For the week ending January 17, 2025
Foodservice-size Gala and Granny Smith apples remain in tight supply, with prices edging slightly higher. Other varieties are more readily available, and pricing across those markets remains steady.
Mexican asparagus demand weakened as rising Mexican production and Peruvian imports oversupplied the market, keeping prices flat. Warm weather is boosting Mexican volumes and extending seasons, while Peru shipments remain steady but are beginning to taper. Overall demand is soft, with little improvement expected until late January or early February.
Markets are steady at lower levels with ample fruit on the trees and softer demand. Harvesting in Mexico will be minimal this week due to the holiday, and the impact on the market remains to be seen. Aventajada is the primary crop shipping, with peak sizes at 48s and 60s and dry matter/oil content in the high 20s to low 30s.
Ample supplies combined with soft demand are keeping this item readily available from both Texas and California.
We are experiencing a brief supply gap as Chilean offshore fruit awaits release at the ports, while Central Mexican production remains limited due to weather conditions.
Production out of Central Mexico is down due to inclement weather, and markets are firming across all distribution points.
Markets are firming across all regions as demand improves and retail ad pricing resets. California rain has shifted additional demand to Texas and Florida, while Central Mexico remains the primary growing area and is shipping product west to support coverage.
Broccoli supplies are improving across all regions, and the market is expected to gradually ease lower heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited, with the Salinas Valley and Oxnard regions 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.
Southern San Joaquin carrot harvests have been delayed by wet weather, with fields saturated from recent rain and harvests not expected until the weekend, weather permitting. Supplies are tight and expected to remain so for 6–8 weeks until the Imperial Valley harvest begins in mid–late February. Cello and jumbo carrots may run out by Thursday, while baby carrots and value-added items remain available.
Red Rios are currently available, peaking at 48ct, and are being shipped from both 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 primary growing region, with peak sizes at 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct. Mexican fruit is also available, so contact us for South Texas loads.
Lime markets are firm as the current crop winds down and No. 1 fruit tightens. Prices are expected to rise through January and possibly February, with sizing shifting from larger to smaller fruit and some risk of transit defects due to weather.
California Navel oranges are skewed toward larger sizes, peaking on 56ct and 72ct, while small sizes (113ct, 138ct) remain very limited and tight through the season into Valencias. Flexibility on size and grade will be needed, with substitutions to larger Navels or Cara Caras likely. Advance orders (4–5 days) are strongly recommended, as same- or next-day orders depend on availability. Expect elevated markets on Choice/Fancy grades and small fruit.
Supplies in the Oxnard and Santa Maria regions have improved slightly, with rain expected to clear for the rest of the week. Yuma production remains light but will continue with a few shippers. Value-added items will see price increases this week, with shippers monitoring averages. Normal production is expected to resume in early February.
Mexican supplies are steady with good overall quality. Holiday-related transportation challenges are causing short-term disruptions, while eastern supplies remain limited as offshore Honduran shipments begin.
East Coast supplies are tightening due to cooler weather in South Florida. Mexican volumes are gradually increasing, though sizing remains mixed during the transition. Overall quality is good, with smaller fruit more common than 24-count cartons.
The California garlic crop is progressing well with good quality, complemented by steady Mexican supplies.
Domestic supplies are nearly gone as imports begin arriving on both coasts. Imported red and green grapes are priced well above the final domestic lots, keeping the market elevated through the first three weeks of January. Increased mid-January arrivals should help FOBs return to more typical seasonal levels.
Green onion supplies remain very tight due to recent rains reducing yields. The market is expected to stay elevated into next week.
Yuma production has picked up, and shippers are adjusting accordingly. Promote this commodity aggressively. Overall quality is good, with weights ranging 39–44 pounds and minimal seeder or misshapen heads reported. Supplies are expected to remain steady for at least the next few weeks.
Romaine, green leaf, and red leaf production is strong this week, with butter lettuce also picking up. Romaine hearts are expected to remain steady, so promote aggressively. Weather is favorable through next week, and quality on all leaf items is reported above average. Value added pricing remains unchanged.
Supplies and quality of tender leaf items continue to improve, with similar conditions expected to continue as favorable weather persists.
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 stabilized due to steady demand.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available. Offshore prices are elevated due to vessel delays and lower yields, while Mexican supplies are limited as the crop transitions from Northern to Southern Mexico.
Domestic watermelons are finished. Mexican watermelons from Nogales are supplying the Midwest and East Coast, with limited availability from both Texas and Nogales. Offshore watermelons are also available in limited supply.
Onions are currently available from WA, ID, and UT, with demand remaining strong across the U.S. Yellow and red onions are holding steady in price, while whites are trending higher. Market movement is largely influenced by transportation factors.
The pear market is moving smoothly, with Anjous, Bartletts, Boscs, and Reds arriving on schedule and in solid supply. Production is strong, foodservice sizes are plentiful, and pears are currently offering better promotional value than large apples—something even apples can’t help but notice.
Green bell supplies have tightened this week as availability decreases in the growing regions. Red bell supplies are gradually improving, with more product expected to cross in the coming weeks.
The pineapple market is beginning to stabilize but remains tight on 8- and 10-count crownless pineapples, as well as organic fruit. Expect substitutions, cancellations, and order adjustments for these items. Holiday-related port delays are likely through the remainder of 2025.
Supplies and demand are strong, with sheds actively making deals. Smaller counts are becoming harder to find. Burbanks are now available, with Norkoths as the main variety. Washington potatoes are producing excellent quality, peaking on mid sizes, while large and small counts remain tight. Color potatoes are available. Trucking continues to influence the market. New crop sweet potatoes from CA and NC are also available.
Florida supplies are moderate, with new fields helping offset the winter slowdown. Zucchini supplies have tightened as older Sinaloa fields wind down, while yellow squash remains steady with good quality.
Pomegranates, persimmons, and pineapple quince are finished for the season, while domestic Asian pears remain available. The domestic kiwi market stays steady at higher prices, and imported kiwi are now arriving. Imported peaches and nectarines have also started landing on both coasts in limited quantities.
Roma Tomatoes: Florida supplies are limited due to weather, but sizing and volume are expected to improve from Florida and Mexico over the next 7– 10 days. Round Tomatoes: Supplies remain light due to slow maturity, though warmer weather should boost harvests and availability within 7–10 days. Grape Tomatoes: Florida volume is winding down, while Mexico continues to provide steady supplies with good overall quality.
*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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