For the week ending October 11, 2025
Reds, Fujis, and Pinks remain on the tighter side as old crop inventories continue to wind down, while Gala, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Goldens show strong availability with supplies improving steadily each week. Cooler nights in Yakima, dipping into the high 40s and low 50s, are enhancing color development particularly benefiting Reds, Fujis, and Pinks.
Mexican asparagus remains tight due to strong demand and weather-related issues, with Baja down and Sonora recovering. The Valor vessel breakdown in Peru disrupted supply, adding to volatility. Demand stays strong short-term but is expected to ease by mid-October as supply rebounds.
Peak sizes are 48ct and 60ct, with markets still depressed. Flora Loca is the main crop, producing very clean fruit and minimal #2s, typical for this season. California’s season is winding down and set to end soon. Offshore supplies are nearly finished, with no new vessels arriving and remaining fruit mostly in jumbo sizes.
Steady supplies continue from California and Central Mexico with no significant changes.
Supplies remain tight, but Peruvian offshore volume is expected to improve gradually, with more consistent container arrivals starting next week. Early fruit quality has been very good. Central Mexico is just starting its season with light volume.
No significant changes—strong volume continues from California, Central Mexico, and Baja.
Strawberry supplies remain very limited following last week’s heat and rain. Shippers have been stripping fields, but yields are expected to improve slightly by the end of the week amid strong demand. Oxnard production is expected to ramp up more meaningfully in the coming weeks.
Broccoli supplies are tight this week, with some yield loss from crown moisture causing pin-rot, though mostly avoidable. Insect pressure remains a key concern. Expect the market to strengthen heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain limited as Salinas Valley and Oxnard face ongoing insect pressure, decay, and smaller-sized crops.
Cauliflower supplies are limited this week due to recent heat and rain disruptions. Expect the market to rise slightly heading into next week.
Harvest is ongoing in the Cuyama/Lancaster area and will continue through November. No sizing issues are expected soon.
Marsh Rubies are available, peaking at 48ct, shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Markets remain strong across all sizes. District 2 (Ventura/Oxnard) is the main region but volume is decreasing weekly. Sizes 140ct and smaller are very limited. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) is just starting with light volume. Compared to last summer, markets are higher due to increased demand and reduced imports. Offshore fruit continues to arrive lightly on both coasts, and Mexico’s volume is down year over year.
Lime markets have stabilized with prices leveling off. The new crop favors smaller sizes with better color, though some rind issues are present. Large fruit are limited, lower quality, and priced higher.
Valencias are peaking on 72ct with about three weeks left in the season. Gas treatments are running 3-4 days to aid regreening. School demand has increased significantly, pushing markets higher on 88ct, 113ct, and 138ct as availability tightens. The domestic Navel season is expected to start mid-October.
This market is active both north and south. Large sizing is the tightest in availability, twenty-four counts in particular. Slight seeder is being reported but otherwise the quality has been reported to be above average. Expect supplies to be moderate to light for the week.
MI grown cucumbers and pickling cucumbers are currently in stock and shipping.
MI Eggplant is currently in stock and shipping.
The new California garlic crop is progressing well with good quality, complemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
The Central Valley experienced rain last week, but ample stored inventories kept markets mostly steady. Another round of rain is expected later this week, potentially creating some upward pressure, though significant impact may not appear until November. Overall, supplies remain ample, keeping prices stable despite weather concerns.
Green onion supplies remain limited due to heat and rain in Mexico. Expect the market to gradually rise heading into next week.
NOW STOCKING & SHIPPING MICHIGAN GROWN DILL & CILANTRO.
Demand continues to outpace supply for at least two weeks due to reduced yields caused by INSV and high heat. Industry-wide, lighter weights and puffiness are common, with leaf discoloration, internal burn, and misshapen heads appearing on arrivals. Pricing on all value-added lettuce items has escalated accordingly.
Unlike lettuce, green and red leaf, as well as romaine, have remained steady with multiple shippers. Romaine hearts in all pack sizes will stay consistent throughout the week. Slight twisting has been noted, and warm temperatures may cause some tip and fringe burn on all leaf items. Sizing and weights are expected to remain above average from multiple suppliers.
MI grown Red Leaf & Green Leaf in stock & shipping. MI grown Romaine Hearts available in limited supplies.
Tender leaf supplies are slightly limited due to recent heat and last week’s rain. Expect the market to rise slightly heading into the weekend.
Cilantro, arugula, and spinach- MI grown cilantro in stock and shipping.
Kale supplies are steady and good currently, with similar conditions expected into next week.
The Westside cantaloupe deal is wrapping up in the next few weeks, with the transition moving south, followed by offshore supply. Strong demand and excellent quality are pushing the market. Fields are still producing mostly 9s, with 12s and 15s remaining tight until the Yuma transition. Brix levels are high, ranging from 13–16. Recent unexpected rain in the Central Valley has impacted some fields.
The Westside honeydew season is winding down, with the transition south and to offshore supply approaching. Nogales honeydews are expected in the coming weeks. Strong demand and excellent quality are driving the market. Fields are mainly producing 5/6s, with 8s remaining tight until the Yuma transition. Brix levels are high at 13–16. Recent unexpected rain in the Central Valley has impacted some fields.
Domestic watermelons are available on both coasts, but supplies are tightening and prices are starting to rise. Mexican watermelons via Texas and Nogales are expected in a few weeks. We are currently stocking and shipping Michigan watermelons.
Onions are currently available out of Washington and Idaho, as California and New Mexico seasons have ended. Demand remains strong across the U.S. Rain in Idaho could impact harvest schedules and will need to be closely monitored.
Pear markets remain steady at lower prices, supported by ample volume from Washington to carry the season forward.
Eastern supplies are strong from Michigan and New Jersey, with Georgia ramping up. Quality is mixed, but all sizes are available. Western supply remains light, with no significant volume from Mexico expected until late November. MI grown green peppers currently in stock and shipping.
Thunderstorms continue to impact Costa Rica’s growing regions and are expected through October 2025. Pineapple supplies remain very limited and may stay tight for the rest of the year. Crownless pineapples are in high demand. Expect substitutions, cancellations, and order changes. Mexican pineapples are available but limited.
Idaho’s new crop has normalized on 40–70s, with Norkotahs dominant and Burbanks slowly starting. Mostly #1 grade; #2s remain tight. WA crop shows strong quality, peaking on smaller sizes. Color potatoes are available. New crop sweet potatoes have begun in NC with limited volume and some curing issues expected to settle in a few weeks.
Mexico has limited grey squash with strong demand keeping prices firm, but more volume and lower prices are expected soon. Local supply on squash and yellow is good, with Georgia offering strong promotable volume. West Coast supplies are also strong from Santa Maria, Fresno, Baja, and now Nogales. MI grown yellow squash and MI grown zucchini is now in stock and shipping.
MI grown acorn, butternut, delicata, kabocha, and spaghetti all in stock and shipping.
Nectarines have finished for the season, with peaches expected to wrap up by week’s end. Plums remain plentiful. Domestic kiwi has begun, with volume set to increase in the coming weeks, and markets holding steady at elevated levels. Fall fruits, including Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranates, and quince, are now in season and actively being harvested.
Roma: Steady supply; shifting to North Florida and Palmetto/Ruskin soon. California strong; Mexico/Central mixed quality. Rounds: Steady East supply; Virginia strong, Tennessee slowing; Florida/Georgia starting. West and Mexico steady. Grape: Variable volumes; Virginia winding down; Florida and Mexico ramping up mid-month to December. MI grown Grape, 4×4, 5×5, 5×6 & Roma tomatoes now in stock and shipping.
*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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