For the week ending September 19, 2026
The apple market continues to strengthen as strong school demand meets increasingly limited supplies. Fuji, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith prices are trending higher, with Fuji supplies expected to remain especially tight over the next several weeks. Gala and Honeycrisp are bucking the trend as new-crop harvesting gets underway, with improving Gala supplies helping keep the market relatively steady while Honeycrisp availability continues to build.
ALERT: Mexican asparagus supplies remain extremely limited, with elevated pricing expected through September due to weather challenges and low yields. Supply should improve in October as new fields in Southern Baja and Sonora come online ahead of Thanksgiving demand. Peruvian supplies also remain tight, with weather-related yield reductions keeping overall volumes below demand despite steady production from Southern Peru.
Markets remain steady on 48/60/70ct fruit, while larger sizes continue to command premium pricing. California and Peru supplies remain available but are gradually winding down for the season.
ALERT
ALERT: This item remains in a severe demand-exceeds-supply situation due to adverse weather impacts across key growing regions in Mexico. CMEX is currently transitioning to new varieties and production areas, with delays in these regions pushing back expected volume increases by several weeks. Supplies are expected to improve gradually, with more meaningful increases anticipated by mid-October.
The Pacific Northwest season has concluded, with Peruvian and Mexican imports expected to become the primary supply sources in the coming weeks. As the market transitions to imported product, pricing is anticipated to trend slightly higher.
Supplies remain lean but are adequate to meet current demand. Volumes from Central Mexico and Baja are expected to gradually increase over the coming weeks, supporting improved availability as production continues to build.
The Salinas and Watsonville seasons are nearing completion, with only a few weeks of production remaining. Santa Maria volumes are beginning to ramp up, and additional supplies from Oxnard, Baja, and Central Mexico are expected to become available over the next two weeks, helping to improve overall market availability.
ALERT
Broccoli supplies remain tight as some fields have matured earlier than expected, creating gaps in production. Growers are also facing pressure from younger field development and increased Diamondback moth activity, which is impacting overall yields and harvest quality. As a result, market conditions are expected to strengthen, with prices likely trending higher into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain tight due to ongoing insect pressure, which continues to impact overall yields and availability. With demand beginning to increase, market conditions are expected to strengthen, leading to a modest rise in pricing in the near term.
ALERT: Cauliflower supplies remain very tight, with production gaps expected through next week as some fields finish earlier than anticipated. Diamondback moth pressure continues to impact yields across South County and Santa Maria, while warm weather is adding further challenges. As a result, some suppliers may source outside product to fill orders, and market conditions are expected to remain firm for the foreseeable future.
The Bakersfield spring crop is performing well, with strong sizing and favorable yields expected to support production for the next 2 to 3 weeks. Following this period, production will transition to the Lancaster and Cuyama regions for the summer season, which is expected to run through the end of October before returning to Bakersfield. In addition, Grimmway has begun production in Minnesota, with the program expected to continue through late November or early December. This is the first year operating from this facility, and only select SKUs will be shipped from this location. Pricing will remain consistent with California.
ALERTS on Lemons and Small-Sized Navels
Star Ruby grapefruit remain available, with supplies peaking on 48ct fruit. Shipments are currently originating from both Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley, providing steady availability and quality.
The lemon market remains steady, with tight supplies expected to keep pricing firm in the near term. Offshore imports continue to supplement availability on both coasts, while District Two, encompassing the Ventura County and Oxnard regions, remains in full production and is supplying the majority of current volume.
The market is transitioning into new-crop fruit, which is expected to improve quality and gradually increase available volumes. Recent heavy rains have delayed harvests and arrivals, creating some upward pressure on pricing; however, with additional volume expected in the coming weeks, these market impacts should be temporary. Offshore fruit remains available to help supplement supply.
ALERT: The California Valencia orange crop is heavily weighted toward larger sizes, with production peaking on 56ct and 72ct fruit. Smaller sizes, particularly 113ct and 138ct, remain extremely limited and are expected to stay tight through the end of the season. Flexibility on size will be important, as larger-size Valencias may be substituted to maintain order fulfillment. Schools and DoD programs are encouraged to utilize 88ct or 72ct fruit to help ensure consistent supply.
The market is steady to start the week and is expected to remain that way throughout. Santa Maria/Oxnard and Salinas will provide all sizes, with above-average quality from most shippers. School demand has been relatively slow, and shippers are flexing, making this a good commodity to promote.
Cucumber markets are steady to firm, depending on the growing region. Eastern supplies remain stable, supported by good quality and consistent demand, while tighter western availability continues to keep pricing elevated. Additional supply from Nogales is expected to begin in October, which should help improve overall market availability.
Central Valley volumes remain steady, while local programs in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Michigan were limited this week. Overall quality remains good, with supplies generally meeting current demand.
We are now shipping from the 2026 California crop, which is expected to remain in production through late September. Quality and availability are currently meeting expectations as the season progresses.
The California grape market remains stable, with most shippers peaking on Large and Extra Large red and green seedless varieties. Barring any weather-related issues, supplies and quality are expected to remain strong, supporting favorable promotional opportunities. The green grape market is slightly firmer than last week, with modest upward pressure on pricing.
ALERT: Baja production is expected to remain limited over the next 2 to 3 weeks due to continued heat, lower yields, and smaller sizing. Tight supplies have kept the market firm, with September water availability and potential monsoonal weather posing additional risks. Improved supplies are expected as fall production begins in mid-to-late October.
ALERTS
ALERT: Lower yields continue to be reported in both Salinas and Santa Maria, keeping supplies tight and the market active. INSV pressure remains a challenge across the industry, limiting availability and adding stress to order fulfillment. Quality concerns on arrivals include outer-leaf discoloration, misshapen heads, and occasional insect damage, while carton weights are ranging from 37 to 44 lbs. With reduced yields, ongoing disease pressure, and steady demand, the market is expected to remain firm and continue strengthening through the week.
ALERT: Romaine markets remain mostly steady, with only light disease pressure currently impacting production. Conditions for green and red leaf lettuce have improved in both the Salinas Valley and Southern California. While supplies remain below budgeted levels, lighter demand is creating better availability and promotional opportunities. Romaine hearts are moderately available.
Spring mix quality remains strong overall, with only some breakdown in red varieties occurring late in shelf life. Spinach supplies and quality are good, though minor insect pressure is being reported and could increase as we move into the fall season. Arugula is showing some seeding and flowering but continues to perform well. Current heat conditions may impact both quality and yields in the weeks ahead.
Kale supplies and quality remain strong, with steady market conditions expected to continue into next week. Availability is adequate, and no significant changes are anticipated in the near term.
Domestic cantaloupes are currently shipping from Central California, with production peaking on 9ct fruit. Supplies are strong, quality is good, and attractive pricing is available on the new crop.
Domestic honeydews are currently shipping from Central California’s Westside region, with steady supplies and demand. Production is peaking.
Watermelon demand remains steady as we approach the upcoming holiday. Retail promotions are expected to increase over the weekend, supporting stronger movement and helping keep market conditions firm through the remainder of the season.
Summer onions have transitioned fully into the storage season, which is now driving the market. Supplies remain tight due to strong demand and several growing regions finishing earlier than expected. Freight continues to influence market conditions ahead of the holiday, while suppliers work to build inventories. Larger-size onions remain the most challenging to source.
Washington pear growers are in full production on Bartletts, with many shippers now transitioning into Starkrimson varieties. New-crop Anjou pears are expected to begin adding volume soon, supporting overall availability. The market remains generally steady, with some California Bartletts still available from Central Valley growers.
East Coast supplies remain light, with recent rainfall impacting quality. Northern production is winding down as Georgia volumes continue to ramp up. In the West, supplies remain steady with good quality and sizing, while California colored bell pepper availability is stable and continues to be supplemented by Canadian imports.
ALERT: Pineapple supplies are tightening due to the natural flowering season. While contract orders are expected to remain covered, open market availability will be more limited. Quality remains good overall. On the crownless side, 8ct and 10ct fruit remain very tight, and organic pineapples continue to be limited. Supplies of 6ct and 7ct crowned pineapples are increasing, while 8ct crowned fruit remains steady.
ALERT: The old-crop Burbank season has ended, and the market is transitioning to new-crop potatoes. Sizing remains a challenge, especially on 40ct and 70ct potatoes, while Washington growers continue to produce excellent quality with supplies peaking on mid-size counts. Sweet potato availability remains limited as the new crop gets underway.
East Coast squash supplies remain tight as summer production winds down. North Carolina zucchini availability is stronger than yellow squash, while Georgia volumes remain light. Western supplies are very limited and continue to face quality challenges. Market conditions are expected to improve as Sonora’s new crop begins harvesting in late September. DelBene Produce is shipping MI grown yellow squash and zucchini.
Peach and nectarine harvests are winding down and are expected to conclude within the next one to two weeks. White peaches are finished for the season, while white nectarines are nearly complete. Small black plums remain plentiful and attractively priced, offering strong value, whereas red plums are more limited and primarily available in larger sizes. The Chilean kiwi market remains firm due to lighter supplies, with Chile continuing to be the primary source until California production resumes in the coming weeks.
Round Tomatoes: Eastern supplies remain tight but steady, while Western supplies are stable with good quality as California transitions into fall production. Grape Tomatoes: Eastern supplies are tightening as seasonal programs wind down. Western supplies remain light due to recent rains in Mexico but are expected to improve over the next 1 to 2 weeks. Roma Tomatoes: Supplies remain limited across all regions, with light production and recent rainfall creating additional quality concerns. DelBene Produce is stocking and shipping MI grown grape, roma, 5×5, 5×6, 4×4 2 layer tomatoes.
*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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