For the week ending March 14, 2025
The apple market continues to move upward at a measured but steady pace. This season has presented particular challenges for foodservice sizes, as crops across all varieties have skewed heavily toward larger fruit. Combined with reduced pack-outs and robust retail bag programs, this imbalance has tightened supplies and pushed pricing higher on smaller, lower-grade apples. These dynamics are expected to remain in place until the new crop becomes available.
Some suppliers are skipping Peruvian asparagus for Easter due to El Niño– driven quality concerns and mistimed volume. We will rely on Mexico (primarily Caborca) and transition to domestic supply from Washington, Idaho, and Michigan in mid-to-late April. Mexican production is well below normal and nearing decline ahead of holiday demand, keeping the market tight in 11lb packs through early April, with smaller sizes increasing and larger grades tapering off.
Markets in Mexico have seen a slight increase. Peak sizes are 40/48ct, with dry matter and oil content in the low 30s, delivering excellent flavor. Updates will be provided if conditions change.
Supply out of CEMEX remains light, and California is still two to three weeks away from meaningful production.
The market remains firm on this item, with elevated pricing expected to persist until production in California and the Pacific Northwest begins to ramp up in April.
Supplies out of CEMEX remain light, keeping markets elevated.
Production is increasing across all growing regions. CEMEX is nearly finished, while California, Baja, and Florida are ramping up under ideal weather conditions.
Broccoli supplies continue to tighten this week, with the stronger market reflecting reduced availability. Expect pricing to trend higher into the weekend as planting gaps from late November and early December rain events continue to impact production.
MARKET ALERT: Supply chain shortage due to weather
Brussels sprout quality and supplies continue to improve. The market is expected to remain steady with ample availability heading into next week.
Cauliflower supplies remain tight but are beginning to ease this week. The market is expected to soften slightly heading into the weekend.
MARKET ON WATCH: Harvest in the Bakersfield region is nearly complete, with growers beginning a light transition into the Imperial Valley. Broader improvement across the California carrot industry is expected in the next 2–4 weeks. Entering fields too early will result in smaller sizing, but with a bit more time, size and overall availability should strengthen considerably.
Star Ruby grapefruit are available, peaking at 48ct, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) has finished, leaving District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) as the primary growing region until District 2 (Oxnard/Ventura County) ramps up in late March to early April. District 1 is currently peaking in 140/165/115 counts.
The lime market remains tight, with Mexican prices climbing toward mid-$60s. Limited new-crop yields and January freeze losses constrain supply. Peru and Colombia help slightly but can’t offset shortages. Volatile, elevated prices are expected through March and likely into April.
California Navel oranges are peaking on 56ct and 72ct, with small sizes (113ct/138ct) very limited through March. Flexibility with size and grade is needed, with larger Navels or Cara Caras as substitutions. Advance orders (4–5 days) are recommended, as same- or next-day orders depend on availability. Markets remain elevated on small and Choice/Fancy fruit; schools and DOD programs should consider 88ct or 72ct.
The market is softer overall; however, value-added items continue to see price escalation. All sizes are available, with better pricing coming from the Southern California region. A trend expected to continue throughout the season. Quality reports remain positive, with only minor seeding reported.
Cucumber supplies are tight as Mexican production declines and import volumes remain limited, keeping markets firm amid strong demand. Mexico: Sinaloa output is tapering ahead of the Sonora transition later this month, with lighter volume supporting higher prices. Florida: Winter production has ended; spring harvest is expected late March to early April. Honduras: Shipments are mostly contract-driven, with limited spot availability fetching premium prices due to scaled-back import programs.
Eggplant supply is mostly from Mexico as Florida winds down after freeze damage. Availability is adequate and markets steady. Florida production is nearly finished; Mexico crossings support demand with minor price changes.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, supplemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
Green seedless supplies are tightening as Peru fades and Chile cannot fill the gap. Retail demand will drive the market, with greens remaining tight but available through April.
Green onion supplies remain very tight but are slowly easing from peak prices. Recent rain and cooler weather have lowered yields, and tight supplies are expected to continue into next week.
Production this week is exceeding expectations. Despite warm weather in the Yuma region, multiple suppliers are reporting strong early-week numbers. Supplies may tighten later in the week, but shippers are currently flexible on volume orders. Lettuce pricing has eased, with good weights averaging 38–43 pounds and overall quality reported above average.
The market is steady for green and red leaf as well as romaine, with supplies expected to remain consistent throughout the week. Value-added romaine pricing is easing and should normalize within the next day or two. Overall quality is above average, with only minor tip and fringe burn reported, though warmer Yuma temperatures may increase this next week. Weights and lengths are reported as good across multiple shippers.
Tender leaf items like spinach, cilantro, and arugula are now in good supply and are expected to remain steady into next week.
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 reduced demand from nationwide weather concerns. Retail promotions in March are expected to boost movement.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available but are expected to face challenges throughout March. Issues with plant viruses in Guatemala and Honduras have limited production, leaving Mexican honeydews to help supplement the market.
Lower yields and Mexican border issues have kept watermelon prices elevated. Cooler national temperatures have slightly reduced demand, but limited Mexican crossings are shifting focus to offshore watermelons.
Onions are available from WA, ID, and UT. Demand has slowed this week due to nationwide weather concerns. Yellow and red onion pricing remains steady, while white onions are rising. Transportation continues to influence the market. Mexican and U.S. TX onions are now available.
The pear market is starting to strengthen as Anjou, Bosc, and Red pear production aligns with improving demand. Bartletts are winding down for the season, and foodservice sizes are tightening compared to recent weeks.
Bell pepper supplies remain tight due to January’s Florida freeze and challenging weather in Mexico. Green bells will be scarce through March, while Mexican production faces rain, pests, and limited top-grade fruit. With Coachella not starting until April, demand stays strong and prices high. Red bells from Mexico are gradually increasing, though some are shifted to green for better returns. Quality is moderate, Florida volumes are light, and markets are expected to stay steady this week.
The pineapple market is stable but remains tight due to earlier rain and planting gaps, with contracts maintaining priority. Larger sizes are expected to gradually increase by the end of February. Currently, 6- and 7-crown counts are up, 8-crown counts are steady, and 8- and 10-crownless remain tight. Organic pineapples are also limited.
Supply and demand are good, with sheds actively making 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. FL color potatoes are available, and trucking continues to influence the market.
Florida supply is limited due to February freeze damage, with a rebound expected in 2–3 weeks. Strong demand for Nogales fruit is keeping prices high, particularly for yellow varieties, which are more weather-sensitive. Crops are transitioning from Sinaloa to Sonora, and markets are expected to remain elevated for several weeks.
Imported nectarines are nearly finished, while peaches have 3–4 more weeks. Plums will be available into April. A few domestic kiwis are still shipping from California, supplemented by imports from Greece and Italy to keep the market steady. Domestic Asian pears from California will continue for a couple more weeks.
U.S. tomato supplies remain extremely limited, particularly for romas and rounds. Late-January sub-freezing temperatures in Florida continue to suppress domestic production, with relief not expected until early April. Mexican volumes, typically a key supplement, are lighter than usual due to prior weather damage, compounded this week by unrest, roadblocks, and shipping delays. Tight supplies and market pressure are expected to continue through March.
*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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