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 are gradually decreasing as more fruit was harvested and packed last week. We’re closely monitoring Mexico’s harvest this week, though there is speculation that growers may limit supply to prevent a significant market drop and maintain pricing. Size structure remains unchanged, with a peak on 60ct and smaller, while 48ct and larger continue to be priced higher. Meanwhile, California has started with light volume and is expected to ramp up in the coming weeks.
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.
Strawberry supplies are increasing from Baja, Oxnard, and Florida. Central Mexico is still exporting strong numbers, although they’ve passed their peak a few weeks ago, and we can expect a gradual decline from that region moving forward. Overall demand has been light as we enter March. Warmer weather in the West is expected to boost volume. Florida recently experienced rain on Sunday and Monday but is expected to recover by Thursday. Quality has generally been good across most regions, though Central Mexico has seen some bruising and smaller fruit at the border.
Supplies from Central Mexico and Baja remain light but steady. Central Coast California has started shipping limited organic blueberries, with conventional varieties arriving in early spring. The Chilean season is winding down, with most shippers citing quality concerns.
Supplies remain limited on this item, with demand tapering off after Valentine’s Day. The product is still being sourced from Central Mexico and Baja, with Central California expected to have product ready in 4 to 6 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Mexico is producing strong volumes, while demand remains moderate.
Broccoli continues to show excellent overall quality, despite occasional yellow and brown beads. Sizing is improving with the warmer weather. Expect the market to remain steady as we head into the weekend.
Supplies are expected to be strong across all regions this week. Overall quality remains good, though some off-color heads may occasionally appear. The market is expected to stay steady heading into next week.
Domestic production in Oxnard has seen improvements, with better yields and improved quality. While there is some occasional insect damage, the new crop overall is looking much better. Production in Mexico remains strong, with additional capacity available for promotions.
Markets remain steady across the board, with deals available on all sizes. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) has finished, while District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) is the primary region, steadily increasing volume each week.
Markets remain relatively steady, though demand has been sluggish due to weather conditions across the country. Movement has been slow across all sizes, despite good availability, including 110s and 150s. Offshore fruit is also available for loading out of Miami and New Jersey.
We currently have Rio Star Grapefruits from Texas in inventory. Rio Star is essentially a hybrid variety combining the characteristics of both a Star Ruby and a Rio Red grapefruit, making it even redder and potentially sweeter than either alone; essentially, “Rio Star” is a crossbreed that incorporates the best traits of the Star Ruby and Rio Red varieties. Star Rubies will be available soon.
Peak sizes have shifted to 72ct and 88ct, with markets slightly stronger on 113ct and 138ct as fruit sizes increase as expected. There are still good deals available, and Brix levels are around 13. Valencia oranges are expected to arrive by late May or early June.
Pineapple supply will remain tight, with improvements expected in the coming month, and peak volumes anticipated by May. Flexibility in sizing will be necessary to balance supply and demand. Costa Rican pineapples remain the primary source. Large crownless pineapples are in high demand, and lower yields are expected due to rain until mid-April, which will likely continue to impact availability and pricing in the short term.
Markets remain steady at lower levels, with moderate production from Nogales. Florida’s spring crop is set to begin by mid-March, providing much-needed relief to the East.
Mexico is providing a strong supply, while Florida is still sourcing from Honduras, which is expected to wrap up in about four weeks. Domestic Florida cucumbers have started to appear in limited quantities, with more growers expected to come online in the coming weeks.
Supplies are outpacing demand industry-wide. Weights are averaging 42-45 pounds in the Yuma region, with only minimal seeder reported. Warm weather will persist throughout the week in the Yuma growing area. While insect damage may become a concern next week, it remains minimal for now.
Romaine and all leaf items are abundant in the Yuma region, with shippers offering flexibility on both romaine and romaine hearts. Expect heavy supplies throughout this week and likely into next week. While there are slight fringe and tip burn reports, overall quality remains above average. Insect issues may arise next week, though reports are currently light, likely due to the warm temperatures in the Yuma growing areas.
Quality of tender leaf items like arugula, spinach, and cilantro remains strong, with minimal issues such as mildew, discoloration, and tip burn. Warmer weather in the growing regions is starting to produce some insect pressure. Expect the market to remain mostly steady.
Kale supplies are expected to be abundant this week, with the market likely to remain steady into next week.
Cantaloupe prices remain elevated due to ongoing offshore growing conditions and supply chain challenges. The third rotation of Guatemala’s spring crop is nearly ready for harvest and is expected to offer some relief. Current volumes are peaking on Cantaloupe 9s. The domestic season is set to begin in mid-May.
Nogales honeydews from Mexico are currently available, with the market peaking on larger sizes. Offshore honeydew supplies are improving and are now available at ports in California, Texas, Florida, and the Northeast.
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 crops are in good to excellent condition, with a strong supply of red and yellow onions from Western Idaho. However, transportation disruptions may occur due to storms, with cold weather expected in Oregon, Idaho, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Growers are monitoring these conditions closely. Mexican and U.S. Texas onions are now available.
Zucchini volumes remain strong, with promotable quantities available. While yellow zucchini is still the tighter variety, its availability has improved.
The tomato market remains at minimum levels, with strong production across all regions and low demand keeping prices down. Tomatoes are currently sourced from Nogales, McAllen, and Florida.
Pears remain in limited supply and are expected to stay that way until at least mid-July, when California’s new crop of Bartletts becomes available. This year, Washington’s crop is down 25-50%, varying by location and variety. Bosc saw the steepest decline in volume and will continue to face a demand-exceeds-supply situation until the new crop arrives. Anjou pears have become the primary variety and are expected to see a steady price increase throughout the year.
The market remains steady this week, with pricing staying stable. Distributors are seeking DLVD pricing rather than FOB. Freight has been stable, but suppliers are keeping an eye on winter storms. February is Idaho Potato Lovers Month, though Florida and North Dakota colored potatoes are currently unavailable. Sweet potatoes are available from North Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
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