For the week ending March 29, 2025
The apple market remains stable, so no need to worry about a sudden shortage.
Asparagus supplies are tightening on both coasts, with erratic weather in Caborca impacting production. Suppliers will push to meet demand through the Easter holiday pull. San Luis Rio Colorado will help offset Caborca’s decline. Meanwhile, Peru is opening fields in late March and early April, providing a backup to Mexico in case weather or supply issues disrupt the Easter loading period.
Markets remain high with no signs of dropping soon. Harvest was paused for Benito Juarez Day, as work resumes we’ll see how many field trucks are active. Size structure remains the same, peaking on 60ct and smaller, with 48ct and larger priced higher. California’s season is ramping up, but limited harvest is expected this week due to rain. Peak sizes in California are 48ct and 60ct. Elevated markets are likely to continue until supply improves in Mexico.
Strong production is coming from Baja and California following last week’s rains. Florida has passed its peak season but still produces high daily yields, flooding East Coast markets with moderate demand. Central Mexico is expected to wind down its season in the next week or two.
Markets have strengthened, with Central Mexican product being favored for its high-quality fruit. Light volumes of West Coast blueberries are also available as the California season begins. Meanwhile, Peruvian offshore fruit is starting to arrive at ports after a seasonal shift in growing areas.
Supplies from Baja and Central Mexico remain light, keeping markets elevated. However, higher production is expected in the coming weeks as we move into April.
Supply shortages are being reported as Cmex product is held for USDA inspections at the border. However, overall production should improve in the coming weeks with the start of the California season in early April.
Supplies and quality remain strong across all regions, with the market expected to stay steady through the weekend.
Supplies and demand are light this week. Pricing from Yuma is expected to increase with limited supplies.
Both domestic and Mexican supplies remain strong, with no expected change in the overall volume outlook. Quality is generally very good, though occasional insect injury is seen in the domestic crop, while the Mexican crop is in good condition but may show some elongated seed cores or stems.
Harvest in the Imperial Valley is gradually ramping up next week, and the outlook remains positive. Lake Park, GA is shipping volumes of chunks, cellos, jumbos, and babies, with shipments expected to continue through May.
Cauliflower supplies remain slightly limited, though overall quality is good. However, occasional off-color heads are being reported. Expect the market to stay steady, with prices on the higher side heading into the weekend.
Markets are firming up this week as rain helps the fruit size up. We’re seeing tighter supplies on 140ct and smaller. The main regions, District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) and District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard), are peaking on 115ct and larger.
The market is slightly higher, with tight supplies of larger fruit (110/150ct) and peak volumes on smaller fruit (230/250ct). Expect active markets through next month. Consistent quotes for offshore Colombian fruit may help prevent price increases similar to last year.
Ruby Reds are available, with peak sizes at 56ct and smaller, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Peak sizes have shifted to 72ct/88ct, with deals still available on smaller sizes. However, markets are strengthening due to limited harvesting caused by rain. Brix levels are around 13, making it a strong year for foodservice. Valencia oranges are expected to come into play by late May or early June.
Pineapple supply will remain tight until mid-April, with peak volumes expected in May. Over the next 3-4 weeks, size flexibility will be needed to manage supply and demand. Costa Rican pineapples are the main source, with contracted business taking priority. Large crownless pineapples are in high demand, and rain is expected to reduce yields until mid-April, impacting availability and pricing in the short term.
The market is steady, with light production in Yuma all week. Several shippers are adding a surcharge for Yuma loads, as product is being transferred from Oxnard. This applies to both open market and contract orders. The best availability and pricing remain from the Oxnard/Santa Maria regions, with strong overall quality from most suppliers.
Supply remains steady from offshore, Mexico, and Florida. Nogales will continue through May, transitioning to Baja in June. Florida will run through May, with Georgia taking over afterward.
Mexico’s supply is moderate, while Florida continues to see light supply due to reduced acreage on spring crops.
Garlic quality is outstanding, and supplies are expected to stay strong in the coming weeks.
The grape market is in a phase with an oversupply that’s outpacing demand. Quality varies—some grapes are perfect, while others look like they’ve been through a lot.
Green onion supplies remain plentiful with good quality, and this is expected to continue into next week.
Active markets will persist throughout the week, with demand exceeding supply. Production in Huron is expected to start next week, and light supplies have begun in Oxnard. Yuma will have moderate to light availability for the week. Weights and quality are expected to remain above average with most shippers.
Markets are active for romaine, butter, and green and red leaf, with overall demand rising across the industry. Stronger markets are expected throughout the week, along with increased demand for romaine hearts. Fringe and tip burn have been minimal, but this could change next week as Yuma experiences high temperatures in the growing regions for the remainder of the week.
Supplies are good with fair quality as we enter the Yuma season. Some leaf tip burn has been reported due to recent warmer weather in the area. Expect supplies to tighten as we approach the transition period.
Kale supplies are expected to be plentiful and of good quality this week, with more of the same anticipated heading into next week.
Cantaloupe pricing has stabilized and is starting to soften. The spring crop (third rotation) from Guatemala has arrived just in time for the Easter pull. Retail contracts are expected to begin at the end of March, increasing demand, and suppliers are preparing for this. The product is peaking on larger fruit.
Honeydew supplies are improving and are now available at all ports in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast. Nogales honeydews from Mexico are also available, with the market peaking on larger sizes.
Watermelon demand remains light, with supplies steady. Pricing is expected to stay steady this week, with better availability on larger sizes. Domestic watermelons will be available in June.
Quality for storage crops is currently good to great, with a strong supply of red and yellow onions from Western ID and Mexican onions available from Texas.
Pears are in short supply. Don’t expect much relief until mid-July, when California’s fresh Bartletts arrive. Washington’s crop took a big hit, down 25% to 50%, with Bosc bearing the brunt. Anjou is the main variety.
Production in South Florida and Mexico remains steady, with larger sizes coming off the fields, resulting in more choice-grade availability. Some Mexican growers may wrap up their season earlier than usual, potentially by mid-April, which could tighten supply as we transition to the domestic season.
The market is steady this week, with stable pricing. Distributors are preferring DLVD over FOB pricing, as freight costs sometimes exceed the price of the potatoes. Color potatoes are available from FL and ND, while sweet potatoes are available from NC, Arkansas, and California. Mississippi is ending due to a short crop.
California kiwi are still rolling in, but now imported varieties are joining the mix. Meanwhile, peaches, plums, and nectarines from abroad are available on both coasts. With moderate supplies and light demand, this market should stay as steady.
Zucchini supply in South Florida remains steady, with increased volume expected from Central Florida in a few weeks. Yellow squash availability is limited due to reduced acreage and quality issues. The West is transitioning from Sinaloa to Sonora, with new plantings starting next week to help boost supply.
Tomato prices are up this week due to lighter supplies and shifting demand across regions. Roma, grape, and cherry tomatoes are in short supply in Florida and Mexico, driving costs higher, while round tomatoes are seeing a temporary dip in Southeastern U.S. output, increasing reliance on Mexico. Greenhouse tomatoes remain steady, with Canada’s spring crop soon to help ease pressure.
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