For the week ending October 31, 2026
New-crop apples are now underway for most varieties, with Pink Lady production expected to begin on a limited basis later this week at select shippers. Sizing continues to run large across all varieties, creating tight supplies of foodservice-sized fruit. Overall, this is a lighter apple crop, and while the market remains manageable, prices for most varieties are expected to remain above last year’s levels.
Mexican asparagus production remains steady across all sizes. Increased supply and softer demand have pushed prices lower, though the market is expected to tighten in the coming weeks. The transition between growing regions continues to limit production, keeping overall availability below normal with limited improvement expected across all sizes.
Avocado markets remain steady, with both the Flora Loca and Adventajada crops currently in production. Dry matter and oil content are in the mid-to-high 20% range, resulting in similar ripening characteristics between the two crops. Peak sizing continues to be 48- counts and 60-counts. We will continue to monitor the market and provide updates if conditions change.
ON WATCH
Production in Central Mexico and Baja has been impacted by recent rainfall and high winds across the growing regions. Despite these weather challenges, supplies are still expected to steadily increase as we move into November.
Conventional supplies from Central Mexico and Peru remain steady. Organic availability continues to be very limited, with demand exceeding supply.
Similar to blackberries, recent rainfall has disrupted harvesting in Central Mexico and Baja. Barring any additional weather impacts, production is expected to increase steadily in the coming weeks. Make the update more conciseUse a more market-focused tone
ALERT: Santa Maria production continues to decline as the region moves later into its season, while Oxnard supplies remain light as fields recover from recent heat events. Forecasted rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday, with totals of 0.25 to 0.75 inches, is expected to further limit already tight supplies. As a result, markets have strengthened since last weekend, with prices moving into the low- to mid-teens as demand continues to outpace supply.
ON WATCH
ON WATCH: Broccoli supplies have improved slightly, though overall availability remains below normal. Ongoing Diamondback Moth pressure continues to affect younger fields, reducing yields and limiting production. While supplies are gradually improving, the market is expected to remain firm, with prices likely trending higher into next week. Six-week average pricing continues to be a key factor in market conditions.
ON WATCH: Brussels sprout supplies remain tight as ongoing insect pressure continues to impact yields and overall availability. With demand beginning to increase, market conditions are expected to strengthen, resulting in a modest increase in pricing in the near term.
Cauliflower supplies have improved as additional fields come into production, allowing for increased harvesting and better overall availability. While some suppliers may continue to experience occasional gaps into next week, the market is becoming more balanced. Diamondback Moth pressure remains a concern, particularly in South County and Santa Maria, where yields continue to be affected. Improved production is supporting promotional volume and helping keep market pricing steady.
Carrot supplies remain steady, with Lancaster/Cuyama serving as the primary growing region. Production will gradually transition to Bakersfield next month. Sizing and availability are good across all carrot pack sizes.
Star Ruby grapefruit are currently available from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley. Peak sizing is 48-count, with good availability in those sizes.
The lemon market remains steady, with availability expected to improve as District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) ramps up production over the next few weeks. District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard) continues to supply limited volumes, while District 3 (Arizona/California Desert) is providing a significant portion of current supplies. Peak sizing is 140-count and larger.
Lime supplies are expected to gradually improve over the coming weeks, providing some relief to FOB pricing across all sizes. New-crop fruit continues to peak on 200-count and smaller sizes, limiting the availability of larger fruit and resulting in size substitutions. These conditions are expected to persist until sizing normalizes. Quality remains mixed, with occasional external blemishes and reduced shelf life.
ON WATCH: Valencia season is wrapping up as the new crop of Navels continues to ramp up. Early production is peaking on 113-count and 138-count fruit. All shippers are expected to transition to Navels during the week of October 26.
The celery market is steady to start the week, and conditions are expected to remain consistent. Santa Maria and Salinas continue to offer good availability across all sizes, with shippers maintaining flexibility that supports promotional opportunities. Overall quality remains above average across most growing regions.
Eastern cucumber supplies are expected to improve as warmer, sunnier weather follows recent rainfall in Georgia. In the West, supplies remain tight as Baja production winds down and mainland Mexico ramps up. Larger sizes continue to be limited, though availability is expected to improve over the coming weeks.
Georgia is at peak production, providing promotable volumes and strong quality over the next two weeks before supplies begin to gradually decline. In the West, supplies remain light, though mainland Mexico is expected to increase production next week, which should help ease market conditions.
The 2026 California garlic crop continues to ship and is expected to remain available through late September. Quality is good, and supplies continue to meet expectations as the season progresses.
Domestic grapes are finally getting out from under the glut of supplies that we saw all summer. That situation is changing as most shippers are close to the end of harvest. That said, there are still plenty of “storage grapes” that were picked into totes to be packed later. Expect domestic and imported greens to overlap next month. At this point we are not expecting a gap between domestics and imported greens or reds. There is rain in the forecast this week which may effect supplies down the road.
ON WATCH
ALERTS
ALERT: Lettuce supplies remain very limited in Salinas Valley and Santa Maria due to reduced yields and ongoing INSV pressure. Huron is beginning to ramp up, which may provide some relief, but overall availability remains tight. Quality concerns continue with discoloration, misshapen heads, and occasional insect damage. Expect light supplies and firm markets to continue as demand remains strong and production challenges persist.
ALERT: Romaine disease pressure remains light, while green and red leaf conditions have improved in the Salinas Valley and Southern California. However, supplies remain below expectations, with demand continuing to outpace harvested volumes. Romaine hearts are moderately available, but ongoing supply constraints have pushed markets into the mid-$70s. Expect continued market strength as demand remains ahead of available supply.
Good quality and steady supplies continue across all leaf items. Availability has supported promotional opportunities for tender leaf varieties, while other row crops remain tight.
Kale supplies and quality remain mostly good, with conditions expected to stay steady into next week.
Domestic cantaloupes continue shipping from Central California as the Westside deal nears completion. Fruit is currently peaking on 9- count, with cooler weather and lower yields contributing to firmer pricing. Yuma production begins this week, though virus pressure is expected to limit early volume. Offshore supplies are anticipated to begin in November, with the transition to Yuma continuing through October and offshore fruit expected by late November.
Domestic honeydews continue shipping from Central California as the Westside deal nears completion. Fruit is currently peaking on 5-count, with cooler weather and lower yields contributing to firmer pricing. Nogales honeydews are expected to begin toward the end of the month, with the transition to Yuma continuing through October and offshore supplies anticipated by late November.
Watermelon demand and supply are both declining as cooler weather moves into key growing regions. Nogales production is expected to begin limited crossings soon, with improved availability anticipated in October.
ALERT: Storage onion season is in full swing, with improved yields reported across the region. Supplies remain steady as a strong market and earlierthan-expected resolution of regional issues have supported availability. Freight continues to be a key factor influencing market conditions.
Pear sizing continues to trend large, with 100-count and smaller fruit remaining limited. Similar to the apple market, foodservice-sized pears are expected to stay tight, supporting elevated FOB pricing throughout the season.
ALERT: Bell pepper markets continue to firm as Central Valley production winds down. Coachella is expected to begin in the next 10–14 days, while Nogales volume will gradually increase, with supplies expected to improve by late November. Red bell production is anticipated to ramp up in January. In the East, Georgia production is off to a slow start, with harvesting resuming today. Limited Canadian colored bell supplies are also contributing to higher California field-pack red bell prices.
ALERT: Extreme weather has reduced pineapple harvests, tightening supplies through late October and early November. Contract orders remain stable, but limited open market availability may push prices higher. Quality remains good, with crowned 6-count and 7-count improving while crownless 8-count, 10-count, and organic supplies remain tight.
ON WATCH: New crop potatoes are in storage, with limited sizing and strong demand for 40–80 counts expected throughout the season. Lead time will be needed to secure product. Washington potatoes continue to show excellent quality, peaking on mid-sizes while larger and smaller counts remain tight. Sweet potato supplies remain limited until new crop, with Mississippi off to a slow start.
Eastern squash supplies remain limited but should improve with better weather in Georgia, while North Carolina nears the end of its season. Western mainland Mexico production is increasing, with good yellow squash availability. Zucchini markets may remain active due to ongoing weatherrelated supply concerns.
Domestic stone fruit season is winding down, with limited peaches and some remaining plum supplies available. Domestic kiwi and Asian pears remain in good supply and are available to support school program menus.
ALERT: Round tomato markets remain elevated due to limited Tennessee and North Carolina supplies, along with inconsistent quality. Mexican availability is steady to limited, with smaller sizes more available while larger fruit remains extremely tight. Roma markets continue to be firm, especially on larger sizes. East Coast production remains minimal, and snacking tomatoes are extremely limited as demand continues to outpace Mexican supply.
*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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