For the week ending December 6, 2025
No changes in the apple market. Packouts continue to skew toward larger sizes, leaving smaller apples in limited supply. Sizes 125s and 138s remain available, though inventories are tight, while 113s and 100s are more readily accessible.
Mexican asparagus supplies are steady to slightly lower as holiday demand raises prices. Southern Baja leads production, with Sonora winding down and Central Mexico starting up. More regions open late December. Peru is increasing shipments with strong Northern quality, though large sizes are limited. This week’s arrival will be slightly lighter than last week.
Markets remain soft, with plenty of fruit still on the trees and lighter demand. Aventajada is the primary crop being harvested and shipped. Dry matter and oil content are similar across both crops, generally in the mid to high 20s.
No significant changes from last week. Fruit supplies remain strong from both Baja and CMEX, with steady markets and consistently good quality.
Peruvian supplies are winding down, though a few containers are still en route. Central Mexico is ramping up production, shipping through McAllen, Texas. Quality from both regions has been very good, and we expect that to continue into December. Markets have softened.
No notable changes from last week. Fruit supplies remain strong from Baja and CMEX, with steady markets and consistently good quality.
Strawberries remain in light supply across all districts. California is gradually recovering from recent weather, while Central Mexico is working to ramp up but is facing production challenges from cold temperatures and transportation delays caused by road blockages. Florida has started production, and volumes should increase over the next few weeks. Baja is expected to begin in another week or two, depending on weather. Overall demand is likely to ease with the upcoming holiday.
Broccoli supplies are slightly limited as the Salinas season winds down and recent rains impact harvests. Expect the market to ease slightly going into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited. Salinas Valley and Oxnard regions are dealing with insect pressure, some decay, and smaller-sized produce.
Cauliflower supplies remain limited this week as the Salinas season winds down. Expect a slight decrease in availability going into next week.
Harvest has begun in the Bakersfield region. Jumbo sizes remain tight due to smaller sizing, as shippers had to enter the fields earlier than expected because of weather.
Marsh Rubies are available, peaking at 48ct, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Relief is starting in the market as District 1 (San Joaquin) begins light harvesting. Current volumes are limited as fruit needs a few days to color, similar to navels. Cooler nights in the coming weeks should help ramp up production. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) remains the main growing region, though volumes are expected to decline over the next few weeks. Sizes 140ct and smaller continue to be extremely limited. Mexico is also active, so for South Texas shipments, contact us as needed.
The lime market is tightening with lower volumes, and active markets are expected through early 2026 due to holiday demand. Large sizes are peaking now, while smaller sizes will peak by mid-December with the new crop. Some lots may show occasional styler. Prices are expected to rise for the holidays, so book holiday needs early.
Navels are in full swing as the main variety. Markets are stabilizing following heavy rain in the Central Valley. Peak sizing is shifting toward 72ct, with smaller sizes tightening closer to December and January. Current gas times are around 2 days, with brix at approximately 12. Colder nights are helping to reduce gassing times.
The market is firm, with moderate to light supplies expected from Southern California for the rest of the week. Value-added products are seeing higher pricing. Quality is generally good, with only slight seeder issues reported. All sizes are available, though overall production will be light.
Mexico: Good supply this week with steady markets. Florida: Most growers are now underway. Volume is lighter this week, but production remains steady with adequate supply ahead. Markets are expected to remain stable.
Georgia is finished, and Florida (Immokalee) is done. Volume is ramping in South/Central Florida and Mexico (Nogales). Markets are expected to be slightly higher, though high freight costs may make Florida more attractive for the East Coast.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, complemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
The grape market is expected to strengthen through the month. Domestic green grapes are tightening faster than reds, with some growers finished for the season. Greens from storage should last through the final week of November, while reds are expected into mid December. Early Peruvian imports have started arriving on the East Coast, with volumes building on both coasts by late November into early December.
Green onion supplies are tightening due to recent rains reducing yields. Expect the market to rise heading into next week.
Demand continues to exceed supply heading into the holiday. Recent poor weather in Salinas and last week’s rain in Yuma have limited availability, with Yuma production running moderate to light. Escalated pricing will remain in effect on all value-added lettuce items at least through this week. Common defects include discoloration, brown butts, and misshapen heads, with carton weights ranging from 35–41 pounds.
Demand is steady across all leaf items. Romaine and romaine hearts remain the most limited, while green and red leaf and butter lettuces have better availability compared to recent weeks. Value-added leaf items are on escalators. Quality issues reported include discoloration and tip or fringe burn. Most production is currently occurring in Yuma.
Tender leaf supplies remain very tight due to lower yields from insect pressure and recent hail. Expect limited availability throughout the week.
Kale supplies and quality remain mostly good, with similar conditions expected next week.
The Westside deal has concluded. Cantaloupe prices are elevated due to vessel delays and lower yields entering the U.S. Mexican melons are available, but border delays are limiting new supplies. Offshore melons are entering the market this week, mainly in 9s, with sizing expected to remain a challenge through the rest of the month.
The Westside deal is complete. Honeydew pricing is steady, supported by good supplies of Mexican fruit. While Mexican melons are available, border delays are limiting new arrivals. Offshore melons remain tight and are primarily reserved for contracts.
Domestic watermelons are finished. Prices remain steady, with Mexican watermelons from Nogales supplying the Midwest and East Coast. Limited availability is coming from Mexico via Texas and Nogales, as last month’s rain impacted production. Offshore watermelons are also available in limited quantities.
Onions are available from Washington, Idaho, and Utah, with strong domestic demand. Rain in Idaho may impact trucking. All product is in storage, and weather and transportation will drive the market through year-end. Reefers and rail are recommended, while flatbeds are not advised due to weather conditions.
The pear market is steady, with good production of Anjou, Bartlett, Bosc, and Red pears. Foodservice sizes are readily available across all varieties.
California: Light volume and smaller sizes, with the desert deal wrapping up soon. Georgia: The season is essentially finished. Florida is slow this week but improving, and a new region (Loxahatchee) is beginning. Mexico: Volume continues to increase through McAllen and Nogales. Markets should remain steady to slightly lower after the holidays, with stronger supplies expected the first week of January, especially on colored bell peppers.
Thunderstorms are affecting Costa Rica’s growing regions and are expected to continue through the end of October into early November 2025. Pineapple supplies remain very limited and may continue to be tight for the rest of the year. Crownless pineapples are in high demand. Expect substitutions, cancellations, and order changes. Prices will rise starting this week due to the holiday, and port delays may impact loading schedules.
Harvest is complete, with good supplies and steady demand for the holiday pull. Norkoths are the main variety, Burbanks slowly available, and Washington potatoes are peaking on mid sizes. Large and small counts remain tight. Trucking and busy coolers may cause delays. New crop sweet potatoes are starting in North Carolina.
Mexico: Zucchini supply remains strong; yellow squash is limited with a wide price spread. Florida: Production expected to increase over the next 7–14 days. Markets are likely to ease post-Thanksgiving as demand softens and supplies improve.
Imported peaches and nectarines are expected on both coasts by midDecember. Pomegranates, persimmons, and Asian pears will remain in good supply through November and December. The domestic kiwi market is expected to stay steady at higher price levels.
Markets are steady to slightly lower post-Thanksgiving. Romaine: Florida very tight; Mexico short; quality fair-good. Grapes: East ample; Mexico lighter. Rounds: East steady; West light-moderate.
*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.
Subscribe now to get the latest updates on fresh produce, market trends, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest market updates, fresh produce highlights, and expert tips!
