For the week ending August 9, 2025
The apple market remains steady for now. While no varieties are completely out, supplies of Golds, Pinks, Honeys, and Cosmics are beginning to taper off with some shippers. Despite this, pricing has stayed consistent. Looking ahead, new crop apples are expected to start arriving in August, with Ginger Golds and Galas by mid-month and Honeycrisp toward the end of the month.
Large, Extra Large, and Jumbo sizes will be very limited on both coasts, while Smalls and Standards remain more available. Cooler weather in Peru and a production transition in Mexico is tightening supply. Expect elevated markets and limited availability over the next couple of weeks.
Markets on 48ct, 60ct, and 70ct are improving as the Flora Loca crop ramps up. We’re seeing a mix of Normal and Flora Loca fruit, with shippers working to keep them separate. The Normal crop is nearly finished, and Flora Loca is becoming the primary harvest. Dry matter is in the low to mid 20s, compared to low 30s on the older crop, so expect longer ripening times. Fruit quality is strong, with very little #2 grade, which is typical for this season. California production is slowing and expected to wrap up in a few weeks. Offshore fruit continues to arrive on both coasts.
Demand continues to exceed supply on this item. California production is expected to increase slightly next week as warmer weather sets in. For now, open market products remain scarce, with shippers prioritizing contract commitments.
Current production areas include the Pacific Northwest (British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington), as well as Mexico, California, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Transferred fruit is also available in Florida.
Steady supplies continue from Mexico, while harvests remain light on the Central California Coast.
Some shippers are carrying heavy volumes of fruit amid light demand, keeping the market temporarily soft. Volume deals are being offered, preventing pricing from firming up for those with moderate inventories. A new crop fruit from Santa Maria is just starting to enter the market, with increased production expected by mid-August. Oxnard production is set to begin shortly after.
Broccoli supplies remain strong this week for both bunch and crowns. The market is expected to stay steady heading into next week.
Sprout supplies remain extremely tight, with elevated pricing as demand continues to exceed supply. Production in Salinas is gradually increasing but remains behind schedule. Quality issues persist, including elongated cores and stems, light insect damage, and occasional internal discoloration.
Cauliflower supplies remain strong across all sizes and regions. The market is expected to stay steady into next week.
Harvest in the Bakersfield region continues strong with about one week remaining. The season will then transition to Cuyama/Lancaster for the summer harvest, which will run through November. Quality and sizing remain solid.
Star Rubies are available, peaking at 40ct and larger sizes, shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Markets remain strong, with District 2 (Ventura/Oxnard) as the only active growing region. Sizes 165ct and smaller are very limited. Choice grade dominates, while Fancy grade is reduced due to growing conditions. Quality issues like softness, early decay, and scarring are common. Shippers are working to cull compromised fruit. Expect higher markets than last summer, driven by strong demand and lower import supplies.
The market is steady slightly higher, with prices expected to rise next week as yields of premium-grade fruit decline due to extreme heat and humidity. Issues with oil spotting and styler are being reported. Price and availability fluctuations are anticipated through August and September.
Vals are currently peaking at 113ct and 88ct, with sizes expected to increase as the season progresses. Gas times of about 24 hours are being used to enhance color. Brix levels are around 13, and the fruit is eating very well.
Demand is low, and there is ample celery available in all sizes. This trend is expected to continue at least through this week. Pricing is very competitive, with multiple shippers offering flexible rates. Quality remains good with most suppliers.
Cucumber prices are down this week as supply increases from key local and regional areas including MI, OH, NY, NJ, and PA. Baja also continues to provide good supply and quality. Strong volume is expected through August, making it an ideal time to promote. MI Cucumbers and pickling cucumbers currently in stock and shipping.
The market is down, but promotable eggplant volume is expected soon from OH, MI, CAN, and NY. Out West, Mexican supply is limited, and CA prices have firmed up.
The new California garlic crop has started with good quality. Mexican supplies continue alongside the California harvest.
Domestic grapes are in full swing from Bakersfield to Fresno, with good quality overall. Early varieties are running small in size but expect a split market as larger varieties come online next week.
Green onion supplies and quality remain strong. The market is steady and expected to stay on the lower side heading into next week.
NOW STOCKING & SHIPPING MICHIGAN GROWN DILL & CILANTRO
Demand continues to exceed supply across Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard. Value-added lettuce items will begin escalating this week, with increases likely continuing into next week. Lighter weights and misshapen heads are ongoing quality concerns.
Unlike lettuce, romaine and green leaf remain steady in the market. Minor tip and fringe burn have been reported, but overall supply is stable, including romaine hearts. Pricing is competitive, with favorable weights and sizing across all leaf items. MI grown Red Leaf & Green Leaf in stock & shipping. MI grown Romaine Hearts available in limited supplies.
Supplies and quality are improving this week. Spring mix is showing fewer varieties in the blends, with some leaves having quality issues. However, the varieties included are looking good. MI grown cilantro in stock and shipping.
Strong supplies and excellent quality are keeping the kale market steady, with stability expected to continue into next week.
The domestic Cantaloupe/Honeydew market is strong on the West Coast as heavy rains in regional areas have shifted demand west. Warm weather is driving high quality, with Cantaloupes peaking on 9s and 12s and Brix levels between 13–16. Jumbos and smaller sizes are becoming limited. A strong push is expected in August.
The Honeydew market remains strong post-holiday. Warm weather is producing high-quality melons, peaking on size 5 with Brix levels between 13–16. Supply is primarily coming from Central California, while Nogales availability remains very limited.
Domestic watermelons are available from NC, Indiana, Texas, and Central California. Rain on the East Coast has shifted demand westward. Prices are expected to stay low, especially on larger fruit, until demand picks up and supplies move. We are currently stocking and shipping Indiana watermelons.
Yellow Meat (volleyball size) in stock and ready to ship.
Onions are currently available from California and New Mexico, with a mix of U.S. and Mexican crops in New Mexico. Demand remains strong, while Mexican yields are beginning to decline. Red and white onion markets have stabilized since last week. Idaho’s season is expected to start slowly next week.
California Bartletts are in full production with a strong crop and good quality expected. Harvest has begun for California Bosc and Red Pears. Washington’s new crop Bartletts are anticipated to start around the third week of August.
Supply remains tight in the East, though Michigan’s harvest has just started, helping boost availability. Eastern regions are slightly behind schedule but showing improvement. Out West, volume is picking up from California and Washington, with a broader recovery expected soon. MI grown green peppers currently in stock and shipping.
Crownless pineapples remain in high demand with limited inventory. Longer flowering times are delaying harvests, and heavy thunderstorms in Costa Rica are impacting growing regions. Some substitutions and order changes are expected.
Idaho 40-70 count potatoes are tight through August, with Burbank available all summer. Prices in ID and CO are expected to rise soon. New Eastern Idaho harvest starts mid-August. Colorado potatoes are very limited. Color potatoes come from CA, ID, MN, and TX; red demand is strong, yellows stable. East Coast sweet potatoes are tight until new crop in September.
Squash supply is strong from local regions like NJ, NY, OH, MI, AR, and PA, resulting in softer market prices due to ideal Midwest weather. Mainland Mexico is winding down, while Baja continues limited production. Retailgrade squash remains tight and priced at a premium, with California maintaining solid volume. MI grown yellow squash and MI grown zucchini is now in stock and shipping.
Peaches, plums, and nectarines are in good supply with a steady market. Specialty items like donut peaches and pluots are also available. Imported kiwi remains steady at elevated prices until California’s season starts in October. Washington cherries are nearly finished for the season.
Roma supply is stable across regions, with quality production from Mexico and California. Eastern areas are ramping up but remain below peak due to weather. Western supply is consistent with improving sizing and solid quality. Grape tomato supply is increasing on both coasts, with Eastern production improving and strong quality. Steady supply continues from Baja and Central Mexico.
MI grown Grape and Roma tomatoes now in stock and shipping.
*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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