.
Fresh market volume remains strong from Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Michigan, resulting in improved availability and downward pressure on markets Delbene Produce is currently stocking. 5lb bulk MI blueberries item #16482.
Supplies continue to improve from Baja, while California production is gradually increasing. As availability expands, markets are trending lower.
Demand remains light this week, with some growers diverting volume to the processing market to avoid fresh market backlogs. Salinas and Watsonville continue to see steady production, while Santa Maria is gradually ramping up new crop harvests. Warmer temperatures are expected across all growing regions through the weekend.
Broccoli supplies remain strong this week with good quality reported. The market is expected to remain steady heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain strong with good overall quality. The market is expected to stay steady and may trend higher heading into next week.
Cauliflower supplies remain strong across all growing regions this week. The market is expected to stay steady heading into next week.
Bakersfield is currently the primary growing region, with strong availability and good sizing across all carrot packs.
ALERTS on Lemons and Small-Sized Navels
Bakersfield is currently the primary growing region, with strong availability and good sizing across all carrot packs.
The lemon market remains elevated due to limited availability and strong demand. Supplies are expected to stay tight, keeping pricing firm in the near term. Offshore product is now available on both coasts, while District Two (Ventura County/Oxnard region) is in full production and providing the majority of current supply.
Lime crossings remain steady, with supplies expected to hold stable 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 56ct and 72ct fruit making up the majority of production. Small sizes (113ct and 138ct) remain extremely limited and are expected to stay tight through the season. Flexibility on sizing will be needed, with larger fruit likely used to fill orders.
ALERT
The market remains firm, with escalated pricing in effect for value added products. Oxnard and Santa Maria will continue as the primary growing regions, with smaller sizing expected to have slightly less volume than larger sizes. Shippers are currently managing lygus insect pressure, which is impacting yields across multiple growers.
Markets remain mostly steady with good promotional opportunities despite slightly lighter Baja production. New York volume is increasing this week with excellent quality, while Midwest local supplies continue to build. DelBene is currently stocking MI grown cucumbers.
New Jersey production has increased, easing market pressure, while California supplies remain steady with improved availability.
Shipments have transitioned to Mexican peeled garlic as of June 22, 2026, and will continue through late July to early August until the new California crop becomes available.
The California grape season continues with strong availability. Early varieties like Flames and Sugraones are nearly complete, while summer varieties such as Krissy and Timpson are reaching full production. Shippers are primarily peaking on Large and Extra Large sizes across red and green seedless varieties. Barring any major weather issues, the market is expected to remain steady with promotable pricing and excellent supply.
Green onion supplies remain strong overall, with the market expected to stay steady into next week, weather permitting.
Good supplies are expected throughout the week, with shippers offering flexibility on volume orders. Promote as much as possible, as availability remains strong across both Northern and Southern California. Quality continues to be above average, with 40–45 lb weights, good color and texture, and only slight misshapen heads reported.
Romaine, green leaf, and romaine heart supplies are expected to remain strong throughout the week. Shippers are offering aggressive pricing on large-volume orders and are looking for additional business, so promote as much as possible. Quality is expected to remain good for at least the next few weeks.
Spinach, arugula, and spring mix supplies remain strong for normal business, with good quality reported across all items.
Kale supplies and quality remain strong overall, with conditions expected to stay steady heading into next week.
Domestic cantaloupes are transitioning from Central California into the Westside region. Product is peaking on 9ct with good supplies and promotional opportunities available on the new crop.
Domestic honeydews are transitioning from Central California into the new Westside region fields. Product is peaking on 5ct with good supplies and promotional opportunities available on the new crop.
Watermelon demand remains steady following the holiday ADS. Supplies are available from California, the Southeast, and Texas.
MARKET ON WATCH
Onions will continue loading from Central California and New Mexico through the remainder of the summer onion season. Lower yields are keeping pricing elevated, with freight also impacting the market. These conditions are expected to continue until new Pacific Northwest supplies become available. Washington winter storage onions remain available.
Washington pear growers are beginning harvest this week, with shipments expected to start next week. California Bartlett production is running 2–3 weeks ahead of normal, with some Delta shippers already finished harvesting but continuing to ship for several more weeks.
Washington pear growers are beginning harvest this week, with shipments expected to start next week. California Bartlett production is running 2–3 weeks ahead of normal, with some Delta shippers already finished harvesting but continuing to ship for several more weeks.
MARKET ON WATCH
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 becoming more available, while crownless 8ct and 10ct sizes remain limited and organic supplies stay tight. Volume is expected to decline over the next two weeks, with tighter supplies through mid-October.
MARKET ON WATCH
Large potato sizes are beginning to tighten as pack-outs decline deeper into the season. A warm winter has impacted storage quality, with some potatoes deemed unusable, reducing overall availability. Lead time will be needed to secure product. Washington potatoes continue to show excellent quality, peaking on mid sizes, while larger and smaller counts remain limited. Florida color potatoes will be available for another week or two, yellow potatoes remain tight, and reds are in a better position. North Carolina sweet potato supplies will remain limited until the new crop begins.
Zucchini and gray squash supplies remain plentiful, while yellow squash continues to command premium pricing due to tighter availability. New Jersey and New York are producing strong promotable volumes, though August heat may impact Western supplies. DEL BENE IS STOCKING AND SHIPPING MI GROWN YELLOW SQUASH & ZUCCHINI.
Peaches, plums, and nectarines are all in full production. Peaches and nectarines have sized up, with small fruit becoming extremely limited. Small plums remain a strong value with promotable pricing. Chilean kiwi supplies are lighter, driving higher markets as they remain the primary source until California production resumes in October.
Tomato supplies remain adequate, with weather-related quality issues improving as Tennessee and other regional harvests expand. California and Baja continue providing strong, consistent volume, while Virginia leads grape tomato production with good quality. Central Mexico and Baja production are expected to increase in the coming weeks, improving overall market availability. Del Bene Produce is currently stocking and shipping MI grown red grape tomatoes and Roma tomatoes.
*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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