For the week ending January 10, 2025
Apples are trending toward larger sizes, while all varietals remain available. Holiday-related production and packing constraints are limiting supply and are contributing to a gradual upward pressure on pricing.
Peru is bridging the Mexico gap with increasing volumes, though sizing remains small and most shipments are by ocean, while Mexican asparagus is extremely tight with sharply rising prices and limited availability, and Sonora production is delayed into the New Year.
Markets are holding steady at lower levels, supported by ample fruit on the trees amid softer demand. Harvesting in Mexico will be minimal this week due to the holiday, and the market impact remains to be seen. Aventajada is the primary crop currently being harvested and shipped, with peak sizing at 48ct and 60ct, and dry matter/oil content in the high 20s to low 30s.
With holiday demand softer, there are adequate supplies available to cover orders out of Central Mexico.
We are experiencing a brief gap in offshore supplies as Peruvian fruit wraps up and Chilean product ramps up. Meanwhile, increasing production out of Central Mexico is helping keep the market stable.
Production out of Central Mexico is down due to inclement weather, and markets are firming across all distribution points.
Strawberries remain plentiful across all growing regions, with markets flat due to the holiday period. Significant rain is forecast in California this week, which is expected to disrupt harvesting into next week, so we recommend utilizing Texas and Florida loading options over the next 7–10 days.
Broccoli supplies remain somewhat tight, but the market is expected to ease heading into next week.
PROCESSED TIGHT SUPPLY. Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited, with Salinas Valley and Oxnard continuing to face insect pressure, some decay, and smaller sizing.
Cauliflower supplies are strong across all sizes and regions, with the market expected to remain steady into next week.
Harvest is underway in Bakersfield and will continue through February. Jumbo sizes are slightly smaller due to an earlier start in this region following recent inclement weather, though sizing is expected to improve. Grimmway’s Georgia program has also begun this week, offering baby peeled, cellos, tables, jumbos, and 2” peeled chunks.
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 sizes of 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct. Mexican production is also underway, so South Texas loading is available.
Lime markets are firm as the current crop winds down and No. 1 fruit becomes tight. Prices are expected to rise through January and possibly February due to declining yields and steady demand. Sizing will fluctuate, with larger fruit now and smaller fruit increasing, and there is some risk of transit-related defects from weather impacts.
Navel oranges are peaking on 88/72/56ct, while 113/138ct fruit has tightened due to recent weather, keeping small fruit scarce and markets strong. Persistent fog in the Central Valley is causing moisture-related harvest and post-harvest challenges, and upcoming heavy rain is expected to further impact picking.
Heavy rains in the Oxnard and Santa Maria regions have pushed this market higher, with demand exceeding supply throughout the week. Yuma production remains light, keeping all value-added items on the rise. Pith and seeder defects are being reported, though only lightly.
Florida production is minimal due to cool weather, Honduran imports are light, and Nogales has moderate volume with strong demand keeping prices fairly steady.
East Coast supplies are tightening from cooler South Florida weather. Mexican volumes are gradually increasing, though sizing is mixed during the transition. Overall quality is good, with smaller fruit more common than 24-count cartons.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, complemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
The grape market is transitioning from domestic to imported fruit, with domestic greens nearly finished and imports arriving on both coasts. Imported red and green grapes are significantly higher than final domestic prices, expected to remain strong through the holidays, easing back to seasonal levels as larger volumes arrive in mid-January.
Green onion supplies remain very tight due to recent rains lowering yields, and the market is expected to stay strong into next week.
Yuma shippers are reporting improved availability and are flexible on volume orders—promotion is encouraged. There is currently no market escalation. Average weights are 39–43 pounds, and overall quality is above average, with only minimal discoloration or misshapen heads.
Romaine supplies in Yuma are strong and expected to continue into the new year. Shippers are flexible due to lower demand. Green and red leaf lettuce will have above-average availability, and all leaf items except butter are good for promotion. Value-added leaf items are off escalation for the holidays.
Tender leaf supplies and quality continue to improve and are expected to remain strong while favorable weather continues.
Kale supplies and quality remain mostly good, with the market expected to stay steady into next week.
The Westside deal is complete, with offshore and Mexican cantaloupes available. Offshore pricing is elevated due to lower yields and vessel delays, while holiday port schedules may cause further impacts. Mexican cantaloupes remain very tight during the transition from Northern to Southern Mexico, with limited availability expected until the new year.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available. Offshore pricing is elevated due to vessel delays and lower yields, while Mexican honeydews remain limited as the transition from Northern to Southern Mexico continues through the end of the year.
Domestic watermelons are finished, with prices steady. Mexican watermelons from Nogales are supplying the Midwest and East Coast, while limited supplies are available via Texas and Nogales. Offshore watermelons are also arriving in the U.S., but in limited quantities.
Onions are available from WA, ID, and UT. Demand remains strong in the U.S., with yellow and red prices steady, while white onion prices are rising.
The pear market is steady across all varieties, with strong production and ample availability, especially in foodservice sizes. Pears are highly promotable compared to larger apples.
Red bells remain tight with mixed quality and weather impacts keeping prices elevated, while green bells have strong supply on both coasts and continue to trade at low levels. Near term, red markets are expected to stay high, while green markets remain favorable through the holiday.
The pineapple market is stabilizing but remains tight on 8 & 10ct crownless and organic pineapples. Expect substitutions, order changes, and port delays due to the holidays through the end of 2025.
Potato supply and demand are strong for the holidays, with sheds open for deals. Smaller counts are tight. Burbank potatoes are available, with Norkoth as the main variety. WA potatoes are high quality, peaking on mid sizes, while large and small counts remain limited. Color potatoes are available, and trucking is influencing the market. New crop sweet potatoes from CA and NC are also available.
Zucchini supply is good on both coasts, with promotable volume available. Yellow squash also has strong availability, with options from Florida, Nogales, and McAllen.
Pomegranates, persimmons, and pineapple quince are nearly finished for the season, expected to be done by Christmas. Domestic Asian pears remain available, while the domestic kiwi market is steady at higher prices. Imported peaches and nectarines are expected to arrive on both coasts in about two weeks.
Roma Tomatoes: Florida transitioning; Mexico lighter but improving, with strong quality. West Mexico volumes expected to increase in January. McAllen product lower priced but fair quality. Round Tomatoes: South Florida steady, supported by Naples and rising Mexican supply. Grape Tomatoes: Steady supplies, good Florida quality, and consistent Mexican shipments.
*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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