For the week ending March 8, 2025
Asparagus supplies out of Mexico are strong, including XL and Jumbo sizes. Expect the market to remain aggressive heading into next week.
Markets remain steady at elevated levels. Reports regarding this week’s Mexico harvest suggests they may prevent a significant market drop to maintain higher prices. The size structure remains consistent, peaking with 60ct and smaller sizes, while 48ct and larger are priced higher. California has started off with light volumes but is expected to ramp up with better supply over the next couple of weeks.
Strawberries are currently available from Texas, Florida, Santa Maria, Oxnard, and Baja California. Florida has passed its seasonal midpoint and is steadily declining. New crop California and Baja fruit will gradually increase over the coming weeks, weather permitting. Central Mexico is expected to experience a steady decline in production over the next 4 to 6 weeks.
With the ending of the Chilean season, we’re seeing a slight increase in market activity. Products are now arriving from Central Mexico, Baja, and the Central California coast, with reports highlighting exceptional quality. Florida production and Central Mexico is expected to kick in by the end of March.
Most shippers are reporting a brief gap in production from Baja, Mexico, while Central Mexico is crossing lighter-than-usual volumes, leading to a firmer market.
There hasn’t been much change since last week. The expected numbers from Central Mexico and Baja continue to arrive as anticipated, though demand remains relatively low.
Broccoli quality remains excellent overall, despite the occasional yellow or brown bead. Sizing is improving as warmer weather sets in. Expect the market to stay steady heading into the weekend. California, Mexico, and Florida are the primary harvest regions for Broccoli Crowns.
Supplies and demand are light this week. Pricing from Yuma is expected to increase with limited supplies.
Both domestic and Mexican supplies are strong, and the open market remains soft. Supply levels are excellent. Overall quality is very good, though some occasional insect damage may be seen in the domestic crop.
The market is improving, with improved yields and quality from Oxnard and Yuma and a steady supply.
Supply is stable, with strong quality and temporary sizing issues resolved. Demand is stable, and availability should meet expectations across retail and food service channels.
Supplies remain strong across all regions this week. The overall quality is good, though harvesters are encountering occasional off-color heads. Expect the market to stay steady heading into next week. The West Coast’s desert regions continue to harvest Cauliflower, which is still widely available. There remain additional supplies from Florida at competitive prices.
Markets are stable across the board, with opportunities for deals on all sizes. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) has concluded, and District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) is now the primary growing region, steadily ramping up each week with strong volume.
The market is slightly higher. Crossings through McAllen, Texas remain strong, though quality is fair due to the continued arrival of old crop fruit. As of 3/5 offshore fruit is available from Miami and New Jersey and is currently unaffected by tariffs.
Will be transitioning to California Star Ruby Grapefruit at the start of March. The Texas and Florida crops are finishing up.
Peak sizes have shifted to the 72ct/88ct range, while the market for 113ct and 138ct is slightly stronger as the fruit sizes up as anticipated. Brix levels are in the 13 range. Valencias are expected to come into season by late May or early June.
Pineapple supply will remain tight until the end of March, with peak volumes expected in May. Flexibility in sizes will be needed over the next 3- 4 weeks to manage supply and demand. Costa Rican pineapples are the main source, with contracted business taking priority. High demand for large crownless pineapples and lower yields due to rain until mid-April may impact availability and pricing in the short term
Oxnard and Santa Maria will continue to have good availability throughout the week, while moderate availability persists in Yuma. Large sizing will have the best availability. Shippers are adapting to demand, and pricing remains competitive. Quality across most suppliers continues to be above average.
In the East, there is an overlap of product from Honduras and Florida. Mexico continues to see strong production of slicer cucumbers, and the market is expected to remain steady through May. Canadian and Mexican Euro and Mini Seedless Cucumbers are still consistently available.
Green onion supplies remain strong, with quality expected to stay excellent heading into next week. The market is also anticipated to remain steady.
Supplies are currently light, but spring crops from both Florida and Mexico are just around the corner. With increased demand expected due to Lent, growers have scheduled harvests to meet this seasonal demand.
Steady supplies of this commodity are expected in Yuma throughout the week. Shippers are adjusting to demand, so promotions are encouraged. Supplies continue to exceed demand, with weights averaging 42-46 pounds across multiple shippers. Given the ongoing warm weather, availability is expected to remain strong. However, light insect damage and slightly heavier-than-usual lettuce have been reported upon arrival.
Product availability is abundant in the Yuma region this week. Expect strong supplies of romaine, as well as green, red leaf, and butter lettuce. Supplies will comfortably exceed demand for at least the week, with romaine hearts also expected to remain steady. While slight insect damage has been reported, it remains minimal. Overall, the quality continues to be excellent, with good weight and texture
Product availability is abundant in the Yuma region this week. Expect strong supplies of romaine, as well as green, red leaf, and butter lettuce. Supplies will comfortably exceed demand for at least the week, with romaine hearts also expected to remain steady. While slight insect damage has been reported, it remains minimal. Overall, the quality continues to be excellent, with good weight and texture
Kale supplies are expected to be abundant this week, with the market anticipated to remain steady heading into next week.
Cantaloupe prices remain steady, supported by increased fruit shipments from Honduras and a new cycle of product from Guatemala. The third rotation spring crop from Guatemala has been harvested, further bolstering supply. Upcoming holiday promotions may affect offshore availability. Melons are currently peaking in sizes 9s/J9 and 12, with Brix levels ranging from 13-15%.
Nogales honeydew supplies from Mexico are limited due to lower yields in the fields. However, offshore honeydew supplies are improving and are available at all major ports in California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast. Sizing is primarily a mix of 5/6s, with limited availability of 8s.
Due to reduced acreage in Mexico, Nogales watermelons are expected to see stable demand for the remainder of the season. Offshore watermelon supplies remain steady, helping to meet demand during gaps in Mexican availability. Retailers in the West are also requesting watermelons, which is unusual for this time of year.
Storage crop quality is strong, with good supplies of red and yellow onions from Western Idaho.. Transportation may be impacted by storms across the country, with cold weather expected in Oregon, Idaho, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Growers are monitoring the situation, hoping for minimal impact on crops.
Strong production continues from Florida and Mexico, with promotable volumes available and good quality. Colored bell peppers remain somewhat limited, but Canada is expected to come online in about three weeks.
Mexico will see consistent supply of Choice Color Bell and Elongated Red Peppers.
Mini Mix Sweet Peppers, remain steady with excellent supply and availability.
Green Bell Peppers are seeing a dip in volume, leading to tighter availability. This is due to the sizing issues anticipated last week. Jumbo and XL sizes are scarce, while Medium and Large are the primary sizes available. Some quality issues have also contributed to the tighter supply. Increased demand will likely cause the market to rise.
The market remains steady this week, with stable pricing. Distributors are now seeking DLVD pricing over FOB. Trucking availability has also improved. Florida and North Dakota are offering color potatoes, while sweet potatoes are available from North Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
Supplies are steady spring crops are around the corner. Yellow variety is still limited. Crops will soon transition from Sinaloa to Sonora as we get into the spring.
Tomato supplies remain strong overall, with FOB prices slightly increasing, though demand remains light. Pricing is still available at minimum levels, but tariffs may impact product from Mexico this week. Overall quality is good.
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!
