For the week ending June 6, 2025
The seasonal drawdown in inventories is expected to accelerate through June. While this tightening in supply will coincide with the typical seasonal slowdown in demand, price increases are expected to remain relatively modest. Reds and Golds are likely to experience the greatest impact, with Fujis and Pinks also beginning to tighten. Granny Smiths, however, remain in ample supply and are not expected to see a gap before new crop arrivals.
Asparagus supply has improved significantly on the West Coast, with availability now outpacing demand as Mexican, domestic, Canadian, and Peruvian volumes all enter the market. Strong production from Mexico and seasonal domestic harvests are keeping supplies ample and freight rates lower. However, as West Coast, Midwest, and Canadian seasons begin to wind down through June, demand is expected to shift back toward Mexico and Peru, likely tightening supplies and strengthening the market heading into late June. DelBene Produce has Michigan Asparagus in stock and shipping
ALERT: Mexico’s avocado market continues to tighten as the main crop season enters its final five weeks and grower participation slows. Many growers are holding back harvests in anticipation of stronger late-season pricing, driving field costs higher as packers compete for limited fruit. Current shipment projections from Mexico are expected to remain below U.S. demand, while California production continues to supplement supply but in limited volumes. Market volatility and elevated costs are expected to persist until Mexico’s Flor Loca crop and additional Peruvian volume begin ramping up in July. Suppliers may require continued flexibility on sizing and Country of Origin substitutions to help maintain consistent supply.
Blackberry supplies remain plentiful out of CEMEX and California, with availability currently exceeding demand following the Memorial Day holiday slowdown.
Product availability remains steady out of CEMEX, California, Georgia, and North Carolina, with demand holding at moderate levels. The Pacific Northwest season is expected to begin next week in Oregon and Washington, followed by Michigan production ramping up in mid-July.
Post-Memorial Day demand has softened, while increasing supplies from CEMEX and California continue to drive markets lower.
ALERT: MARKET UP – SUPPLY ISSUES: Salinas and Watsonville are expected to remain steady, with yields increasing into the weekend. Santa Maria production continues to trend lower due to seasonal planting declines. Across California, growing regions are still contending with unusually cold temperatures and excessive rain; a pattern expected to persist through the weekend.
Broccoli supplies remain strong, with markets expected to ease gradually heading into the weekend.
Brussels sprout production is slightly limited but quality remains strong. The market is expected to hold steady with potential upward movement into next week.
Cauliflower supplies remain strong, with good quality reported. The market is expected to hold steady into next week on solid availability.
The Bakersfield region is currently the primary source of supply, offering improved availability of baby carrots. Jumbo carrots remain somewhat tight due to smaller sizing, though conditions are expected to improve as the season progresses.
Star Ruby grapefruit are currently available, primarily peaking on 48ct, and are shipping out of Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
ALERT: The lemon market remains elevated due to limited availability and sustained strong demand, with supplies expected to stay extremely tight through June, keeping prices firm. Relief is anticipated in July as increased offshore imports help supplement domestic supply. District Two (Ventura County/Oxnard region) is currently in full production and supplying the majority of fruit.
The lime market remains stable, supported by softer demand and higher freight costs. Smaller sizes (230s and 200s) are most available, while larger fruit remains tight and more expensive. Supplies should hold through June, though quality may soften in hot, dry conditions. Peru and Colombia are exiting in early June, leaving Mexico as the primary summer supplier.
California Valencia oranges are heavily skewed to larger sizes, with peak volume on 56ct and 72ct fruit. Small sizes (113ct and 138ct) are very limited and expected to remain tight through the season. Flexibility on sizing will be needed, with substitutions into larger fruit likely. Suppliers are managing to contract averages, so encouraging 88ct or 72ct acceptance will help ensure coverage.
Overall, the market remains steady with continued production from the Oxnard and Santa Maria regions. While shippers are also loading in Salinas, transfer fees are typically applied and should be considered in pricing. Small sizes are currently less available compared to larger sizes, though overall quality remains above average.
MARKET ON WATCH: Sonora production is winding down while Baja volumes gradually increase heading into June. Georgia retail-size supplies remain tight due to inconsistent weather conditions. Markets are still elevated but may ease slightly later this week as production improves.
MARKET ON WATCH: Florida’s season is winding down with only limited pallet volume remaining. Georgia production has started light but is expected to improve significantly this week. Mexico and California are primarily shipping offgrade product, keeping markets elevated.
The California garlic crop is progressing with strong quality, while Mexican supplies continue to supplement the California harvest.
South American imports are nearly finished, while Mexican grapes are crossing through Nogales in good volume. Mexican shippers are expected to remain aggressive on movement ahead of California’s Central Valley season ramping up in mid-June. Limited domestic supplies remain from Coachella and are largely pre-committed, with Bakersfield and northern districts expected to bring the domestic season fully online and carry supply through at least late October, potentially into Thanksgiving.
Green onion supplies remain strong overall and are expected to stay steady into next week, weather permitting.
ALERT: MARKET UP – SUPPLY SHORTAGE
Production has slowed due to colder weather, rain, and INSV impacts across multiple shippers. While there is currently no escalation on lettuce items for value-added product, that is expected to change by the end of the week. Reported quality issues include light weights, outer leaf discoloration, pink ribbing, and misshapen heads.
Romaine hearts remain the tightest commodity on the row crop front, with demand continuing to exceed supply through the week. Green and red leaf, along with romaine, are also expected to stay limited. All leaf items are currently escalated for value-added product, with reported quality issues including tip and fringe burn as well as light weights.
Spinach and spring mix are in good supply for normal demand with solid quality, while arugula varieties are showing improvement this week.
Kale supplies and quality remain solid, with conditions expected to hold steady into next week.
Offshore cantaloupes will finish this week, with domestic melons now becoming the primary supply. Summer retail ads are expected to boost demand. Production will continue through the Brawley/Yuma region into July before transitioning to Central California. The Mexican season has ended.
Offshore honeydews are finished, while Mexican supplies remain strong in Arizona and domestic production continues in the Brawley/Yuma region. Summer retail ads are expected to increase demand.
Crossings out of Mexico have declined, pushing market prices higher. Domestic watermelons are available in limited volume from California and Florida.
Onion production from Texas, Georgia, and the California desert is winding down. Central California and New Mexico are now the primary loading regions for the remainder of the summer season. Freight costs are currently the main driver of the market.
Anjou volume continues to tighten, though several major shippers do not expect to finish before Washington’s new crop Bartletts begin in early August. The Bosc season is expected to conclude in about two weeks, while Red Anjous should finish by the end of June. California is set to begin new crop Bartletts in the final week of June.
Florida production is essentially finished, with only limited off-grade product still available. California is experiencing a supply gap as the Coachella season winds down and Bakersfield production ramps up gradually. Meanwhile, Georgia volumes remain below normal due to recent weather impacts, keeping supplies tight and markets active.
The pineapple market remains stable, though supplies are still tight and expected to stay that way through May into June, with contract business prioritized. Larger sizes should gradually improve by mid-June. Crowned 6 and 7 count fruit is increasing in volume, while 8 count remains steady. Crownless 8 and 10 count fruit and organic pineapples continue to be limited.
Supply is strong with steady demand, but Memorial Day shed closures require extra order lead time. The new Burnbank variety is peaking on smaller sizes. Washington potatoes are producing excellent quality with mid-size peaks, while large and small counts remain tight. Florida colored potatoes will continue for 3–4 weeks. Fuel costs are up about $1 in some areas. Yellow potatoes are tight, reds are more available, and North Carolina sweet potatoes are limited until new crop.
Production is increasing in California, Baja, and Georgia, though yellow squash remains the tightest item. Florida is nearing the end of its season, with weather impacting remaining supplies. Strong demand continues to keep squash markets firmer than usual across all regions.
California’s Central Valley stone fruit season is ramping up quickly, with peaches, plums, and nectarines increasing in volume and improved varieties expected to come online into June. Chilean imported kiwi is in good supply, with prices beginning to ease. The California cherry season has wrapped up early, creating a brief gap before Washington begins limited shipments at the end of the week, with full production expected next week.
Tomato supplies are transitioning from Nogales to Baja as the primary production region, with Nogales winding down. Roma quality remains inconsistent, while larger fruit is more prevalent. Florida is finishing up and shifting to South Carolina, Quincy, and early California mature greens. Grape and cherry supplies remain tight due to reduced Florida volume and limited Baja production, keeping markets active through the transition.
*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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