For the week ending October 4, 2025
The 2025 new crop is still ramping up. Reds, Fujis, and Pinks remain somewhat tight as the old crop phases out and the new crop comes in. Old crop Pink inventories are being stretched as we wait for the new crop to fully color. Gala and Honeycrisp supplies are strong, with Granny Smith and Golden Delicious improving steadily each week.
Tropical Storm Mario cut Mexican asparagus yields by up to 50% in some areas, keeping volumes steady but below expectations. Northern Baja wraps up by mid-October, while Sonora ramps up through December, mostly pre-contracted. Peru offers strong quality, but freight costs and global demand are limiting U.S. supply, keeping spot markets tight.
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 out of California and Central Mexico, with no significant change in the moderate demand seen in recent weeks.
Better volumes are expected to arrive from Peru next week. Central Mexico is just starting to move small amounts of product through Texas.
Steady supplies continue from California and Central Mexico, with moderate demand holding steady in recent weeks. Volume pricing is available out of Laredo, Texas.
Strawberry supplies are tight as the Salinas and Watsonville seasons near their end. Santa Maria has faced recent rain and unusually warm overnight temperatures, with lows staying in the 60s. This is causing fruit to ripen before it sizes, resulting in smaller berries and lower yields. A slight cooling trend is expected heading into the weekend.
Broccoli supplies and markets remain mostly steady. Some pin-rot is showing due to moisture on the crowns, mostly avoidable but impacting yields. Insect pressure remains a top concern. Expect the market to stay steady into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain limited. Crops in the Salinas Valley and Oxnard are facing insect pressure, some decay, and smaller sizes.
Cauliflower supplies are mostly steady this week. However, recent heat followed by rain may disrupt supplies over the weekend, likely causing a slight market increase next week.
Harvest is underway in the Cuyama/Lancaster area and will continue through November. No sizing issues are expected in the near future.
Marsh Rubies are available, peaking at 48ct, and are shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Markets remain strong across all sizes. District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard) is currently the main growing region, with volumes declining weekly. Sizes 140ct and smaller remain extremely limited. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) is starting lightly. Compared to last summer, markets are elevated due to higher demand and reduced imports. Offshore fruit continues to arrive lightly on both coasts, while Mexico’s volume is down year over year.
The market is fairly steady, with a split between larger and smaller sizes. New crop is peaking on smaller fruit (230/250ct), while larger sizes (110s/150s) mostly come from the older crop. Offshore fruit from Colombia is also available, loading out of Florida.
Valencias are currently peaking on 72ct, with about three weeks left in the season. Gas treatments are running 3-4 days to aid regreening. School demand has picked up significantly, driving markets higher on 88ct, 113ct, and 138ct as availability tightens. The domestic Navel season is expected to start around mid-October.
Overall, the market remains steady across all packs. Large sizes, especially 24 counts, are the most limited and carry the strongest pricing. Quality is reported as good by most suppliers, though slight seeding is being observed on arrivals. Inventories are expected to stay steady for the rest of the week.
The market is soft with plentiful supplies from GA, NC, Baja, Central Mexico, and now Nogales. Overall quality is good, with promotable volume available. MI 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. While the market showed some reaction, substantial inventories in coolers have kept prices mostly steady. Another round of rain is expected later this week, which could add upward pressure. The full impact of the rains may not be seen until November.
Green onion supplies are 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
Extreme heat in the growing regions has accelerated lettuce growth, resulting in lighter weights and puffiness throughout the week. Multiple shippers report average weights of 35-40 pounds, depending on the supplier. Expect to see outer leaf discoloration, some internal burn, and misshapen heads upon arrival.
Steady availability of romaine, green leaf, and red leaf is expected throughout the week. Southern California supplies remain limited, while the Salinas Valley has good volume. Warm temperatures are causing tip and fringe burn reported by multiple shippers. Romaine hearts have moderate availability in both regions, with sizing and weights expected to be above average. 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 rain Wednesday morning. Expect the market to increase slightly heading into the weekend.
Cilantro, arugula, and spinach- MI grown cilantro in stock and shipping.
Kale supplies are steady and strong currently, with similar conditions expected into next week.
The domestic cantaloupe market is starting to firm as sizing from Westside fields impacts supply. The second cut and rising demand are pushing prices higher. Fields are still mainly producing 9s, so sizing will remain a challenge until the transition to Yuma. 12/15s will be tight, with Brix levels ranging from 13 to 16.
The domestic honeydew market is starting to firm as sizing from Westside fields impacts supply. The second cut and increased demand are driving prices higher. Fields are still mainly producing 5s, but sizing on 6/8s is improving. Mexican honeydews are expected to be available starting in October, weather permitting.
Domestic watermelons are available from both the West and East Coasts. Prices are beginning to rise as demand grows and supply tightens. Mexican watermelons are available through Texas, with Nogales supplies expected in a few weeks. We are currently stocking and shipping Michigan watermelons.
Onions are currently available from Washington and Idaho, as the California and New Mexico seasons have ended. Demand remains strong across the U.S. We will continue to monitor rain in Idaho and its impact on harvest schedules.
The pear market remains steady with lower pricing. California Bartletts are nearing the end of their season and will soon transition to the post-season. Washington is ramping up with ample volume to replace California’s supply.
Production is strong overall. Local supplies are ongoing but will begin to taper off in the coming weeks as cooler weather arrives. Georgia is set to start in two weeks, followed by Florida in late October. Supplies remain steady out west, with crops beginning their transition down starting with Coachella in October and Nogales in late November. MI grown green peppers currently in stock and shipping.
Thunderstorms continue to impact growing regions in Costa Rica and are expected through September 2025, limiting pineapple supplies for the remainder of the year. Crownless pineapples remain in high demand. Expect substitutions, cancellations, and order changes. Mexican pineapples are available but in limited quantities.
Idaho’s potato market is steady with new crop 40-70 counts. Burbanks and mostly #1 Norkoths are available, while #2s remain tight. Washington’s new crop has good quality with smaller sizes. Colored potatoes come from multiple states. NC sweet potatoes are starting small, with some curing issues. Recent rain in Eastern Idaho has delayed harvest.
Midwest production is winding down while NC and GA are in full swing with promotable volume and good quality. West Coast supplies are coming from WA, 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 are finished for the season, and peaches will likely wrap up by week’s end. Plums remain in good supply. Domestic kiwi has started, with volume increasing over the next few weeks. The market is expected to stay steady at higher prices. Fall fruits like Asian pears, persimmons, pomegranates, and quince are now in production.
Markets are fairly steady with good supplies of rounds and grapes on both coasts. Romas are tighter from Mexico but more available domestically. Supplies will slow as cooler weather approaches and southern transition begins. Northern Florida starts early October. West Coast supplies steady in CA, lighter in Baja. 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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