For the week ending February 7, 2025
Ideal pre-harvest conditions drove the Washington apple crop toward larger fruit, while weak pack-outs have resulted in an acute shortage of small sizes—particularly for bagged retail and 125/138 foodservice demand. Gala and Granny Smith are the most impacted. Buyers are advised to transition to 100s and 113s, as this size imbalance is expected to continue until the new crop arrives in the fall.
Mexican asparagus demand remains flat, but supplies are tight as Caborca production came in lighter and later than expected, adding pressure to regions already winding down. Early aggressive pricing pulled orders ahead of supply, forcing last-minute trades and leaving some buyers short. MEX ST is quoted at $26–28 FOB and LG at $32–34 FOB. As Caborca volumes improve, the market is expected to begin stabilizing.
Markets remain steady on 40ct and 48ct, while 70ct prices have inched higher as peak sizing shifts smaller. Aventajada is the primary crop currently being harvested and shipped, with dry matter and oil content running in the high 20s to low 30s.
Due to cool weather, there will be a supply gap for clean and trimmed green beans. Recovery is expected to begin 2/6/2026.
Steady supplies combined with low demand are keeping this item readily available out of Texas and California.
Product continues to arrive from Chile, CMEX, and California, with market conditions remaining firm and steady across all loading locations.
Some shippers are seeing a flush on this item, with limited volume deals available from CMEX and transferred fruit in California. Quality remains good.
Demand is outpacing supply heading into the Valentine’s Day pull. California and Mexico are harvesting steadily but lightly, while Florida remains very limited due to overnight freezes. With demand shifting to the West Coast and Texas, pressure is increasing on those regions. Early orders are recommended to help secure product for the holiday pull.
Broccoli supplies continue to tighten this week, with higher markets reflecting the reduced availability. Prices are expected to trend upward into the weekend, driven by planting gaps caused by late November and early December rain events.
Processed Limited Supply: Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited. The Oxnard region continues to face insect pressure, some decay, and smaller sizing, further constraining availability.
Cauliflower supplies began tightening late last week, and markets are expected to edge higher as November and December rains continue to limit harvest volumes.
Southern San Joaquin carrot harvests have been heavily impacted by prolonged wet weather, with recent rainfall further limiting field access and delaying harvests. Saturated fields are expected to restrict yields and keep supplies tight for the next 6–8 weeks, with relief not anticipated until the Imperial Valley transition in mid to late February. Baby and value-added carrots remain available but are being closely managed. Commodity pricing is under upward pressure, and extended lead times are necessary—early ordering and flexibility are strongly recommended.
Red Rios are available, peaking at 48ct, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Markets are improving as increased harvests from District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) boost overall supply. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) remains the main growing region, with peak sizing at 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct.
The market has stalled as high Mexican production costs meet softer U.S. demand. Winter storms and logistics challenges may further slow movement and cause delays. Offshore fruit and elevated Texas freight costs are adding pricing pressure, with a gradual market adjustment expected through January.
California Navel oranges are peaking on 56ct and 72ct, with small sizes (113ct, 138ct) extremely limited through May. Flexibility on size and grade is needed, with larger Navels or Cara Caras as substitutions. Advance 4–5 day orders are recommended, and markets remain elevated on small and premium fruit. Schools and DOD programs should consider 72ct or 88ct.
Supplies have increased in Yuma and Southern California, with multiple shippers expected to soften the market throughout the week. Demand has eased, while overall quality remains above average across the industry. Value-added item pricing is expected to drop to first-tier levels by next week. All sizes are available for shipment.
Eastern and Honduran supplies are very limited, with imports running well below normal. Nogales supplies remain steady, and quality is strong despite tight availability.
Florida supply is extremely limited due to cold weather, while Western production is meeting demand. Sinaloa volumes remain steady with good quality.
The California garlic crop is progressing with strong quality, complemented by continuing Mexican supplies.
Imported red and green grapes are in better supply on both coasts, and the market is adjusting accordingly.
Green onion supplies remain tight but are slowly improving. Recent rains have reduced yields, but availability is expected to gradually increase into next week.
Multiple shippers are facing limited production, keeping supplies light for at least the next few weeks. Growers are also dealing with marginal quality and lighter weights due to recent weather fluctuations. Elevated pricing on value-added products is expected to continue during this period.
Romaine, green leaf, and red leaf currently have the strongest availability among major row crops. Shippers are flexing, so be aware, and the market is expected to strengthen in a few weeks. Yuma shippers report good sizing and weights, while butter lettuce supplies are stronger. Romaine heart production is expected to remain steady throughout the week.
Tender leaf items like spinach, cilantro, and arugula remain tight due to quality issues and lower yields. Availability is expected to stay limited this week, with improvements in quality and yields anticipated next week.
Kale supplies and quality remain strong, with similar conditions expected into next week.
Westside and Nogales deals are complete. Offshore cantaloupes are available in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast, with pricing stabilizing as demand evens out.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available. Offshore pricing is elevated due to vessel delays and lower yields, while Mexican honeydews are limited as production transitions from Northern to Southern Mexico.
Lower yields in Mexico keep watermelon prices elevated, while colder U.S. temps have slightly reduced demand. Offshore watermelons are available from Florida. Weather permitting, Nogales will have watermelons through April before the domestic season begins. Personal/mini seedless varieties have better availability.
Onions are currently available from WA, ID, and UT. Demand remains strong across the U.S. Yellow and red onion prices are steady, while whites are rising, driven largely by transportation costs.
The pear market remains well-supplied with steady pricing. Bartletts are winding down for some shippers, while others continue packing from controlled atmosphere storage.
Market on watch due to cool weather – Florida production was strong last week, but colder temperatures this week could slow output, with potential freeze risk over the weekend keeping the market cautious. Nogales/McAllen is seeing heavy volume and good quality under clear skies, helping to keep markets steady to slightly lower and balance Florida supply. Bell peppers carry some risk: while current volumes are good, frost, wind, and bloom drop could tighten future supply, and rising demand for red peppers calls for careful monitoring.
The pineapple market is beginning to settle but remains tight. Contracts continue to take priority. Larger sizes are expected to slowly increase in volume toward the end of February. For sizing, 6- and 7-crowned fruit are up, while 8-crowned remain steady. On crownless fruit, 8- and 10-counts are still tight. Organic pineapples remain limited, and weather-related port delays are expected in some areas.
The pineapple market is beginning to settle but remains tight. Contracts continue to take priority. Larger sizes are expected to slowly increase in volume toward the end of February. For sizing, 6- and 7-crowned fruit are up, while 8-crowned remain steady. On crownless fruit, 8- and 10-counts are still tight. Organic pineapples remain limited, and weather-related port delays are expected in some areas.
Florida production is seasonally light and further reduced by cold and rain. Mexico is also experiencing cooler temperatures. Strong demand is keeping prices high, with the market expected to remain firm for at least the next 10 days.
Domestic kiwi supplies are nearly finished, while imported kiwi are arriving on both coasts with a steady market. Imported peaches, plums, and nectarines are available at reasonable prices, and domestic Asian pears remain in supply.
Round Tomatoes: Florida volumes are steady, with medium sizes more available. Cold weather in FL and Mexico is slowing production; smaller sizes remain limited, while larger fruit is easier to find.
Roma Tomatoes: Florida supply is adequate, but growth slowed by weather. Mexico volumes are light, improving with warmer temps. Recent rains may keep short-term supply tight.
Grape Tomatoes: Florida volumes are slightly lighter with smaller sizing. Mexico supply is limited, though new acreage is coming online. Overall availability is expected to improve modestly.
*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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