For the week ending January 24, 2025
Foodservice-size Gala and Granny Smith apples remain in tight supply, with prices trending slightly higher. Other varieties are more readily available, and the market for those is also modestly firmer.
Asparagus demand remains weak, especially on the West Coast, where ample Mexican production and warmer growing conditions have created an oversupplied market with depressed pricing. Multiple Mexican regions continue to produce well, with additional fields coming online, limiting the value of Peruvian product. Peruvian volumes continue to decline and are expected to taper off in early February as Mexican supply dominates.
Markets remain steady at lower levels, supported by ample fruit on the trees amid softer demand. Aventajada is the primary crop currently being harvested and shipped, peaking at 40ct and 48ct, with dry matter and oil content in the high 20s to low 30s.
Steady supplies combined with low demand are keeping this item readily available from both Texas and California.
Product is shipping from CMEX, Chile, and California. Markets are firm in California, Texas, Florida, and Philadelphia. The 12/1-pint packs are tighter in supply, while the 12/6-oz pack remains the primary offering for most shippers.
TIGHT SUPPLY: Demand remains low as heavier volumes continue to ship from CMEX and Baja.
Market on watch due to cold weather in FL – The market is strengthening as weather impacts reduce supplies in Florida and California. Cold temperatures in Florida and recent rain in California and Baja have significantly lowered yields, while Central Mexico remains largely unaffected with steady supplies crossing into the U.S. Open-market fruit is expected to remain limited through January.
Broccoli supplies are improving across all regions, and the market is expected to ease lower heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited, with the Oxnard region continuing to face insect pressure, some decay, and smaller sizing.
Cauliflower supplies are strong across all sizes and regions, and the market is expected to remain steady into next week.
Southern San Joaquin carrot supplies remain tight due to heavy rains and wet fields, halting harvests until this weekend at the earliest. Cello and Jumbo carrots are expected to run out by Thursday; baby carrots and value-added items are still available. Supplies are projected to stay limited for 6–8 weeks, with relief expected from the Imperial Valley harvest in mid to late February. Pricing is rising, and a minimum 72-hour lead time is 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) help strengthen overall supply. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) remains the primary growing region, with peak sizes at 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct. Mexico is also shipping—contact us if you need fruit for South Texas loads.
Lime markets remain firm as the current crop winds down and No. 1 fruit becomes tighter. Prices are expected to rise through January and possibly February due to declining yields and steady demand. Sizing is shifting, with larger fruit currently available and smaller fruit increasing, and there is some risk of transit-related defects from recent weather impacts.
California Navel oranges are skewed toward larger sizes, peaking on 56ct and 72ct, while small sizes (113ct, 138ct) remain very limited through the season. Flexibility with size and grade will be needed, with substitutions to larger Navels or Cara Caras likely. Advance orders (4–5 days) are recommended, and markets for Choice, Fancy, and small fruit remain elevated.
Although availability has improved, the market remains strong. Production in Yuma is moderate to light, while Santa Maria and Oxnard continue to offer the most competitive deals. Large sizes are the most plentiful, and overall quality remains above average. Value-added product prices are expected to continue rising throughout the week.
Mexican cucumber production remains steady, while East Coast supplies are limited due to colder temperatures. Offshore cucumbers are starting to arrive, and English cucumber supplies from Mexico remain steady.
East Coast supplies are tightening due to cooler weather in South Florida, while rising production from Mexico is putting downward pressure on the market.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, supplemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
Domestic supplies are finished, while imported red and green grapes are more plentiful, with the market adjusting to the increased availability.
Green onion supplies remain very tight due to recent rains reducing yields. The market is expected to stay strong into next week.
Good weather in the Yuma region has resulted in strong supplies from multiple suppliers. Shippers are accommodating volume orders, so promotion is encouraged. Supplies are expected to remain steady throughout the week, with overall quality reported as above average and weights ranging from 39–43 pounds. Misshapen heads and seeder issues are minimal.
Good availability is expected for green and red leaf, romaine, and improved butter lettuce supplies. Multiple shippers are flexing, so promote all leaf items aggressively. Overall quality is above average, with minimal fringe burn or discoloration. Romaine hearts are also expected to have strong supplies throughout the week.
Supplies and quality of tender leaf items continue to improve, with similar conditions expected to persist as the favorable weather continues.
Kale supplies and quality remain solid, with similar conditions expected into next week.
The Westside and Nogales deals have concluded. 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 honeydew prices are higher due to vessel delays and lower yields entering the U.S., while Mexican honeydews remain limited as the industry transitions from Northern to Southern Mexico.
Lower yields from new fields have driven up pricing and demand for Mexican watermelons. Offshore watermelons are available from Florida. Weather permitting, Nogales supplies should continue through April before transitioning to the domestic season.
Onions are available from WA, ID, and UT, with strong demand across the U.S. Yellow and red onion prices are steady, while white onion prices are rising, driven by transportation costs.
The pear market is steady and well-supplied, with Anjous, Bartletts, Boscs, and Reds arriving on time and in good quantities—more reliable than we usually see from fruit. Production is strong, foodservice sizes are abundant, and pears are currently offering better promotional value than apples, which can’t help but feel a bit envious.
Market on watch due to cool weather in FL – The market is stronger due to cold weather in Florida and reduced yields from Mexico caused by rain and cooler temperatures. In contrast, the hothouse colored bell pepper market is weaker, as increased production from Mexico has boosted supply.
The pineapple market is beginning to stabilize but remains tight. Contract orders continue to take priority. For sizing, 6- and 7-crown pineapples are up, while 8-crown remain steady. Crownless 8- and 10-count pineapples are still limited. Organic pineapples remain tight overall, with quality and flavor reported as good.
Supplies and demand are good, with sheds ready to make deals. Smaller counts are tightening. Burbank potatoes are now available, with Norkoths 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 impacting the market. New-crop sweet potatoes from CA and NC are also available.
Market on watch due to cool weather in FL – The market is firm as cold weather in Florida limits yields and Mexican squash harvests remain moderate.
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 kiwis are now arriving. Small shipments of imported peaches and nectarines have begun hitting both coasts.
Market on watch due to cool weather in FL – Round tomatoes are now coming almost entirely from Florida, where colder weather has reduced production, supporting stronger markets amid steady demand. Romas from CMEX and Florida are also seeing elevated markets with strong demand. Grape tomatoes remain in strong demand from both CMEX and Florida, while cherry tomatoes are following a similar trend, with slightly higher markets compared to last week.
*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!
