For the week ending May 30, 2025
The seasonal drawdown in inventories is expected to accelerate through June, aligning with the typical seasonal slowdown in demand. As a result, only modest upward pressure on pricing is anticipated. Reds and Golds are expected to experience the greatest impact, while Fujis and Pinks are also beginning to tighten. Granny Smiths, however, remain in strong supply and are not expected to see gaps ahead of new crop arrivals.
West Coast asparagus supplies remain limited due to lighter Mexican production, though increased volume from Canada, Washington, Michigan, and Peru has recently eased markets. Southern Baja is ramping up slower than expected and may decline by early June, while Central Mexico should improve over the next week to 10 days. Markets have softened with added supply, but relief is likely temporary. Domestic production will peak in early June and begin winding down by early June, which may shift demand back to imports and the West Coast. Overall, tighter conditions are expected to return by mid-to-late June into early July.
Mexico’s avocado market continues to tighten as the main crop season enters its final seven weeks and grower participation steadily declines. Many growers are intentionally slowing harvest activity in anticipation of stronger late-season pricing, pushing field costs significantly higher as packers compete for limited fruit availability. Current shipment projections from Mexico are expected to fall short of overall U.S. demand, while California production is helping supplement supply but remains relatively limited. Looking ahead, the industry anticipates continued market volatility and upward pricing pressure until the Flor Loca crop and increased Peru volumes begin ramping up in July. Suppliers continue to closely monitor availability and may require ongoing flexibility with sizing and Country of Origin substitutions to help maintain consistent supply.
Steady supplies continue to be available out of Central Mexico and California’s Central Coast. Markets remain soft due to light demand, while overall quality has remained consistently good.
Product is currently shipping from Central Mexico, California, and Georgia, with supplies remaining steady against moderate demand. The Pacific Northwest is expected to begin production in June, followed by Michigan production ramping up in July.
TIGHT SUPPLY: Raspberry production remains steady out of Central Mexico and California, with markets continuing to soften due to stable supply and lighter demand.
Strawberry production is currently underway in Salinas/Watsonville and Santa Maria, while Oxnard is nearly finished for the season. Abnormally cool weather conditions have continued to suppress yields, keeping overall supplies limited as the industry moves beyond the Memorial Day demand pull. Production in Salinas and Watsonville is expected to gradually increase in the coming weeks, while Santa Maria volumes begin to decline. Current forecasts indicate the cooler weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, which may further slow the pace of production growth.
Supplies continue to improve, putting downward pressure on the overall market. Expect pricing to gradually ease further as the industry moves into the weekend.
Brussels sprout production remains slightly limited, though overall quality continues to be good. Markets are expected to remain steady in the near term, with the potential for upward pricing movement heading into next week.
Cauliflower supplies have improved significantly, with good availability and quality reported. The market is expected to remain steady throughout the next week.
The Imperial Valley carrot season is wrapping up, with Bakersfield spring production set to begin next week. Smaller sizing continues to limit supplies and support elevated markets for Jumbos, sticks, and chips. Weather delays earlier in the season extended desert production and slowed the transition. Field conditions and peeled yields are improving, with more consistent supplies expected through June. By July, volumes should return to more normal levels as Kern County production ramps up under better growing conditions.
Star Ruby are available, peaking at 48ct and are shipped out of Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
The lemon market for 140ct and smaller fruit remains elevated due to limited supply and strong demand, with tight conditions expected through June. Domestic production is centered in District Two, while small sizes remain extremely scarce. Offshore imports are expected in late June and July, mainly larger fruit, with Mexican crossings gradually increasing and providing some relief. Until then, pricing is expected to remain firm.
Lime markets are firm on lower Mexican yields, with smaller sizes peaking, larger fruit scarce until June/July, and another price increase expected late June as Mexico takes over summer supply as offshore exits the market.
California Navel oranges are heavily skewed toward larger sizes, with 56ct and 72ct dominating while smaller sizes (113ct and 138ct) remain very limited and expected to stay tight through the end of the season and into the Valencia transition. Flexibility on sizing will be necessary, with substitutions into larger fruit likely as small sizes become harder to source. Suppliers will continue managing to contract size averages, and programs are encouraged to accept 88ct or 72ct where possible.
The market remains firm, with Southern California supplies running moderate to light and expected to stay tight through the rest of the week. Large sizing will have the best availability. Overall quality is expected to remain fair. Value-added items are anticipated to escalate throughout the week due to constrained supply conditions.
Cucumber supplies remain tight as production transitions from Florida to Georgia. Georgia volumes are expected to improve over the next 7–10 days, while coastal North Carolina is anticipated to begin light harvests in early June. In the West, Nogales supplies are winding down as Baja gradually ramps up production, with overall quality remaining acceptable. Increased production from Baja is expected within the next two weeks.
Mexico and California eggplant supplies remain limited, with only off-grade product available to ship out of Nogales and McAllen. Volume in the California desert remains light, continuing to support elevated FOB pricing.
The California garlic crop is progressing with good quality, while Mexican supplies continue to complement the California harvest.
South American grape imports are expected to conclude by the end of May, while Mexican grapes have begun crossing through Nogales and should reach full production in June. Mexican shippers are expected to aggressively move volume ahead of California’s Central Valley season, which begins in mid-June. Limited domestic grapes are currently available out of Coachella, though supplies remain heavily precommitted and are not expected to significantly impact the market. Once production ramps up in Bakersfield and points north, the domestic grape season will be fully underway and is expected to carry through at least the end of October, and potentially beyond Thanksgiving.
Green onion supplies remain strong overall, with steady availability expected to continue into next week, weather permitting.
ALERT: 24 count and Hearts
Lettuce supplies have improved in both Salinas and Santa Maria, helping soften the market. Shippers are beginning to flex on volume orders, while escalation on value-added products is expected to continue through this week before easing next week. Reported quality issues include slight pink ribbing and misshapen heads, with carton weights averaging 36–41 pounds.
ALERT: Romaine and romaine heart supplies are expected to remain tight over the next few weeks as demand continues to exceed availability. Green leaf, red leaf, and butter lettuce supplies are also limited, though availability is expected to be better than romaine. Escalated pricing remains in effect on all value-added items, with overall quality reported as fair across the leaf category.
Spinach and spring mix supplies remain steady for normal business, with overall quality reported as good. Arugula quality is generally good as well, though some minor yellowing has been reported, typically limited to a few leaves per bag.
Kale supplies and quality remain mostly good. Look for more of the same going into next week.
Offshore cantaloupes remain available in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast, though the season is winding down as domestic production ramps up. Product will remain available from the Brawley/Yuma region through July before transitioning to Central California. Summer retail ads are expected to increase demand, while Mexican cantaloupes have finished for the season.
Offshore honeydews remain available in limited supply as the season winds down. Mexican honeydews continue shipping through Arizona, while domestic production is underway in Brawley/Yuma. Summer retail ads are expected to increase demand.
Watermelon crossings from Mexico have declined, continuing to push market prices higher. Limited domestic supplies are currently available from California and Florida.
The PNW onion season has ended abruptly due to quality concerns tied to a warm winter. Texas onions are expected to finish within the next week, leaving California as the primary supply region as shippers focus on contracts and rebuilding inventory. New Mexico and Mexican onions are expected by the end of the month, while freight costs continue to drive the market.
Anjou pear supplies continue to tighten, though several larger shippers expect to carry inventories through the start of Washington’s new crop Bartlett season in early August. The Bosc season is expected to conclude within the next three weeks, while Red Anjous are projected to finish by the end of June. California is expected to begin harvesting new crop Bartletts during the last week of June.
Eastern bell pepper supplies remain limited as production transitions from Florida into Georgia. Nogales has completed for the season, while Coachella Valley production is winding down rapidly. The market is expected to experience a production gap as the industry transitions from the desert growing regions into Bakersfield. Supplies remain light, with shippers largely sold out through the week, and tighter availability is expected until Bakersfield volume begins to ramp up.
The pineapple market remains stable, though supplies continue to be tight through the end of May, with contract business receiving priority. Larger sizes are expected to improve later this month, while crownless and organic pineapples remain limited. Minor port delays are possible ahead of Memorial Day, so earlier check-ins are recommended.
Potato supplies remain strong with solid demand, though sheds will operate limited hours over Memorial Day weekend and orders will require additional lead time. Washington potatoes continue to show strong quality, peaking on mid sizes, while large and smaller counts remain tight. Florida color potatoes are limited due to freeze impacts, with smaller sizing dominating supplies. Yellow potatoes remain tight, reds are more available, and North Carolina sweet potatoes will stay limited until new crop harvest begins. Freight and rising fuel costs continue to pressure the market.
Squash supplies remain steady but somewhat limited as East Coast production transitions between growing regions. Recent rainfall has impacted Georgia production, while Florida volumes continue to decline. Baja and California districts are helping supplement supply, with overall availability expected to improve within the next 7–10 days.
California’s Central Valley stone fruit season is ramping up quickly, with peaches, plums, and nectarines all increasing in volume as stronger varieties continue coming online heading into June. Imported Chilean kiwi remains in good supply, with pricing beginning to ease. Meanwhile, the California cherry season is winding down, and a short supply gap is possible before Washington cherries begin in early June.
Tomato availability continues to improve across all categories as Florida, Mexico, Baja, Georgia, and South Carolina ramp up early summer production. Round tomatoes remain the most stable with full sizing availability, while Roma supplies are tightening as the Ruskin and Palmetto regions wind down. Grape tomatoes remain steady overall, despite minor heat-related grading issues in Florida.
*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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