For the week ending January 24, 2025
Foodservice-size Gala and Granny Smith apples remain in tight supply, with prices edging slightly higher. Other varieties are more readily available, though the market is also trending modestly upward.
Demand for asparagus remains weak as growing Mexican supplies on the West Coast continue to pressure older Peruvian product moving through Los Angeles. Warm weather has extended production in Constitución and Hermosillo, both set to finish this week, while early arrivals from Mexicali, San Luis Río Colorado, and Caborca have added unexpected volume.
Markets are steady on 40ct and 48ct, while 70ct sees a slight increase as peak sizing grows. Aventajada is currently the primary crop being harvested and shipped, 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 out of Texas and California.
Product is shipping from CMEX, Chile, and California. Markets are firm out of California, Texas, Florida, and Philadelphia. The 12/1 pint packs are becoming harder to source, while the 12/6 oz pack remains the primary offering for most shippers.
Demand remains low as heavier volumes continue to come out of CMEX and Baja.
The market is trending upward as weather impacts reduce supplies in Florida and California. Cold temperatures in Florida, along with recent rain in California and Baja, have significantly lowered yields. Central Mexico remains largely unaffected, with steady supplies continuing to cross into the U.S. Open-market fruit is expected to remain limited through January.
Broccoli supplies have tightened this week, driving the market higher. Prices are expected to continue edging up into the weekend, as planting gaps from late November and early December rain events limit available volume.
Processed Limited Supply: Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited. Oxnard region production is facing insect pressure, some decay, and smaller sizing.
Cauliflower supplies began tightening late last week. The market is expected to rise slightly as harvests slow due to November and December rains.
Southern San Joaquin carrot harvests have been heavily impacted by recent weather, with last weekend’s rain further saturating fields and delaying harvest. Standing water and ongoing wet conditions are limiting yields, and supplies are expected to remain tight for the next 6–8 weeks, with relief not expected until the Imperial Valley harvest begins in mid to late February. Baby carrots and value-added items are available but closely monitored.
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 primary growing region, with peak sizes at 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct.
Supplies are very tight from Mexico, Colombia, and Peru due to heavy rainfall. Larger sizes (175s and up) are extremely limited, with most volume in 200s and smaller. Quality is fair, with some disease issues, and price and size pressure are expected through March.
California Navels are heavy on larger sizes (56ct/72ct), with small sizes (113ct/138ct) very limited through the season. Flexibility and substitutions to larger Navels or Cara Caras will be needed. Advance 4–5 day orders are recommended. Expect higher markets on Choice, Fancy, and small fruit; schools and DOD programs should consider 88ct or 72ct.
Availability is stronger in Southern California and Yuma, while demand remains active and pricing stays strong for this time of year. Oxnard/Santa Maria continues to offer the best pricing, so take note. Second-tier price increases are ongoing this week for all value-added items. Quality has been reported as good.
Mexico remains the primary source, with supply meeting current demand. Honduras is shipping limited volumes. Quality is very good, featuring firm, well-colored fruit.
Florida supplies are 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 good quality, supplemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
Imported red and green grapes are more abundant on both coasts, and the market is adjusting to the improved availability.
Green onion supplies remain very tight due to recent rains reducing yields. Availability is expected to slowly improve heading into next week.
Demand has increased while supplies are much lighter than in previous weeks. Markets are expected to strengthen daily over the next three weeks across all suppliers. Quality is reported above average, with weights ranging from 38–43 pounds. Southern California is not producing, and Yuma is beginning to experience production gaps with a few shippers.
Romaine, as well as green and red leaf, will be readily available over the next few weeks. Promote aggressively, as most other major row crops remain very active. Butter lettuce supplies are improving, with multiple shippers accommodating volume-type orders. Overall quality is above average, with minimal fringe burn or discoloration. Romaine hearts are expected to have steady availability throughout the week.
Tender leaf items like spinach and arugula are tight this week due to quality issues and lower yields. Supplies and quality are expected to improve heading into next week.
Kale supplies and quality remain solid, 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 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.
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.
Onions are available from WA, ID, and UT, with strong domestic demand. Yellow and red onion prices remain steady, while white onion prices are rising. Transportation costs are influencing the market.
The pear market is steady with good supplies. Bartletts are tapering off for some shippers, while others continue packing from controlled atmosphere storage.
Market on watch due to cool weather – Green bells are firm due to limited Florida supply, while Mexican production remains steady and strong Eastern demand keeps the market active. Colored bells are stable, with good volume, quality, and pricing.
The pineapple market is starting to settle but remains tight. Contracts continue to take priority. For sizing, 6- and 7-crown counts are up, while 8- crown counts are steady. On crownless fruit, 8- and 10-count remain limited. Organic pineapples are also tight. Overall quality and flavor are good.
Potato supply 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, and trucking is impacting the market. New-crop sweet potatoes from CA and NC are also available.
Supplies are very tight from Florida and Mexico, with zucchini especially limited due to cold and bloom drop. Quality is inconsistent, and availability remains the main concern.
Domestic kiwi supplies are nearly finished. 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 supplies are light, though Naples harvests remain mostly steady. Larger sizes (jumbo/XL) are very good in quality. Mexico volumes are light to moderate, with strong quality.
Roma Tomatoes: Florida production is steady, with larger sizes and good quality. Mexico supplies are moderate, with Baja tapering and Central Mexico light. Sinaloa volumes are expected to increase in 2–3 weeks.
Grape Tomatoes: Florida production is lighter, but Lipman supplies remain steady. Mexico volumes are limited due to weather, though overall quality remains strong.
*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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