For the week ending December 27, 2025
The 2025–2026 Washington apple season continues to take shape, with early projections proving more optimistic than current packing realities. Gala volumes in particular are coming in significantly lighter, with this year’s crop running approximately 3 million cases below the same point last season. Pink Lady and Ambrosia are also down, each by about 1 million cases year over year. As a result, pricing on all three varieties is trending upward.
Mexican asparagus supplies remain tight due to cold weather slowing growth, reduced holiday harvest crews, and border delays. Lower yields and logistical challenges continue to limit availability, while stronger demand for Peruvian asparagus on the East Coast is keeping markets active despite improved supply.
Markets are steady at lower levels with ample fruit on trees and decreased demand. Minimal harvesting in Mexico next week may impact the market. Aventajada is the main crop, peaking at 48ct and 60ct, with dry matter/oil content in the high 20s to low 30s.
No changes from last week. Fruit remains in good supply from Baja and Central Mexico, with generally good quality and only occasional red cell issues reported.
The last of the Peruvian supplies are still en route, while Central Mexico production is steadily increasing and crossing into McAllen, Texas. Quality has been very good, and this trend is expected to continue into January.
Central Mexico production is leaner due to colder weather, causing markets to firm up.
Strawberry supplies are rising, prices are dropping, and quality remains very good; some volume deals available through next week.
Broccoli supplies are beginning to tighten this week, with the market expected to move higher heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain extremely limited, as the Salinas Valley and Oxnard regions continue to face insect pressure, quality challenges, and smaller sizing.
Cauliflower supplies are strong across all sizes and growing regions, with the market expected to remain steady into next week.
Harvest is ongoing in Bakersfield through February, with jumbo sizes slightly smaller due to early entry from recent weather. Sizing is expected to improve, and Grimmway’s Georgia program has begun this week with baby peeled, cellos, tables, jumbos, and 2” peeled chunks.
Red Rios are available, peaking at 48-count, with shipments coming from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Markets are improving as increased harvests from District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) help boost overall supply. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) remains the main growing region, with peak sizes at 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct. Mexican fruit is also available, so for South Texas loads, please feel free to reach out.
Mexican harvest is declining, tightening supplies and lowering yields. Strong holiday and winter demand is pushing prices higher. Market expected to stay active through March/April.
Navel oranges are peaking on 88/72/56ct, while 113/138ct fruit is tight due to recent weather speeding up sizing. Small fruit will remain limited with strong markets. Persistent Central Valley fog is causing damp fruit, harvest delays, and potential quality issues, with heavy rain expected next week further impacting harvesting.
Demand continues to exceed available supplies and is expected to remain so through the week. Current production is coming out of the Oxnard/Santa Maria region, with Yuma expected to begin production toward the end of the year. All value-added items remain escalated. Large sizes offer the best availability, though pith and seeding are being reported as common quality issues.
Florida production is minimal due to cool weather impacts. Honduran imports are light. Nogales has moderate volume but higher demand keeping prices high.
East Coast supplies are tightening due to cooler weather in South Florida. Mexican volumes are gradually increasing, though sizing remains mixed during the transition. Overall quality is good, with smaller fruit more common than 24-count cartons.
The California garlic crop is progressing well with good quality, while Mexican supplies continue to supplement the harvest.
The grape market is completing its transition from domestic to imported fruit. Domestic green grapes are nearly finished, with imports now arriving on both coasts. Prices for imported reds and greens are significantly higher than late-season domestic fruit and are expected to remain elevated through the holidays into January. As larger volumes arrive in mid-January, FOBs are expected to ease back toward normal seasonal levels.
Green onion supplies remain very tight due to recent rains reducing yields. The market is expected to stay elevated into next week.
Demand for this commodity has slowed and is expected to remain light throughout the week. Elevated pricing on value-added items is likely to ease. Overall quality is good, with weights averaging 38–44 pounds depending on the supplier. With no rain in the forecast and the approach of Christmas, excess product is common. Shippers are flexible, so this is a good opportunity to promote the commodity.
Expect good supplies of romaine, as well as green and red leaf, throughout the week. Butter lettuce will remain limited. Value-added romaine is expected to fall off triggers by midweek, while romaine hearts should remain steady. Quality across all leaf items is reported as above average, supported by warm, dry weather and lighter market demand.
Supplies and quality of tender leaf items are improving, with similar conditions expected to continue while favorable weather holds.
Kale supplies and quality remain solid, with similar conditions expected into next week.
The Westside deal is complete, with offshore and Mexican cantaloupes now available. Offshore cantaloupe pricing is expected to remain steady through the weekend but will be tight during the holidays due to vessel delays and lower yields entering the U.S. Mexican cantaloupes are very limited as the market transitions from Northern to Southern Mexico fruit.
Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available. Offshore honeydew prices are elevated due to vessel delays and lower U.S. yields, while Mexican honeydews will remain limited as the market transitions from Northern to Southern Mexico for the remainder of the year.
Domestic watermelons are finished, with prices steady as Mexican watermelons from Nogales supply the Midwest and East Coast. Limited volumes are available from Mexico via Texas and Nogales, impacted by last month’s rain. Offshore watermelons are also available in limited supply.
Onions are currently available from WA, ID, and UT, with strong domestic demand. Prices are expected to rise as demand continues. All product is in storage, and weather in Idaho may impact trucking. Transportation will largely drive the market for the remainder of the year, with reefer and rail preferred due to conditions, while flatbed shipments are not recommended.
The pear market continues in a steady rhythm—Anjous, Bartletts, Boscs, and Reds moving consistently. Production is strong, perhaps even abundant, with ample foodservice sizes available. Warehouses are stacked high, offering a reassuring sense of order and plenty in an otherwise unpredictable market.
Green bell peppers are in good supply on both coasts, providing solid overall availability. Red bells remain very limited, with minimal volume moving through the Nogales crossing. Additional supply is expected by early January, which should bring some relief, though prices remain elevated for now.
The pineapple market is starting to stabilize but remains tight on 8- and 10- count crownless pineapples as well as organic fruit. Expect potential substitutions, order cancellations, and changes. Holiday-related port delays are also likely.
Potato supplies are strong for the holidays, though smaller counts remain tight. Burbanks and Norkoths are available, with mid-size WA potatoes in good quality. Colored potatoes and new crop sweet potatoes from CA and NC are also available. Trucking is driving the market.
Zucchini supplies are strong on both coasts, with promotable volumes available. Yellow squash also has good availability, with options from Florida, Nogales, and McAllen.
MI grown acorn, butternut, delicata, kabocha, and spaghetti all in stock and shipping.
Pomegranates, persimmons, and pineapple quince are nearly finished for the season and should wrap up by Christmas. Domestic Asian pears remain available, while the domestic kiwi market is steady at higher prices. Imported peaches and nectarines are expected on both coasts in about two weeks.
Florida romas have good supply and quality. Central Mexico is light due to a late start in Culiacán. Round tomatoes are steady on both coasts with good supply. Mexican grapes from Culiacán are transitioning, with peak volumes expected in 2–3 weeks.
warranty or guaranty, either express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of this information.
*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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